Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/176

Rh which God, in His own dispensation, had seen fit to place before his eyes, that he might again see the handiwork of Him who made the stars, the world, and all that is therein.

"My ecstasy in the beauty of the scene before me was caught up by the spirit of George, thus making him an object worthy of a poet's pen—worthy of lasting remembrance."

On another occasion, December 3d, I find myself saying, "The aurora commenced its fantastic dances at 5 It now stretches its arch across the heavens from S.E. to W. the whole southerly of the vessel. Though not at first so, yet now their base is of prismatic colours. I know of no phenomenon more deeply interesting than that which is to be seen here every fair night in the aurora."

Again, on another morning, December 17th, at six o'clock, I write, "The heavens are beaming with aurora. The appearance of this phenomenon is quite changed from what it has been. Now the aurora shoots up in beams scattered over the whole canopy, all tending to meet at zenith. How multitudinous are the scenes presented in one hour by the aurora! This morning the changes are very rapid and magnificent. Casting the eye in one direction, I view the instantaneous flash of the aurora shooting up and spreading out its beautiful rays, gliding this way, then returning, swinging to and fro like the pendulum of a mighty clock. I cast my eyes to another point; there instantaneous changes are going on. I close my eyes for a moment; the scene has changed for another of seemingly greater beauty. In truth, if one were to catch the glowing heavens at each instant now passing, his varied views would number thousands in one hour. Who but God could conceive such infinite scenes of glory? Who but God execute them, painting the heavens in such gorgeous display?"

At another time the aurora presented a new phase, rays shooting athwart the south-western sky parallel with the horizon.

Later still, March 11th, I say: "It seemeth to me as if the very doors of heaven have been opened to-night, so mighty,