Note 134 — 1816

. . . wild deer rove; And, in a clouded quarter of the sky, Through such a portal as with chearful eye The traveller greets in time of threatened storm, 1816. Issued, to sudden view, a radiant Form! Nor wanted lurking hamlet, dusky towns, And scattered rural farms of aspect bright, And, here and there, between the pastoral downs, The azure sea upswelled upon the sight. Fair prospect, such as Britain only shows! But not a living creature could be seen Through its wide circuit, hushed in deep repose, Yea, even to sadness, quiet and serene! Amid this solitude of earth and sky, Through portal clear as loop-hole in a storm Opening before the sun's triumphant eye, 1827. Issued, to sudden view, a radiant form!