Page:The Keepsake for 1838.djvu/213

 especially a many-leaved dazzling white rose, of a species I had never before seen, the door of the hermitage opened, and a maiden advanced. I shall not describe her further than by saying that I was so struck by her beauty that I stood as if rooted to the spot, and I knew not whether to consider the hermitage an earthly edifice, or the porch of Heaven, at which an angel appeared. Her dress was snow white and curiously embroidered with silver stars, as if to signify that her home was not the earth. She took up a watering pan which stood near her, and refreshed the drooping plants around, an action so human, that it induced me to believe, in spite of her singular attire, and preternatural beauty, that it was a mortal I saw, though the fairest that had ever wandered among flowers. She now passed, and gracefully inclined her head to me; but in the delight which this courtesy occasioned me, I awoke.

I was now obliged to think of pursuing my journey; but while I was at breakfast in the public room of the inn, I heard two strangers speaking in ecstacies of a splendid rosa unica, which was now in bloom in the Bentheim garden. I had always been very fond of flowers, and was the more desirous to see this rare and beautiful plant, as its description recalled to me that which I had beheld in my dream. In consequence of my inquiries, I was directed to a village; in the vicinity of which I found a magnificent garden, laid out, to my surprise, chiefly in the English style. I was enchanted by the variety of natural beauty in this lovely valley, now towering into stately rocks and hills, and now abounding in the most fragrant shrubs and flowing streams.

Amidst the collection of brilliant flowers and plants which the gardener pointed out to my notice, I had almost forgotten the rosa unica, when he turned into a side walk. I followed him, and suddenly found myself in the well-remembered spot 4em