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CHAPTER III. It is a sweet and sunny isle, just swelling From out the ocean of a rosy dream— Crowned with ambrosial bowers, where love is telling, In modest violets, its tender theme,— A theme too delicately sensitive for words, But may be conned in flowers, and sung by birds. MADEIRA FIRST APPEARANCE GLORIES OF SUNSET RIDE INTO THE INTERIOR PONIES AND BURROQUEROS DEEP RAVINES PEASANTRY A MADEIRAN BEAUTY AN ENGLISH LADY—DINNER AND DANCING. As the white clouds, which hung this morning like a widely distended veil over our weather-bow, were occasionally ruffled by the breeze, we caught momentary glimpses of the lofty and varied outline of the heights of Madeira. Here a steep cliif presented its wild features, there the green side of some hill smiled forth, while upon gentler elevations appeared the white dwellings of the inhabitants, in beautiful contrast with the deep verdure in which they were embowered. Upon the beach foamed the successive wave, or cast its white crest high up the jutting rock. The whole appeared the work of enchantment—a mere illusion sent to please and mock the senses; and this impression was almost confirmed, as the spreading folds of the floating clouds again snatched every vestige of the entire scene from our fixed eyes. ISLE OF MADEIRA. 47 Had death come upon me at that moment, I should have departed with a full belief in the mystery and power, which fancy or superstition has ascribed to those fairy agents, who dwell in subtle essence, and work their marvels upon the palpitating experience of man. But a springing breeze unveiled again the hidden object of our curiosity, and brought us at length so near it, that it appeared before us inall its unrivalled wildness and beauty. Could I see but one island, in its progressive develop...
