praiseworthy; but no reflecting person can view 1835.
XII
IN THE CHANNEL, BETWEEN THE COAST OF CUMBERLAND AND THE ISLE OF MAN
Ranging the heights of Scawfell or Black-Comb,[843]
In his lone course the Shepherd oft will pause,
And strive to fathom the mysterious laws
By which the clouds, arrayed in light or gloom,
On Mona settle, and the shapes assume 5
Of all her peaks and ridges.[844] What he draws
From sense, faith, reason, fancy, of the cause,
He will take with him to the silent tomb.
Or, by his fire, a child upon his knee,
Haply the untaught Philosopher may speak 10
Of the strange sight, nor hide his theory
That satisfies the simple and the meek,
Blest in their pious ignorance, though weak
To cope with Sages undevoutly free.
FOOTNOTES:
[843] 1837.
... Black-coom, 1835.
[844] Compare the View from the top of Black Comb (vol. iv. p. 279); also the Inscription, Written with a Slate Pencil on a Stone, on the Side of the Mountain of Black Comb (vol. iv. p. 281).
The atmospheric phenomena referred to in the sonnet are frequently seen from the Cumberland hills, overspreading the peaks and ridges of the Isle of Man; and a similar appearance is often visible on the Cumbrian hills, as seen from Mona.—Ed.