Noon
He had reached the summit of a hill , which afforded a view into the valley below , and stopping his horse , he turned on one side to enjoy the beautiful prospect . Before him lay an extended plain , bounded on each side by wooded heights , through which flowed the green waters of the Danube ; on his right the chain of hills of the Würtemberg Alb ; on his left the distant snow-capped Tyrolean Alps . The blue vault of heaven encircled the scene , and its soft colouring brought out in strong relief the dark walls of Ulm , its massive spire , and the whole extent of the town , which lay at the foot of the mountain . Noon was announced at this moment by the tolling of the bells of the cathedral ; their solemn tones resounded throughout the town and its extended plain , until they were lost among the distant mountains . `` The same sounds accompany my departure which greeted my arrival , '' thought the young man : `` but how different did I interpret their brazen voices , when for the first time they reached my ear , and guided me to my love ; and now that I depart disconsolate , and without object , the same tones follow me ! They celebrated the birth of my hope , and now ring its knell . It is the picture of life ! ''