Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/129

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
127


They paused, but all was silent; nothing was heard except the warbling of singing birds in an adjoining grove: they renewed their discourse. In a few moments they paused again, when the melody, as it came borne on the breeze to the ear of Philimore, infused sensations consonant to his nature—truth, virtue, and almost saintly purity being impressed upon his soul. And such the harmonious tones, now full and sonorous, now faint and mellow, were calculated to awaken.

They had reached the grove, the music continuing, heightened into strains of greater execution as they advanced; but this was surpassed by excellence still higher: it was accompanied by expression, energy, and pathos—the notes gradually swelled, and gradually in softer murmurs died away. In these intervals there was breathed forth a strain of such exquisite modulation, of such melting sweetness, as could not fail to have touched and vibrated upon the coldest breast. How great then must have been their power over the warm, the sensible, and enthusiastic Philimore, heightened as was their effect by the varied beauties which surrounding objects presented to his view!

It was Oriana who had attuned her voice in unison to her harp; when, upon seeing Dr. Loves-