Page:Shepherdess of the Alps (2).pdf/14

 Never was a unison more harmonious. Is this an enchantment! said Adelaide. May I believe my senses it is no mean shepherd! it is some supernatural being that I have been listening to! Nature may give a vent but great masters and constant practice alone can reach to such perfections. As she was thus musing, the valley resounded with a rural or rather divine symphony; Adelaide imagined she saw realized those prodigies which poetry attributes to music, her brilliant sister. Astonished and confused, she could not determine whether to approach or retire. MeanwhiloMeanwhile [sic] the young shepherd was collecting his flock, to lead it back to the cottage. He is not conscious, said she, of the pleasure he communicates around: hohe [sic] is not the least vain of his perfection; he does not expect the praises I owe, which are so justly his due. Such are the sweets of music! it is the only talent that finds enjoyment in itself: all others must have witnesses, or else partakers. Music was a gift from heaven, bestowed upon man in his state of innocence: it is purest of all pleasures, and the only one that I can yield to. I look upon this as an echo, that comes to repeat my grief.

Fonrose, in his turn, affected to avoid her. Adelaide was concerned at it. Alas! said she, I give myself up too easily to the little comfort I felt: I am deprived of it for any punishment. One day they met as if by chance, Shepherd, said she, do you lead your flocks to any great distance? These words uttered from her sweet lips, caused in Fonrose’s heart such an emotion as almost deprived him of his voice. I cannot tell, replied he, with hesitation, it is not I that lead my sheep, it is my sheep that lead me; they are better acquainted than I am with these pastures, and I let them range wherever they please to go. From whence came you? said Adelaide. I was born on the other side the Alps. And were you brought up to a shepherd’s life? No doubt, since I am one, I was destined for it. That is what I can scarce believe, she replied, gazing on him with fixed attention: your talents, your language, your air, all