The Shepherdess of the Alps.
In that part of the Alps, amidst the high mountains of Savoy, very near the road that leads from Briancon to Modena, is a lonely valley, whose solitary aspect instills into the minds of all who travel through it, a sort of pleasing melancholy. Three hills in the form of an ampitheatre, on which some shepherds' huts are scattered at several distances, interspersed with clumps of lofty trees, streams tumbling down the mountains in cascades, and pastures cver green, compose the beautiful landscape of this natural scene.
Count Fonrose and his Lady was returning from France to Italy, when their carriage broke down as they were passing through the valley: and as the day was on the decline, they were obliged to look for some place of cover, where to pass the night. While they advanced towards one of the huts, they perceived a drove of sheep drove by a shepherdess, whose walk and air filled them with astonishment, and their ears with the sweet accent of her melodious voice, when the echos repeated in plaintive sounds,
How beautiful the setting sun!
Its daily course now almost run,
We can behold his charms:
Most pleasing are its fainter rays
Than when in full meridian blaze—
It dazzles whilst it warms.
Thus it will prove, said she, when, after a painful
