my mortal part will nestle on the bosom of corruption, its second mother."

Thus did this good man unburden the feelings of his heart, until the approaching darkness and falling dew warned us to seek the shelter of our inns. He leaned upon my arm until we reached the foot of the hill, promising to relate to me on the morrow more particulars of his eventful life. We parted. That night my dreams were confused; for they were about a sinful fleeting world, and one that is sinless and eternal.

The next day I saw a funeral procession move slowly to the village church-yard. It was composed of a few humane Christians, and the family of the inn-keeper, — but there was not one mourner there. The sunset of that evening was beautiful as ever, but the unknown old man was unconscious of its

glories. Truly hath the poet said,

"We

we love,

THE PAINTER'S DREAM.

SUMMER was in its prime. Weary with the hunt, I had lain down to rest on the shady side of a gentle hill. I gazed upon the blue sky, and fancied it was an ocean, beyond which the broad and beautiful fields of heaven were basking beneath the smiles of God. A few white feathery clouds were floating there, and they seemed to me to be a fleet returning to their home of peace. In the dark regions of night, they had fought and conquered the enemy; and now, laden with redeemed souls, were hastening to the haven of eternal rest. Fancy, which had pictured this image, was gone, and I saw nothing, save an eagle play

ing with his mate above the trees of the forest. I slumbered, and was a dreamer.

--

A breath of air, fragrant as the perfume of Arabia, swept across my senses, and I saw a spirit bending over me with a smile, whose element was love. And these were the words she spoke, in a voice soft and clear as the fall of waters, when heard from afar:-"Mortal, I am one of the spirits of Nature, and my office is to guard and preserve those of her works which are grand and beautiful. Since thou wert a child, I have watched thy progress through life with interest; for I knew that thou didst possess a heart which could appreciate the workmanship of Nature's hands. Many a time when thou hast sighed because of the heartlessness of men, and felt that thou wert friendless and alone, I have hovered near, and whispered in thy ear not to despair, but to be more devoted to the study of Nature and her Creator. Thou hast listened to me, and gone into the busy world a wiser and better

man.

"This morning, when thou camest into the

woods to hunt, I was with thee; and it was my will which caused slumber to seal thine eyelids. My object was, to transport thee to the nest of an eagle, that thou mightst from that great height behold four grand pictures, which hang in the gallery of my queen."

She ceased, and with the speed of thought we passed to the nest of the eagle. Taking my hand, and unfolding her wings of light, she then said to me:

"Other mortals desire my presence, and I must depart. When thou hast gazed thy fill, thou hast but to express the wish in a whisper, and thou wilt be upon the earth again. Farewell."

I know not how it was, but it seemed to me that I reclined on air. Just beneath me, so that I could almost touch it, hung the airy habitation of the king of birds. In it, the female was nestled with her young. Upon a limb near by, the male sat watching, though with a drowsy eye. At times, he was wide awake, but he heeded me not. It was passing strange!

Midnight. Around me, far as the eye can reach, is a wild, uncultivated wilderness. Before me lies spread out a vast and naked prai- · rie. On the right, a mighty river sweeps onward to the sea. On the left, a range of mountains rise up, which seem like a vast caravan, moving to the south. The moon has compassed the heavens, and is near her setting. A thousand stars are by her side. She gilds with silver the leaves, the waves, and distant hills. On the further bank of yonder stream I can just discern an Indian village. Every voice within it is hushed. The warrior, asleep upon his mat, is dreaming of a new victory lost or won, the youth is dreaming of the dark-eyed maiden whom he loves, and the child is dreaming of the toys of yesterday. The pale face has not yet trespassed upon their rights; and as they are at peace with the Great Spirit, they are contented and happy. Would they might thus remain, until, according to the decrees of nature, they should pass into futurity!

How impressive is this scene! how holy is