ENTER this cavern, stranger! the ascent Is long and steep and toilsome; here awhile Thou mayst repose thee from the noontide heat, O'ercanopied by this arched rock that strikes A grateful coolness: clasping its rough arms Round the rude portal, the old ivy hangs Its dark green branches down. No common spot Receives thee, for the power who prompts the song Loves this secluded haunt. The tide below Scarce sends the sound of waters to thine ear; And yon high-hanging forest to the wind Varies its many hues. Gaze, stranger, here! And let thy softened heart intensely feel How good, how lovely, nature! When from hence Departing to the city's crowded streets, Thy sickening eye at every step revolts From scenes of vice and wretchedness; reflect That man creates the evil he endures. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DELUSION by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON MUSIC AND MEMORY by JOHN ALBEE CHAUCERS WORDES UNTO ADAM, HIS OWN SCRIVEYN by GEOFFREY CHAUCER IN UTRUMQUE PARATUS by MATTHEW ARNOLD SABBATH HYMN ON THE MOUNTAINS by JOHN STUART BLACKIE HUGH STUART BOYD: HIS DEATH, 1848 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |