We had agreed to descend the Rhine in a boat from Strasburgh to
Rotterdam, whence we might take shipping for London. During this
voyage, we passed [by] many willowy islands, and saw
several beautiful towns. We [staid]
<stayed> a day at Manheim, and, on the fifth from
our departure from Strasburgh, arrived at Mayence. The course of
the Rhine below Mayence becomes much more picturesque. The river
descends rapidly, and winds between hills, not high, but steep,
and of beautiful forms. We saw many ruined castles standing on
the edges of precipices, surrounded by black woods, high and
inaccessible. This part of the Rhine, indeed, presents a
singularly variegated landscape. In one spot you view rugged
hills, ruined castles overlooking tremendous precipices, with
the dark Rhine rushing beneath; and, on the sudden turn of a
promontory, flourishing vineyards, with green sloping banks, and
a meandering river, and populous [towns,]
<towns> occupy the scene.