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. 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 - beneath an abbey's roof One evening sumptuously lodged; the next, Humbly in a religious hospital ; Or with some merry outlaws of the wood; Him, sleeping or awake, the robber spared; VOL. VI. |