The Land of Enchantment: From Pike's Peak to the Pacific

Chapter 14: CHAPTER XI

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

About This Book

A travel narrative of the American Southwest that moves from high mountain country to desert and coastal regions, offering vivid descriptive accounts of scenery, towns, and geological phenomena. The writer records city impressions, mountain ascents, canyon vistas, petrified forests, indigenous ruins, and pioneer reminiscences, often highlighting railroad routes and photographic views as frames for observation. Interwoven are reflections on climate, plant life, mineral resources, and engineering feats, with chapters focused on distinct locales such as the Pike's Peak region, Denver, Santa Fé, Arizona canyons, and Southern California. The tone remains observational and evocative, aiming to convey both scenic grandeur and scientific curiosity.

CHAPTER XI

GRAND CAÑON; THE CARNIVAL OF THE GODS

"What time the gods kept carnival!"

Emerson

"The earth grew bold with longing

And called the high gods down;

Yea, though ye dwell in heaven and hell,

I challenge their renown.

Abodes as fair I build ye

As heaven's rich courts of pearl,

And chasms dire where flood like fire

Ravage and roar and whirl.

"Come, for my soul is weary

Of time and death and change;

Eternity doth summon me—

With mightier worlds I range.

Come, for my vision's glory

Awaits your songs and wings;

Here on my breast I bid ye rest

From starry wanderings."

Harriet Monroe