Page 1027 of 1118

Renzo had, in his search, witnessed, as he thought, every variety

of human suffering. But a new sound caught his ear-a compound of

children's crying and goats' bleating: looking through an opening

of the boards of a hut, he saw children, infants, lying upon

sheets or quilts upon the floor, and nurses attending them; but

the most singular part of the spectacle, was a number of

she-goats supplying the maternal functions, and with all the

appearance of conscious sympathy hastening, at the cries of the

helpless little ones, to afford them the requisite nutrition. The

women were aiding these efficient coadjutors, in rendering their

supplies available to the poor bereft babies. Whilst observing

this wretched scene, an old capuchin entered with two infants,

just taken from their lifeless mother, to seek among the flock

for one to supply her place. Quitting this spot, and looking

about on every side, a sudden apparition struck his sight, and

set his thoughts in commotion.