It is the moment when every thing is distinct, even the
atmosphere seeming to possess a liquid lucidity, the hues appearing
gray and softened, with the outlines of objects defined, and
the perspective just as moral truths that are presented in their
simplicity, without the meretricious aids of ornament or glitter.
In a word, it is the moment when the senses seem to recover their
powers, in the simplest and most accurate forms, like the mind
emerging from the obscurity of doubts into the tranquility and peace
of demonstration. Most of the influence that such a scene is apt
to produce on those who are properly constituted in a moral sense,
was lost on Hutter and Hurry; but both the Delawares, though too
much accustomed to witness the loveliness of morning-tide to stop
to analyze their feelings, were equally sensible of the beauties
of the hour, though it was probably in a way unknown to themselves.
It disposed the young warrior to peace, and never had he felt less
longings for the glory of the combat, than when he joined Hist
in the cabin, the instant the scow rubbed against the side of the
platform. From the indulgence of such gentle emotions, however,
he was aroused by a rude summons from Hurry, who called on him to
come forth and help to take in the sail, and to secure the Ark.
Pages:
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568