I pity the man who can travel from Dan to Beersheba, and cry, ‘Tis all barren — and so it is; and so is all the world to him who will not cultivate t… - Laurence Sterne

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I pity the man who can travel from Dan to Beersheba, and cry, ‘Tis all barren — and so it is; and so is all the world to him who will not cultivate the fruits it offers. I declare, said I, clapping my hands chearily together, that was I in a desart, I would find out wherewith in it to call forth my affections — If I could not do better, I would fasten them upon some sweet myrtle, or seek some melancholy cypress to connect myself to — I would court their shade, and greet them kindly for their protection — I would cut my name upon them, and swear they were the loveliest trees throughout the desert: if their leaves wither’d, I would teach myself to mourn, and when they rejoiced, I would rejoice along with them.