D'Artagnan perceived, within half a league at most, the blue and marked profile of the rocks of Belle-Isle, dominated by the majestic whiteness of the castle.

In the distance, the land with its forests and verdant plains; cattle on the grass.

This was what first attracted the attention of the musketeer.

The sun darted its rays of gold upon the sea, raising a shining mist round this enchanted isle.

Little could be seen of it, owing to this dazzling light, but the salient points; every shadow was strongly marked, and cut with bands of darkness the luminous fields and walls.