troublous in their fecundity. Ah! those black and plunging banks, and
that black mournful lake prone at the bottom!*

* Some literary interest attaches to M. Zola's account of Nemi,
whose praises have been sung by a hundred poets. It will be
observed that he makes no mention of Egeria. The religion
distinguished by abominable practices to which he alludes,
may perhaps be the worship of the Egyptian Diana, who had a
famous temple near Nemi, which was excavated by Lord Savile
some ten years ago, when all the smaller objects discovered
were presented to the town of Nottingham. At this temple,
according to some classical writers, the chief priest was
required to murder his predecessor, and there were other
abominable usages.--Trans.

Count Prada began to laugh when Pierre told him of these impressions.
"Yes, yes," said he, "it's true, Nemi isn't always gay. In dull weather I
have seen the lake looking like lead, and even the full sunshine scarcely
animates it. For my part, I know I should die of /ennui/ if I had to live
face to face with that bare water. But it is admired by poets and
romantic women, those who adore great tragedies of passion."

Then, as he and Pierre rose from the table to go and take coffee on the
terrace of the restaurant, the conversation changed: "Do you mean to
attend Prince Buongiovanni's reception this evening?" the Count inquired.
"It will be a curious sight, especially for a foreigner, and I advise you
not to miss it."

"Yes, I have an invitation," Pierre replied. "A friend of mine, Monsieur
Narcisse Habert, an /attache/ at our embassy, procured it for me, and I