It shapes the carriage in which you ride, and the ship in which you sail.

Its knowledge modifies the nature of your soul, and decides whether you shall be a slave or a freeman.

It even extends to the form of your body, giving it the abject attitude and gloomy aspect of slavery and guilt, or the bold, upright carriage and joyous look of virtue, which God gave to the first man when He made him after His own image.
But come, boy reader! I have promised not to weary you with these things.

Such teachings I must reserve for a future opportunity; when, God willing, I shall present them to intellects older than yours.
Perhaps you yourselves may then be old enough to take an interest in them; and if so, you may learn some truths that for long years have been the study of your friend--the author.
Now let us return to the eagle.

I am thinking what a pity it is that the Americans should have chosen this tyrant-bird as the emblem of their liberty; for, although he is _most appropriate_ for _one portion_ of their people, he is far from being a fit emblem of the principles of the great republic.