length of upland. Beneath his gaze the dew-fogs dipped, and crept to crept to the hollow
places; then stole away in line and column, holding skirts, and clinging subtly at the
sheltering corners where rock hung over grassland, while the brave lines of the hills came
forth, one beyond other gliding.
The woods arose in folds, like drapery of awakened mountains, stately with a depth of awe,
and memory of the tempests. Autumn’s mellow hand was upon them, as they owned already,
touched with gold and red and olive, and their joy towards the sun was less to a bridegroom
than a father.
Yet before the floating impress of the woods could clear it self, suddenly the gladsome light
leaped over hill and valley, casting amber, blue, and purple, and a tint of rich red rose;
according to the scene they lit on, and the curtain flung around; yet all alike dispelling
fear and the cloven hoof of darkness, all on the wings of hope advancing, and proclaiming, “
God is here!” then life and joy sprang reassured from every crouching hollow; every flower,
and bud and bird had a fluttering sense of them; and all the flashing of God’s gaze merged
into soft beneficence.
So, perhaps, shall break upon us that eternal morning, when crag and chasm shall be no more,
neither hill and valley, nor great unvintaged ocean; but all things shall arise, and shine in
the light of the Father’s countenance, because itself is risen.
