Whence doubts that came too late, and wishes vain,

Hollow excuses, and triumphant pain;

And oft his cogitations sink as low

As, through the abysses of a joyless heart,

The heaviest plummet of despair can go—

But whence that sudden check? that fearful start!

He hears an uncouth sound—

Anon his lifted eyes

Saw, at a long-drawn gallery's dusky bound,

A Shape[186] of more than mortal size