Thus spoke the man and all became silent:  restored to good humor,
Peaceably then the people arranged their cattle and wagons. 
But when the clergyman now had heard what was said by the stranger,
And had the steadfast mind of the foreign justice discovered,
He to the man drew near and with words of meaning addressed him: 
“True it is, father, that when in prosperity people are living,
Feeding themselves from the earth, which far and wide opens her bosom,
And in the years and months renews the coveted blessings,—­
All goes on of itself, and each himself deems the wisest,
Deems the best, and so they continue abiding together,
He of greatest intelligence ranking no higher than others;
All that occurs, as if of itself, going quietly forward. 
But let disaster unsettle the usual course of existence,
Tear down the buildings about us, lay waste the crops and the garden,
Banish the husband and wife from their old, familiar-grown dwelling,
Drive them to wander abroad through nights and days of privation,—­
Then, ah then! we look round us to see what man is the wisest,
And no longer in vain his glorious words will be spoken. 
Tell me, art thou not judge among this fugitive people,
Father, who thus in an instant canst bid their passions be quiet? 
Thou dost appear to-day as one of those earliest leaders,
Who through deserts and wanderings guided the emigrant nations. 
Yea, I could even believe I were speaking with Joshua or Moses.”

Then with serious look the magistrate answered him, saying: 
“Truly our times might well be compared with all others in strangeness,
Which are in history mentioned, profane or sacred tradition;
For who has yesterday lived and to-day in times like the present,
He has already lived years, events are so crowded together. 
If I look back but a little, it seems that my head must be hoary
Under the burden of years, and yet my strength is still active. 
Well may we of this day compare ourselves unto that people
Who, from the burning bush, beheld in the hour of their danger
God the Lord:  we also in cloud and in fire have beheld him.”

Seeing the priest was inclined to speak yet more with the stranger,
And was desirous of learning his story and that of his people,
Privately into his ear his companion hastily whispered: 
“Talk with the magistrate further, and lead him to speak of the maiden. 
I, however, will wander in search, and as soon as I find her,
Come and report to thee here.”  The minister nodded, assenting;
And through the gardens, hedges, and barns, went the spy on his errand.

CLIO

THE AGE