DEAD LEAVES. 233 
companion, the supporter of its weakness, and, while 
their branches are commingled, a third dashes about 
in every direction, as if it were surrounded by ene- 
mies. Respect, friendship, hate, anger, seem to be 
alternately communicated by one to another. Thus 
shaken by all the winds, and, as if agitated by all the 
passions, they utter long moans, resembling the con- 
fused murmurs of an alarmed people. There is no 
predominant voice ; they are low, deep, monotonous 
sounds, which throw the mind into a vague reverie. 
Showers of dead leaves frequently fall upon the 
ground, deprived of its verdure, and cover the earth 
with a moving garment. The eye cannot help watch- 
ing how the winds pursue, scatter, whirl, and drive 
hither and thither these sad remains of a spring that 
will never return. 
KV 
