ABSTRACT
The setting sun enriched the clouds with its departing rays: the lowing cattle – the pleasant purling rivulets – the bark of the shepherd’s dog – and the / drone of humming insects – faintly disturbed the silence of a summer’s eve, when a genteel youth, of fifteen, bent his solitary steps towards Vienna. His dress was airy, his bosom open, and his beautiful hair, in sportive ringlets, fell over his shoulders; his sparkling eyes, his charming dimples, and fine complexion, gave him an enchanting appearance. As he slowly pursued his way, he felt inspired with an agreeable languor, which dilated his heart with pleasure; he stopped to survey the surrounding landscape, and, turning back, gazed on the high hills, which, wrapt in grey mists, seemed retiring. A calm serenity imperceptibly lightened the weight which had before burdened him; indescribable sensations expanded / his soul, while tears of agonizing rapture started in his eyes. As he proceeded, he beheld the sun’s last ray gilding the cloud-topped mount of Calemberg, in whose cheerful vales below the silver Danube rolls its rapid streams. The spires, turrets, and churches of Vienna reared their majestic tops, and struck the eye of the traveller as he emerged from the verdant plains. Again he proceeded, when he was accosted by a man, dressed as a German Chasseur, 4 saying, ‘Where are you going, my boy?’ – ‘To Vienna,’ he replied. – ‘Let us go together, as I have the same place in view,’ rejoined the Chasseur. The youth consented, and they walked forward. /
