Return to Geneva by the Lake

I remained two days at Lausanne, in this painful state of mind. I contemplated the

lake: the waters were placid; all around was calm, and the snowy mountains, “the palaces of

nature,” were not changed. By degrees the calm and heavenly scene restored me,

and I continued my journey towards Geneva. The road ran by the side of the

lake, which became narrower as I approached my native town. I discovered more

distinctly the black sides of Jura, and the bright summit of Mont Blânc; I wept like a child:

“Dear mountains! my own beautiful lake! how do you welcome your wanderer?

Your summits are clear; the sky and lake are blue and placid. Is this to prognosticate