the morning sun) in the middle, as it were, of the Seine—­which now really assumed an ocean-like appearance.  In fact, these rocks were at a considerable distance, and appeared to be in the broadest part of the embouchure of that river.  I halted the cabriolet; and gazed with unfeigned delight on this truly magnificent and fascinating scene!... for the larks were now mounting all around, and their notes, added to those of the “songsters of the grove,” produced an effect which I even preferred to that from the organ and voice of the “pauvre petit Savoyard.”  The postboy partook of my rapture.  “Voila, Monsieur, des rochers terriblement perpendiculiers—­eh, quelle belle vue de la riviere, et du paysage!”

Leaving this brilliant picture, we turned rather to the left, and then found our descent proportionably gradual with the ascent.  The Seine was now right before us, as hasty glimpses of it, through partial vistos, had enabled us to ascertain.  Still Tancarville was deemed a terrible way off.  First we were to go up, and then we were to go down—­now to turn to the right, and afterwards to the left—­a sort of [Greek:  polla d’ananta katanta] route—­when a prepossessing young paysanne told the postilion, that, after passing through such a wood, we should reach an avenue, from the further end of which the castle of Montmorenci would be visible.. “une petite lieue de distance.”  Every thing is “une petite lieue!” It is the answer to every question relating to distance.  Though the league be double a German one, still it is “une petite!” Here however the paysanne happened to be right.  We passed through the wood, gained the avenue, and from the further end saw—­even yet towering in imposing magnitude—­the far-famed Chateau de Montmorenci.  It might be a small league off.  I gained spirits and even strength at the sight:  told the postilion to mend his pace—­of which he gave immediate and satisfactory demonstration, while the echoes of his whip resounded along the avenue.  A closer road now received us.  Knolls of grass interwoven with moss, on the summits of which the beech and lime threw up their sturdy stems, now enclosed the road, which began to widen and to improve in condition.  At length, turning a corner, a group of country people appeared—­“Est-ce ici la route de Tancarville?”—­“Tancarville est tout pres:  c’est la, ou on voit la fumee des cheminees.”  Joyful intelligence!  The post-boy increased his speed:  The wheels seemed to move with a readier play:  and in one minute and a half I was upon the beach of the river Seine, and alighted at the door of the only auberge in the village.