Father. Before I answer you, John, let us hear what Samuel thinks.
Sam. Why, Papa, I think the men who built this cathedral must have had a great deal of patience and perseverance. I dare say, that if twenty or thirty men all tried together, they might lift the stones: but perhaps it would take them a whole day to put one stone in its proper place. So that it would take a very long time to build these great walls and pillars. I think that if the men were very industrious, and were determined not to leave off till they had done it, they might finish it perhaps in twenty years.
Father. And now, Henry, what do you think?
Henry. I have been thinking, Papa, of a reason to prove that the men that built St. Paul’s Cathedral were not so tall as John thinks they must have been.
Father. What is that reason, Henry?
Henry. Because these stone steps up to the door, are just the proper size for us to walk up: but if the men who lived when this church was built had been as tall as those houses, they would have made every step as high as your head, Papa.
Father. That is a good reason to prove that the people for whom the cathedral was built, were not taller than we are: but perhaps John may imagine that the workmen employed to build it were giants; but do you think, Henry, that men not taller or stronger than the bricklayers who built the stables at home, could ever erect such a building as this?
Henry. Yes, Papa, if there was some very clever man to tell them how to do it,—how to lift the stones with pullies, and ropes, and levers; and what shape to make the walls, and the pillars, and so forth. I remember when the new stables were built, Mr. Bond, the architect, made a drawing of the whole, before the men began, and then the master told his men how to do every part, to make it like the drawing. So I suppose some architect, who had a great deal of knowledge, and was very ingenious and clever, made a drawing of all the walls, and windows, and pillars, and contrived the best way to lift the stones up so high; and then, I dare say, any common bricklayer’s men would be able to do it.
Father. You are right, Henry; a great and beautiful building like St. Paul’s Cathedral is wonderful and admirable, chiefly on account of the knowledge and genius which we know those men must have had who could lay the plan, and direct others how to execute it. While we are in London we shall have many opportunities of observing the different effects produced by strength, industry, skill, knowledge, and genius. But now you have forgotten one chief thing requisite in raising such a building as this.
John. Oh, a great deal of mortar, Papa.