The arching rock disclosed above the springs

A cave, where hugest son of giant birth,

That e’er of old in forest of romance

’Gainst knights and ladies waged discourteous war,

Erect within the portal might have stood.

The broken stone allow’d for hand and foot

No difficult ascent, above the base

In height a tall man’s stature, measured thrice.

No holier spot than Covadonga Spain

Boasts in her wide extent, though all her realms