Built to endure the shocks of time and chance;

Yet showing many a rent, as well it might,

Warred on for ever by the elements,

And in an evil day, nor long ago,

By violent men—when on the mountain-top

The French and Austrian banners met in conflict.

On the same rock beside it stood the church,

Reft of its cross, not of its sanctity; ...

And just below it in that dreary dale,

If dale it might be called, so near to heaven,