408 JOHN DUNCAN, WEAVER AND BOTANIST. 



" Early had he learned 

 To reverence the volume that displays 

 The mystery, the life which cannot die ; 

 But in the mountains did he/^/ his faith. 

 All things, responsive to the writing, there 

 Breathed immortality, revolving life 

 And quietness still revolving ; infinite : 

 There littleness was not ; the least of things 

 Seemed infinite ; and there his spirit shaped 

 Her prospects ; nor did he believe he saw." 



After resting for a space in such "still communion," 

 generated by " the blessed time " and his dear life com- 

 panions, that smiled to greet him all around, he rose to 

 continue his journey. But in doing so, a strange and new 

 sensation swam round his heart for an instant ; then all 

 became blank, and he fell to the ground insensible. There 

 he lay for some time, unnoticed by any one, for the way 

 he had come was little trodden. By-and-by, with a be- 

 wildered feeling, he slowly revived. Gazing round, he recalled 

 his position, and with difficulty rose to his feet. He was 

 obliged to seat himself again, but, after some rest, regained 

 sufficient strength to totter towards the church, for it was 

 the Sacrament day a holy time he would not lose, unless 

 compelled by sheer weakness. The sick man crawled along 

 the road, till his pale appearance and weak steps were 

 observed by the schoolmaster, Mr. Reid. He ran to his 

 assistance, compelled him, in real alarm, to sit down, and 

 brought him some needed brandy. This friendly draught 

 revived him much, and, in spite of remonstrance, with his 

 usual determination he insisted on going on to church. 

 Mr. Reid, seeing his weakness, kindly got his phaeton 

 ready ; and, seated beside him, the old man was carried pale 



