Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/67

Rh influenced by the calm and earnest spirit of the surrounding scenes to look into the depths of the soul and up to heaven, which rests above them. Their mental sphere of vision and their desires seem to be circumscribed, like their valley. They demand but little from life; are satisfied with the little they receive. Their longings do not extend beyond the narrow valley; and if they leave it for the plain, or for life in the town, they always return hither again. They read much during the long winters, either books of grave import or travel. Religion and the church are the topics most interesting to them, and in these they are well read. Merry-makings they have none. Religious gatherings form their principal social intercourse. Marriages are few, and in these, love is less the question than the means of living. The bride is often older than the bridegroom. Morals are so pure that during a hundred years there has not been a single illegitimate child born here. The health is good although straw-platting within the last few years has been found injurious, especially in the case of children. I have seen several very pretty young girls, but the older women have hideous goitres. Yet it seems to incommodate them but little. The costume is not picturesque, and the women's black caps especially becoming. But a good-tempered kindliness, simplicity and earnestness render the expression agreeable, both in men and women.

“The people here are no better than elsewhere,” said the good and thoughtful pastor of the valley, M. Becket, “but they have fewer temptations to evil and more inducement to a serious life.”