Jean-François Marmontel

“ Fonrose, moved to his inmost soul, with her complained, so melodiously expressed, could not refrain from taking up his hautboy. She continued, and accompanied her sweet voice.
Never was unison more harmonious. Is this an enchantment? said Adelaide. May I believe my sense? 'Tis no mean shepherd! 'tis some supernatural being that I have been listening to! Nature may give a bent, but great masters and constant practice only can reach to such perfection. As she was thus musing, the valley resounded with a rural or rather a divinc symphony. ”

“ A man under misfortune, replied Adelaide, may find a thousand means to extricate himself; but to a woman in such cases, has no resource but in the honest servitude; and in the choice of one's master, methinks 'tis best to prefer the good and virtuous. ”

“ Impatient to put in execution the design she had formed, arrived at the hut. Father, said she to the old Pastor, do you think yourself able to take a journey to Turin? I want a person that I can rely on, to carry the Count and Countess Fonrose intelligence of what concerns their whole happiness. My zeal said the old man, to serve them, will give me strength equal to my inclination. Go then, continued she, you will find them at present lamenting the death of their only child. Inform them that he is living, and that it is their poor Adelaide that will restore him to their arms. ”

“ But all of her charms, none struck him with so much admiration as her elegant shape and air. The charming image which love engraves in his heart, takes up his thoughts, & fills his soul with irrcsistable passions. ”

“ What is shc doing now in thc sheep-fold, asked the Countess. She milks the ewes and she-goats, fosters the young kids and lambs, and gives them fresh litter. The cheeses she makes are thought delicious; no doubt for having been pressed with her neat hands. I carry it to the market and have not near enough to supply all those that would be my customers. When the dear child is tending the flock in the pastures, she cmploys herself in making works of plaited straw, which are admired by every body. ”

“ The similitude of our conditions will make us feel the more for each other. I look upon you as one whom heaven, moved with my afflietions, has sent into this solitude to save ne from despair. I look upon you as a sincere friend, capable of giving, if not satisfactory advice, at least a firm example of true resignation to the Divine will.
Ah! madam, said Fonrose, overwhelmed with what he heard, whatever tender sensibility my heart is prone to fecl, you are far from imagining with what deep concern the rccital of your woes has affccted me—the impression will remain as long as life. ”

“ His parents will never consent to the journey he intends: 'twill not be looked upon as the mere effects of curiosity, but be deemed a youthful folly that may have bad consequences: and the shepherdess may be alarmed at his presence, and shun his addresses; if it is discovered, he loses her for ever. ”

“ This is all my secret—nothing is more natural. 'Tis incredible, said Adelaide, I thought so too, said he, whilst I listened to your voice, & now I am convinccd of it; though sometimes nature and love will froliesomcly bestow her choicest favours on the meanest objects, to show there is no condition, be it ever so low, but what they can ennoble.
Whilst they thus discoursed, advancing in the valley, Fonrose, animated by a ray of hope, began to make the hautboy resound rapturous notes that the pleasure inspires. ”

“ The poor old folks, who were present, fell on their knees and kissed the Countess's hand; then turning to Adelaide, thcy conjured her in the most pressing terms, to aeeept the lady's generous proposal. We cannot at onr time of day, be far frnm the grave, and as it has been our eonstant study to make our lives happy, so must our death leave you comfortless in this solitary place. The shepherdess embracing them, and mixing her tears with theirs, returned a thousand thanks to their noble guests with a sweetness that increased her charms, I cannot, said she aecept of your favour ”

“ She rises with the sun, conduets the floek, and does not return till it sets, often shivering with cold. How is it possible, my dear parents, she would say, with all the tenderness of a loving child, how is it possible that I should consent to let you leave your fireside, to be exposed, at your age, to the inelemency of the season, which I, young as I am, can scarce support.—At the same time she comes loaded with faggots, whieh she gathers in the wood ”

“ How faintly, said he, has she bcen deseribed! the lovely beauty is unknown to the world, whose admiration she deserve. She that would grace a throne, lives under the thateh of a cottage, employed in the low occupation of tending the flocks! In what poor garments does she appear! But she embellishes every thing, and nothing can demand her.
Adelaide felt herself somewhat touched with Fonrose's youth and comeliness, nor could she help refleeting on his capricious turn of fortune. For what end, thought shc, has nature endowed this young shepherd with such talents, and formed him with such graces. ”

“ Without desiring to penetrate into the secrets of your birth, Adelaide, or into whatever is the eause of your distress I feel that I am sensibly interested in all that eoneerns your welfare. 'Tis evident that your courage raises you above your misfortunes, and that you eonform your behaviour suitable to your present eireumstances. ”

“ What eould enduee you to leave your affectionate parents? What is your business here? To adore what you yourself so much admired. Madam, said Adelaide, whilst Fonrose embraeed his father's knees, you would not have been so long a prey to grief, had I diseovered sooner your dear son. After a few effusions of naturc were over, Fonrose relapsed into his former melaneholy. Come, said the Countess, let us go and repose ourselves in the eabin, and forget the woes this young man has plunged us in. 'Tis very true, said Fonrose to his father, who led him by the hand ”

“ I do; but it is a seeret whieh she alone ean reveal. Is she married? No; she is a widow; but her heart is no less engaged, nay, it is rather bound with stronger chains. Madam, said the Count to Adelaide, as they had entered the cabin, you see how you turn the heads, as well as eaptivate all that bears the name of Fonrose. Nothing could have justified my son's extravagant passions, but so virtuous, so loving an object. My wife's utmost wishes were to have you for a friend. Ah! sir, replied Adelaide, your goodness perplexes me ”

“ No, nevcr had any child for its parents a more tender regard, a more constant care She cannot obey, because 'tis impossible for us to command; but she dives into our hearts, and prevents our wishes, when they are scarcely formed. ”

“ Be not under any concern about these good people; I shall make up for their loss, at least as far as to enable them to pass the rcmainder of their days in peaee and plenty, & from your hands they shall reeeive my constant bounty. ”