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He ceased.

Erelong the sun declining shot A slant and mellow radiance, which began To fall upon us, while, beneath the trees, We sat on that low bench: and now we felt, Admonished thus, the sweet hour coming on. A linnet warbled from those lofty elms, A thrush sang loud, and other melodies, At distance heard, peopled the milder air. The old Man rose, and, with a sprightly mien Of hopeful preparation, grasped his staff: Together casting then a farewell look Upon those silent walls, we left the shade; And, ere the stars were visible, had reached A village inn, our evening resting-place.

BOOK SECOND.

THE SOLITARY.

ARGUMENT.

The Author describes his travels with the Wanderer, whose character is further illustrated. - Morning scene, and view of a Village Wake. - Wanderer's account of a Friend whom he purposes to visit. — View, from an eminence, of the Valley which his Friend had chosen for his retreat. Sound of singing from below. - A Funeral Procession. - Descent into the Valley. Observations drawn from the Wanderer at sight of a Book accidentally discovered in a recess in the Valley. — Meeting with the Wanderer's Friend, the Solitary.. Wanderer's description of the mode of Burial in this mountainous district. - Solitary contrasts with this, that of the individual carried a few minutes before from the Cottage. - The Cottage entered. - Description of the Solitary's apartment. - Repast there. View, from the window, of two mountain summits; and the Solitary's description of the companionship they afford him.— Account of the departed inmate of the Cottage. - Description of a grand spectacle upon the mountains, with its effect upon the Solitary's mind. Leave the House.

THE SOLITARY.

IN days of yore how fortunately fared.
The Minstrel! wandering on from hall to hall,
Baronial court or royal; cheered with gifts
Munificent, and love, and ladies' praise;
Now meeting on his road an armed knight,
Now resting with a pilgrim by the side
Of a clear brook; - beneath an abbey's roof
One evening sumptuously lodged; the next,
Humbly in a religious hospital;

Or with some merry outlaws of the wood;
Or haply shrouded in a hermit's cell.

Him, sleeping or awake, the robber spared;
He walked, protected from the sword of war
By virtue of that sacred instrument,
His harp, suspended at the traveller's side;
His dear companion wheresoe'er he went,
Opening from land to land an easy way
By melody, and by the charm of verse.
Yet not the noblest of that honored Race
Drew happier, loftier, more impassioned thoughts

VOL. VI.

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