Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-09-27
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER u. 1882.
From the Washington City Chronicle.
Sketches of Europe.
No. III.

Sketches of Europe.
No. Ill.,
PROM THE SKETCH BOOK OF a STUDENT.
Rousa 10 Paris-.d Pair,fer-F FRS morning M
Paris-Ihe Louure-Psre La chdiSe, &c.
PARIS, August Ia.
This dissipation, this revelry in novelty, when
will it cease? Oh Rome. Rome! how Wish TO
he in some quiet spot, il such there be, within
Inv walls! But four days have elapsed since
reached Paris-this Mecca of every French,nan,
this CAV and fascinating Paris-and am wearied
of it already Every day have visited the
Louvre to gaze upon the wonderful productions
N art that have charmed ages that are past, and
will those that are to come; have tasted oil the
stream and long to be nearer the fountain -
This uleness and hon hunting will not do Tor
one whose soul is fixed, chained to another OBJ
iect-he is like one starving in garden OF a.
bundance every thing TO temp, and delight,
but the power of qualification withheld.
The morning was delightful aud the sun had
not made his appearance, when we lett Rouen
on the 10th. As our heavy vehicle ratified over
the pavement, many gaping. haltclad hsures pre-
sented themselves at the doors; few with surly
looks were lettering about the streets, and the
lights were not all extingushed before the pub
lie houses. The scenery along the road IS in ma
nv places extremely beautiful: now and then
some old castle or more modern chateau rises
among the tall, close trimmed trees, surrounded
with regularly land out grounds, promenates AMI
parks The Seine Occ asionally gives additional
beauty to the landscape, and nature every where
seems clad in her loyeliest garments; although
there is certain something that marks their
foreign texture, TO an eye accustomed to see her
arrayed in the simplicity that grared her natal
day. 1t was SUNDAY, but how different from the
Sabbath in our own country: the village bell was
heard among the hills, and few peasants might
be seen returning from mass; but the mechanic
was at work, and as the day closed. the sound OF
the violin and merrimeDt took the place OF that
tranquility that follows the tolls OF the week. in
America, like the quiet that succeeds the summer
storm.
Towards night the increasing crowd along the
road, and the occasional passage Of splendid
equipage. gave indications Of our near approach
to the French metropolis. The long avenues of
trees with lamps hung from cords extending
across the road. were thronged with gay figures.
promenading along the side walks, or dancing IN
the different places Of recreation. for which the
faubourgs Of Paris are famous. We were soon
rafting over the pavement IF large square,
brilliantly lighted up, and filed with the gaiety
of Paris. Dashing along through narrow streets
crowded to excess. our knights OF the whip kept
clear course by the uproar they created with
that noisy instrument. shouts and EXPLANATIONS.
As the light from the carriage lamps fell upon the
postiilion nearest, he appeared in the endurance
and agony of jacket full of wasps. twisting
and turning about like monkey caught BY the
tail i'm a steel-trap; his heels moving somewhat
ON the principle of flying shuttles, in one side
and out the other, and every muscle in his body
dancing finale to the end of his journey. At
length we reached comfortable hute!. aud, al
though in the famous city of Pars.it was not un-
al late hour next morning could rouse from
comfortable bed to look out upon the tiled roofs
How strange! the very first living object upon
which nv eye rested was painter. busy at work,
within twenty feet Of me--his window was up,
nnd l had good view of him as he sat, with a
blue smock frook on, painting away upon the pic
ture U! a little curly headed girl-ho" | envied
hun! Presently here came an old woman. and
commenced evidently to criticize and correct;the
Door painter looked sad and gay in a minute. his
pencil danced "vnr the canvass; the old woman
shook her head. Partially closing the curtain, |
sat down without further ceremony to the con-
clrsion of the scene, to which had been made
so unexpectedly q spectator; besides, | felt a
professional interest in the result. could see
the Door fellow worried out Of his temper; at last
the child and The picture were placed beside
each other. and then such motions and pointing
from nature to art! momentary quiet folio" ed !;
the old woman made her exit in the court yard;
and there SAT- the poor painter at his easel, like
patience on a monument" not smiling, but look
Ing wofuly at the work Of his hands $50 these
things are done in France too, genius here must
be screwed down to the opinions Of old women.
The next thing after breakfast vas to sally
into the street. Within twenty PAGES Of the
door of nv hotel, was splashed from head to
foot from puddle into which huge clumsy
horse had soused foot. the size OF large spade
Il put back in distress. and tried it again.
How, heaven only knows. but found myself in
one Of the long arcades for which Paris is famous;
book and map were purchased, and | started
out literally upon cruise, taking, as thought,
an excellent departure and observation of nv
course to find my banker Full three hours
walked in every direction, often returning to the
same spot knew that there was no danger OF
being altogether lost, for every now and then
some one passed speaking nv mother tongue,
and that morning the spirit Of adventure was
strong wihin me. At last | came to down.
- e. Akar ~