Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/37

Rh the church, and in the state. I have seldom met with a man whose mode of expression and manner have been so agreeable, seldom have experienced so much satisfaction and pleasure from any conversation as from his. Whilst, without, darkness and rain vailed the earth of Switzerland, his Introduction to the History of Switzerland—a continuation of J. Mucker's great work has raised to me the covering which hitherto concealed from my mind, the peculiarity of the Swiss Confederated States, and from it I select, as worthy of memory, the following characteristic traits of land and water:

“In the middle of Europe lies a country which in extent does not exceed some of the oldest provinces of France. Its history loses itself too frequently in petty religious disputes. Its heroes are shepherds and peasants; yet kings have not failed to solicit union with the Swiss, who, however, on their part have very rarely returned the compliment.

“Helvetia has now submitted to, and now defied foreign powers. She sports without anxiety on the political ocean; and after every storm stands forth in renewed youth.

“The republics of Europe have died out one after another. Florence, Venice, Genoa! Switzerland alone, with her institutions, maintains, like an everlasting flower, her place in the light of the sun.

“This is a remarkable fact, especially for those who understand Switzerland. Diverse races, languages, manners, the most dissimilar interests—it would be thought impossible to form a body-politic out of these varied nationalities. In the heart of the Alps, the