Each feature was finished, eyelids, eyelashes, and ears being almost
invariably perfect. Their colour was equal to that of the finest Italian
paintings; being of the clearest olive, and yet ruddy with a glow of
perfect health. Their expression was divine; and as they glanced at me
timidly but with parted lips in great bewilderment, I forgot all thoughts
of their conversion in feelings that were far more earthly. I was
dazzled as I saw one after the other, of whom I could only feel that each
was the loveliest I had ever seen. Even in middle age they were still
comely, and the old grey-haired women at their cottage doors had a
dignity, not to say majesty, of their own.
The men were as handsome as the women beautiful. I have always delighted
in and reverenced beauty; but I felt simply abashed in the presence of
such a splendid type--a compound of all that is best in Egyptian, Greek
and Italian. The children were infinite in number, and exceedingly
merry; I need hardly say that they came in for their full share of the
prevailing beauty. I expressed by signs my admiration and pleasure to my
guides, and they were greatly pleased. I should add that all seemed to
take a pride in their personal appearance, and that even the poorest (and
none seemed rich) were well kempt and tidy.
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