midnight
Into this state scholars have too often fallen ; thus giving some ground for the prevalent opinion , that scholarship and rusticity are inseparable . To me , I confess , it is painful to see the scholar and the world assume so often a hostile attitude , and set each other at defiance . Surely , it is a characteristic trait of a great and liberal mind , that it recognises humanity in all its forms and conditions . I am a student ; -- and always , when I sit alone at night , I recognise the divinity of the student , as she reveals herself to me in the smoke of the midnight lamp . But , because solitude and books are not unpleasant to me , -- nay , wished-for , -- sought after , -- shall I say to my brother , Thou fool ! Shall I take the world by the beard and say , Thou art old , and mad ! -- Shall I look society in the face and say , Thou art heartless !