He stopped for a short time and then returned; "with these sentiments I dressed myself in the peasant's clothes, which were so hateful to me, our friend quitted me, as you know, and I went with his son up into the mountains. Florentine jested about our expedition, I was much vexed at and ashamed of my purpose. When we advanced farther into the mountains, some figures glided before us on the solitary footpath, we followed the direction they took, and arrived with them in about half an hour at a lonely barn. They knocked; it was opened to us. I cannot describe the feeling with which I entered into this rustic assembly. It was a loathing of mind and body. Some were kneeling, others were standing praying, I approached the latter and tried to imitate them. Everything went on quietly, all eyes were bent on the ground, a few old women only muttered their psalms between their teeth. All at once a boy about eight years old fell down as if in convulsions. My repugnance was at its highest pitch, for now I saw before me the deformed spectacle, the relation of which had for many years previously excited my liveliest indignation. The child's breast heaved, he leaped up, and threw himself down again, and I thought to have distinctly perceived the voluntary exertion. All the faithful, hoping and comforted, turned upon him their eyes. Never in my life had I more self-possession, never was I so rock-firm in my conviction; my thoughts became more and more irritated, I only wished myself back again, in order to give free vent to my hatred. Suddenly the child exclaimed in a hoarse voice: 'verily I bless ye, ye shall be blessed!'--Now in the stream which flowed incessantly, came innumerable prayers and exhortations as well as passages from the holy scriptures and their explanation, all in reference to existing circumstances. I was still more astounded, when the boy cried out: 'Beware my brethren; for two traitors have made their way into the assembly, who intend you evil.' I looked up, young Vila turned pale, he was standing at the door, and slipped out, when it was opened to new comers. 'One is escaped,' groaned the child as he still lay with his eyes and senses closed, 'but the second mocker is still present, he knows not that I, the Lord, have led him hither, that he may become one of mine.' I was terrified, my inmost soul was moved and emotions rose in my heart, which I had never experienced before. They began to sing psalms, and however discordant they may have sounded, they made no unpleasant impression on me, my mind followed the glorious words? the misfortune of these desolate creatures, their contrition before the Lord, the fearful haughtiness of their adversaries, vibrated and shrieked heartrendingly in this unharmonious lamentation; it appeared to me absurd that until now harmony had been necessary to me when I wished to raise my heart in prayer. Does not the universal lament of creation strike on his ear? Do not praise and thanksgivings with tears