Insidiously stretched out its lazy length,

And no vain mirror glittered upon[645] the walls,

Yet were the windows of the low abode

By shutters weather-fended, which[646] at once

Repelled the storm and deadened its loud roar.

There snow-white curtains hung in decent folds;

Tough moss, and long-enduring mountain plants,

That creep along the ground with sinuous trail,

Were nicely braided; and composed a work

Like Indian mats, that with appropriate grace