This
resemblance however to a Deity that is little apt to awaken lofty
sentiments in the spectator, was not displeasing, since it in some
measure relieved the sternness of an eye that penetrated like the glance
of the eagle, and that might otherwise have left an impression of too
little sympathy with the familiar weaknesses of humanity. Still the young
chief was less to be remarked by this peculiar fullness of chest, the
fruit of intervals of inaction, constant indulgence of the first wants of
nature, and a total exemption from toil, than most of those, who either
counselled in secret near, or paced the grounds about the building. In
him, it was rather a point to be admired, than a blemish; for it seemed
to say, that notwithstanding the evidences of austerity which custom, and
perhaps character, as well as rank, had gathered in his air, there was a
heart beneath that might be touched by the charities of humanity. On the
present occasion, the glances of his roving eye, though searching and
full of meaning, were evidently weakened by an expression that betrayed a
strange and unwonted confusion of mind.
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