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page 96
[en]trust ourselves, is a disposition to be pleased. For
example, if a traveller be among the Alps, let him surrender
up his mind to the fury of the gigantic torrents, and take
delight in the contemplation of their almost irresistible
violence, without complaining of the monotony of their
foaming course, or being disgusted with the muddiness of the
water - apparent even where it is violently agitated. In
Cumberland and Westmorland, let not the comparative weakness
of the streams prevent him from sympathising with such
impetuosity as they possess; and, making the most of the
present objects, let him, as he may justly do, observe with
admiration the unrivalled brilliancy of the water, and that
variety of motion, mood, and character, that arises out of
the want of those resources by which the power of the stream
in the Alps is supported. - Again, with respect to the
mountains; though these are comparatively of diminutive
size, though there is little of perpetual snow, and no voice
of summer-avalanches is heard among them; and though traces
left by the ravage of the elements are here comparatively
rare and unimpressive, yet out of this very deficiency
proceeds a sense of stability and permanence that is, to
many minds, more grateful -
"While the course rushes to the sweeping breeze
Sigh forth their ancient melodies."
Among the Alps are few places that do not preclude the
feeling of tranquil sublimity.
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