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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