the thoughts of
God, as it were like a perfume. See! the angry billows which engulf the
ships laden with men seem to us, where we are, mere bubbles; and if we
raise our eyes and look above, all there is blue. Behold that diadem of
stars! Here the tints of earthly impressions disappear; standing on this
nature rarefied by space do you not feel within you something deeper far
than mind, grander than enthusiasm, of greater energy than will? Are you
not conscious of emotions whose interpretation is no longer in us? Do
you not feel your pinions? Let us pray."

Seraphitus knelt down and crossed his hands upon his breast, while Minna
fell, weeping, on her knees. Thus they remained for a time, while
the azure dome above their heads grew larger and strong rays of light
enveloped them without their knowledge.

"Why dost thou not weep when I weep?" said Minna, in a broken voice.

"They who are all spirit do not weep," replied Seraphitus rising; "Why
should I weep? I see no longer human wretchedness. Here, Good appears
in all its majesty. There, beneath us, I hear the supplications and the
wailings of that harp of sorrows which vibrates in the hands of captive
souls. Here, I listen to the choir of harps harmonious. There, below,
is hope, the glorious inception of faith; but here is faith--it reigns,
hope realized!"

"You will never love me; I am too imperfect; you disdain me," said the
young girl.

"Minna, the violet hidden at the feet of the oak whispers to itself:
'The sun does not love me; he comes not.' The sun says: 'If my rays
shine upon her she will perish, poor flower.' Friend of the flower, he
sends his beams through the oak leaves, he veils, he tempers them, and
thus they color the petals of his beloved. I have not veils enough,
I fear lest you see me too closely; you would tremble if you knew me
better. Listen: I have no taste for earthly fruits. Your joys, I know
them all too well, and, like the sated emperors of pagan Rome, I have
reached disgust of all things; I have received the gift of vision. Leave
me! abandon me!" he murmured, sorrowfully.

Seraphitus turned and seated himself on a projecting rock, dropping his
head upon his breast.

"Why do you drive me to despair?" said Minna.

"Go, go!" cried Seraphitus, "I have nothing that you want of me. Your
love is too earthly for my love. Why do you not love Wilfrid? Wilfrid is
a man, tested by passions; he would clasp you in his vigorous arms and
make you feel