lat…inhabiting nomads。 In some ideal monwealth； one can imagine the Odyssean bed a normal institution； every head of a household； cottager or lord （for the monwealth must have its lords； go to！）； lying down to rest； as did his fathers； in the Chamber of the Tree。 This； one fancies； were a somewhat more fitting nuptial chamber than the chance bedroom of a hotel。 Odysseus building his home is man performing a supreme act of piety； through all the ages that picture must retain its profound significance。 Note the tree he chose； the olive； sacred to Athena； emblem of peace。 When he and the wise goddess meet together to scheme destruction of the princes； they sit ＇Greek text＇。 Their talk is of bloodshed； true； but in punishment of those who have outraged the sanctity of the hearth； and to re…establish； after purification； domestic calm and security。 It is one of the dreary aspects of modern life that natural symbolism has all but perished。 We have no consecrated tree。 The oak once held a place in English hearts； but who now reveres it？……our trust is in gods of iron。 Money is made at Christmas out of holly and mistletoe； but who save the vendors would greatly care if no green branch were procurable？ One symbol； indeed； has obscured all others……the minted round of metal。 And one may safely say that； of all the ages since a coin first became the symbol of power； ours is that in which it yields to the majority of its possessors the poorest return in heart's contentment。
XVI
I have been dull to…day； haunted by the thought of how much there is that I would fain know； and how little I can hope to learn。 The scope of knowledge has bee so vast。 I put aside nearly all physical investigation； to me it is naught； or only； at moments； a matter of idle curiosity。 This would s