General Gordon's Eyes.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 107, 20 June 1885, Page 5

General Gordon's Eyes.

Gordon was not one of the one-eyed heroes of history. Here is what Mr Stannard says of the extraordinary fascination of his eyes : " What eyes they were ! keen and clear, filled with the beauty of holiness ; bright with an unnatural brightness,' their expression one of Eettled feverishness ; their colour blue- grey, as is the sky on a bitter March morning. I know not what effect those eyes had on all he came in contact with, though, from the unfailing and willing obedience with which his orders were carried^out, I fancy that to some extent he unconsciously mesmerised nine out of ten to do his will, but I know that upon me their effect was to raise a wild longing,, a desperate, desire to do something, anything, at his bidding. It was not an unpleasant or uncanpy sensation ; it^vas not that any evil thought or suspicion' lurked within the windows of hia brave and pure soul. His power was the power of resolute, goodness, and it was strong — so strong that I am sure had he told me to stand on my head, or to perform some impossible >feat, I should .certainly have'tried'my utmost to accomplish it, without giving a moment to reflection as toVhether the order was reasonable or not."— " Pall Mall Gazette." ' ; ,