’Tis distance lends enchantment to the view,

And robes the mountain in its azure hue.

Thus, with delight we linger to survey

The promised joys of life’s unmeasured way;

Thus, from afar, each dim-discovered scene

More pleasing seems than all the past hath been;

And every form, that Fancy can repair

From dark oblivion, glows divinely there.

What potent spirit guides the raptured eye

To pierce the shades of dim futurity?