Right opposite to Dungeon-Gill, Said Walter then, "Your task is here, "Twill keep you working half a year. V. Till you have cross'd where I shall cross, Say that you'll neither sleep nor eat." James proudly took him at his word, But did not like the feat. It was a spot, which you may see If ever you to Langdale go: Into a chasm a mighty Block Hath fallen, and made a bridge of rock ; The gulph is deep below, And in a bason black and small Receives a lofty Waterfall. VI. With staff in hand across the cleft The Challenger began his march; And now, all eyes and feet, hath gain'd The middle of the arch. When list! he hears a piteous moan- A Lamb, that in the pool is pent Within that black and frightful rent. VII. The Lamb had slipp'd into the stream, And safe without a bruise or wound The Cataract had borne him down Into the gulph profound. His dam had seen him when he fell, She saw him down the torrent borne ; And while with all a mother's love She from the lofty rocks above Sent forth a cry forlorn, The Lamb, still swimming round and round Made answer to that plaintive sound. VIII. When he had learnt, what thing it was, That sent this rueful cry; I ween, IX. He drew it gently from the pool, And brought it forth into the light: The Shepherds met him with his charge Into their arms the Lamb they took, Said they," He's neither maim'd nor scarr'd"- And placed him at his Mother's side; Those idle Shepherd-boys upbraid, And bade them better mind their trade. . 'Tis said, that some have died for love : And here and there a church-yard grave is found In the cold North's unhallow'd ground, Because the wretched man himself had slain, His love was such a grievous pain. And there is one whom I five years have known; He dwells alone Upon Helvellyn's side. He loved―The pretty Barbara died, And thus he makes his moan: Three years had Barbara in her grave been laid When thus his moan he made. |