MEMORIALS OF A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820

XII. THE FALL OF THE AAR--HANDEC

          FROM the fierce aspect of this River, throwing
          His giant body o'er the steep rock's brink,
          Back in astonishment and fear we shrink:
          But, gradually a calmer look bestowing,
          Flowers we espy beside the torrent growing;
          Flowers that peep forth from many a cleft and chink,
          And, from the whirlwind of his anger, drink
          Hues ever fresh, in rocky fortress blowing:
          They suck--from breath that, threatening to destroy,
          Is more benignant than the dewy eve--                       10
          Beauty, and life, and motions as of joy:
          Nor doubt but HE to whom yon Pine-trees nod
          Their heads in sign of worship, Nature's God,
          These humbler adorations will receive.