SILVEB LAKE. 193 



planned all this, a circular group of Lombardy poplars 

 lose their stiffness and come in for their share of admi- 

 ration, which I could never award them in any other 

 situation. In the rear of the villa, and between it and 

 the public road, farm buildings and offices give the 

 place stih 1 more the look of repose, beauty, and fitness, 

 that so eminently belongs to it. But if I try to describe 

 all the beauties of this cherished spot, you will still think 

 I have seen some apparition that has made me romanti- 

 cally crazy. So I will not say a word more till we take our 

 accustomed smoke on the piazza after dinner, when I will 

 give you an insight into the pursuits that have obliterated 

 the marks of years, and left my feelings so youthful. So 

 have the Falcon harnessed, he must have had his morn- 

 ing's walk by this time, and I am very anxious to see how 

 he will deport himself. 



PUPIL. The boys have had him harnessed for some 

 time. The wagon has been run out from the shed, await- 

 ing your orders. I shall anxiously look for the continu- 

 ation of the history of your trip, as I am still more certain 

 that I have divined the right cause. Either this is the 

 case, or you have viewed no mortal scene, but have been 

 transported to that land where the famous Christian 

 Knight was held in thrall by a garland of flowers. In the 



place of the Erie Railroad, and the wagon from B , did 



you not encounter an old man with silver hair reaching 

 to his girdle, who took you in a boat, fashioned Like a sea- 

 shell, which drove with you on " without a wave or wind ?" 

 Or, did you meet with a damsel 



" With long, rich tresses curling 'round her brow, 

 And garments beauteous as the bird of Ind, 

 She through the ocean swifter than the wind, 

 Or wing of eagles, did direct your track." 



PEECEPTOK. This silver lake and scenery, far beyond 

 my powers of description, actually exists, and is no more 



