Craven Blossoms or, Poems chiefly connected with the district of Craven. By Robert Storey |
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 | Craven Blossoms |  |
XI.
“Not Cheviot shows a sterner dellThan that on which the moonshine fell,
Shadowy and soft, of yesternight:
How rose its rocks—o'er mist—in light,
Gleaming in dew like cavern-spars,
And soaring towards the vault of stars!”
“'Twas the Moon's flattery, Lady, threw
Along that dell enchantment's hue,”
Remarked the Guide. “The beams of day
Had ta'en its majesty away,
Though, truth to own, had left it still
Each rocky ledge and barren hill.
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With many a scene to Craven known.
And if the love—a taste divine—
Of Nature and her works be thine;
In Craven's numerous wilds thou mayst
To rapture's verge indulge that taste.
If softened scenes with thee avail—
Here brightly blooms the grassy dale;
If thou wouldst view a scene of power—
Go where the crags of Gordale lower;
If grandeur mixed with beauty please—
View Barden's woods, or Bolton's leas;
If hoar antiquity you seek—
Let Skipton's fort of ages speak;
If wildness bleak and lonely give
Its feeling in thy breast to live—
A solitary journey take
To Rhombald's waste, or Malham's lake.
There's scarce a charm, stern, wild, or fair,
But frowns or blooms 'twixt Wharf and Aire.”
| Craven Blossoms | |