Pierre's tale, are doomed to vanish
when the truth is ascertained! The fact is, that these tombs have been
built to gratify the eager desire which the English have always
evinced to behold such interesting mementos. Formerly only one was
erected; but the proprietor of the place, finding that all the English
visiters, on being conducted to this, as the tomb of Virginia, always
asked to see that of Paul also, determined on building a similar one,
to which he gave that appellation. Many have been the visiters who
have been gratified, consequently, by the conviction that they had
looked on the actual burial-place of that unfortunate pair. These
"tombs" are scribbled over with the names of the various persona who
have visited them, together with verses and pathetic ejaculations, and
sentimental remarks. St. Pierre's story of the lovers is very prettily
written, and his description of the scenic beauties of the island are
correct, although not even his pen can do full justice to them; but
there is little truth in the tale. It is said, that there was indeed a
young lady sent from the Mauritius to France, for education, during
the time that Monsieur de la Bourdonnais was governor of the
colony--that her name was Virginia, and that she was shipwrecked in
the St. Geran. I heard something of a young man being attached to her,
and dying of grief for her loss; but that part of the story is very
doubtful.
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