CELESTIAL SCENERY. 445 



for this that the moonlight is so dear to one who seeks 

 seclusion in an hour of night that cannot be devoted to 

 rest. Twilight partakes of the same quality, but in a 

 less degree. It is more diffused, having no shadows un- 

 der which an object might be concealed, while its light is 

 of less avail to the wanderer. Moonlight, above all other 

 kinds of light, is therefore the comfort of those who seek 

 concealment that they may enjoy an hour of freedom; 

 who would meditate awhile without interruption, or hold 

 sacred intercourse with a companion whom it would be 

 imprudent to meet under the broad light of day. Hence 

 those who are cheerful and those who are depressed, 

 and those who are anxious and afflicted, hail the light 

 of the moon with gladness and her placid countenance 

 with veneration. 



To comprehend the full glory and beauty of moonlight, 

 it must be seen at one time upon the calm surface of a 

 lake and again upon the ruffled tide of the ocean. In 

 one case, it images its own serenity upon the placid 

 mirror ; in the other, it forms a beautiful contrast with 

 the agitated state of the waves, the peace of heaven 

 opposed to the distracted condition of the inhabitants of 

 the earth. 



The light of the moon is seldom iridescent. Her radi- 

 ance is mostly of a pure whiteness. When her light falls 

 upon the clouds they assume no gorgeous colors ; they 

 display that silvery light only that symbolizes purity. 

 She often wears a corona, and gives thereby a prophetic 

 signal to the laborers, who bless the token as the omen of 

 refreshing showers. This corona is projected upon the 

 highest clouds, and indicates the prevalence of moisture 

 in the upper part of the atmosphere. No such appear- 

 ance is impressed at any time upon the lower clouds. 

 The lunar rainbow is a beautiful but rare phenomenon, 

 which I have seen only once in my life. 



