Thoreau writes in his journal:
I sit here this fourth of June—looking out on men and nature from this that I call my perspective window—through which all things are seen in their true relations. This is my upper empire—bounded by four walls—viz. three of boards yellow-washed, facing the north, west, and south respectively—and the fourth of plaster—likewise, fronting the sunrise—To say nothing of the purlieus, and out-lying provinces, unexplored as yet by rats.
