Moreovertheschoolmatesandearlyacquaintancesofthegeneralwerereadytotestify，onoath，that，tothebestoftheirrecollection，theaforesaidgeneralhadbeenexceedinglylikethemajesticimage，evenwhenaboy，onlytheideahadneveroccurredtothematthatperiod。Great，therefore，wastheexcitementthroughoutthevalley;andmanypeople，whohadneveroncethoughtofglancingattheGreatStoneFaceforyearsbefore，nowspenttheirtimeingazingatit，forthesakeofknowingexactlyhowGeneralBlood-and-Thunderlooked。
Onthedayofthegreatfestival，Ernest，withalltheotherpeopleofthevalley，lefttheirwork，andproceededtothespotwherethesylvanbanquetwasprepared。Asheapproached，theloudvoiceoftheRev。Dr。Battleblastwasheard，beseechingablessingonthegoodthingssetbeforethem，andonthedistinguishedfriendofpeaceinwhosehonortheywereassembled。
Thetableswerearrangedinaclearedspaceofthewoods，shutinbythesurroundingtrees，exceptwhereavistaopenedeastward，andaffordedadistantviewoftheGreatStoneFace。Overthegeneral’schair，whichwasarelicfromthehomeofWashington，therewasanarchofverdantboughs，withthelaurelprofuselyintermixed，andsurmountedbyhiscountry’sbanner，beneathwhichhehadwonhisvictories。OurfriendErnestraisedhimselfonhistiptoes，inhopestogetaglimpseofthecelebratedguest;buttherewasamightycrowdaboutthetablesanxioustohearthetoastsandspeeches，andtocatchanywordthatmightfallfromthegeneralinreply;andavolunteercompany，doingdutyasaguard，prickedruthlesslywiththeirbayonetsatanyparticularlyquietpersonamongthethrong。SoErnest，beingofanunobtrusivecharacter，wasthrustquiteintothebackground，wherehecouldseenomoreofOldBlood-and-Thunder’sphysiognomythanifithadbeenstillblazingonthebattle-field。Toconsolehimself，heturnedtowardstheGreatStoneFace，which，likeafaithfulandlongrememberedfriend，lookedbackandsmileduponhimthroughthevistaoftheforest。Meantime，however，hecouldoverheartheremarksofvariousindividuals，whowerecomparingthefeaturesoftheherowiththefaceonthedistantmountain-side。
\"’Tisthesameface，toahair！\"criedoneman，cuttingacaperforjoy。
\"Wonderfullylike，that’safact！\"respondedanother。
\"Like！why，IcallitOldBlood-and-Thunderhimself，inamonstrouslooking-glass！\"criedathird。\"Andwhynot？He’sthegreatestmanofthisoranyotherage，beyondadoubt。\"
Andthenallthreeofthespeakersgaveagreatshout，whichcommunicatedelectricitytothecrowd，andcalledfortharoarfromathousandvoices，thatwentreverberatingformilesamongthemountains，untilyoumighthavesupposedthattheGreatStoneFacehadpoureditsthunderbreathintothecry。Allthesecomments，andthisvastenthusiasm，servedthemoretointerestourfriend;nordidhethinkofquestioningthatnow，atlength，themountain-visagehadfounditshumancounterpart。Itistrue，Ernesthadimaginedthatthislong-looked-forpersonagewouldappearinthecharacterofamanofpeace，utteringwisdom，anddoinggood，andmakingpeoplehappy。But，takinganhabitualbreadthofview，withallhissimplicity，hecontendedthatProvidenceshouldchooseitsownmethodofblessingmankind，andcouldconceivethatthisgreatendmightbeeffectedevenbyawarriorandabloodysword，shouldinscrutablewisdomseefittoordermattersso。
\"Thegeneral！thegeneral！\"wasnowthecry。\"Hush！silence！OldBlood-and-Thunder’sgoingtomakeaspeech。\"
Evenso;for，theclothbeingremoved，thegeneral’shealthhadbeendrunk，amidshoutsofapplause，andhenowstooduponhisfeettothankthecompany。Ernestsawhim。Therehewas，overtheshouldersofthecrowd，fromthetwoglitteringepauletsandembroideredcollarupward，beneaththearchofgreenboughswithintertwinedlaurel，andthebannerdroopingasiftoshadehisbrow！Andthere，too，visibleinthesameglance，throughthevistaoftheforest，appearedtheGreatStoneFace！Andwasthere，indeed，sucharesemblanceasthecrowdhadtestified？
Alas，Ernestcouldnotrecognizeit！Hebeheldawar-wornandweatherbeatencountenance，fullofenergy，andexpressiveofanironwill;butthegentlewisdom，thedeep，broad，tendersympathies，werealtogetherwantinginOldBlood-and-Thunder’svisage;andeveniftheGreatStoneFacehadassumedhislookofsterncommand，themildertraitswouldstillhavetemperedit。
\"Thisisnotthemanofprophecy，\"sighedErnesttohimself，ashemadehiswayoutofthethrong。\"Andmusttheworldwaitlongeryet？\"
Themistshadcongregatedaboutthedistantmountain-side，andtherewereseenthegrandandawfulfeaturesoftheGreatStoneFace，awfulbutbenignant，asifamightyangelweresittingamongthehills，andenrobinghimselfinacloud-vestureofgoldandpurple。Ashelooked，Ernestcouldhardlybelievebutthatasmilebeamedoverthewholevisage，witharadiancestillbrightening，althoughwithoutmotionofthelips。Itwasprobablytheeffectofthewesternsunshine，meltingthroughthethinlydiffusedvaporsthathadsweptbetweenhimandtheobjectthathegazedat。But——asitalwaysdid——theaspectofhismarvellousfriendmadeErnestashopefulasifhehadneverhopedinvain。
\"Fearnot，Ernest，\"saidhisheart，evenasiftheGreatFacewerewhisperinghim，——fearnot，Ernest;hewillcome。\"
Moreyearsspedswiftlyandtranquillyaway。Erneststilldweltinhisnativevalley，andwasnowamanofmiddleage。Byimperceptibledegrees，hehadbecomeknownamongthepeople。Now，asheretofore，helaboredforhisbread，andwasthesamesimple-heartedmanthathehadalwaysbeen。Buthehadthoughtandfeltsomuch，hehadgivensomanyofthebesthoursofhislifetounworldlyhopesforsomegreatgoodtomankind，thatitseemedasthoughhehadbeentalkingwiththeangels，andhadimbibedaportionoftheirwisdomunawares。Itwasvisibleinthecalmandwell-consideredbeneficenceofhisdailylife，thequietstreamofwhichhadmadeawidegreenmarginallalongitscourse。Notadaypassedby，thattheworldwasnotthebetterbecausethisman，humbleashewas，hadlived。Heneversteppedasidefromhisownpath，yetwouldalwaysreachablessingtohisneighbor。Almostinvoluntarilytoo，hehadbecomeapreacher。Thepureandhighsimplicityofhisthought，which，asoneofitsmanifestations，tookshapeinthegooddeedsthatdroppedsilentlyfromhishand，flowedalsoforthinspeech。Heutteredtruthsthatwroughtuponandmouldedthelivesofthosewhoheardhim。Hisauditors，itmaybe，neversuspectedthatErnest，theirownneighborandfamiliarfriend，wasmorethananordinaryman;
leastofalldidErnesthimselfsuspectit;but，inevitablyasthemurmurofarivulet，camethoughtsoutofhismouththatnootherhumanlipshadspoken。
Whenthepeople’smindshadhadalittletimetocool，theywerereadyenoughtoacknowledgetheirmistakeinimaginingasimilaritybetweenGeneralBlood-and-Thunder’struculentphysiognomyandthebenignvisageonthemountain-side。Butnow，again，therewerereportsandmanyparagraphsinthenewspapers，affirmingthatthelikenessoftheGreatStoneFacehadappeareduponthebroadshouldersofacertaineminentstatesman。He，likeMr。GathergoldandOldBlood-and-Thunder，wasanativeofthevalley，buthadleftitinhisearlydays，andtakenupthetradesoflawandpolitics。Insteadoftherichman’swealthandthewarrior’ssword，hehadbutatongue，anditwasmightierthanbothtogether。Sowonderfullyeloquentwashe，thatwhateverhemightchoosetosay，hisauditorshadnochoicebuttobelievehim;wronglookedlikeright，andrightlikewrong;forwhenitpleasedhim，hecouldmakeakindofilluminatedfogwithhismerebreath，andobscurethenaturaldaylightwithit。Histongue，indeed，wasamagicinstrument：sometimesitrumbledlikethethunder;sometimesitwarbledlikethesweetestmusic。Itwastheblastofwar，thesongofpeace;anditseemedtohaveaheartinit，whentherewasnosuchmatter。Ingoodtruth，hewasawondrousman;andwhenhistonguehadacquiredhimallotherimaginablesuccess，——whenithadbeenheardinhallsofstate，andinthecourtsofprincesandpotentates，——afterithadmadehimknownallovertheworld，evenasavoicecryingfromshoretoshore，——itfinallypersuadedhiscountrymentoselecthimforthePresidency。Beforethistime，——indeed，assoonashebegantogrowcelebrated，——hisadmirershadfoundouttheresemblancebetweenhimandtheGreatStoneFace;andsomuchweretheystruckbyit，thatthroughoutthecountrythisdistinguishedgentlemanwasknownbythenameofOldStonyPhiz。Thephrasewasconsideredasgivingahighlyfavorableaspecttohispoliticalprospects;for，asislikewisethecasewiththePopedom，nobodyeverbecomesPresidentwithouttakinganameotherthanhisown。
WhilehisfriendsweredoingtheirbesttomakehimPresident，OldStonyPhiz，ashewascalled，setoutonavisittothevalleywherehewasborn。Ofcourse，hehadnootherobjectthantoshakehandswithhisfellow-citizensandneitherthoughtnorcaredaboutanyeffectwhichhisprogressthroughthecountrymighthaveupontheelection。Magnificentpreparationsweremadetoreceivetheillustriousstatesman;acavalcadeofhorsemensetforthtomeethimattheboundarylineoftheState，andallthepeoplelefttheirbusinessandgatheredalongthewaysidetoseehimpass。AmongthesewasErnest。Thoughmorethanoncedisappointed，aswehaveseen，hehadsuchahopefulandconfidingnature，thathewasalwaysreadytobelieveinwhateverseemedbeautifulandgood。Hekepthisheartcontinuallyopen，andthuswassuretocatchtheblessingfromonhighwhenitshouldcome。Sonowagain，asbuoyantlyasever，hewentforthtobeholdthelikenessoftheGreatStoneFace。
Thecavalcadecameprancingalongtheroad，withagreatclatteringofhoofsandamightycloudofdust，whichroseupsodenseandhighthatthevisageofthemountain-sidewascompletelyhiddenfromErnest’seyes。Allthegreatmenoftheneighborhoodwerethereonhorseback;militiaofficers，inuniform;thememberofCongress;thesheriffofthecounty;theeditorsofnewspapers;andmanyafarmer，too，hadmountedhispatientsteed，withhisSundaycoatuponhisback。Itreallywasaverybrilliantspectacle，especiallyastherewerenumerousbannersflauntingoverthecavalcade，onsomeofwhichweregorgeousportraitsoftheillustriousstatesmanandtheGreatStoneFace，smilingfamiliarlyatoneanother，liketwobrothers。
Ifthepicturesweretobetrusted，themutualresemblance，itmustbeconfessed，wasmarvellous。Wemustnotforgettomentionthattherewasabandofmusic，whichmadetheechoesofthemountainsringandreverberatewiththeloudtriumphofitsstrains;sothatairyandsoul-thrillingmelodiesbrokeoutamongalltheheightsandhollows，asifeverynookofhisnativevalleyhadfoundavoice，towelcomethedistinguishedguest。Butthegrandesteffectwaswhenthefar-offmountainprecipiceflungbackthemusic;forthentheGreatStoneFaceitselfseemedtobeswellingthetriumphantchorus，inacknowledgmentthat，atlength，themanofprophecywascome。
AllthiswhilethepeoplewerethrowinguptheirhatsandshoutingwithenthusiasmsocontagiousthattheheartofErnestkindledup，andhelikewisethrewuphishat，andshouted，asloudlyastheloudest，\"Huzzaforthegreatman！HuzzaforOldStonyPhiz！\"Butasyethehadnotseenhim。
\"Hereheis，now！\"criedthosewhostoodnearErnest。\"There！
There！LookatOldStonyPhizandthenattheOldManoftheMountain，andseeiftheyarenotaslikeastwotwin-brothers！\"
Inthemidstofallthisgallantarraycameanopenbarouche，drawnbyfourwhitehorses;andinthebarouche，withhismassiveheaduncovered，sattheillustriousstatesman，OldStonyPhizhimself。
\"Confessit，\"saidoneofErnest’sneighborstohim，\"theGreatStoneFacehasmetitsmatchatlast！\"
Now，itmustbeownedthat，athisfirstglimpseofthecountenancewhichwasbowingandsmilingfromthebarouche，Ernestdidfancythattherewasaresemblancebetweenitandtheoldfamiliarfaceuponthemountain-side。Thebrow，withitsmassivedepthandloftiness，andalltheotherfeatures，indeed，wereboldlyandstronglyhewn，asifinemulationofamorethanheroic，ofaTitanicmodel。Butthesublimityandstateliness，thegrandexpressionofadivinesympathy，thatilluminatedthemountainvisageandetherealizeditsponderousgranitesubstanceintospirit，mightherebesoughtinvain。Somethinghadbeenoriginallyleftout，orhaddeparted。Andthereforethemarvellouslygiftedstatesmanhadalwaysawearygloominthedeepcavernsofhiseyes，asofachildthathasoutgrownitsplaythingsoramanofmightyfacultiesandlittleaims，whoselife，withallitshighperformances，wasvagueandempty，becausenohighpurposehadendoweditwithreality。
Still，Ernest’sneighborwasthrustinghiselbowintohisside，andpressinghimforananswer。
\"Confess！confess！IsnothetheverypictureofyourOldManoftheMountain？\"
\"No！\"saidErnestbluntly，\"Iseelittleornolikeness。\"
\"ThensomuchtheworsefortheGreatStoneFace！\"answeredhisneighbor;andagainhesetupashoutforOldStonyPhiz。
ButErnestturnedaway，melancholy，andalmostdespondent：forthiswasthesaddestofhisdisappointments，tobeholdamanwhomighthavefulfilledtheprophecy，andhadnotwilledtodoso。
Meantime，thecavalcade，thebanners，themusic，andthebarouchessweptpasthim，withthevociferouscrowdintherear，leavingthedusttosettledown，andtheGreatStoneFacetoberevealedagain，withthegrandeurthatithadwornforuntoldcenturies。
\"Lo，hereIam，Ernest！\"thebenignlipsseemedtosay。\"Ihavewaitedlongerthanthou，andamnotyetweary。Fearnot;themanwillcome。\"
Theyearshurriedonward，treadingintheirhasteononeanother’sheels。Andnowtheybegantobringwhitehairs，andscatterthemovertheheadofErnest;theymadereverendwrinklesacrosshisforehead，andfurrowsinhischeeks。Hewasanagedman。Butnotinvainhadhegrownold：morethanthewhitehairsonhisheadwerethesagethoughtsinhismind;hiswrinklesandfurrowswereinscriptionsthatTimehadgraved，andinwhichhehadwrittenlegendsofwisdomthathadbeentestedbythetenorofalife。AndErnesthadceasedtobeobscure。Unsoughtfor，undesired，hadcomethefamewhichsomanyseek，andmadehimknowninthegreatworld，beyondthelimitsofthevalleyinwhichhehaddweltsoquietly。Collegeprofessors，andeventheactivemenofcities，camefromfartoseeandconversewithErnest;forthereporthadgoneabroadthatthissimplehusbandmanhadideasunlikethoseofothermen，notgainedfrombooks，butofahighertone，——atranquilandfamiliarmajesty，asifhehadbeentalkingwiththeangelsashisdailyfriends。
Whetheritweresage，statesman，orphilanthropist，Ernestreceivedthesevisitorswiththegentlesinceritythathadcharacterizedhimfromboyhood，andspokefreelywiththemofwhatevercameuppermost，orlaydeepestinhisheartortheirown。Whiletheytalkedtogether，hisfacewouldkindle，unawares，andshineuponthem，aswithamildeveninglight。Pensivewiththefulnessofsuchdiscourse，hisgueststookleaveandwenttheirway;andpassingupthevalley，pausedtolookattheGreatStoneFace，imaginingthattheyhadseenitslikenessinahumancountenance，butcouldnotrememberwhere。
WhileErnesthadbeengrowingupandgrowingold，abountifulProvidencehadgrantedanewpoettothisearth。Helikewise，wasanativeofthevalley，buthadspentthegreaterpartofhislifeatadistancefromthatromanticregion，pouringouthissweetmusicamidthebustleanddinofcities。Often，however，didthemountainswhichhadbeenfamiliartohiminhischildhoodlifttheirsnowypeaksintotheclearatmosphereofhispoetry。
NeitherwastheGreatStoneFaceforgotten，forthepoethadcelebrateditinanode，whichwasgrandenoughtohavebeenutteredbyitsownmajesticlips。Thismanofgenius，wemaysay，hadcomedownfromheavenwithwonderfulendowments。Ifhesangofamountain，theeyesofallmankindbeheldamightiergrandeurreposingonitsbreast，orsoaringtoitssummit，thanhadbeforebeenseenthere。Ifhisthemewerealovelylake，acelestialsmilehadnowbeenthrownoverit，togleamforeveronitssurface。Ifitwerethevastoldsea，eventhedeepimmensityofitsdreadbosomseemedtoswellthehigher，asifmovedbytheemotionsofthesong。Thustheworldassumedanotherandabetteraspectfromthehourthatthepoetblesseditwithhishappyeyes。TheCreatorhadbestowedhim，asthelastbesttouchtohisownhandiwork。Creationwasnotfinishedtillthepoetcametointerpret，andsocompleteit。
Theeffectwasnolesshighandbeautiful，whenhishumanbrethrenwerethesubjectofhisverse。Themanorwoman，sordidwiththecommondustoflife，whocrossedhisdailypath，andthelittlechildwhoplayedinit，wereglorifiedifhebeheldtheminhismoodofpoeticfaith。Heshowedthegoldenlinksofthegreatchainthatintertwinedthemwithanangelickindred;hebroughtoutthehiddentraitsofacelestialbirththatmadethemworthyofsuchkin。Some，indeed，therewere，whothoughttoshowthesoundnessoftheirjudgmentbyaffirmingthatallthebeautyanddignityofthenaturalworldexistedonlyinthepoet’sfancy。Letsuchmenspeakforthemselves，whoundoubtedlyappeartohavebeenspawnedforthbyNaturewithacontemptuousbitterness;shehavingplasteredthemupoutofherrefusestuff，afteralltheswineweremade。Asrespectsallthingselse，thepoet’sidealwasthetruesttruth。
ThesongsofthispoetfoundtheirwaytoErnest。Hereadthemafterhiscustomarytoil，seatedonthebenchbeforehiscottage-door，whereforsuchalengthoftimehehadfilledhisreposewiththought，bygazingattheGreatStoneFace。Andnowashereadstanzasthatcausedthesoultothrillwithinhim，heliftedhiseyestothevastcountenancebeamingonhimsobenignantly。
\"Omajesticfriend，\"hemurmured，addressingtheGreatStoneFace，\"isnotthismanworthytoresemblethee？\"
TheFaceseemedtosmile，butanswerednotaword。
Nowithappenedthatthepoet，thoughhedweltsofaraway，hadnotonlyheardofErnest，buthadmeditatedmuchuponhischaracter，untilhedeemednothingsodesirableastomeetthisman，whoseuntaughtwisdomwalkedhandinhandwiththenoblesimplicityofhislife。Onesummermorning，therefore，hetookpassagebytherailroad，and，inthedeclineoftheafternoon，alightedfromthecarsatnogreatdistancefromErnest’scottage。Thegreathotel，whichhadformerlybeenthepalaceofMr。Gathergold，wascloseathand，butthepoet，withhiscarpet-bagonhisarm，inquiredatoncewhereErnestdwelt，andwasresolvedtobeacceptedashisguest。
Approachingthedoor，hetherefoundthegoodoldman，holdingavolumeinhishand，whichalternatelyheread，andthen，withafingerbetweentheleaves，lookedlovinglyattheGreatStoneFace。
\"Goodevening，\"saidthepoet。\"Canyougiveatravelleranight’slodging？\"
\"Willingly，\"answeredErnest;andthenheadded，smiling，\"MethinksIneversawtheGreatStoneFacelooksohospitablyatastranger。\"
Thepoetsatdownonthebenchbesidehim，andheandErnesttalkedtogether。Oftenhadthepoetheldintercoursewiththewittiestandthewisest，butneverbeforewithamanlikeErnest，whosethoughtsandfeelingsgushedupwithsuchanaturalfreedom，andwhomadegreattruthssofamiliarbyhissimpleutteranceofthem。Angels，ashadbeensooftensaid，seemedtohavewroughtwithhimathislaborinthefields;angelsseemedtohavesatwithhimbythefireside;and，dwellingwithangelsasfriendwithfriends，hehadimbibedthesublimityoftheirideas，andimbueditwiththesweetandlowlycharmofhouseholdwords。Sothoughtthepoet。AndErnest，ontheotherhand，wasmovedandagitatedbythelivingimageswhichthepoetflungoutofhismind，andwhichpeopledalltheairaboutthecottage-doorwithshapesofbeauty，bothgayandpensive。Thesympathiesofthesetwomeninstructedthemwithaprofoundersensethaneithercouldhaveattainedalone。Theirmindsaccordedintoonestrain，andmadedelightfulmusicwhichneitherofthemcouldhaveclaimedasallhisown，nordistinguishedhisownsharefromtheother’s。Theyledoneanother，asitwere，intoahighpavilionoftheirthoughts，soremote，andhithertosodim，thattheyhadneverentereditbefore，andsobeautifulthattheydesiredtobetherealways。
AsErnestlistenedtothepoet，heimaginedthattheGreatStoneFacewasbendingforwardtolistentoo。Hegazedearnestlyintothepoet’sglowingeyes。
\"Whoareyou，mystrangelygiftedguest？\"hesaid。
ThepoetlaidhisfingeronthevolumethatErnesthadbeenreading。
\"Youhavereadthesepoems，\"saidhe。\"Youknowme，then，——forI
wrotethem。\"
Again，andstillmoreearnestlythanbefore，Ernestexaminedthepoet’sfeatures;thenturnedtowardstheGreatStoneFace;thenback，withanuncertainaspect，tohisguest。Buthiscountenancefell;heshookhishead，andsighed。
\"Whereforeareyousad？\"inquiredthepoet。
\"Because，\"repliedErnest，\"allthroughlifeIhaveawaitedthefulfilmentofaprophecy;and，whenIreadthesepoems，Ihopedthatitmightbefulfilledinyou。\"
\"Youhoped，\"answeredthepoet，faintlysmiling，\"tofindinmethelikenessoftheGreatStoneFace。Andyouaredisappointed，asformerlywithMr。Gathergold，andOldBlood-and-Thunder，andOldStonyPhiz。Yes，Ernest，itismydoom。Youmustaddmynametotheillustriousthree，andrecordanotherfailureofyourhopes。For——inshameandsadnessdoIspeakit，Ernest——Iamnotworthytobetypifiedbyyonderbenignandmajesticimage。\"
\"Andwhy？\"askedErnest。Hepointedtothevolume。\"Arenotthosethoughtsdivine？\"
\"TheyhaveastrainoftheDivinity，\"repliedthepoet。\"Youcanhearinthemthefar-offechoofaheavenlysong。Butmylife，dearErnest，hasnotcorrespondedwithmythought。Ihavehadgranddreams，buttheyhavebeenonlydreams，becauseIhavelived——andthat，too，bymyownchoice——amongpoorandmeanrealities。Sometimeseven——shallIdaretosayit？——Ilackfaithinthegrandeur，thebeauty，andthegoodness，whichmyownwordsaresaidtohavemademoreevidentinnatureandinhumanlife。
Why，then，pureseekerofthegoodandtrue，shouldstthouhopetofindme，inyonderimageofthedivine？\"
Thepoetspokesadly，andhiseyesweredimwithtears。So，likewise，werethoseofErnest。
Atthehourofsunset，ashadlongbeenhisfrequentcustom，Ernestwastodiscoursetoanassemblageoftheneighboringinhabitantsintheopenair。Heandthepoet，arminarm，stilltalkingtogetherastheywentalong，proceededtothespot。Itwasasmallnookamongthehills，withagrayprecipicebehind，thesternfrontofwhichwasrelievedbythepleasantfoliageofmanycreepingplantsthatmadeatapestryforthenakedrock，byhangingtheirfestoonsfromallitsruggedangles。Atasmallelevationabovetheground，setinarichframeworkofverdure，thereappearedaniche，spaciousenoughtoadmitahumanfigure，withfreedomforsuchgesturesasspontaneouslyaccompanyearnestthoughtandgenuineemotion。IntothisnaturalpulpitErnestascended，andthrewalookoffamiliarkindnessarounduponhisaudience。Theystood，orsat，orreclineduponthegrass，asseemedgoodtoeach，withthedepartingsunshinefallingobliquelyoverthem，andminglingitssubduedcheerfulnesswiththesolemnityofagroveofancienttrees，beneathandamidtheboughsofwhichthegoldenrayswereconstrainedtopass。InanotherdirectionwasseentheGreatStoneFace，withthesamecheer，combinedwiththesamesolemnity，initsbenignantaspect。
Ernestbegantospeak，givingtothepeopleofwhatwasinhisheartandmind。Hiswordshadpower，becausetheyaccordedwithhisthoughts;andhisthoughtshadrealityanddepth，becausetheyharmonizedwiththelifewhichhehadalwayslived。Itwasnotmerebreaththatthispreacheruttered;theywerethewordsoflife，becausealifeofgooddeedsandholylovewasmeltedintothem。Pearls，pureandrich，hadbeendissolvedintothispreciousdraught。Thepoet，ashelistened，feltthatthebeingandcharacterofErnestwereanoblerstrainofpoetrythanhehadeverwritten。Hiseyesglisteningwithtears，hegazedreverentiallyatthevenerableman，andsaidwithinhimselfthatneverwasthereanaspectsoworthyofaprophetandasageasthatmild，sweet，thoughtfulcountenance，withthegloryofwhitehairdiffusedaboutit。Atadistance，butdistinctlytobeseen，highupinthegoldenlightofthesettingsun，appearedtheGreatStoneFace，withhoarymistsaroundit，likethewhitehairsaroundthebrowofErnest。Itslookofgrandbeneficenceseemedtoembracetheworld。
Atthatmoment，insympathywithathoughtwhichhewasabouttoutter，thefaceofErnestassumedagrandeurofexpression，soimbuedwithbenevolence，thatthepoet，byanirresistibleimpulse，threwhisarmsaloftandshouted，\"Behold！Behold！ErnestishimselfthelikenessoftheGreatStoneFace！\"
Thenallthepeoplelooked，andsawthatwhatthedeep-sightedpoetsaidwastrue。Theprophecywasfulfilled。ButErnest，havingfinishedwhathehadtosay，tookthepoet’sarm，andwalkedslowlyhomeward，stillhopingthatsomewiserandbettermanthanhimselfwouldbyandbyappear，bearingaresemblancetotheGREATSTONEFACE。
ETHANBRAND
ACHAPTERFROMANABORTIVEROMANCE
Bartramthelime-burner，arough，heavy-lookingman，begrimedwithcharcoal，satwatchinghiskilnatnightfall，whilehislittlesonplayedatbuildinghouseswiththescatteredfragmentsofmarble，when，onthehill-sidebelowthem，theyheardaroaroflaughter，notmirthful，butslow，andevensolemn，likeawindshakingtheboughsoftheforest。
\"Father，whatisthat？\"askedthelittleboy，leavinghisplay，andpressingbetwixthisfather’sknees。
\"Oh，somedrunkenman，Isuppose，\"answeredthelime-burner;
\"somemerryfellowfromthebar-roominthevillage，whodarednotlaughloudenoughwithindoorslestheshouldblowtheroofofthehouseoff。Sohereheis，shakinghisjollysidesatthefootofGraylock。\"
\"But，father，\"saidthechild，moresensitivethantheobtuse，middle-agedclown，\"hedoesnotlaughlikeamanthatisglad。Sothenoisefrightensme！\"
\"Don’tbeafool，child！\"criedhisfather，gruffly。\"Youwillnevermakeaman，Idobelieve;thereistoomuchofyourmotherinyou。Ihaveknowntherustlingofaleafstartleyou。Hark！
Herecomesthemerryfellownow。Youshallseethatthereisnoharminhim。\"
Bartramandhislittleson，whiletheyweretalkingthus，satwatchingthesamelime-kilnthathadbeenthesceneofEthanBrand’ssolitaryandmeditativelife，beforehebeganhissearchfortheUnpardonableSin。Manyyears，aswehaveseen，hadnowelapsed，sincethatportentousnightwhentheIDEAwasfirstdeveloped。Thekiln，however，onthemountain-side，stoodunimpaired，andwasinnothingchangedsincehehadthrownhisdarkthoughtsintotheintenseglowofitsfurnace，andmeltedthem，asitwere，intotheonethoughtthattookpossessionofhislife。Itwasarude，round，tower-likestructureabouttwentyfeethigh，heavilybuiltofroughstones，andwithahillockofearthheapedaboutthelargerpartofitscircumference;sothattheblocksandfragmentsofmarblemightbedrawnbycart-loads，andthrowninatthetop。Therewasanopeningatthebottomofthetower，likeanover-mouth，butlargeenoughtoadmitamaninastoopingposture，andprovidedwithamassiveirondoor。Withthesmokeandjetsofflameissuingfromthechinksandcrevicesofthisdoor，whichseemedtogiveadmittanceintothehill-side，itresemblednothingsomuchastheprivateentrancetotheinfernalregions，whichtheshepherdsoftheDelectableMountainswereaccustomedtoshowtopilgrims。
Therearemanysuchlime-kilnsinthattractofcountry，forthepurposeofburningthewhitemarblewhichcomposesalargepartofthesubstanceofthehills。Someofthem，builtyearsago，andlongdeserted，withweedsgrowinginthevacantroundoftheinterior，whichisopentothesky，andgrassandwild-flowersrootingthemselvesintothechinksofthestones，lookalreadylikerelicsofantiquity，andmayyetbeoverspreadwiththelichensofcenturiestocome。Others，wherethelimeburnerstillfeedshisdailyandnight-longfire，affordpointsofinteresttothewandereramongthehills，whoseatshimselfonalogofwoodorafragmentofmarble，toholdachatwiththesolitaryman。Itisalonesome，and，whenthecharacterisinclinedtothought，maybeanintenselythoughtfuloccupation;asitprovedinthecaseofEthanBrand，whohadmusedtosuchstrangepurpose，indaysgoneby，whilethefireinthisverykilnwasburning。
Themanwhonowwatchedthefirewasofadifferentorder，andtroubledhimselfwithnothoughtssavetheveryfewthatwererequisitetohisbusiness。Atfrequentintervals，heflungbacktheclashingweightoftheirondoor，and，turninghisfacefromtheinsufferableglare，thrustinhugelogsofoak，orstirredtheimmensebrandswithalongpole。Withinthefurnacewereseenthecurlingandriotousflames，andtheburningmarble，almostmoltenwiththeintensityofheat;whilewithout，thereflectionofthefirequiveredonthedarkintricacyofthesurroundingforest，andshowedintheforegroundabrightandruddylittlepictureofthehut，thespringbesideitsdoor，theathleticandcoal-begrimedfigureofthelime-burner，andthehalf-frightenedchild，shrinkingintotheprotectionofhisfather’sshadow。Andwhen，again，theirondoorwasclosed，thenreappearedthetenderlightofthehalf-fullmoon，whichvainlystrovetotraceouttheindistinctshapesoftheneighboringmountains;and，intheuppersky，therewasaflittingcongregationofclouds，stillfaintlytingedwiththerosysunset，thoughthusfardownintothevalleythesunshinehadvanishedlongandlongagoThelittleboynowcreptstillclosertohisfather，asfootstepswereheardascendingthehill-side，andahumanformthrustasidethebushesthatclusteredbeneaththetrees。
\"Halloo！whoisit？\"criedthelime-burner，vexedathisson’stimidity，yethalfinfectedbyit。\"Comeforward，andshowyourself，likeaman，orI’llflingthischunkofmarbleatyourhead！\"
\"Youoffermearoughwelcome，\"saidagloomyvoice，astheunknownmandrewnigh。\"YetIneitherclaimnordesireakinderone，evenatmyownfireside。\"
Toobtainadistincterview，Bartramthrewopentheirondoorofthekiln，whenceimmediatelyissuedagushoffiercelight，thatsmotefulluponthestranger’sfaceandfigure。Toacarelesseyethereappearednothingveryremarkableinhisaspect，whichwasthatofamaninacoarsebrown，country-madesuitofclothes，tallandthin，withthestaffandheavyshoesofawayfarer。Asheadvanced，hefixedhiseyes——whichwereverybright——intentlyuponthebrightnessofthefurnace，asifhebeheld，orexpectedtobehold，someobjectworthyofnotewithinit。
\"Goodevening，stranger，\"saidthelime-burner;\"whencecomeyou，solateintheday？\"
\"Icomefrommysearch，\"answeredthewayfarer;\"for，atlast，itisfinished。\"
\"Drunk！——orcrazy！\"mutteredBartramtohimself。\"Ishallhavetroublewiththefellow。ThesoonerIdrivehimaway，thebetter。\"
Thelittleboy，allinatremble，whisperedtohisfather，andbeggedhimtoshutthedoorofthekiln，sothattheremightnotbesomuchlight;forthattherewassomethingintheman’sfacewhichhewasafraidtolookat，yetcouldnotlookawayfrom。
And，indeed，eventhelime-burner’sdullandtorpidsensebegantobeimpressedbyanindescribablesomethinginthatthin，rugged，thoughtfulvisage，withthegrizzledhairhangingwildlyaboutit，andthosedeeplysunkeneyes，whichgleamedlikefireswithintheentranceofamysteriouscavern。But，asheclosedthedoor，thestrangerturnedtowardshim，andspokeinaquiet，familiarway，thatmadeBartramfeelasifhewereasaneandsensibleman，afterall。
\"Yourtaskdrawstoanend，Isee，\"saidhe。\"Thismarblehasalreadybeenburningthreedays。Afewhoursmorewillconvertthestonetolime。\"
\"Why，whoareyou？\"exclaimedthelime-burner。\"YouseemaswellacquaintedwithmybusinessasIammyself。\"
\"AndwellImaybe，\"saidthestranger;\"forIfollowedthesamecraftmanyalongyear，andhere，too，onthisveryspot。Butyouareanewcomerintheseparts。DidyouneverhearofEthanBrand？\"
\"ThemanthatwentinsearchoftheUnpardonableSin？\"askedBartram，withalaugh。
\"Thesame，\"answeredthestranger。\"Hehasfoundwhathesought，andthereforehecomesbackagain。\"
\"What！thenyouareEthanBrandhimself？\"criedthelime-burner，inamazement。\"Iamanew-comerhere，asyousay，andtheycalliteighteenyearssinceyouleftthefootofGraylock。But，Icantellyou，thegoodfolksstilltalkaboutEthanBrand，inthevillageyonder，andwhatastrangeerrandtookhimawayfromhislime-kiln。Well，andsoyouhavefoundtheUnpardonableSin？\"
\"Evenso！\"saidthestranger，calmly。
\"Ifthequestionisafairone，\"proceededBartram，\"wheremightitbe？\"
EthanBrandlaidhisfingeronhisownheart。
\"Here！\"repliedhe。
Andthen，withoutmirthinhiscountenance，butasifmovedbyaninvoluntaryrecognitionoftheinfiniteabsurdityofseekingthroughouttheworldforwhatwastheclosestofallthingstohimself，andlookingintoeveryheart，savehisown，forwhatwashiddeninnootherbreast，hebrokeintoalaughofscorn。Itwasthesameslow，heavylaugh，thathadalmostappalledthelime-burnerwhenitheraldedthewayfarer’sapproach。
Thesolitarymountain-sidewasmadedismalbyit。Laughter，whenoutofplace，mistimed，orburstingforthfromadisorderedstateoffeeling，maybethemostterriblemodulationofthehumanvoice。Thelaughterofoneasleep，evenifitbealittlechild，——themadman’slaugh，——thewild，screaminglaughofabornidiot，——aresoundsthatwesometimestrembletohear，andwouldalwayswillinglyforget。Poetshaveimaginednoutteranceoffiendsorhobgoblinssofearfullyappropriateasalaugh。Andeventheobtuselime-burnerfelthisnervesshaken，asthisstrangemanlookedinwardathisownheart，andburstintolaughterthatrolledawayintothenight，andwasindistinctlyreverberatedamongthehills。
\"Joe，\"saidhetohislittleson，\"scamperdowntothetaverninthevillage，andtellthejollyfellowstherethatEthanBrandhascomeback，andthathehasfoundtheUnpardonableSin！\"
Theboydartedawayonhiserrand，towhichEthanBrandmadenoobjection，norseemedhardlytonoticeit。Hesatonalogofwood，lookingsteadfastlyattheirondoorofthekiln。Whenthechildwasoutofsight，andhisswiftandlightfootstepsceasedtobeheardtreadingfirstonthefallenleavesandthenontherockymountain-path，thelime-burnerbegantoregrethisdeparture。Hefeltthatthelittlefellow’spresencehadbeenabarrierbetweenhisguestandhimself，andthathemustnowdeal，hearttoheart，withamanwho，onhisownconfession，hadcommittedtheoneonlycrimeforwhichHeavencouldaffordnomercy。Thatcrime，initsindistinctblackness，seemedtoovershadowhim，andmadehismemoryriotouswithathrongofevilshapesthatassertedtheirkindredwiththeMasterSin，whateveritmightbe，whichitwaswithinthescopeofman’scorruptednaturetoconceiveandcherish。Theywereallofonefamily;theywenttoandfrobetweenhisbreastandEthanBrand’s，andcarrieddarkgreetingsfromonetotheother。
ThenBartramrememberedthestorieswhichhadgrowntraditionaryinreferencetothisstrangeman，whohadcomeuponhimlikeashadowofthenight，andwasmakinghimselfathomeinhisoldplace，aftersolongabsence，thatthedeadpeople，deadandburiedforyears，wouldhavehadmorerighttobeathome，inanyfamiliarspot，thanhe。EthanBrand，itwassaid，hadconversedwithSatanhimselfintheluridblazeofthisverykiln。Thelegendhadbeenmatterofmirthheretofore，butlookedgrislynow。Accordingtothistale，beforeEthanBranddepartedonhissearch，hehadbeenaccustomedtoevokeafiendfromthehotfurnaceofthelime-kiln，nightafternight，inordertoconferwithhimabouttheUnpardonableSin;themanandthefiendeachlaboringtoframetheimageofsomemodeofguiltwhichcouldneitherbeatonedfornorforgiven。And，withthefirstgleamoflightuponthemountain-top，thefiendcreptinattheirondoor，theretoabidetheintensestelementoffireuntilagainsummonedforthtoshareinthedreadfultaskofextendingman’spossibleguiltbeyondthescopeofHeaven’selseinfinitemercy。
Whilethelime-burnerwasstrugglingwiththehorrorofthesethoughts，EthanBrandrosefromthelog，andflungopenthedoorofthekiln。TheactionwasinsuchaccordancewiththeideainBartram’smind，thathealmostexpectedtoseetheEvilOneissueforth，red-hot，fromtheragingfurnace。
\"Hold！hold！\"criedhe，withatremulousattempttolaugh;forhewasashamedofhisfears，althoughtheyovermasteredhim。\"Don’t，formercy’ssake，bringoutyourDevilnow！\"
\"Man！\"sternlyrepliedEthanBrand，\"whatneedhaveIoftheDevil？Ihavelefthimbehindme，onmytrack。Itiswithsuchhalf-waysinnersasyouthathebusieshimself。Fearnot，becauseIopenthedoor。Idobutactbyoldcustom，andamgoingtotrimyourfire，likealime-burner，asIwasonce。\"
Hestirredthevastcoals，thrustinmorewood，andbentforwardtogazeintothehollowprison-houseofthefire，regardlessofthefierceglowthatreddeneduponhisface。Thelime-burnersatwatchinghim，andhalfsuspectedthisstrangeguestofapurpose，ifnottoevokeafiend，atleasttoplungeintotheflames，andthusvanishfromthesightofman。EthanBrand，however，drewquietlyback，andclosedthedoorofthekiln。
\"Ihavelooked，\"saidhe，\"intomanyahumanheartthatwasseventimeshotterwithsinfulpassionsthanyonderfurnaceiswithfire。ButIfoundnottherewhatIsought。No，nottheUnpardonableSin！\"
\"WhatistheUnpardonableSin？\"askedthelime-burner;andthenheshrankfartherfromhiscompanion，tremblinglesthisquestionshouldbeanswered。
\"Itisasinthatgrewwithinmyownbreast，\"repliedEthanBrand，standingerectwithapridethatdistinguishesallenthusiastsofhisstamp。\"Asinthatgrewnowhereelse！ThesinofanintellectthattriumphedoverthesenseofbrotherhoodwithmanandreverenceforGod，andsacrificedeverythingtoitsownmightyclaims！Theonlysinthatdeservesarecompenseofimmortalagony！Freely，wereittodoagain，wouldIincurtheguilt。UnshrinkinglyIaccepttheretribution！\"
\"Theman’sheadisturned，\"mutteredthelime-burnertohimself。
\"Hemaybeasinnerliketherestofus，——nothingmorelikely，——but，I’llbesworn，heisamadmantoo。\"
Nevertheless，hefeltuncomfortableathissituation，alonewithEthanBrandonthewildmountain-side，andwasrightgladtoheartheroughmurmuroftongues，andthefootstepsofwhatseemedaprettynumerousparty，stumblingoverthestonesandrustlingthroughtheunderbrush。Soonappearedthewholelazyregimentthatwaswonttoinfestthevillagetavern，comprehendingthreeorfourindividualswhohaddrunkflipbesidethebar-roomfirethroughallthewinters，andsmokedtheirpipesbeneaththestoopthroughallthesummers，sinceEthanBrand’sdeparture。Laughingboisterously，andminglingalltheirvoicestogetherinunceremonioustalk，theynowburstintothemoonshineandnarrowstreaksoffirelightthatilluminatedtheopenspacebeforethelime-kiln。Bartramsetthedoorajaragain，floodingthespotwithlight，thatthewholecompanymightgetafairviewofEthanBrand，andheofthem。
There，amongotheroldacquaintances，wasaonceubiquitousman，nowalmostextinct，butwhomwewereformerlysuretoencounteratthehotelofeverythrivingvillagethroughoutthecountry。Itwasthestage-agent。Thepresentspecimenofthegenuswasawiltedandsmoke-driedman，wrinkledandred-nosed，inasmartlycut，brown，bobtailedcoat，withbrassbuttons，who，foralengthoftimeunknown，hadkepthisdeskandcornerinthebar-room，andwasstillpuffingwhatseemedtobethesamecigarthathehadlightedtwentyyearsbefore。Hehadgreatfameasadryjoker，though，perhaps，lessonaccountofanyintrinsichumorthanfromacertainflavorofbrandy-toddyandtobacco-smoke，whichimpregnatedallhisideasandexpressions，aswellashisperson。Anotherwell-remembered，thoughstrangelyaltered，facewasthatofLawyerGiles，aspeoplestillcalledhimincourtesy;
anelderlyragamuffin，inhissoiledshirtsleevesandtow-clothtrousers。Thispoorfellowhadbeenanattorney，inwhathecalledhisbetterdays，asharppractitioner，andingreatvogueamongthevillagelitigants;butflip，andsling，andtoddy，andcocktails，imbibedatallhours，morning，noon，andnight，hadcausedhimtoslidefromintellectualtovariouskindsanddegreesofbodilylabor，tillatlast，toadopthisownphrase，heslidintoasoap-vat。Inotherwords，Gileswasnowasoap-boiler，inasmallway。Hehadcometobebutthefragmentofahumanbeing，apartofonefoothavingbeenchoppedoffbyanaxe，andanentirehandtornawaybythedevilishgripofasteam-engine。Yet，thoughthecorporealhandwasgone，aspiritualmemberremained;for，stretchingforththestump，Gilessteadfastlyaverredthathefeltaninvisiblethumbandfingerswithasvividasensationasbeforetherealoneswereamputated。
Amaimedandmiserablewretchhewas;butone，nevertheless，whomtheworldcouldnottrampleon，andhadnorighttoscorn，eitherinthisoranypreviousstageofhismisfortunes，sincehehadstillkeptupthecourageandspiritofaman，askednothingincharity，andwithhisonehand——andthattheleftone——foughtasternbattleagainstwantandhostilecircumstances。
Amongthethrong，too，cameanotherpersonage，who，withcertainpointsofsimilaritytoLawyerGiles，hadmanymoreofdifference。Itwasthevillagedoctor;amanofsomefiftyyears，whom，atanearlierperiodofhislife，weintroducedaspayingaprofessionalvisittoEthanBrandduringthelatter’ssupposedinsanity。Hewasnowapurple-visaged，rude，andbrutal，yethalf-gentlemanlyfigure，withsomethingwild，ruined，anddesperateinhistalk，andinallthedetailsofhisgestureandmanners。Brandypossessedthismanlikeanevilspirit，andmadehimassurlyandsavageasawildbeast，andasmiserableasalostsoul;buttherewassupposedtobeinhimsuchwonderfulskill，suchnativegiftsofhealing，beyondanywhichmedicalsciencecouldimpart，thatsocietycaughtholdofhim，andwouldnotlethimsinkoutofitsreach。So，swayingtoandfrouponhishorse，andgrumblingthickaccentsatthebedside，hevisitedallthesick-chambersformilesaboutamongthemountaintowns，andsometimesraisedadyingman，asitwere，bymiracle，orquiteasoften，nodoubt，senthispatienttoagravethatwasdugmanyayeartoosoon。Thedoctorhadaneverlastingpipeinhismouth，and，assomebodysaid，inallusiontohishabitofswearing，itwasalwaysalightwithhell-fire。
Thesethreeworthiespressedforward，andgreetedEthanBrandeachafterhisownfashion，earnestlyinvitinghimtopartakeofthecontentsofacertainblackbottle，inwhich，astheyaverred，hewouldfindsomethingfarbetterworthseekingthantheUnpardonableSin。Nomind，whichhaswroughtitselfbyintenseandsolitarymeditationintoahighstateofenthusiasm，canendurethekindofcontactwithlowandvulgarmodesofthoughtandfeelingtowhichEthanBrandwasnowsubjected。Itmadehimdoubt——and，strangetosay，itwasapainfuldoubt——whetherhehadindeedfoundtheUnpardonableSin，andfounditwithinhimself。Thewholequestiononwhichhehadexhaustedlife，andmorethanlife，lookedlikeadelusion。
\"Leaveme，\"hesaidbitterly，\"yebrutebeasts，thathavemadeyourselvesso，shrivellingupyoursoulswithfieryliquors！I
havedonewithyou。Yearsandyearsago，Igropedintoyourheartsandfoundnothingthereformypurpose。Getyegone！\"
\"Why，youuncivilscoundrel，\"criedthefiercedoctor，\"isthatthewayyourespondtothekindnessofyourbestfriends？Thenletmetellyouthetruth。YouhavenomorefoundtheUnpardonableSinthanyonderboyJoehas。Youarebutacrazyfellow，——Itoldyousotwentyyearsago，-neitherbetternorworsethanacrazyfellow，andthefitcompanionofoldHumphrey，here！\"
Hepointedtoanoldman，shabbilydressed，withlongwhitehair，thinvisage，andunsteadyeyes。Forsomeyearspastthisagedpersonhadbeenwanderingaboutamongthehills，inquiringofalltravellerswhomhemetforhisdaughter。Thegirl，itseemed，hadgoneoffwithacompanyofcircus-performers，andoccasionallytidingsofhercametothevillage，andfinestoriesweretoldofherglitteringappearanceassherodeonhorsebackinthering，orperformedmarvellousfeatsonthetight-rope。
Thewhite-hairedfathernowapproachedEthanBrand，andgazedunsteadilyintohisface。
\"Theytellmeyouhavebeenallovertheearth，\"saidhe，wringinghishandswithearnestness。\"Youmusthaveseenmydaughter，forshemakesagrandfigureintheworld，andeverybodygoestoseeher。Didshesendanywordtoheroldfather，orsaywhenshewascomingback？\"
EthanBrand’seyequailedbeneaththeoldman’s。Thatdaughter，fromwhomhesoearnestlydesiredawordofgreeting，wastheEstherofourtale，theverygirlwhom，withsuchcoldandremorselesspurpose，EthanBrandhadmadethesubjectofapsychologicalexperiment，andwasted，absorbed，andperhapsannihilatedhersoul，intheprocess。
\"Yes，\"hemurmured，turningawayfromthehoarywanderer，\"itisnodelusion。ThereisanUnpardonableSin！\"
Whilethesethingswerepassing，amerryscenewasgoingforwardintheareaofcheerfullight，besidethespringandbeforethedoorofthehut。Anumberoftheyouthofthevillage，youngmenandgirls，hadhurriedupthehill-side，impelledbycuriositytoseeEthanBrand，theheroofsomanyalegendfamiliartotheirchildhood。Findingnothing，however，veryremarkableinhisaspect，——nothingbutasunburntwayfarer，inplaingarbanddustyshoes，whosatlookingintothefireasifhefanciedpicturesamongthecoals，——theseyoungpeoplespeedilygrewtiredofobservinghim。Asithappened，therewasotheramusementathand。
AnoldGermanJewtravellingwithadioramaonhisback，waspassingdownthemountain-roadtowardsthevillagejustasthepartyturnedasidefromit，and，inhopesofekingouttheprofitsoftheday，theshowmanhadkeptthemcompanytothelime-kiln。
\"Come，oldDutchman，\"criedoneoftheyoungmen，\"letusseeyourpictures，ifyoucansweartheyareworthlookingat！\"
\"Ohyes，Captain，\"answeredtheJew，——whetherasamatterofcourtesyorcraft，hestyledeverybodyCaptain，——\"Ishallshowyou，indeed，someverysuperbpictures！\"
So，placinghisboxinaproperposition，heinvitedtheyoungmenandgirlstolookthroughtheglassorificesofthemachine，andproceededtoexhibitaseriesofthemostoutrageousscratchingsanddaubings，asspecimensofthefinearts，thateveranitinerantshowmanhadthefacetoimposeuponhiscircleofspectators。Thepictureswerewornout，moreover，tattered，fullofcracksandwrinkles，dingywithtobacco-smoke，andotherwiseinamostpitiablecondition。Somepurportedtobecities，publicedifices，andruinedcastlesinEurope;othersrepresentedNapoleon’sbattlesandNelson’ssea-fights;andinthemidstofthesewouldbeseenagigantic，brown，hairyhand，——whichmighthavebeenmistakenfortheHandofDestiny，though，intruth，itwasonlytheshowman’s，——pointingitsforefingertovariousscenesoftheconflict，whileitsownergavehistoricalillustrations。When，withmuchmerrimentatitsabominabledeficiencyofmerit，theexhibitionwasconcluded，theGermanbadelittleJoeputhisheadintothebox。Viewedthroughthemagnifying-glasses，theboy’sround，rosyvisageassumedthestrangestimaginableaspectofanimmenseTitanicchild，themouthgrinningbroadly，andtheeyesandeveryotherfeatureoverflowingwithfunatthejoke。Suddenly，however，thatmerryfaceturnedpale，anditsexpressionchangedtohorror，forthiseasilyimpressedandexcitablechildhadbecomesensiblethattheeyeofEthanBrandwasfixeduponhimthroughtheglass。