University of Virginia Library


236

The Cascade on Raven Crag, near Lake Coniston.

Pure Virgin of these Alps! who lov'st to wear
Thy foam around thee as a bridal vest,
And from these stormy heights dost seek the rest
Which yon blue vale and glassy sea prepare—
Now scattering on the winds thy silver hair,
Giving fresh greenness to the moorland moss,—
Now fretting unambitiously across
The ancient stones, filling the amorous air
With music: gazing upon thee I think
Of Her, the young, the modest, and the wise,
Who often sang beside thy verdant brink,
In shepherd's ear the Songs of Paradise.
Of thee, pellucid Fountain, I will drink,
So thou inspire me with like melodies.