In what she most doth value, love of God[178]

And his frail creature Man;—but ye shall hear.

I talk—and ye are standing in the sun

Without refreshment!"

Quickly had he spoken,

And, with light steps still quicker than his words,

Led toward the Cottage. Homely was the spot;[179]

And, to my feeling, ere we reached the door,

Had almost a forbidding nakedness;

Less fair, I grant, even painfully less fair,