Another slight movement, and one saw the
upper portions of the form of the late slumberer; 'a graceful
composition in one of Nature's happiest moments.' It was indeed
difficult properly to estimate either the beauty of his proportions or
their amazing strength. The most celebrated sculptors of Europe had made
pilgrimages across the sea to refresh their perceptions by gazing upon a
figure which, even in the unclassic habiliments of modern dress, caused
the Apollo to resemble a plowboy; and the athletes of both hemispheres
had, singly, and in pairs, and even in triplets, measured their powers
vainly against his unaided arms. To keep ten fifty-sixes in the air for
an hour at a time was to him the merest trifle; but the _ennui_ of such
diversions had long since crept upon him, and only on occasions of the
extremest urgency did he exercise any other faculties than those of the
will. In compliance with an effort of the latter nature, his favorite
servant now entered the apartment. The Rev. Geo. Langford had but a
moment before been deeply engaged in solving the problem of the fourth
satellite of Jupiter, when a sharp, tingling sensation in the rear of
his brain convinced him that a master will desired his attendance.
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