Some few believe that this inestimable stone is blazing as of old , and say that they have caught its radiance , like a flash of summer lightning , far down the valley of the Saco . And be it owned that many a mile from the Crystal Hills I saw a wondrous light around their summits , and was lured by the faith of poesy to be the latest pilgrim of the Great Carbuncle . THE PROPHETIC PICTURES . -LSB- 1 -RSB- `` But this painter ! '' cried Walter Ludlow , with animation . `` He not only excels in his peculiar art , but possesses vast acquirements in all other learning and science . He talks Hebrew with Dr. Mather and gives lectures in anatomy to Dr. Boylston . In a word , he will meet the best-instructed man among us on his own ground . Moreover , he is a polished gentleman , a citizen of the world -- yes , a true cosmopolite ; for he will speak like a native of each clime and country on the globe , except our own forests , whither he is now going . Nor is all this what I most admire in him . '' -LSB- Footnote 1 : This story was suggested by an anecdote of Stuart related in Dunlap 's History of the Arts of Designs -- a most entertaining book to the general reader , and a deeply-interesting one , we should think , to the artist . -RSB- `` Indeed ! '' said Elinor , who had listened with a women 's interest to the description of such a man . `` Yet this is admirable enough . '' `` Surely it is , '' replied her lover , `` but far less so than his natural gift of adapting himself to every variety of character , insomuch that all men -- and all women too , Elinor -- shall find a mirror of themselves in this wonderful painter . But the greatest wonder is yet to be told . '' `` Nay , if he have more wonderful attributes than these , '' said Elinor , laughing , `` Boston is a perilous abode for the poor gentleman . Are you telling me of a painter , or a wizard ? '' `` In truth , '' answered he , `` that question might be asked much more seriously than you suppose . They say that he paints not merely a man 's features , but his mind and heart .
He catches the secret sentiments and passions and throws them upon the canvas like sunshine , or perhaps , in the portraits of dark-souled men , like a gleam XXXXX infernal fire .
by except for from if in like of on than