f a plover whistled； I imagined it a man。 Finding my apprehensions unfounded； however； and calmed by the deep silence that reigned as evening declined at nightfall； I took confidence。 As yet I had not thought； I had only listened； watched； dreaded； now I regained the faculty of reflection。
What was I to do？ Where to go？ Oh； intolerable questions； when I could do nothing and go nowhere！—when a long way must yet be measured by my weary； trembling limbs before I could reach human habitation—when cold charity must be entreated before I could get a lodging： reluctant sympathy importuned； almost certain repulse incurred； before my tale could be listened to； or one of my wants relieved！
I touched the heath； it was dry； and yet warm with the beat of the summer day。 I looked at the sky； it was pure： a kindly star twinkled just above the chasm ridge。 The dew fell； but with propitious softness； no breeze whispered。 Nature seemed to me benign and good； I thought she loved me； outcast as I was； and I； who from man could anticipate only mistrust； rejection； insult； clung to her with filial fondness。 To…night； at least； I would be her guest； as I was her child： my mother would lodge me without money and without price。 I had one morsel of bread yet： the remnant of a roll I had bought in a town we passed through at noon with a stray penny—my last coin。 I saw ripe bilberries gleaming here and there； like jet beads in the heath： I gathered a handful and ate them with the bread。 My hunger； sharp before； was； if not satisfied； appeased by this hermit’s meal。 I said my evening prayers at its conclusion； and then chose my couch。
Beside the crag the heath was very deep： when I lay down my feet were buried in it； rising high on each side； it left only a narrow space for