words addressed him: "Alphonso! I came to conduct you to the temple of Learning; you have overcome, alone, the greatest obstacles; you shall now have a conductor."
As they came to frightful precipices, where unfortunate mortals had been dashed headlong, for daring to approach too near the edge, Hope would catch his hand and conduct him to safer ground. At last, through many difficulties, hazards, and reproaches, Alphonso came in sight of the temple of Learning. The sun was just sinking, and it illumed the edges of the fleecy floating clouds with a golden hue. Its last beam played upon the glittering spire of the temple; Alphonso could scarce believe his eyes. They reached the threshold. After so many toils, so many dangers, he had now acquired the object of his hopes.
They stood a moment, when the door was opened by a grave-looking old man, who heartily welcomed them to the temple. As they entered, all was light: it burst upon his sight like some enchanted scene, where none but ethereal beings dwell. Irresistibly he cast his eyes up to the nave of the spacious hall, and beheld Learning seated upon a throne of gold. A bright sun emitted its cheering rays above his head. In one hand she held a globe, in the other a pen. Books were piled up in great order here, and in another place they were strewn in wild profusion. Ten of her favorite disciples were ranged on either hand; the swift-winged Genius with his beloved companion, Fancy, were seated at her right hand, and often did Genius cast an approving smile at the mistress of his heart and actions: she who had tamed the wild
