2,80 the mountain and grottoes, a vision. Dec. iQ. 
we advanced with rapidity. On each side of us 
there were but a few straggling couples; when my 
conductrefs desired me to look forward. I turned 
my eyes, and beheld something that bore the ap- 
pearance of a dawn. ‘* What you behold, (said the,) 
is the entrance into the region of matrimonial felici- 
ty. It is the place ordained on earth for the reward 
of virtue.’’? While fhe was yet speaking, it gradual- 
ly increased to so much splendour, that I felt a sur- 
ptising gladnefs arising in my soul. I sprung for- 
ward with exultation, and entering the happy abode, 
all my senses were for a moment suspended in a 
flood of joy. Words are wanting to describe the ° 
pleasures of this delightful place. Here I found ma- 
ny happy pairs reposing on the flowery surface, saun- 
tering by: brinks of rivulets, or losing themselves 
among the woods and vallies; while a number of 
| beautiful children, in all the pleasing prattle of inno- 
cence, sported around them in the most delightful 
manner. The roses to them had no thorns ;- birds 
hopped from bough to bough, whose beautifal plu- 
mage gave pleasure to the eye, as their enchanting 
notes added to the general harmony. Here I ob.» 
served among the trees, several of the happy pairs 
whom I had seen gathering the scented flowers at 
the entrance of the grotto. 
I now began to wilh for a companion, that I might ° 
never leave this blifsful region. In vain did'I search | 
for a solitary female. None were to be found. The 
genius now told me that I must stay no longer. So 
laying hold of my hand, fhe led me back towards 
