As if by some sudden convulsive exertion, reason had at once hurled
superstition from her throne. The feeblest intellect had derived vigor
from excessive interest.
What minor evils might arise from the contact were points of
elaborate question. The learned spoke of slight geological
disturbances, of probable alterations in climate, and consequently
in vegetation; of possible magnetic and electric influences. Many held
that no visible or perceptible effect would in any manner be produced.
While such discussions were going on, their subject gradually
approached, growing larger in apparent diameter, and of a more
brilliant lustre. Mankind grew paler as it came. All human
operations were suspended. There was an epoch in the course of the
general sentiment when the comet had attained, at length, a size
surpassing that of any previously recorded visitation. The people now,
dismissing any lingering hope that the astronomers were wrong,
experienced all the certainty of evil. The chimerical aspect of
their terror was gone. The hearts of the stoutest of our race beat
violently within their bosoms. A very few days sufficed, however, to
merge even such feelings in sentiments more unendurable.
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