This to our cis-Alpine and cis-Atlantic Friends.

Also this other word of entreaty and advice to the large and respectable nation of Acquaintances, beyond the mountains;—­Greeting.

My most serene and irresponsible neighbors, let us see that we have the whole advantage of each other; we will be useful, at least, if not admirable, to one another.  I know that the mountains which separate us are high, and covered with perpetual snow, but despair not.  Improve the serene winter weather to scale them.  If need be, soften the rocks with vinegar.  For here lie the verdant plains of Italy ready to receive you.  Nor shall I be slow on my side to penetrate to your Provence.  Strike then boldly at head or heart or any vital part.  Depend upon it, the timber is well seasoned and tough, and will bear rough usage; and if it should crack, there is plenty more where it came from.  I am no piece of crockery that cannot be jostled against my neighbor without danger of being broken by the collision, and must needs ring false and jarringly to the end of my days, when once I am cracked; but rather one of the old-fashioned wooden trenchers, which one while stands at the head of the table, and at another is a milking-stool, and at another a seat for children, and finally goes down to its grave not unadorned with honorable scars, and does not die till it is worn out.  Nothing can shock a brave man but dulness.  Think how many rebuffs every man has experienced in his day; perhaps has fallen into a horse-pond, eaten fresh-water clams, or worn one shirt for a week without washing.  Indeed, you cannot receive a shock unless you have an electric affinity for that which shocks you.  Use me, then, for I am useful in my way, and stand as one of many petitioners, from toadstool and henbane up to dahlia and violet, supplicating to be put to my use, if by any means ye may find me serviceable; whether for a medicated drink or bath, as balm and lavender; or for fragrance, as verbena and geranium; or for sight, as cactus; or for thoughts, as pansy.  These humbler, at least, if not those higher uses.

Ah, my dear Strangers and Enemies, I would not forget you.  I can well afford to welcome you.  Let me subscribe myself Yours ever and truly,—­your much obliged servant.  We have nothing to fear from our foes; God keeps a standing army for that service; but we have no ally against our Friends, those ruthless Vandals.

Once more to one and all,

     “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, and Lovers.”

     Let such pure hate still underprop
     Our love, that we may be
     Each other’s conscience. 
     And have our sympathy
     Mainly from thence.

     We’ll one another treat like gods,
     And all the faith we have
     In virtue and in truth, bestow
     On either, and suspicion leave
     To gods below.

     Two solitary stars,—­
     Unmeasured systems far
     Between us roll,
     But by our conscious light we are
     Determined to one pole.