The Ice MaidenThe walnut and chestnut trees, which extend from the
bridge of St. Maurice, by the river Rhone, to the shores of the
lake of Geneva, were already covered with the delicate green
garlands of early spring, just bursting into bloom, while the Rhone
rushed wildly from its source among the green glaciers which form
the ice palace of the Ice Maiden. She sometimes allows herself to
be carried by the keen wind to the lofty snow-fields, where she
stretches herself in the sunshine on the soft snowy-cushions. From
thence she throws her far-seeing glance into the deep valley
beneath, where human beings are busily moving about like ants on a
stone in the sun. "Spirits of strength, as the children of the sun
call you," cried the Ice Maiden, "ye are but worms! Let but a
snow-bal
