noon
The band halted at nightfall on this side the Pontine Marshes , seizing without scruple some huts and sheds , from which they ejected the miserable tenants , and slaughtering with no greater ceremony the swine , cattle , and poultry of a neighbouring farm . Shortly after sunrise they crossed those fatal swamps which had already been partially drained by Boniface VIII. ; and Montreal , refreshed by sleep , reconciled to his late mortification by the advantages opened to him in the approaching war with Naples , and rejoicing as he approached a home which held one who alone divided his heart with ambition , had resumed all the gaiety which belonged to his Gallic birth and his reckless habits . And that deadly but consecrated road , where yet may be seen the labours of Augustus , in the canal which had witnessed the Voyage so humourously described by Horace , echoed with the loud laughter and frequent snatches of wild song by which the barbarian robbers enlivened their rapid march . It was noon when the company entered upon that romantic pass I have before referred to -- the ancient Lantulae . High to the left rose steep and lofty rocks , then covered by the prodigal verdure , and the countless flowers , of the closing May ; while to the right the sea , gentle as a lake , and blue as heaven , rippled musically at their feet . Montreal , who largely possessed the poetry of his land , which is so eminently allied with a love of nature , might at another time have enjoyed the beauty of the scene ; but at that moment less external and more household images were busy within him . Abruptly ascending where a winding path up the mountain offered a rough and painful road to their horses ' feet , the band at length arrived before a strong fortress of grey stone , whose towers were concealed by the lofty foliage , until they emerged sullenly and suddenly from the laughing verdure .