Her voice and the
magnificent landscape charmed him. When released from the spell he said,
"Yes, dear, you have this day hung a never-to-be-forgotten picture in my
memory. I shall always remember the arching elms, white gables, college
towers, and spires pointing heavenward that mark the towns in this
historic and lovely intervale. I seem to hear far off sounds of busy
people, thrifty mills, and successful railways. These reveal the secret
of New England's power at home and abroad. The greatness of this people
springs from their respect for, and practice of, the virtues so long
taught in their schools and churches; viz., honesty, industry, economy,
love of liberty, and belief in God. Here can be found inspirations for
poet, painter, and sculptor."
How glorious the picture as the two young lovers looked out upon the
world of promise! It was well thus, for much too soon in life, humanity
experiences the same old story of unsatisfied ambitions and weary
struggles after the unattainable.
Thus a happy summer afternoon was enjoyed till the sun hid his face
behind the western hills. Clouds floated low on the horizon, revealing
behind the gold and purple to ambitious souls the indistinct outlines
of a gorgeous temple of fame; and birds of rich plumage among the
mountain foliage were lulled to sleep by their own sweet songs.
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