Breathe such divine, enchanting ravishment?
Sure something holy lodges in that breast
That with these raptures moves the vocal air!”
Not a breath ruffled the calm, swelling ocean. The rays of a departing sun gilded every object around me, with a mellow lustre. A scene of such expanse and grandeur completed the effect which the music had wrought upon me; and I was overpowered with the tenderest emotions. Visions of Home and its happy associations, came upon me in rapid succession. But these “thick-coming fantasies” were verging me towards the melting mood. To hide my weakness, I entered into a sociable dialogue with one of my fellow passengers.
“Yes—a very delightful voice,” he observed in answer to an observation of mine.
“Is she ill?—I have not seen her at the dining table,” said I; for I felt more than ordinary interest in her.
“Delicate, I presume, she prefers the solitude of her cabin.”
“Ah, yes: her voice indicates a pensive disposition.”
“Just hers, exactly, sir.”
“Then you are acquainted with her?” I observed.