Before our eyes were dazzled by the light of day, we saw, without the grotto, the water of the river sparkling amid the foliage of the trees that concealed it.

It was like a picture placed in the distance, and to which the mouth of the cavern served as a frame.

Having at length reached the entrance, and seated ourselves on the banks of the rivulet, we rested after our fatigue.

We were glad to be beyond the hoarse cries of the birds, and to leave a place where darkness does not offer even the charm of silence and tranquillity.

We could scarcely persuade ourselves that the name of the Grotto of Caripe had hitherto remained unknown in Europe.