Nearer beneath me lay ridge behind ridge, outline
behind outline, sunlight behind shadow, and shadow behind sunlight, gully
and serrated ravine. I saw large pine forests, and the glitter of a
noble river winding its way upon the plains; also many villages and
hamlets, some of them quite near at hand; and it was on these that I
pondered most. I sank upon the ground at the foot of a large tree and
thought what I had best do; but I could not collect myself. I was quite
tired out; and presently, feeling warmed by the sun, and quieted, I fell
off into a profound sleep.
I was awoke by the sound of tinkling bells, and looking up, I saw four or
five goats feeding near me. As soon as I moved, the creatures turned
their heads towards me with an expression of infinite wonder. They did
not run away, but stood stock still, and looked at me from every side, as
I at them. Then came the sound of chattering and laughter, and there
approached two lovely girls, of about seventeen or eighteen years old,
dressed each in a sort of linen gaberdine, with a girdle round the waist.
They saw me. I sat quite still and looked at them, dazzled with their
extreme beauty. For a moment they looked at me and at each other in
great amazement; then they gave a little frightened cry and ran off as
hard as they could.
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