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on the page of our country's history, have illustrated by | with a variety of images, the most touching, awful, tertheir eloquence and statesmanship, the national legislature rible and sublime. and federal government, and carried their pervasive in- Well might Eneas in view, not "of these brilliant fluence into the councils of every state in our wide-results," but of the direful calamities that had overspread confederacy. So that we may well say of our whelmed his country, exclaim, in the agony of his heart, alma mater, in view of these brilliant results, in the language of one of the Trojan wanderers:

'Quis jam locus,

Quæ regio in terris, nostri non plena laboris ?"

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Quæ regio in terris nostri non plena laboris !"*

Having finished our criticism of this address as a literary production, we come now to consider it in a much more important point of view, as presenting the opinions of a gentleman of acknowledged abilities and experience on the interesting subject of collegiate education in Virginia.

In regard to the correctness of the general views of

Some of the defects of this passage are indicated by the words in italics, and will be sufficiently obvious to the eye of the critical reader. But our present business is with the quotation. How entirely have the spirit and meaning of the author been misconceived! These beau-President Dew on this subject, there can be no room for tiful lines constitute a part of one of those tender and diversity of opinion. All must concur as to the impathetic passages that so frequently occur in the Æneid, portance of an enlarged and liberal course of study in and for which Virgil, above all writers of epic poetry, every department of literature and science. The value is distinguished. Eneas, who uttered them, was in no of the classics, of mathematics, of physics, of moral situation for the display of feelings of triumph or exul- and political philosophy, of civil engineering as a practation. Having witnessed the destruction of Troy, and tical pursuit, and of the law as an enlightened and libethe melancholy fate of the greater part of his country-ral profession, must be universally acknowledged. It men, he had fled from the fury of the Greeks, with a party of wretched companions, trusting to the winds and waves to bear them to a peaceful settlement in some other region of the earth. After long wandering, and a series of adventures the most calamitous, he sails from Sicily, where he had buried his father Anchises, omnis curæ casusque levamen, to seek the coasts of Italy. On his voyage he encounters the anger of the Gods, is overtaken by a furious tempest, and his fleet tossed for a long time on the waves, is finally dispersed, and he and his companions driven by the storm on the shores of Africa. Æneas and his faithful friend Achates pro-ledge with the view to future usefulness and distinction. ceed to Carthage, where, entering the temple of Juno, they perceive some pictures representing the most affecting scenes of the siege of Troy. In this situation, an exile and a wanderer, subdued with grief, and about to appeal to the compassion of Queen Dido for succor, Æneas, looking on the pictures, and overwhelmed with the recollection of the misfortunes of his country,

"Constitit, et lacrymans: Quis jam locus inquit, Achate, Quæ regio in terris, nostri non plena laboris ?"

The mind of Æneas whilst he contemplated these pictures, and uttered in the fulness of his heart this pathetic speech, may well be supposed to have been filled with a number of the most melancholy and touching associations. The hostile chiefs in battle array; the fierce conflict; the rout of the Trojans; the pursuit of the Greeks; the wounded and the slain; the dead body of the proud Hector drawn around the walls of Troy; the crowds of Trojan women stupified with horror, flying to the temple, with hair disheveled and beating their breasts, imploring the compassion of the unkind Goddess; Polites wounded, flying from his pursuer, and falling and pouring out his blood in the presence of his parents; the aged Priam, attended by his affectionate Hecuba and her daughters, dragged trembling from the altar, and falling in the blood of that son whose death he had vainly attempted to avenge; the sacking of the city; the lurid glare of the midnight conflagration; all these, with many other scenes of thrilling horror, rushed upon his mind, and filled his imagination

is only when he descends from the chair of the President, and assumes that of the Professor, that the views of our author become liable to objection. Here he expatiates with the ardor of an enthusiast on the preeminent importance, dignity and difficulty of his own favorite studies; and substituting declamation for argument, his reasoning becomes necessarily unsatisfactory and his conclusions erroneous. He urges the students by all those exciting motives of pride, patriotism and ambition, that are so easily kindled in the youthful breast, to press on in the acquisition of political know

He tells them that the great mass of high intellect in every country must be employed in morals and politics; that "politics here is the business of every man, however humble his condition may be. We have it in commission to instruct the world in the science and the art of government"-and appeals to them to know if they are willing "to add themselves to the great mass of unaspiring and illiterate citizens, who have been in all ages and in all countries the blind instruments with which despotism has achieved its results." Let us not be misunderstood. We do not mean to underrate the

importance of the study of moral and political philosophy. So far are we from entertaining such a purpose, that no person can, in our estimation, aspire to the cha racter of an educated gentleman who is not well informed on these subjects. Nor do we deny the propriety of making the study of them form a part, and an important part too, of collegiate education. The study of morals, indeed, should commence at a period of life much earlier than that at which youths are prepared to enter on their collegiate course; the best school of practical

Laboris in this passage is properly rendered calamity or missical authors. We recollect having seen in the newspapers, fortune. The word labor is frequently used in this ser.se by classome years ago, a most successful exposure of a similar error to that we have been criticising, by our gifted Wirt, who was alike distinguished as an elegant scholar, a profound jurist, and an Addis Emmet of New York, in the Supreme Court of the United eloquent orator. It was in reply to a speech of the late Thomas States. He corrected the error into which Mr. Emmet had fallen, and retorted the quotation upon him with the most happy effect.

morality being found at the knee of a pious mother, at large in the vast regions of speculation, find it diffiwho draws her lessons from those simple yet sublime cult to bring down their minds from their lofty contemtruths, which are suited to the taste and capacity of plations, to the consideration of the concerns of ordinary both children and philosophers. But however impor-life. Hence men of speculation are rarely men of actant correct information on these subjects may be deem-tion. And to this circumstance, we think, is mainly to ed, no sufficient reason can be perceived for giving be attributed that want of practical usefulness, so frethem such a pre-eminence over other studies in a course quently remarked among the educated gentlemen of of collegiate instruction. It should never be forgotten Virginia. We have good writers, profound lawyers, that education constitutes the business of life; and he and eloquent debaters; but what evidence of practical who, at the close of his collegiate career, deems it com- talent have we exhibited in our public works, in the plete, in any one department of learning, can never be arts, or in agriculture? Burke's character of Lord Grenmore than a literary sciolist. He may trade success-ville, so frequently quoted by professors of moral and fully for a time on his small capital of ready change, political philosophy, has doubtless had considerable but will soon find himself bankrupt in knowledge, and influence in forming the habits of thought of many of unable to meet the smallest draft that may be made our aspirants for political distinction. Properly consiupon him. The great object of collegiate education, is dered, this admirable portrait could have been producto excite in the youthful mind a taste for learning, and tive of no injurious effects. But, unfortunately, one to point out the readiest paths by which her temples side only of the picture is too generally contemplated. may be reached. All that can be expected of the most Whilst the mere man of detail is looked upon with perfect system, is to lay before the mind of the pupil contempt, it is forgotten that there is another character, a general map of the great world of science, on which precisely his opposite, not so useful, and infinitely more may be delineated the boundaries of the various pro- dangerous; and that there is a class of politicians who, vinces, the terra incognita, the chief cities of the different as Burke said of Lord Chatham on a certain occasion, empires, and the beautiful streams that irrigate and "for wise men, are too much governed by general maxfertilize the whole. To fill up this outline should con- ims." This fondness for generalization, when indulged stitute the business of after life. Could we commend to excess, becomes almost a passion; and we have the course of a teacher of geography, who in preparing known some gentlemen who, from long practice in such a map of the world for the use of his scholars, should, pursuits, could construct out of a single fact a magnifiafter faintly delineating the general outlines of the cent theorem. A general principle, to be worth any whole, select one favorite country on which to employ thing, should be established by a long and laborious all the arts of the painter and the varied tints of the process of induction. But, unfortunately, those who rainbow, to give to it distinctness and coloring-pre- are most conversant in the use of general principles, senting a landscape, rich in all those objects distin-have rarely a sufficient degree of patience, in the study guished for natural beauty or artificial elegance-silver of details, to enable them to distinguish, arrange, and lakes, lofty mountains, green valleys, beautiful rivers classify the numerous particulars necessary to the eswhitened with the sails of commerce, thriving villagestablishment of a general truth. Hence it is that so and splendid cities, with their noble castles, magnificent palaces, and lofty spires pointing to the clouds? The gorgeous splendor of such a picture, would captivate the youthful imagination, and cause the pupil to turn with indifference or disgust from the contemplation of other portions of the world as barren wastes, offering nothing to repay the labor of inquiry or research. It is no less unwise in those who preside over our institutions of learning, to hold up to the minds of the students the pre-eminent advantages of any one department of science or philosophy.

many of the most beautiful theories in politics are found to be fallacious. It is not that theories are necessarily false, but that the facts on which they are supposed to be founded, have not been accurately observed. Whilst it is true that the study of general principles is absolutely necessary to produce a proper enlargement of the mind, it is no less certain that a knowledge of details, and a habit of attention to particulars, are equally important in forming that practical fitness for the conduct of human affairs, which is so essential to success in every department of life. There is much truth and sound philosophy in the remark of Dugald Stewart :

We are well aware that these opinions of President Dew are not peculiar to himself, but have been maintained" When theoretical knowledge and practical skill are by metaphysicians of no little celebrity. One at least of his predecessors, as we have reason to know, had his hobbies. Metaphysics and political economy were the constant themes of his discourse, and the ardor of his devotion being communicated to his pupils, they became inspired with so strong a passion for these studies, as to render them almost insensible to the attractions of mathematics, and of those physical sciences, the study of which cannot be so successfully prosecuted in after life, in consequence of the want of those helps which professors, cabinets and laboratories only can afford.

The study of general principles, so earnestly insisted on by President Dew, is so captivating to the mind, that it too frequently begets a contempt for matters of detail. Those who have been in the habit of roaming

happily combined in the same person, the intellectual power of man appears in its full perfection, and fits him equally to conduct with a masterly hand the details of ordinary business, and to contend successfully with the untried difficulties of new and hazardous situations." In fact, no mind can be said to be truly great, that is not constituted like that admirably contrived organ of the largest and most sagacious of living animals, which can at once embrace the minutest and the greatest objects.

It cannot be denied that Virginia has produced many shining characters. Her sons have been among the wisest in the council, and the bravest in the field. But how often have the talents of her youth been misdirected, and their energies wasted! Who that has observed the current of events, has not marked the pro

and especially in those physical sciences so intimately connected with agriculture, that most ancient, honorable and independent of all pursuits. Such persons would be qualified at once to discharge well the duties of citizens and of statesmen; and like one of the most celebrated of the ancient Romans, could step from their ploughs to the most important offices of the state, without elevating their own dignity, or degrading the high stations to which they might be called.

gress, and too common fate of genius in Virginia? | educated country gentlemen, well instructed, not only Many of our young men emerge from the seminaries of in moral and political philosophy, but in polite literature, learning, and like meteors in a November night, flash across the horizon, dazzling us for a moment with a brilliant splendor, and then are extinguished forever. Others, like the eccentric comet, appearing more rarely, and endowed with more power to destroy than to build up, have attracted for a little longer period the gaze and admiration of the multitude. But although all have been wrapped in admiration at the splendor of their exhibitions, yet when their destined course is run, no deep-felt sorrow pervades the land; and none having If we were disposed to detract from the dignity of anticipated from them any beneficient results, all are the study of moral and political philosophy, we might content if, in their departure, they shed not a blighting | join issue with President Dew on the proposition which and a withering influence. But how few have there he has so broadly stated, that "the great mass of high been who, like the glorious orb of day, rising refulgent above the horizon, have gone on increasing in light and power, dispensing comfort and joy and gladness through the land, until they have attained the fulness of meridian glory, and then descending from their high elevation with the true dignity of that resplendent luminary, shedding even in their setting a mellow light, have sunk to rest amidst the benedictions of grateful thousands. One such statesman, at least, may Virginia boast; clarum et venerabile nomen. The pride of the schoolmen may well be rebuked, when they reflect how little of his pre-eminent wisdom, and almost godlike virtues, this most illustrious of men owed to the vaunted lessons of their philosophy.

intellect, in all ages and countries, has been employed in morals and politics;" and we might appeal to the history of the world, and the testimony of many of the wisest of mankind, to disprove the doctrine that seems to be a corollary from this proposition, that the highest intellect is necessary to political success. The truth of the remark of the celebrated Chancellor Oxenstein, who, with great abilities, had the opportunity of extensive observation and experience in one of the most distinguished courts of his age, has been so universally acknowledged, that the remark has become almost proverbial: "Go," said he to his son, who expressed diffidence of his capacity for office, "Go, and see for yourself, quam parva sapientia regitur mundus." The phiAmong the greatest evils that has ever afflicted this losophic historian of the "Age of Louis XIV," has commonwealth, is the morbid desire of her sons for added the weight of his opinion to that of this distinpolitical distinction. It has been the bane of the repub-guished statesman. He thus expresses himself: "In lic, destroying every thing like useful enterprize in Vir-reading Mazarin's letters, and Cardinal de Retz's meginia, and banishing from their homes thousands of our moirs, we may easily perceive de Retz to have been the citizens, to find preferment among the people of other superior genius; nevertheless, the former attained the states, or from the patronage of the federal government. summit of power, and the latter was banished. In a No sooner do our young men leave their seminaries of word, it is a certain truth, that to be a powerful minislearning, than, deeming themselves politicians and ter, little more is required than a middling understandstatesmen, ready made according to the philosophy of ing, good sense and fortune; but to be a good minister, the best schools, they rush with ardor into the political the prevailing passion of the soul must be a love for the arena. Disappointed in their ambitious aspirations, public good; and he is the greatest statesman, who with their taste depraved, and having lost all capacity leaves behind him the most noble monuments of public for useful employment, they become reckless and aban-utility." But it is needless to multiply proofs upon this doned; or falling in with a dominant party, they sacri- subject. In this country we have so many living witfice all independence of character, and stoop to the low-nesses, that men of very moderate abilities, and of still est arts of the demagogue, hoping to creep to that emi- more slender acquirements, may rise to the highest ofnence to which they had vainly attempted to soar. Nor fices in the state, that to doubt it, would imply a degree is this passion for political life confined to the educated of skepticism, sufficient to resist the strongest evidence, portion of our people. Truly has President Dew said, or the most conclusive demonstration.* "" our whole state is a great political nursery." We had designed to enter at large into a vindication swarms with politicians of every age, and hue, and size. of the claims of the physical sciences; and to endeavor, But, unfortunately, for one statesman we have a hundred by examining them in connexion with the useful arts, demagogues. Next to a standing army in time of peace, with agriculture, and with the various interesting phea class of professed politicians, set apart expressly for nomena constituting the natural history of the world, the business of public life, is most dangerous to the liber- to show that they are not inferior, in interest, utility or ties of a free state. Such men must necessarily be the dignity, to moral or political philosophy. But the subSwiss of party. Considering politics as their vocation,ject is too comprehensive for a single essay. We may, they must needs seek for employment. If they fail to find it in the independent discharge of their duty as representatives of the people, they must seek it in mean compliances with the imperious mandates of party leaders, or in a course of degrading servility and sycophancy to the dispensers of federal patronage. Let us do nothing to increase this numerous swarm of hungry politicians. What we need in Virginia, is a class of happy success."

It

The author above quoted (Voltaire,) has also made the following very true and philosophical remarks: "There never was an age which had not some famous statesmen and soldiers: Politics and arms seem, unhappily, to be the two professions most natural to man; who must always be either negotiating or fighting. The most fortunate is accounted the greatest; and the public frequently attributes to merit, what is only the effect of an

possibly, on some future occasion, recur to it, and pre-] of time; and we may, accordingly, take them in the sent our views on this branch of the subject to the order of their merit. readers of the "Messenger." In the meantime we take leave of President Dew, with the expression of our sincere respect for his talents and character, and our anxious wishes for the continued prosperity and usefulness of the venerable institution over which he has been called to preside.

LEILA.

When first you look upon her face,
You little note beside
The timidness, that still betrays
The beauties it would hide :
But one by one they look out from
Her blushes and her eyes,
And still the last the loveliest,
Like stars from twilight skies.

And thoughts go sporting through her mind,
Like children among flowers;
And deeds of gentle goodness are
The measure of her hours:

In soul or face she bears no trace

Of one from Eden driven;

But like the rainbow, seems, though born
Of earth, a part of heaven.

Washington City.

MARCO VISCONTI:

N.

G. H.

A TALE OF THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.

BY MRS. E. F. ELLET.

It is but recently that the historical novel has been naturalized, if we may so express it, in Italy. Why it has been so long wanting among a people whose history is so rich in incident and materials for the exhibition of character, we cannot pretend to explain. The splendid romances of Scott, which became speedily known on the continent, were chiefly instrumental in awakening the public taste for that kind of fiction; and Manzoni was not long in demonstrating to his countrymen, that there was no lack of ability among them to follow in the steps of "the Ariosto of the North." Since Manzoni, in the excess of religious zeal, has retired from the field of fiction, the arena has been open to other candidates for the prize of literary distinction; and not a few have been the names entered upon the list.

One of the latest and best of these productions, is the story whose title forms the subject of the present article. The period of history at which the scene is laid, is one fruitful in remarkable events, and favorable for the exhibition of conflicting passions and characters. The Peninsula, without a legitimate sovereign, had been for years a prey to faction, and agitated by the strife of the rival parties, the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. Matteo Visconti, duke of Milan, had been long at the head of the Ghibelline party; and Pope John XXII, unable to compel him to resign his power, at the instance of Robert, king of Sicily, had excommunicated him, and laid Milan under an interdict. Matteo died; succeeded by Galeazzo, the elder brother of Marco, who figures as the hero of the tale. Louis of Bavaria, having sent assistance to the Visconti while under pontifical displeasure, was excommunicated and deposed by his holiness; but having descended into Italy and caused himself to be crowned at Rome, he in his turn instituted a process against Pope John, pronounced sentence of deposition against him, and appointed as his successor Pierre de Corvario, who took the name of Nicholas V. John resided at Avignon, and was acknowledged by the Guelphs.

It is at this period that the story commences. While Milan declared for the anti-pope, who had removed the interdict from the city and territory, the remote parts of the country, less prompt in shifting their allegiance, retained their faith to the legitimate pontiff, and refused to open their churches to the ministers of the new spiritual sovereign. Among the adherents to the old cause, were the inhabitants of Limonta, a small district on the lake of Como, and a feudal territory of the monastery of St. Ambrose of Milan, the Abbot of which had, among his other titles, that of Count of Limonta. One of the Visconti, who had been appointed Abbot of St. Ambrose in place of the true inheritor Astolfo da Lampugnano, had sent to Limonta, as his factor, one Pelagrua, who pretended to have discovered from some old deeds that the Limontese were not vassals, but serfs of the monastery. The cause is judged at Bellano; and as it may be supposed that the inhabitants decline submitting to a claim which would deprive them of their liberty, in the absence of sufficient evidence on either side, it is agreed that the question shall be decided "by judgment of God," in the trial by combat.

The first scene opens in the house of the Count Oldrado di Balzo, who resides in the neighborhood with his wife and daughter. His falconer announces the arrival of a waterman (barcajuolo,) and his son from Bellano, who inform him of the sentence, and the approaching combat. The champion of the monastery is already chosen; and their conjectures, who will fight for the cause of the people, are answered by the falconer, who The novels which have so rapidly succeeded each exclaims, "Would that my son Lupo were here!" other within the last few years in Italy, are almost un- Michel, the waterman, in great dread lest his own son known to American readers. Very few, if any of them, Arrigozzo should offer himself, proposes to depart in have been translated even in England; and we trust, search of Lupo, whom he had seen at Como in the sertherefore, that the task of exploring so rich a field, will vice of Ottorino Visconti. On the following Sunday a prove as grateful to our readers as ourselves. We pro- great commotion is excited about the church, where the pose to examine some of those most worthy our atten- adherents of the anti-pope are assembled to say mass. tion. The difference in the dates of their appearance The dwelling of Pelagrua is next attacked by the irriis too slight to render it necessary to observe the order | tated multitude; he escapes from imminent danger, and

is compelled to fly, while his wife obtains shelter in the
castle of the Count di Balzo. The whole of this chap-
ter presents a most spirited and graphic picture. The
peasantry are diverted from thoughts of slaughter by
the arrival of Michel and his son with Lupo, who is
unanimously chosen champion of the Limontese. The
day of trial comes: Ottorino Visconti, having promised
to be present in honor of his squire, arrives to witness
the combat. As this youth plays so conspicuous a part
in the ensuing history, it may not be amiss here to add | Michel's knees, and said with emotion:
a description of his first appearance.

terrible bereavement is most touchingly and naturally
described, and the subsequent scene in his hut is one of
the most admirable portions of the book. At present
he is alone in his sorrow.

"All stood round looking at him with a terrified air; none dared to offer him a word of consolation. But the priest, having left him some time to his grief, approached him, and instead of addressing the bereaved father himself, laid his hand on the son's head as it rested on

"My poor Arrigozzo! thou hast ever been a good

"Our young cavalier was elegantly habited in crimson, fearing God and loving thy parents!' son velvet, with a short blue mantle embroidered with "It is true! it is true!' cried the father, quite softsilver, and lined with sables; a heavy chain of goldened by the praise bestowed on the dead; 'I did not twice encircled his neck, falling to his breast; and un- deserve so good a son.' der a cap, handsomely formed, of the same color with the mantle, escaped thick curls of black hair, waving down his neck; while a white plume that drooped on his left shoulder contrasted finely with his raven locks. Add to these, eyes sparkling with youthful fire, cheeks slightly browned by the sun in the active duties of the soldier, a tall and symmetrical person, displaying grace, but decision and boldness, in every action and movement, and in repose."

"In these times when faith is beset with temptations,' pursued the priest, 'who knows, my poor Michel, that it is not in mercy the Lord has called him, while he is yet in innocence? Go, resign the gift to him who be stowed it, and who resumed it, for ends that we cannot know, but which are most surely those of righteousness and love for his elect.'

"Oh! but what shall I do in the world without him?' cried the waterman; 'what shall I answer to my poor Martha, returning home, when she asks me what I have done with our boy?'

"The Lord will not forsake you,' insisted the good priest, sorrowfully. He who has assigned you the af fliction, will give you strength to bear it.'

"Our party are by no means resigned to the prospect of spending the night on the rock; and however pleasing to the young Ottorino it may be to be near Bice in so romantic a situation, it becomes necessary to devise some means for gaining assistance. The indefatigable Lupo volunteers his aid; and climbs a precipice at his own imminent hazard.

"Those who from the rock followed him with their eyes, trembling with fear at every uncertain movement, saw him by the fitful light already half way up, holding by the steep masses which still echoed the rolling thunder, and hanging over the waves that murmured beneath him; yet still above his head they beheld other

The Count di Balzo and his daughter also attend the trial; Ottorino recognizes and embraces an old friend in the father, and is presented by him to our heorine. Bice (the name is a contraction for Beatrice,) is saluted with loud praises on her entrance by the minstrel Tremacoldo, a favorite with the peasantry, who improvises a song in honor of her charms, and is rewarded by the gallant Ottorino with the chain of gold aforementioned. The trumpet gives signal for the combat to commence; the champions are sworn according to custom, when a difficulty arises from the circumstance that the weapons have not been blessed. This obstacle promises to occasion no little delay, as no regular priest can be found in time of interdict to incur the displeasure of the head of the church by pronouncing the benediction. Lupo, aware of the necessity of this ceremony, had previously secured a blessing in secret for his arms; and this is the only advantage he takes over his adversary. The people, however, are too much in dread of magic to dis-peaks, more threatening, more desperate than the first. pense with a form then deemed of importance to prevent the use of spells or incantations to obtain success, and in extremity call upon Tremacoldo, who, having been a priest before he assumed his present vocation, is fairly entitled to perform the office. The scene of buffoonery which ensues is highly characteristic of those times. The benediction at length pronounced, and the arms sprinkled, instead of holy water, with wine from the cautina of the archbishop, the champions betake themselves to their posts, armed with shields and clubs, which, as they were not of noble blood, were the only weapons allowed them.

After an obstinate fight, Lupo vanquishes his opponent, and drags him from the field. He is received and borne off with acclamations by the people whose liberty he has preserved; but escapes from their gratitude to join his patron and the count. The noble party returning homeward by the lake, are overtaken by a violent storm and wrecked among the rocks; with difficulty they reach a place of security, all safe except Arrigozzo, the son of the waterman, whose body is afterwards drawn from the water. The grief of Michel for this

"Lupo had found by chance a small cavity where he was able to rest himself and take breath; thence he looked downward to measure the distance he had accomplished, but instantly withdrew his eyes, dazzled and bewildered by the height; then after a few mo ments he made the sign of the cross, and returned to his labor. From time to time as he approached the summit, his figure diminished in size; now scarcely distinguished from the rocks, it seemed now some bush shaken by the wind, or a falcon fluttering his wings, in search of prey among the cliffs."

*

"The young cavalier, without another word, seated himself on the rock near Bice. All eyes were turned upward towards the mountain of Tremezzo, behind which the sun had descended. Gigantic clouds, driven by the wind, were seen to unfold and roll in a hundred fantastic forms, tinged with a fiery red. The light grew less by degrees over all visible objects, which, the most distant at first, and gradually the nearer, became every moment paler and more indistinct; when the outlines could no longer be discerned, they seemed to take

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