Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 1.djvu/144

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128

INSCRIPTION II.

For a CAVERN that overlooks the River AVON.

Enter this cavern Stranger! the ascentIs long and steep and toilsome; here awhileThou mayest repose thee, from the noontide heatO'ercanopied by this arch'd rock that strikesA grateful coolness: clasping its rough armsRound the rude portal, the old ivy hangsIts dark green branches down, and the wild Bees,O'er its grey blossoms murmuring ceaseless, makeMost pleasant melody. No common spotReceives thee, for the Power who prompts the song,Loves this secluded haunt. The tide belowScarce sends the sound of waters to thine ear;And this high-hanging forest to the windVaries its many hues. Gaze Stranger here!And let thy soften'd heart intensely feel
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