Here do we learn with what far-seeing intelligence he has laid the
foundations of his everlasting mansion, how skillfully he has builded
its walls, and with what prodigal richness he has decorated all his
works. For the sunlight and moonlight and the blueness of heaven are
his; the sea with its tides; the blackness and the lightnings of the
tempest, and snow, and changeful winds, and green and yellow leaf; his
are also the silver rain and the rainbow, the shadows and the
many-colored mists, which he flings like a mantle over all the world.
Herein do we learn that he loves a stable building, and that the
foundations and walls shall endure for ever: yet loves not sameness;
thus, from day to day and from season to season do all things change
their aspect, and the walls and floor and roof of his dwelling are
covered with a new glory. But to us it is not given to rise to this
supreme majesty in our works; therefore do we, like him yet unable to
reach so great a height, borrow nothing one from the other, but in each
house learn separately from him alone who has infinite riches; so that
every habitation, changeless and eternal in itself, shall yet differ
from all others, having its own special beauty and splendor: for we
inhabit one house only, but the Father of men inhabits all.

"These things are written for the refreshment and delight of those who
may no longer journey into distant lands; and they are in the library of
the house in the seven thousand volumes of the Houses of the World which
our pilgrims have visited in past ages. For once in a lifetime is it
ordained that a man shall leave his own place and travel for the space
of ten years, visiting the most famous houses in every land he enters,
and also seeking out those of which no report has reached us.

"When the time for this chief adventure comes, and we go forth for a
long period, there is compensation for every weariness, with absence of