George MacDonald

“ One day, having, in a street of the city where he dwelt, rescued from danger a boy about ten years of age, he went with him to his mother, and begged that he might take him to his house for a week. When they heard his name, the parents willingly let their son go with him. And he taught him many things, and the boy loved and trusted him.
When the boy was asleep in bed, the wise man would go to his room at midnight, and lay his ear to his ear, and hearken to his dreams. Then he would stand and spread out his arms over him and look up. And the boy would smile, and his sleep was the deeper. ”

“ There was once a wise man to whom was granted the power to send forth his thoughts in shapes that other people could see. And, as he walked abroad in the world, he came upon some whom his wisdom might serve. ”

“ Still, his chains hung about him, and he sighed and groaned under their weight.
'Set thee down,' said the voice, 'and polish thine irons.'
He obeyed, rubbing link against link busily with his hands. And thus he labored-as it seemed to the boy in the vision-day after day, until at last every portion within his reach, of fetter, and chain, and collar, glittered with brightness.
'Go to the window,' then said the voice, 'and lay thee down in the sunshine.'
He went and lay down, and fell asleep. When he awoke, he began to raise himself heavily; but, lo! ”