But getting nigh grim Dante's "obscure wood,"[539]

That horrid equinox, that hateful section

Of human years—that half-way house—that rude

Hut, whence wise travellers drive with circumspection[JZ]

Life's sad post-horses o'er the dreary frontier

Of Age, and looking back to Youth, give one tear;—

XXVIII.

I won't describe,—that is, if I can help

Description; and I won't reflect,—that is,

If I can stave off thought, which—as a whelp