462 THE MOUNTAIN. 



senses; the atmosphere is no longer an invisible element 

 of power, the terrible stream of a viewless river, or even 

 a gently flowing current of azure air, but the crystalline 

 wave is now visible and tangible in a new sense and atti- 

 tude, and lies against the hill a glowing cloud of purple 

 light, or bends over the mountain-top like a regal mantle 

 that you could lift, as the "babe thinks it can play with 

 heaven's rainbow." The enchantment is permeating, dis- 

 solving, and ecstatic ; that invisible and wonderful air is 

 visible; the great storm-king, from uprooting forests, de- 

 stroying cities and navies, lies down upon the mountain 

 slope, like a weary lion, to sleep. Nature, glad with his 

 repose, and sympathizing with the drowsy giant, hushes all 

 her voices, and he dreams, 



"Als still is his luke, and als still is his e'e, 

 Als the stillnesse that lay on the emerant lee, 

 Or the myst that sleips on ane ^aveless sea." 



