And that water, clear and yet so deep, that water deserted, without a bark upon its surface, that water august, lifeless, and sepulchral, had left him a feeling of inexpressible sadness, of mortal melancholy, the hopelessness of great solitary passion, earth and water alike swollen by the mute spasms of germs, troublous in their fecundity.

Ah! those black and plunging banks, and that black mournful lake prone at the bottom!* * Some literary interest attaches to M.Zola's account of Nemi, whose praises have been sung by a hundred poets.

It will be observed that he makes no mention of Egeria.

The religion distinguished by abominable practices to which he alludes, may perhaps be the worship of the Egyptian Diana, who had a famous temple near Nemi, which was excavated by Lord Savile some ten years ago, when all the smaller objects discovered were presented to the town of Nottingham.

At this temple, according to some classical writers, the chief priest was required to murder his predecessor, and there were other abominable usages .-- Trans.
Count Prada began to laugh when Pierre told him of these impressions.
"Yes, yes," said he, "it's true, Nemi isn't always gay.