His curiosity was quite easily satisfied.

If an intense scene had caught him with its wild swing as he came to the top of the bank, he might have gone roaring on.
This advance upon Nature was too calm.

He had opportunity to reflect.
He had time in which to wonder about himself and to attempt to probe his sensations.
Absurd ideas took hold upon him.

He thought that he did not relish the landscape.

It threatened him.