But there I stood upon the dizzy edge, And saw a sight worth all the barons bold, A woven web of purple and of gold,

A living web thrown o'er the rocky ledge.

It was a cloud of rooks in morning's beam, Which, rising from the neighbouring convent trees,

With all their pinions open to the breeze, Swam down the steep in one majestic stream.

It was a purple cataract that flung
Its living self adown a rocky rent,
And midway in its clamorous descent
The rainbow-glancing morning o'er it hung.

Some were of gold, which in a moment shifted
Into a purple or a brilliant black,
And some had silver dewdrops on their back,
Changing as through the beams the creatures
....drifted.

1

Beneath, the multitudinous houses lay, The living cataract one instant flashed Through the bright air, then on the roofs was dashed

In seeming shower of gold and sable spray.

I watched with joy the noisy pageant leap
Into the quiet city; and the thrill
Of health did so my glowing body fill,
That I would fain sail with it down the steep.

I was beside myself; I could not think‹ A beauty is a thing entire, apart,

And may be flung into a passive heart, And be a fountain there whence we may drink.

Ah me! the morning was so cool and bright,
And I so strong, and it was such a mirth
To be so far away upon the earth,
That I was overflowed with sheer delight.

Away, like stocks and stones, went serious thought,

Now buried in the foamy inundation, Now through the waves of exquisite sensation

From time to time unto the surface brought.

I rescued nothing, for I had no power;'
And in the retrospect I dare to boast.
I would not for a world of thought have lost
The animal enjoyment of that hour!

The Shadow of the Rock!

Stay, Pilgrim ! Stay!

Night treads upon the heels of day; There is no other resting-place this way. The Rock is near,

The Well is clear,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock!!

The desert wide.

Lies round thee like a trackless tide, In waves of sand forlornly multiplied, The Sun has gone,.

Thou art alone,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock !T
All come alone, 1/

All, ever since the sun hath shone,! Who travelled by this road hath come alone. Be of good cheer,

A home is here,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock!

Night veils the land;

How the palms whisper as they stand! How the well tinkles faintly through the sand!

Cool water take

Thy thirst to slake,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

This Rock moves ever at thy side, Pausing to welcomes thee at eventide. Ages are laid at

The Shadow of the Rock !!
Always at hand, T

Unseen it cools the noontide land,

And quells the fire that flickers in the sand. It comes in sight

Only at night,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock !

'Mid skies storm-riven

It gathers shadows out of heaven, **/ And holds them o'er us all night cool and

Through the charmed air

Dew falls not there,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock!
To angels' eyes

This Rock its shadow multiplies,
And at this hour in countless places lies,
One Rock, one shade,

O'er thousands laid,

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock !!

To weary feet,

That have been diligent and fleet,

The sleep is deeper, and the shade more

O weary rest,

Thou art sore pressed,

[sweet.

Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

They who rest here

Wake with Heaven near, b/ Rest in the Shadow of the Rock.

The Shadow of the Rock!

Pilgrim sleep sound;

In night's swift hours with silent bound The Rock will put thee over leagues of

ground,

Gaining more way
By night than day,

「 * . Rest in the Shadow of the Rock."

The Shadow of the Rock!

One day of pain

Thou scarce wilt hope the Rock to gain, Yet there wilt sleep thy last sleep on the ./plain;