Then to the left there, impressive to look on and conducive to solemn thoughts, the mountains rear their crests against the sky, and, crowned with the gathered snows of the centuries whose monuments they are, from aeon to aeon gaze majestically out over the wide plains and the ephemeral ant-like races who tread them, and while they endure think themselves the masters of their little world.

And over all--mountain, plain, and flashing stream--the glorious light of the African sun and the Spirit of Life moving now as it once moved upon the darkling waters.
John stood and gazed at the untamed beauty of the scene, in his mind comparing it to many cultivated prospects which he had known, and coming to the conclusion that, however desirable the presence of civilised man might be in the world, it could not be said that his operations really add to its beauty.

For the old line, "Nature unadorned adorned the most," still remains true in more senses than one.
Presently his reflections were interrupted by the step of Silas Croft, which, notwithstanding his age and bent frame, still rang firm enough--and he turned to greet him.
"Well, Captain Niel," said the old man, "up already! It looks well if you mean to take to farming.

Yes, it's a pretty view, and a pretty place too.

Well, I made it.