614 The French Poets and Novelists. 



the latter safely in his arms, but the former was mortally wounded; 

 not, however, before he had dealt death to the two soldiers who pur- 

 sued him. 



Laurence, such was the boy's name, was delicately but beautifully 

 formed. His countenance was fraught with feminine softness; his 

 luxuriant hair fell in long ringlets over his well-shaped shoulders; 

 his jacket was invariably buttoned up closely to his throat; and his 

 slender waist was encircled by his neckerchief, when he and 

 Jocelyn climbed the mountains to collect fruits, catch birds, &c. &c., 

 for their daily food. Jocelyn soon became sincerely attached to 

 Laurence, and Laurence manifested a reciprocal regard for his 

 friend. But Jocelyn often felt himself embarrassed in the society of 

 Laurence, and frequently cast down his eyes to avoid meeting the 

 glance which that affectionate youth threw at him. 



Time passed on ; and, in Jocelyn's own words, 



" Since griefs no longer his young heart oppress, 

 How Laurence thrives in youthful loveliness ! 

 At times a heavenly radiance seems to shine 

 Upon his brow ; and as his eyes meet mine, 

 I scarce can brook the magic of his charms, 

 But feel my bosom ruffled with alarms, 

 The holy fears that erst those women knew, 

 When towards their Saviour's sepulchre they drew, 

 And when the angels' answer to their prayer , 



Told them in solemn sounds, ' He is not there!' " 



(Page 166.) 



One morning Jocelyn ventured out at an early hour, and left 

 Laurence asleep in the cave. Jocelyn crossed the bridge of ice which 

 an avalanche had formed, and beneath which the waters dashed in 

 roaring eddies, thundering onwards, and scattering the foam around. 

 He amused himself for some time in the regions without the gulf, 

 and then retraced his steps towards the bridge. But a terrible storm 

 overtook him, the rage of elements resembled the combat of armed 

 warriors in deadly strife, the earth shook, the lightning flashed, the 

 sky was clouded over. Joeelyn hurried onwards, and was nearly 

 separated from Laurence for ever; for the bridge gave way and 

 mingled with the torrents beneath. Jocelyn's activity, however, 

 saved him, and he thanked God that Laurence was not with him. 



Arrived at the cavern once more, he sought for Laurence, but 

 sought in vain. Overcome with terror and horrible apprehensions, 

 he almost yielded to his despair, when a certain trace led him towards 

 a part of the gulf. Amidst the crags, near the torrents, and covered 

 with beating sleet, lay Laurence. Jocelyn sprang to the bottom, 

 seized his friend in his arms, and hurried with him to the cave. 



" Long time I called him back to life in vain, 

 My lips no breath to his could give again j 

 Despairingly I placed him on my bed, 

 And staunched the blood that his fair brow had shed. 

 Still was he lifeless ! From his bleeding breast, 

 E'en with my teeth, I rent the gory vest j 

 Great God ! beneath that garment long concealed, 

 A female's lovely bosom was revealed!" (Page 304.) 



