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page 109
a friend, into view of the Lake of Grasmere, we were alarmed
by the sight of a newly-created Island; the transitory
thought of the moment was, that it had been produced by an
earthquake or some other convulsion of nature. Recovering
from the alarm, which was greater than the reader can
possibly sympathize with, but which was shared to its full
extent by my companion, we proceeded to examine the object
before us. The elevation of this new island exceeded
considerably that of the old one, its neighbour; it was
likewise larger in circumference, comprehending a space of
about five acres; its surface rocky, speckled with snow, and
sprinkled over with birch trees; it was divided towards the
south from the other island by a narrow frith, and in like
manner from the northern shore of the lake; on the east and
west it was separated from the shore by a much larger space
of smooth water.
Marvellous was the illusion! Comparing the new with the old
Island, the surface of which is soft, green, and unvaried, I
do not scruple to say that, as an object of sight, it was
much the more distinct. "How little faith," we exclaimed,
"is due to one sense, unless its evidence be confirmed by
some of its fellows! What Stranger could possibly be
persuaded that this, which we know to be an unsubstantial
mockery, is really so; and that there exists only a
single Island on this beautiful Lake?" At length the
appearance underwent a gradual transmutation; it lost its
prominence and pass-
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