This Tent of Dripping Clouds - Ralph Waldo Emerson



The misery of man appears like childish petulance, 
when we explore the steady and prodigal provision that has been made for his support and delight
 on this green ball which floats him through the heavens. 
What angels invented these splendid ornaments, these rich conveniences, 
this ocean of air above, this ocean of water beneath, this firmament of earth between? 
this zodiac of lights, this tent of dropping clouds,
this striped coat of climates, this fourfold year? 




Beasts, fire, water, stones, and corn serve him. 
The field is at once his floor, his work-yard, 
his play-ground,
his garden, and his bed.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter II from Nature, published as part of Nature; Addresses and Lectures







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