my passionate youth, I gathered wisdom. I have seen so much that I have ceased to wonder. However we doubt, there is a mystery beyond our penetration. And yet ‘tis near our grasp. I sometimes deem a step, a single step, would launch us into light. Here comes my patient. The rose has left his cheek, and his deep brow is wan and melancholy. Yet ‘tis a glorious visage, Meditation’s throne; and Passion lingers in that languid eye. I know not why, a strong attraction draws me to this lone child.
‘Gentle stranger, how fares it with thee?’
‘Very well, my lord. I come to thank thee for all thy goodness. My only thanks are words, and those too weak; and yet the orphan’s blessing is a treasure.’
‘You are an orphan, then’
‘I have no parent but my father’s God.’
‘And that God is——’
‘The God of Israel.’
‘So I deemed. He is a Deity we all must honour; if he be the great Creator whom we all allow.’
‘He is what he is, and we are what we are, a fallen people, but faithful still.’
‘Fidelity is strength.’
‘Thy words are truth, and strength must triumph.’
‘A prophecy!’
‘Many a prophet is little honoured, till the future proves his inspiration.’
‘You are young and sanguine.’
‘So was my ancestor within the vale of Elah. But I speak unto a Moslem, and this is foolishness.’
‘I have read something, and can take your drift. As for my faith, I believe in truth, and wish all men to do the same. By-the-bye, might I inquire the name of him who is the inmate of my house?’
‘They call me David.’
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