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LITERATURE: THE ATHENAEUM.
Of all forms of public life, in the Talking Era, it was clear that only one completely suited Sterling,--the anarchic, nomadic, entirely aerial and unconditional one, called Literature.

To this all his tendencies, and fine gifts positive and negative, were evidently pointing; and here, after such brief attempting or thoughts to attempt at other posts, he already in this same year arrives.

As many do, and ever more must do, in these our years and times.

This is the chaotic haven of so many frustrate activities; where all manner of good gifts go up in far-seen smoke or conflagration; and whole fleets, that might have been war-fleets to conquer kingdoms, are _consumed_ (too truly, often), amid "fame" enough, and the admiring shouts of the vulgar, which is always fond to see fire going on.