I had now the whole south of _France_, from the banks of the _Rhne_ to those of the _Garonne_, to traverse upon my mule at my own leisure--_at my own leisure_----for I had left Death, the Lord knows----and He only--how far behind me---- "I have followed many a man thro' _France_, quoth he--but never at this mettlesome rate." ----Still he followed, ----and still I fled him----but I fled him chearfully----still he pursued----but, like one who pursued his prey without hope----as he lagg'd, every step he lost, soften'd his looks----why should I fly him at this rate?
So notwithstanding all the commissary of the post-office had said, I changed the _mode_ of my travelling once more; and, after so precipitate and rattling a course as I had run, I flattered my fancy with thinking of my mule, and that I should traverse the rich plains of _Languedoc_ upon his back, as slowly as foot could fall.
There is nothing more pleasing to a traveller----or more terrible to travel-writers, than a large rich plain; especially if it is without great rivers or bridges; and presents nothing to the eye, but one unvaried picture of plenty: for after they have once told you, that 'tis delicious! or delightful! (as the case happens)--that the soil was grateful, and that nature pours out all her abundance, &c. . . . they have then a large plain upon their hands, which they know not what to do with--and which is of little or no use to them but to carry them to some town; and that town, perhaps of little more, but a new place to start from to the next plain----and so on.
--This is most terrible work; judge if I don't manage my plains better.
I had now the whole south of France to cross upon my mule at my leisure - for I had left Death far behind me - 'I have followed many a man through France,' quoth he, 'but never at this speed.'
- Still he followed, and still I fled him, but I fled him cheerfully - and he lagged like one without hope of catching his prey. - Why should I fly him at this rate?
So I changed the mode of my travelling once more; and, after running so rapid and rattling a course, I flattered my fancy with thinking that I should cross the rich plains of Languedoc upon my mule's back, as slowly as foot could fall.
There is nothing more pleasing to a traveller - or more terrible to travel-writers, than a large rich plain; especially if it is without great rivers or bridges, and presents nothing to the eye but one unvaried picture of plenty. For after they have told you that 'tis delicious! or delightful! and that nature pours out her abundance, &c, they have then a large plain upon their hands, which they know not what to do with - and which is of little use to them but to carry them to some town; and that town may be of no more use than as a starting-point for the next plain - and so on.
This is most terrible work; judge if I don't manage my plains better.