STILL WATERS 



195 



the world. It does not startle or oppress one 

 like a mountainous country, but is ever quiet 

 and peaceful, having about it the serenity of its 

 smooth-faced waters. 



But these waters of Holland and Venice, with 

 all their charm, have really little of nature 

 about them ; or, at the least, what there is of 

 nature is so alloyed with the artificial that we 

 think of them only in connection with human- 

 ity. After seeing them we instinctively hark 

 back to the mountain-lake. It seems to lie so 

 much nearer to nature's heart. Its shores and 

 islands, its water and sky, its lapping waves 

 and fresh-blowing winds, are stimulating, invig- 

 orating, strong with the strength of youth and 

 instinct with life. Beautiful in repose, the 

 mountain-lake is not without beauty when 

 agitated. Even in storm, when the first heavy 

 drops of rain spatter the smooth surface and the 

 sweep of the wind may be seen in the ruffled 

 water-line, when the waves are dashing and 

 tossing on the island shores and the roar of the 

 tempest can be heard along the sides of the 

 wooded mountains, even then the mountain- 

 lake is more beautiful than almost any other 

 body of water in repose. After many summers 

 spent at Venice, I hope I am not insensible 



