Than it appeared when from the beetling rock[180]
We had looked down upon it. All within,
As left by the[181] departed company,
Was silent; save the solitary clock
That on mine ear ticked with a mournful sound.—[182]
Following our Guide, we clomb the cottage-stairs
And reached a small apartment dark and low,
Which was no sooner entered than our Host
Said gaily, "This is my domain, my cell,
My hermitage, my cabin, what you will—