. Our country in story . rk seems but atiny speck upon the mighty, boundless ocean. Tell us, says one of the monks to St. Brendan, doyou really believe that there is another country far awayto the westward? I do, answers St. Brendan. We are told that long,long ago, even before Christ came upon this earth, thepagan people of our nation discovered a wonderfullybeautiful western island in which lived a happy people. May we hope to be as fortunate as were these firstwestern navigators ? asks another monk thoughtfully. As if to say no to the good monks inquiry, the windsuddenly ceases to blow, and
. Our country in story . rk seems but atiny speck upon the mighty, boundless ocean. Tell us, says one of the monks to St. Brendan, doyou really believe that there is another country far awayto the westward? I do, answers St. Brendan. We are told that long,long ago, even before Christ came upon this earth, thepagan people of our nation discovered a wonderfullybeautiful western island in which lived a happy people. May we hope to be as fortunate as were these firstwestern navigators ? asks another monk thoughtfully. As if to say no to the good monks inquiry, the windsuddenly ceases to blow, and the boat comes to a stand-still. The monks eagerly reach for the oars and taketurns at propelling the bark along. But alas, theirstrength is soon spent, and on beholding the seeminglyendless expanse of water, they begin to lose courage. But the holy Brendan knows no fear. Be not afraid,my good Brothers, he answers. Trim the sail and letthe vessel float whither Providence will guide it. 12 OUR COUNTRY IN STORY \ i i v ^~.. EHCQW < O J I—ICO C/2CO cc h- 1 w W pa CQ A PATHWAY ACROSS THE ATLANTIC 13 The boat now drifts steadily and safely westward. Butour brave voyagers are weary and hungry. Their storeof food and drink is fast giving out. They have alreadybeen forty days upon the water, and all this while havenot seen even a sign of land. Look! exclaims one of the monks in sudden joyoussurprise. Do you see that vast stretch of land andthose towering hills shaded in the mists? With joyful hearts the brave navigators steer towardsthe land. They moor their boats and hasten to step ashore,where they fall on their knees and raise their hearts andvoices to God in fervent thanksgiving. They find the newland covered with rocky cliffs and fertile plains, and seesparkling streams flowing into the sea. Heavy forestsbound the horizon. Who can describe the joy and delightof St. Brendan and his brave companions! For seven longyears they wander about, exploring the country and enjoy-ing the
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Keywords: ., bo, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookidourcountryinstor00fran
