< Page:Armatafragment00ersk.djvu
This page needs to be proofread.

( 101 )

¬«s, when the solemn character of the place on a sudden seemed to change and to smile upon us with the warm light of hospitality and kindness. — I was charmed, on further acquaintance, to see in the same man an assemblage of qualities very rarely united — universal knowledge with the simplicity of an infant's mind ; the proudest public spirit with the gentlest complacency; and a vehement Fox-like public eloquence with the most uninterrupted playfulness and gaiety in private life. — The table, which was the same throuo-hout the year, abounded with a rich and equal repast for mind and body, being the con- stant resort of the most eminent and accom- plished persons. I was struck with the contrast of finding myself, upon the very margin of such an immense city, amidst dark groves and gay flowering shrubberies resounding with the wild % notes of the thrush and blackbird, and the song of the nightingale amongst the rest, who though he followed the fashion in keeping late hours, very wisely spent them in the woods. ¬h 3 I remained ¬

    This article is issued from Wikisource. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.