42 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER, 
would be interesting, at least, if not instructive, 
to listen to such an array of inapt instances. 
P'rom the practical experience which we had in 
threading the dark and slimy fens of that quaking 
slough it will require a mighty array of logic to 
brush the mud from our garments and get its 
stench out of our nostrils, and transform it into 
a paradise of wisdom and beauty.” 
“ Yet it has been done in my case, at least,” 
said Milton; “ and my experience gives the 
hope that even one as sceptical as you are may 
be led to cherish a different view of that which 
is now so repulsive. Nature in its most un¬ 
promising external aspects ever conceals gems 
of creative beauty, which quickened and illu¬ 
mined eyes will search out, and the delighted 
soul enjoy. I will ask my father to repeat his 
sketch of the dismal swamp as connected with 
his own studies and experience, for it has had a 
marked influence on his mental and moral train¬ 
ing. It was the subject of one of our evening 
conversations, and was to us an exceedingly 
interesting discussion.” 
Both of the young men expressed a strong 
desire to listen to this rehearsal, feeling sure 
that if it did not bring conviction as to the truth 
