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。