Around, above it, spreads a shadowy cope

Of forest trees: flower, foliage, and clear rill

Wave from the cliffs, or down ravines elope;

It seems a place charmed from the power of ill

By sainted words of old: so lovely, lone, and still.

And many are the pilgrim's feet which tread

Its rocky steps, which thither yearly go;

Yet, less by love of Nature's wonders led,

Than by the memory of a mighty woe,

Which smote, like blasting thunder, long ago,