THE DIVINE ABYSS 



selves everywhere, and give that look of repose 

 and security characteristic of the scene. The rocky 

 forces always seem to retreat in good order be- 

 fore the onslaught of time; there is neither rout 

 nor confusion; everywhere they present a calm up- 

 right front to the foe. And the fallen from their 

 ranks, where are they? A cleaner battlefield between 

 the forces of nature one rarely sees. 



The weaker portions are, of course, constantly 

 giving way. The elements incessantly lay siege to 

 these fortresses and take advantage of every flaw 

 or unguarded point, so that what stands has been 

 seven times, yea, seventy times seven times tested, 

 and hence gives the impression of impregnable 

 strength. The angles and curves, the terraces and 

 foundations, seem to be the work of some master 

 engineer, with only here and there a toppling rock. 



I was puzzled to explain to myself the reason of a 

 certain friendly and familiar look which the great 

 abyss had for me. One sees or feels at a glance that 

 it was not born of the throes and convulsions of na- 

 ture — of earthquake shock or volcanic explosion. 

 It does not suggest the crush of matter and the wreck 

 of worlds. Clearly it is the work of the more gentle 

 and beneficent forces. This probably accounts for 

 the friendly look. Some of the inner slopes and 

 plateaus seemed like familiar ground to me: I must 

 have played upon them when a school-boy. Bright 

 Angel Creek, for some inexplicable reason, recalled 



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