waked very early, feeling
refreshed with his slumbers, and not at all inclined to prolong
them. The others were all asleep, and the house was silent. As he
lay he could hear the gentle ripple of the water upon the beach,
and feel the sweet, balmy air of morning as it tanned his cheeks.
For some little time he lay enjoying his situation, and then jumped
out of bed and went to the window.

Immediately in front of him lay the Bay of Naples, a dark blue
expanse, with its border of green shores and white cities, overhung
by a sky whose hue rivalled that of the sea beneath. The beauty of
the scene was so exquisite that it called him forth, and unable
any longer to remain within doors, he dressed himself and walked
out. On his way out he met no one, for all were still asleep. He
had to unlock the door to let himself out, and when outside he saw
that the street was as deserted as the interior of the hotel.

Standing at the door, he saw the eastern sky all ruddy and glowing.
The sun was not yet up, but these hues indicated its approach, and
announced that it was at hand. The fertile plains, all covered with
vineyards, spread afar, extending from the outskirts of the town
to the slopes of the mountains, which in the distance rose up
grandly, their sides covered with groves, and resting in dark
shadows. There, too, was Vesuvius, as ever, monarch of the scene;
and the smoke that hung over its summit stood revealed in a black
mass against the blue sky.

David left the hotel, and, after walking a few paces, turned his
steps towards the sea-shore. Here the attractions were greater
than on the land, for the blue expanse of water spread itself out
before him, encircled by shores and islands, and all the congregated
glories of the Bay of Naples were there in one view before his
eyes. There was a beach here of fine pebbles, which sloped gently
into the water, and upon this beach a number of boats were drawn
up. After wandering along the beach for a little distance, David
entered one of these boats, and sat down. It was a small boat,
with: a mast and sail, the latter of which was loosely furled. Here
David sat and looked out upon the water.

The glorious scene filled his whole soul with enthusiastic delight.
Upon that deep blue surface his eye was attracted by several white
sails far away, that moved to and fro. At that moment it seemed to
him that to move thus over such a sea would be equal to a bird's
flight in the blue of heaven;