Seyton. You have given the clue by telling me that the huge skeleton represents death. On the one side, we see it an object of natural horror to those who, unprepared and unforgiven, find it suddenly close at hand, dimly beheld in darkness: while to the children of light, it is no object of terror; and even little ones can pluck the treasure of joy from that which the worldling dreads and shrinks from.
[CHAPTER III.]
King David's Vision.
SEYTON. The subject of this picture of yours is simple enough. The harp at his feet; the crown by his side; the scroll before him—mark David, the poet-king. He appears to be under the immediate influence of inspiration, there is such intense earnestness in his upward gaze. The reed-pen has dropped from his hand; and one would think that Heaven was opening before his eyes, save for the pained—almost terrified—expression on his countenance, an expression which could come from no vision of bliss. Why have you represented the prophet thus?
Percival. A legend of King David formed itself out of some thoughts which came into my mind, while meditating over the Twenty-second Psalm. To us, with the scene on Calvary as its key, the meaning of the prophecy contained in that Psalm is clear. But what a mystery it must have been to him who wrote it under the inspiration of the Spirit!
Seyton. Had its meaning been clear to the prophet's understanding, his faith could hardly have borne the strain. To us—looking back upon the mystery of the Cross—it appears marvellous indeed; but to one looking forward to it as a future event, such a sacrifice as that of Christ would have appeared impossible.
Percival. You have struck on my vein of thought. I considered what would be the natural emotions raised in the heart of one so impulsive and enthusiastic as David, had the death of his Lord been revealed to him clearly, and not as through a glass, very darkly. My short piece, "King David's Vision," is beside me, if you would care to hear it.
I copy the following from the paper which Percival, at my request, drew from the drawer of his table.