62 A VISION,

but saunter at first; and presently, having as-
cended from a narrow dell to the top of a grassy
hill from which the blue sea-line was visible, I sat
down on a stile to enjoy the view before me.

Birds were carolling over my head, the fresh
odours of the young morning were brought to me
by the breeze, white sails speckled the distant
blue, while between me and it rose the tops of
churches and houses in the watering-place on the
shore. I was soon aware too of the tinkling of
church bells in more than one direction.

I got up and gathered a few primroses in the
hedge-row, found a violet or two, then sat down on
the grass under an eastward-blown oak. Watched
a lark as he rose higher and higher into ether,
carrying his song with him up to heaven, till, first,
my eye ceased to see him and then my ear to hear.
After which, though my sight was half blinded,
I arose and went on.

Down over other pleasant meadows, till a cross ©
pathway diverged into a lane which led to the
villa outskirts; and this I followed. I had wanted
to see the almond-trees in their beauty, and was