NATURE AND HER HARMONIES. 31 



is easier to go round it than to cut through it. And there, 

 behold a mountain pebble in the way ; see how the road is 

 made to sweep in a free curve round the base. 



Lay now that small stone across the narrow way ! See ! 

 The common herd the stream of dull-eyed laborers how 

 they are confounded by the interruption. They fall back upon 

 each other all is confusion. The precious burdens they 

 bore with so much care, are dropped to and fro they run 

 all is consternation and alarm. 



But look ! That portly, lazy fellow, who seemed to have 

 nothing to do but to strut back and forth in the sun, now 

 wakes up. He rushes to the scene. All give way from 

 his path, and close crowdingly in his wake. He is one 

 evidently having authority. He climbs upon the stone ; 

 runs over it rapidly ; measures it with his antennas ; and 

 down he glides among the still, expectant crowd. Here, 

 there, yonder, everywhere, in a moment he selects among 

 the multitude those best fitted for the purpose with which 

 his sagacious head is full touches them with the antennas 

 of command, and each one, obedient, hurries to the stone. 



No more confusion every one is in his place awaiting 

 orders, not daring to begin yet. He is back now to the 

 stone. The signal is given ! Each of the selected workers 

 lay hold of it. See, how they tug and strain ! 



What ? Not strength enough. An additional number are 

 chosen. They seize hold. Now they move it ! My lord, the 

 overseer does not put a hand to it himself, or a pincer either, 

 but, see how he plays round, keeps the crowd out of the 

 way, and directs the whole. 



It is done ! The stone is rolled out from the highway, 

 and we will not put another one on it; it is cruel thus 

 to use our giant's strength like a giant, and we are satis- 

 fled. The little laborers resume their burdens ; away they 

 go streaming on to the citadel ; while the great man re- 

 lapses suddenly into the old air of sluggish dignity. 



But follow that road ; it leads an hundred yards clearly 



