Gebir by Walter Savage Landor
page 55 of 66 (83%)
page 55 of 66 (83%)
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Whence that arose, his consort thus replied -
"Behold the vast Eridanus! ere long We may again behold him and rejoice. Of noble rivers none with mightier force Rolls his unwearied torrent to the main." And now Sicanian Etna rose to view: Darkness with light more horrid she confounds, Baffles the breath and dims the sight of day. Tamar grew giddy with astonishment And, looking up, held fast the bridal vest; He heard the roar above him, heard the roar Beneath, and felt it too, as he beheld, Hurl, from earth's base, rocks, mountains, to the skies. Meanwhile the nymph had fixed her eyes beyond, As seeing somewhat, not intent on aught. He, more amazed than ever, then exclaimed, "Is there another flaming isle? or this Illusion, thus passed over unobserved?" "Look yonder," cried the nymph, without reply, "Look yonder!" Tamar looked, and saw afar Where the waves whitened on the desert shore. When from amid grey ocean first he caught The heights of Calpe, saddened he exclaimed, "Rock of Iberia! fixed by Jove and hung With all his thunder-hearing clouds, I hail Thy ridges rough and cheerless! what though Spring Nor kiss thy brow nor cool it with a flower, Yet will I hail thee, hail thy flinty couch, Where Valour and where Virtue have reposed." The nymph said, sweetly smiling, "Fickle man |
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