NOAH AND THE DOVE (Schopin.)
But nowhere, as far as eye could reach, was there any sign of land; there was only the peak of Ararat with the ark upon it, standing out above the water.
Noah sent out first a raven, and it returned not. Then he sent out from the ark a dove; and the dove came back after a long, long flight across the waters and fell fluttering at Noah's feet.
Seven days went by. Then again Noah sent out a dove; and this time it returned with an olive leaf. Noah knew now that the flood was subsiding, and that he might lift the cover of the ark and step out upon the mountain top.
Then Noah and his family went forth, together with all the creatures that had gone into the Ark with them.
And so thankful was Noah that he built a great altar, and he and his family offered sacrifices to God in gratitude for his loving care of them.
COMING FORTH FROM THE ARK. (Raphael.)