NATURE'S PEACEFUL SWAY. 247 



see the various shifts, artifices, and means provided 

 to secure the different species from destruction, and 

 to preserve the necessary balance, we shall be able 

 to trace the hand of an infinitely wise creator and 

 preserver of the world. That he intended we 

 should examine and enquire into them, there can 

 be no doubt. His exquisite workmanship is a proof 

 of his power, and the care he takes of his creatures, 

 shews his unbounded watchfulness and love. 



In discourses such as these, they beguiled the 

 time, and were surprised to find how swiftly it past 

 away. Even Mr. Hilary (the most inveterate Lon- 

 doner of the two), acknowledged the charm of the 

 beautiful scenery through which they passed, enli- 

 vened as it was by the intellectual conversation of 

 their host. Arrived at the parsonage, Mr. Hilary 

 and Dr. Hastings entered : while Mr. Eames, who 

 was not inclined to follow their example, retraced 

 his path, ' with measured step and slow,' along the 

 the margin of the brook. Throwing himself down 

 on the grassy bank, he indulged in one of those 

 day-dreams which are never enjoyed but by the 

 imaginative and the gifted. 



The love of nature (inherent in every bosom) 

 long slumbering in that of the speculative man of 

 the world, at last made itself felt. Hardly con- 

 scious of the feelings that were swelling in his 

 breast, he after an hour's silent musing on he knew 

 not what, gave vent to them in the following lines. 



