Pagina 320 di 483

The colleges are ancient and picturesque; the streets are almost

magnificent; and the lovely Isis, which flows beside it through

meadows of exquisite verdure, is spread forth into a placid

expanse of waters, which reflects its majestic assemblage of

towers, and spires, and domes, embosomed among aged trees.

I enjoyed this scene, and yet my enjoyment was embittered both by

the memory of the past and the anticipation of the future. I was

formed for peaceful happiness. During my youthful days discontent

never visited my mind, and if I was ever overcome by ennui, the

sight of what is beautiful in nature or the study of what is

excellent and sublime in the productions of man could always

interest my heart and communicate elasticity to my spirits. But I

am a blasted tree; the bolt has entered my soul; and I felt then

that I should survive to exhibit what I shall soon cease to be-a

miserable spectacle of wrecked humanity, pitiable to others and

intolerable to myself.