High in the gloom appeared, too high, methought,

For human habitation; but I longed

To reach it, destitute of other hope.

I looked with steadiness as sailors look

On the north star, or watch-tower's distant lamp,

And saw the light—now fixed—and shifting now—[GU]

Not like a dancing meteor, but in line

Of never-varying motion, to and fro.

It is no night-fire of the naked hills,

Thought I[484]—some friendly covert must be near.