noon
`` The world , '' said he , pursuing this train of thought , `` ridicules a passion which it seldom feels ; its scenes , and its interests , distract the mind , deprave the taste , corrupt the heart , and love can not exist in a heart that has lost the meek dignity of innocence . Virtue and taste are nearly the same , for virtue is little more than active taste , and the most delicate affections of each combine in real love . How then are we to look for love in great cities , where selfishness , dissipation , and insincerity supply the place of tenderness , simplicity and truth ? '' It was near noon , when the travellers , having arrived at a piece of steep and dangerous road , alighted to walk . The road wound up an ascent , that was clothed with wood , and , instead of following the carriage , they entered the refreshing shade . A dewy coolness was diffused upon the air , which , with the bright verdure of turf , that grew under the trees , the mingled fragrance of flowers and of balm , thyme , and lavender , that enriched it , and the grandeur of the pines , beech , and chestnuts , that overshadowed them , rendered this a most delicious retreat . Sometimes , the thick foliage excluded all view of the country ; at others , it admitted some partial catches of the distant scenery , which gave hints to the imagination to picture landscapes more interesting , more impressive , than any that had been presented to the eye .