had not failed him. In time the concourſe abated, rival traders in ſanctified commodities drew their ſhare of buſineſs, and the hermitage became a real ſolitude. So much the better for its poſſeſſor, who could now attend without interruption to his romantic ideas. He ſaw with increaſing ſatisfaction the growing days compreſs the nights into a narrower ſpace, and the ſun come nearer the crown of his head. At the time of the ſolſtice, he went regularly to the pool, concealed himſelf morning and evening in his ſentinel-box of reeds, and on the eve of St. Alban’s made the diſcovery he had ſo much at heart. Three ſwans approached from the ſouth with a majeſtic ſweep, and thrice encompaſſed the pool, as if to ſurvey whether every thing was ſafe. They gradually ſunk among the reeds, when behold three lovely maidens came forth, arm in arm, like the three Graces, forming the faireſt groupe ever beheld by mortal eye. They ſported and poiſed themſelvesupon
