noon
The youth of Nature is contagious , like the gladness of a happy child . I doubt if any man can be called `` old '' so long as he is an early riser and an early walker . And oh , youth ! -- take my word of it -- youth in dressing-gown and slippers , dawdling over breakfast at noon , is a very decrepit , ghastly image of that youth which sees the sun blush over the mountains , and the dews sparkle upon blossoming hedgerows . Passing by my father 's study , I was surprised to see the windows unclosed ; surprised more , on looking in , to see him bending over his books , -- for I had never before known him study till after the morning meal . Students are not usually early risers , for students , alas ! whatever their age , are rarely young .