100 THE SHIPWRECK,

if we may so term it, Philip towards morning sunk into a
profound sleep. And now another scene, and one de-
lightful to contemplate, was conjured up by his fertile
fancy. The heavens appeared open to his view ; melo-
dies the most ravishing enchanted his ears ; he seemed to
behold a band of blessed spirits, whose dazzling splen-
dour surpassed the brightness of the sun. In the midst
of them a virgin of angelic mien was seen. The tunic
that hung from her shoulders was whiter than the moun-
tain snow. In her hand she held a palm, and her head
was adorned with a radiant crown. She looked down on
Philip with a countenance expressive at once of reproof
and consolation. With transports of unspeakable joy Philip
recognized the features of Maria—of that fondly cherished
sister whose unexpected death had filled his heart with the
most inextinguishable grief.

At the same instant, among a crowd of other thoughts,
his memory recalled that day of their early childhood when
this beloved sister had, by the ardour of her prayer and
the sweetness of her speech, calmed his resentment and
appeased his anger.

Choirs of angels were now singing, Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. But
a voice yet sweeter and louder sang, The Lord has par-