His wife and children, linking hand in hand,

XXXVI.

Followed his steps. It was a cavern rude,

Its floor a level rock, its vaulted roof

Of granite masses formed, whose arches stood

More firmly for the weight they propped aloof;—

And here and there upon the floor were strewed

Extinguished brands, which, with like signs, gave proof

That men had dwelt there;—then, through screening vines

Sire Williams glances out and marks where shines,