Contrary to all expectation, and in consequence of a strong dose administered by a quack, the King recovered, after he had been given over by his doctors and received the last sacrament. The Duchesses were recalled.
Metz at the present day is the chief town of the Department of the Moselle; it is situated on both banks and the island formed by the embranchment of the river: its picturesque streets are connected by several bridges, from which the views are very striking.
It has excellent bathing establishments, fine cafés, a theatre, good shops, and above all a promenade, almost unequalled in beauty; it is situated on very high ground, densely shaded with great trees: seats, and flowers, and grass are there; the military bands play in the evening; the ladies are handsome and well-dressed, and from the walks the view extends for many miles over the green plains of the Moselle; the different branches of the river shine in the valley; the sun sets over the hills which westward bound the view, its golden light streams through the foliage and suffuses the whole valley; little boats glide up and down the stream; merry voices sing in the distance; and thus, with music, beauty, and sunshine, we leave the old Austrasian capital.
Environs of Metz.
CHAPTER V.
