And the only
tree I have seen, that appeared to be planted by the hand of taste,
is in the churchyard, to shade the tomb of the poet Klopstock's
wife.
Most of the merchants have country houses to retire to during the
summer; and many of them are situated on the banks of the Elbe,
where they have the pleasure of seeing the packet-boats arrive - the
periods of most consequence to divide their week.
The moving picture, consisting of large vessels and small craft,
which are continually changing their position with the tide, renders
this noble river, the vital stream of Hamburg, very interesting; and
the windings have sometimes a very fine effect, two or three turns
being visible at once, intersecting the flat meadows; a sudden bend
often increasing the magnitude of the river; and the silvery
expanse, scarcely gliding, though bearing on its bosom so much
treasure, looks for a moment like a tranquil lake.
Nothing can be stronger than the contrast which this flat country
and strand afford, compared with the mountains and rocky coast I
have lately dwelt so much among. In fancy I return to a favourite
spot, where I seemed to have retired from man and wretchedness; but
the din of trade drags me back to all the care I left behind, when
lost in sublime emotions.
