Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/277

 with the idea of marrying their daughters, and settling in their peaceful domains.

From the time I reached Montpellier the incidents of my life began to grow more and more serious. The petulant sports of a loose and unsettled mind now drew to an end. A new matrimonial connexion, great and sacred, was about to be formed, and became productive of the most important consequences. My friends will, with astonishment, see, how the vicious spirit of the ruthless Cabal Purified itself in its own fire.

It was in the middle of February, when we reached Montpellier, and the morning on which we approached this delightful city just happened to be not only one of the serenest, but of the most momentous of my life. Every where the almond-trees displayed their luxuriant blossom, and the coverts and meadows appeared clad in tender verdure, The olive inspired hopes and expectation of coming plenty, and the thrills of the soaring lark al ready cheared the labors of the busy rustic. There lies in the return of the vernal season a warmth and spirit, peculiar to itself, every