Page:The Harveian oration delivered at the Royal College of Physicians June 26, 1889 (IA b22361285).pdf/18

 hailed as a miracle and an omen, and its meaning is thus given to us by the learned Dr. Horst. This eminent physician explains the phenomenon by telling us that at the birth of the child the Sun Avas in conjunction with Saturn, at the sign of Aries; that the golden tooth was the herald of a golden age. The Doctor also says, the matter is clearly alluded to by Daniel, in his well-known second chapter, where the prophet speaks of a statue with a golden head. When things were thus, as years rolled on, sceptics and scoffers arose—rude men asking awkward questions, and some of these could be silenced by the frown of authority; but there were also, very fortunately, rude men of another kind—brave, bold men, who could not be frowned down—and all honour to them, for it is through them that we are free.

These men were considered Avicked and unbelieving, but they had something within them that nourished their strength, something which Avhispered to them through days of toil and nights of thought, that their mission was high, for truth was inscribed on their banner; and while on the one hand they modestly believed wellnigh all things possible, on the other boldly refused to