And with soft smile, his consort would reprove.

She, far behind him in the race of years,

Yet keeping her first mildness, was advanced

Far nearer, in the habit of her soul,

To that still region whither all are bound.

Him might we liken to the setting sun

As seen not seldom[653] on some gusty day,

Struggling and bold, and shining from the west

With an inconstant and unmellowed light;

She was a soft attendant cloud, that hung