The steep slate-quarry, and the great echo flap
And buffet round the hills, from bluff to bluff.”
Tennyson listened attentively. When I spoke the last line he shook his head and said:
“No!”
“Surely that is correct?” I said.
“No!” There was in this something which I did not understand, for I was certain that I had given the words correctly. So I ventured to say:
“Of course one must not contradict an author about his own work; but I am certain those are the words in my edition of the poem.” He answered quickly:
“Oh, the words are all right—quite correct!”
“Then what is wrong?” For answer he said:
“Have you ever been on a Welsh mountain?”