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 instils into the minds of all who travel through it a sort of pleasing melancholy. Three hills in the form of an amphitheatre, 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 ever green, compose the beautifu landscape of this natural scene.
Count Fonroso and his Lady were returning from France to Italy, when their coach broke down as they were passing through the valley; and as the day was on the decline, they wero obliged to look for some place of cover, where to pass the night. Whilst they advanced towards ono of the huts, they perceived a flock of shcep drove by a shepherdess, whoso walk and air filled them with astonishment, and their hearts with the sweet accent of her melodious voice, which the echoes repeated in plaintive sounds.
How beautiful’s the setting sun;
Its daily course now almost run,
We can behold its charms;
More pleasing are its fainter rays,
Than when in full meridan blaze.
Thus it will prove, said she, when, after a painful ⟨race⟩, the weary soul arrivos at the wished-for gaol, and
