The Pilgrims of the Rhine Page 27
CHAPTER VI. GORCUM.--THE TOUR OF THE VIRTUES: A PHILOSOPHER'S TALE.
IT was a bright and cheery morning as they glided by Gorcum. The boatspulling to the shore full of fishermen and peasants in their nationalcostume; the breeze freshly rippling the waters; the lightness of theblue sky; the loud and laughing voices from the boats,--all contributedto raise the spirit, and fill it with that indescribable gladness whichis the physical sense of life.
The tower of the church, with its long windows and its round dial, roseagainst the clear sky; and on a bench under a green bush facing thewater sat a jolly Hollander, refreshing the breezes with the fumes ofhis national weed.