Ascending an eminence, the country opened widely around him; the smoke curled quietly from the scattered cottages, and the scene was unchanged since he last saw it, except from the variation of the seasons.

The fields, which were then crowned with the riches of autumn, had since been seared by wintry frosts, which now slowly relaxed their rigid grasp.

Faint streaks of verdure began to tinge the sunny valleys, though patches of snow still lingered within their cold recesses.

A thousand silver rills burst from the moistened earth, and leaped down the sloping banks, chiming, in soft concert, with the evening breeze.

Every swelling bud exhaled the perfumed breath of spring; and all nature seemed awake to welcome her bland approach.
The peasantry of the country were evidently unmolested, and probably cared little for the change of masters.