Or paced the ground—to guide her Husband home,

By that unwearied signal, kenned afar;[GV]

An anxious duty! which the lofty site,

Traversed but by a few irregular paths,[486]

Imposes, whensoe'er untoward chance

Detains him after his accustomed hour

Till night lies black upon the ground. 'But come,

Come,' said the Matron, 'to our poor abode;

Those dark rocks hide it!'[487] Entering, I beheld

A blazing fire—beside a cleanly hearth