Were heightened, and they showed plainly in his face. In a low, excited voice,

the hermit continued:

'I see you feel my atmosphere! There's awe in your face! None may be in this

Atmosphere and not be thus affected; for it is the very atmosphere of heaven. I

Go thither and return, in the twinkling of an eye. I was made an archangel on

This very spot, it is five years ago, by angels sent from heaven to confer that

Awful dignity. Their presence filled this place with an intolerable brightness.

And they knelt to me, king! yes, they knelt to me! for I was greater than they.

I have walked in the courts of heaven, and held speech with the patriarchs.

Мультиязыковой проект Ильи Франка www.franklang.ru

Touch my hand — be not afraid — touch it. There — now thou hast touched

a hand which has been clasped by Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob! For I have

walked in the golden courts, I have seen the Deity face to face!' He paused, to

Give this speech effect; then his face suddenly changed, and he started to his

feet again, saying, with angry energy, 'Yes, I am an archangel; a mere

archangel! — I that might have been pope! It is verily true. I was told it from

heaven in a dream, twenty years ago; ah, yes, I was to be pope! — and I

Should have been pope, for Heaven had said it — but the king dissolved my

Religious house, and I, poor obscure unfriended monk, was cast homeless upon

the world, robbed of my mighty destiny!' Here he began to mumble again,