Behemont, a Legend of Mound-Builders #229004

Emotion. It matters not to us whether they dwelt undersa monarchical or popular form of polity Lidw'hether king or council ruled their realms; nor, in fine, what was their exact out ward condition. It is enough for us to know, and enough for our humanity to inquire, that they existed, toiled, felt and suffered; that to' them fell, in these pleasant regions, their portion ofthe common heritage of our race, and that around those ancient hearth-stones, washed to light on the banks of the far western rivers, once gossipedand enjoyed life, a nation that has utter~ ly faded'away. We are moved deeply in looking I' upon their mortuary remains — those disinterred and stately skeletons — for we know that they once full of human impulses, and heads warm with J. Mortal schemes and fancies. Of this, History could make us no surer. Over the earth where they lrepose,'purple flowers spring up, and with j the brilliancy of their hues, and the sweetness of their breath, give a splendor and fragrance to the air. This touches him as deeply, the author must confess, and seems to his hntravelledeyes' as beautiful'as any thing he can. Read of Athens, of.