Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/85

Rh moderation and judgment, and I listened to him with pleasure. I always listen to opinions which may differ from my own, if they be propounded by sensible persons, because I can say, with the Princess in Goethe's Tasso: “Ich freue mich, wenn kluge Manner reden, dass ich verstehen kann wie sie es meinen!” And I am also glad that sometimes I can by this means, come to a better understanding of things than they themselves.

The views of the Alps were magnificent beyond description this bright morning. When we came from the shady side of the mountain into the brilliant sunshine, just opposite Les Diablerets, my polite companion turned back to La Comballez, and with a light heart, I continued my solitary way, which now began to descend, the views ever expanding before me down to the green, shadowy valley of Les Ormondes.

Thirty years ago I traveled, in a close carriage, through Switzerland. How happy, I then thought, was the little ragged Savoyard, who, barefoot and free, went wandering at will among the mountains! How I then wished to be in his place! And now I wandered—not barefooted—but as lightly and as free as he!

It required two good hours of walking in the heat of the ascending sun, by which time I was considerably weary, before I reached the newly-built parsonage in Ormondes valley, and in the cool porch of which I rested, with the young pastor Lerèsche and his amiable young wife, who refreshed me with cool, sparkling water, wine, cherries, and other good things, and who made me most heartily welcome. Nor was the least refreshing part of the entertainment to me,