HEARIMQ AMD SEEWG, A VISION. 239 



tbe trees were laden with fruit of all kinds, and tbe whole was vocal 

 with the dulcet strains of numberless birds, smaller and more beautiful 

 than any I had ever seen. I proceeded onwards till I came to a part 

 more neatlv arranged than the rest, and whicli had evident marks of 

 beinff inhabited ; as I looked around, I saw a venerable old man seated 

 by the side of a narrow rivulet; his hair was of silvery hue, and hung 

 down over his shoulders; his beard was long, and of a snowy whiteness ; his 

 features were regular and beautiful, and in his dark penetrating eye there 

 was a mass of intelligence that at once bespoke the treasures of his mmd. 

 I paused when I saw him ; his eyes were directed downwards, but as if 

 intuitively sensible of my approach, he raised them, and made a sign to 

 me to come and sit near him. I instantly obeyed. ^ „ . ,, 



"My son," said he, " know that this is the valley of reflection ; all 

 who enter here, acquire a serene and contemplative mood of m ind, 

 which above all meaner things is conducive to true happiness. I am the 

 genius of the place. I know what has been engaging your thoughts : you 

 Ire thinking whether Hearing or Seeing is the superior sense. I am now 

 old, and know many things : listen, and I will tell a story which will re- 

 lieve vou from vour doubts. 



" In times of old, when each of the senses had a separate will of its 

 own, and when all possessed the powers of speech, a question as to 

 precedency once arose between two of the senses. Hearing and Seeing. 

 The former asserted its claims to pre-eminence with all the determination 

 and obstinacy that a feeling of conscious superiority could inspire ; while 

 the latter was just as bold and vehement in advancing its own preten- 

 sions. Long had the dispute continued ; much ingenious reasoning and 

 eloquent declamation were displayed on both sides ; but from the want of 

 any superior tribunal to appeal to, it did not seem likely that matters 

 could be brought to any final adjustment. At length, finding that nothing 

 conclusive was likely to result from such a species of undisciphned logo- 

 machy, they mutually agreed to appoint an umpire to decide between 

 them. ' Reason was unanimously chosen, and they pledged themselves to 

 remain satisfied with whatever decision she might pronounce. Night 

 was selected as the most tranquil season for carrying on the trial ; and 

 following the example of the Areopagus, they resolved to conduct their 

 proceedings in the dark. But now I think of it," said he. " the trial is 

 going on at this moment— many times had they attempted to carry it on, 

 but still from some mismanagement on the part of the disputants, they 

 were unable to proceed. Reason at length, tired of so many interrup- 

 tions, refused to attend again; many years elapsed, till at last, urged on 

 by their importunities, she consented to sit once more, and I think, if I 

 mistake not, the discussion is now commencing. Follow me," said he, 

 "and attend." The old man waved a long white wand, which he bore in his 

 right hand, and instantly the whole scene was changed to what shall be 



described forthwith. , , , , „ , , , , 



'Twas now the dead of night. The black funeral pall of that sable 

 goddess, spread out from heaven, had enveloped the earth in its dusky 

 folds ; a solemn silence reigned over the world, unbroken save at in- 

 tervals by the melancholy hooting of the lonely owl ; ever and anon 

 a pallid flicker of light flared instantaneously across the heavens, as if 

 the meteoric emanation of some of the heavenly orbs, as they roUea 



