`` i have seen , '' he said , `` the most beautiful scenes of my own country ; i have visited the lakes of lucerne and uri , where the snowy mountains descend almost perpendicularly to the water , casting black and impenetrable shades , which would cause a gloomy and mournful appearance , were it not for the most verdant islands that relieve the eye by their gay appearance ; i have seen this lake agitated by a tempest , when the wind tore up whirlwinds of water , and gave you an idea of what the waterspout must be on the great ocean ; and the waves dash with fury the base of the mountain , where the priest and his mistress were overwhelmed by an avalanche , and where their dying voices are still said to be heard amid the pauses of the nightly wind ; i have seen the mountains of la valais , and the pays de vaud : but this country , victor , pleases me more than all those wonders .