INSCRIPTION III.

Enter this cavern Stranger! the ascent

Is long and steep and toilsome; here awhile

Thou mayest repose thee, from the noontide heat

O'ercanopied by this arch'd rock that strikes

A grateful coolness: clasping its rough arms

Round the rude portal, the old ivy hangs

Its dark green branches down, and the wild Bees,

O'er its grey blossoms murmuring ceaseless, make

Most pleasant melody. 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 this high-hanging forest to the wind

Varies its many hues. Gaze Stranger here!

And let thy soften'd heart intensely feel

How good, how lovely, Nature! When from hence

Departing to the City's crouded streets,

Thy sickening eye at every step revolts

From scenes of vice and wretchedness; reflect

That Man creates the evil he endures.