These their own grandeur on the soul impress,

And bid each passion feel its nothingness.

Midst the vast marble cliffs, a lofty cave

Rears its broad arch beside the rushing wave;

Shadow’d by giant oaks, and rude and lone,

It seems the temple of some power unknown,

Where earthly being may not dare intrude

To pierce the secrets of the solitude.

Yet thence at intervals a voice of wail

Is rising, wild and solemn, on the gale.