The Caxtons: A Family Picture – Volume 07

"'The state of the world is such, and so much depends on action, that everything seems to say aloud to every man, "Do something—do it—do it!"'"

I was profoundly touched, and I rose refreshed and hopeful, when suddenly the door opened, and who or what in the world should come in— But certainly he, she, it, or they shall not come into this chapter! On that point I am resolved. No, my dear young lady, I am extremely flattered, I feel for your curiosity; but really not a peep,—not one! And yet—Well, then, if you will have it, and look so coaxingly—Who or what, I say, should come in abrupt, unexpected—taking away one's breath, not giving one time to say, "By your leave, or with your leave," but making one's mouth stand open with surprise, and one's eyes fix in a big round stupid stare—but—

notes

1

The anaglyph was peculiar to the Egyptian priests; the hieroglyph generally known to the well educated.

2

Lucian, The Dream of Micyllus.