cedar groves which were scattered on the uplands, and the palms which were grouped among the recesses of the hills, waved their tops in the light cool breeze. The stork winged her slow flight above the groves, while the eagle arose from the highest summit of the rocks, like a dark speck in the sunlight. An aromatic scent spread among the flowering reeds on the borders of the lake, except where a sandy promontory jutted out into the waters, affording an advantageous station for the fishers, whose boats were seen, here and there, floating on the rippled surface, and whose nets were spread to dry in the morning sun.
Sadoc and his sister directed their steps to one of these promontories, whence they could gain an extensive view of the shores, and could even discern the issue of Jordan from the southern end of the lake. The few habitations which were distinctly visible, presented no sign of life without or within. No human being was in sight; and if the maiden looked around her in search of such a form, her search was vain.
"He cannot yet have passed," said Michal, "though it is said that he sometimes departs
