Ernest is middle-aged and has become a well-respected preacher. A famous statesman and candidate for the presidency visits the valley, where he was born. While this man's physical resemblance to the Great Stone Face is strong enough that he earns the nickname Old Stony Phiz, Ernest sees the truth and knows that he's not the one from the prophesy. Old Stony Phiz is ''vague and empty'' and lacks ''high purpose.''

Elderly Ernest has a reputation for wisdom and kindness, and he's known far and wide. A respected poet comes to see him, and together they walk out to a place outdoors where Ernest delivers sermons. As Ernest stands there before his congregation, the poet is struck by the resemblance between Ernest and the Great Stone Face. The poet reveals to the citizens of the valley that Ernest is the prophesied man of wisdom and nobility. The people cheer, but Ernest humbly shrugs it off, still waiting for a wiser man who resembles the Great Stone Face.