And now the grampus, half-descried, Black and huge above the tide ; The cliffs and promontories there, The shattered fortress, whence the Dane Blew his shrill blast, nor rushed in vain, Tyrant of the drear domain ; All into midnight-shadow sweep When day springs upward from the deep! * Kindling the waters in its flight, The prow wakes splendour; and the oar, That rose and fell unseen before, Flashes in a sea of light! Glad sign, and sure! for now we hail Thy flowers, Glenfinnart, in the gale; And bright indeed the path should be, * A phenomenon described by many navigators. Oh blest retreat, and sacred too! Sacred as when the bell of prayer Tolled duly on the desert air, And crosses decked thy summits blue. Oft shall my weary mind recall, Thy beechen grove and waterfall, And Her-the Lady of the Glen! A FAREWELL. ONCE more, enchanting maid, adieu ! The sweet expression of that face, Yet give me, give me, ere I go, One little lock of those so blest, -Say, when to kindle soft delight, That hand has chanced with mine to meet, How could its thrilling touch excite A sigh so short, and yet so sweet? O say-but no, it must not be. INSCRIPTION FOR A TEMPLE DEDICATED TO THE GRACES.* APPROACH with reverence. There are those within, Whose dwelling-place is Heaven. Daughters of Jove, From them flow all the decencies of Life ; Without them nothing pleases, Virtue's self Admired not loved: and those on whom They smile, Great though they be, and beautiful, and wise, Shine forth with double lustre. * At Woburn-Abbey. |