oud of the
lovely land which they have chosen for a refuge! If iron resolution,
scorn of delights and contempt of death could do it, they would
accomplish the emprise--_mais l'homme propose et Dieu dispose_.
Without the directing mind and sustaining arm of the source of all
wisdom and power, in vain is the labor of man. Ruin and disgrace shall
overwhelm all undertakings not founded on the Rock of Ages. With what
great events teems the bosom of futurity? O, that my eyes could pierce
the misty distance; that my dim presaging soul could behold the
stately advance of the coming centuries, whose sounding feet I fancy
that I can hear! Bear they in their hands weal or woe to humanity?
Hath the creative energy set a limit, beyond which the tide of human
accomplishment, like the hidden power in yonder heaving ocean, may not
rise; but, having reached its destined apex, must, with hoarse
murmurs, recoil back upon itself in disordered fragments?--or in these
later times, when men were ripe for the blessing, revealed to the
world these virgin regions, separated from the vices of Europe and of
the East by a mighty sea, here to recommence that experiment which
hath partially failed elsewhere, and imparted sufficient measure of
His spirit to chosen instruments to work out the problem of human
happiness, and to conduct mankind to heights of felicity, beginning
here and never ending?--the bare contemplation whereof causes my flesh
to quiver with delight."

As he uttered these words, forgetful of his situation, he stuck the
spurs into his horse's flanks, and the astonished animal started with
a bound. It was then the consummate address wherewith the stranger
sat, his horse specially exhibited itself. As if the feeling of the
startled steed were instantly communicated to himself; and one spirit
animated both, his body bent gently forward in the saddle, catching at
once the motion, and accommodating itself thereto, so that the rider
appeared as firmly fastened, and as much at his ease, as though he
were a part of the animal. After half a dozen plunges, and some
soothing words, the excited horse having expressed his displeasure by
snorts, frequent and loud at first, but gradually decreasing in
rapidity and loudness, yielded to the strong arm of his master, and
reduced his pace to the long trot at which he had before proceeded.

"My noble Mourad," said the rider, patting the steed's neck, and
addressing him as if capable of understanding la