64 THE CRATER} rest in the former, in consequence of the solitary hours that had been passed there by the young husband, while his anxious partner was far away. CHAPTER V. " There is no gloom on earth, for God above Chastens in love ; Transmuting sorrows into golden joy Free from alloy. His dearest attribute is still to bless, And man s most welcome hymn is grateful cheerfulness." MORAL ALCHEMY. THE mode of proceeding now required great caution on the part of Mark VVoolston. His mind was fully made up not to desert his islands, although this might easily be done, by fitting out the ship for another voyage, filling her with sandal-wood, and bringing off all who chose to aban don the place. But VVoolston had become infatuated with the climate, which had all the witchery of a low latitude without any of its lassitude. The sea-breezes kept the frame invigorated, and the air reasonably cool, even at the Reef; while, on the Peak, there was scarcely ever a day, in the warmest months, when one could not labour at noon. In this respect the climate did not vary essentially from that of Pennsylvania, the difference existing in the fact that there was no winter in his new country. Nothing takes such a hold on men as a delicious climate. They may not be sensible of all its excellencies while in its enjoyment, but the want of it is immediately felt, and has an influence on all their pleasures. Even the scenery-hunter submits to this witchery of climate, which casts a charm over the secondary beauties of nature, as a sweet and placid temper renders the face of woman more lovely than the colour of a skin, or the brilliancy of fine eyes. The Alps and the Apennines furnish a standing proof of the truth of this
