7992. the\meuntain and grottoes, a vision. 27t 
and I could perceive among the higher precipices, 
vast flocks of vultures, harpies, and other birds of 
prey, immensely larger than ary I had ever seen, 
that darkened the air with their flight, or were 
perched upon the highest prmnacles ; and by the wild- 
nefs of their screams, and the dreadful clapping of 
their wings, seemed to threaten the traveller with 
instant destruction. 
What added to my terror, was, that upon a long- 
er inspection, I observed numbers of these: frightful 
birds darting on the ground, and rising again with 
redoubled clamour, 
In fhort I had determined to return, when, at a 
small distance, I beheld a female figure approaching 
towards me ; the was arrayed in garments more re- 
splendent than a summer’s morn; her right hand bore 
a fhining sceptre; and in her gesture and counte- 
nance, there was something wonderfully elevated 
and sublime, tempered, at the same time, with se 
much sweetnefs, that though I was struck with awe, 
as fhe drew nearer, I felt, neverthelefs, inexprefsible 
emotions of pleasure and of joy. 
While I stood intranced in admiration, the celes- 
tial stranger thus addrefsed me: ‘‘ Happy mortal ! 
in me behold the genius of Wisdom. I am sent for 
your instruction, and thrice happy will you be if 
you listen to my precepts. The mountain on which 
you now stand, is human life ; and these precipices, 
caverns, and thickets, are the various misfortunes and 
dangers to which it is subjected ; as the serpents and 
birds of prey, which strike you with such terror,. 
are the destructive Pafsions that so much infest this 
