From those abrupt and perilous rocks He instantly recalled the Name, And who he was, and whence he came ; On which the Traveller passed this way. But hear a wonder, for whose sake A lasting monument of words This wonder merits well. The Dog, which still was hovering nigh, Repeating the same timid cry, This Dog, had been through three months' space A Dweller in that savage place. Yes, proof was plain that since the day When this ill-fated Traveller died The Dog had watched about the spot, Or by his Master's side: How nourished here through such long time Where battlement and moated gate Are objects only for the hand Of hoary Time to decorate; Where shady hamlet, town that breathes O Lady! from a noble line Of Chieftains sprung, who stoutly bore The spear, yet gave to works divine Well may the Villagers rejoice! That would unite in prayer and praise; More duly shall wild-wandering Youth Shall tottering Age, bent earthward, hear And all shall welcome the new ray Imparted to their Sabbath-day. * Bekangs Ghyll -or the Vale of Nightshade in which stands St. Mary's Abbey, in Low Furness. Even Strangers, slackening here their pace, Shall bless this work of pious care, Lifting its front with modest grace To make a fair recess more fair; To interrupt the deep repose! Not yet the corner stone is laid With solemn rite; but Fancy sees The tower time-stricken, and in shade Embosomed of coeval trees; Hears, o'er the lake, the warning clock Here tutored for Eternity. Lives there a Man whose sole delights Hardening a heart that loathes or slights A Soul so pitiably forlorn, If such do on this earth abide, May turn indifference to pride, And still be not unblest compared With him who grovels, self-debarred |