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44 was not more spiritual than the depths of his large blue eyes; and the rain that had washed his hair only gave even more glossiness to the light auburn waves that shadowed a forehead whose flowing line was that of genius and of grace: it was a face and figure to which the mind gave power, and whose slight and delicate proportions had been effeminate but for the strength which is of the spirit.

Successful daring makes its own way; and when the dangerous bend of the river was passed, and the wind had gradually wailed itself to rest like a passionate child, his boatmen were as elated as if the triumph had been their own. They reached the landing-place, ruled by an old oak, beneath whose shade the sea-kings must have stood: the crew went on to the little village, whose houses were already those of promise; while Edward loitered after, languid with the luxury of exertion, and the softness of the now lulled and lovely night. The moon was yet very young—that clear diamond crescent which looks as if undimmed by the sorrows, or unsullied by the crimes, which will fill even the brief period of her reign over earth: but there was ample light to show his way across a vast field, where every step he took filled the air