Whence even now the [tumult of loud mirth]

[Was rife], and perfect in my listening ear;

[Yet nought but single darkness do I find].

What might this be? A thousand fantasies 205

Begin to throng into my memory,

Of calling shapes, and beckoning shadows dire,

And airy tongues that syllable men’s names

On sands and shores and desert wildernesses.

These thoughts [may startle well, but not astound] 210

The virtuous mind, that ever walks attended