after a certain lapse of time； of places where we lingered； often bears but a faint resemblance to the impression received at the time； what in truth may have been very moderate enjoyment； or enjoyment greatly disturbed by inner or outer circumstances； shows in the distance as a keen delight； or as deep； still happiness。 On the other hand； if memory creates no illusion； and the name of a certain place is associated with one of the golden moments of life； it were rash to hope that another visit would repeat the experience of a by…gone day。 For it was not merely the sights that one beheld which were the cause of joy and peace； however lovely the spot； however gracious the sky； these things external would not have availed； but for contributory movements of mind and heart and blood； the essentials of the man as then he was。
Whilst I was reading this afternoon my thoughts strayed； and I found myself recalling a hillside in Suffolk； where； after a long walk I rested drowsily one midsummer day twenty years ago。 A great longing seized me； I was tempted to set off at once； and find again that spot under the high elm trees； where； as I smoked a delicious pipe； I heard about me the crack； crack； crack of broom…pods bursting in the glorious heat of the noontide sun。 Had I acted upon the impulse； what chance was there of my enjoying such another hour as that which my memory cherished？ No； no； it is not the PLACE that I remember； it is the time of life； the circumstances； the mood； which at that moment fell so happily together。 Can I dream that a pipe smoked on that same hillside； under the same glowing sky； would taste as it then did； or bring me the same solace？ Would the turf be so soft beneath me？ Would the great elm…branches temper so delightfully the noontide rays be