Flows in, and gently whispering its tale doth tell
To thee, O Queen of Rivers, radiant Moselle!
It is a rich green valley where these waters meet, where the Meurthe dies, and dying, gives her waters to increase those of her friend.
Bountifully watering the valley’s soil, our river flows through the department named after her, Moselle, and forms a large island, where the ancient Roman aqueduct formerly strode over.
Of this aqueduct sixteen arches and one column still remain on the right bank, at the village named Jouy aux Arches; from the gardens above, the river is seen glittering through the valley, which is framed into pictures by the huge arches.
Of course a legend exists that the Devil built this aqueduct. He had promised to do it, for some unknown consideration, before cock-crow; the cock, however, crowed too soon, and the Devil, irritated with the cock and himself, kicked down an unoffending arch: the uncompleted aqueduct soon became ruinous.
Another legend makes Azita (a daughter of Noah) the builder of these arches; she, being a cautious lady, erected them in order that, if another flood came, she might climb up and be safe.
This aqueduct, which was six leagues long, poured its waters into a vast bason, where representations of naval engagements were given by the Romans. It was already a ruin in the tenth century.
Jouy is about six miles from Metz, which is esteemed the strongest city in France, and is garrisoned by twelve thousand men. As we approach the town the beautiful cathedral is seen looming large above the other buildings; it was commenced in the eleventh century, and not completed until the sixteenth: it is elegant in its proportions and beautiful in its detail; another older church is incorporated into it, and its windows are filled with very beautiful stained glass.
Approaching the town, the river breaks into two branches, and another stream comes in, all helping to fortify the old capital of the Austrasians.