The fair and fertile valley was bedecked with the blossoms of the apple, the plum, and the almond, which whitened the country round.
Nothing could have seemed more propitious.

Then came the chorus, which was no invention of the poet, but a refrain always sung at rustic weddings, in accordance with the custom of strewing the bridal path with flowers: "The paths with buds and blossoms strew, A lovely bride approaches nigh; For all should bloom and spring anew, A lovely bride is passing by!"{2} Under the blue sky and brilliant sunshine, the joyous young people frisked along.

The picture of youth, gaiety, and beauty, is full of truth and nature.

The bride herself takes part in the frolic.

With roguish eyes she escapes and cries: "Those who catch me will be married this year!" And then they descend the hill towards the church of Saint-Amans.