NUNNERY

The floods are roused, and will not soon be weary;

Down from the Pennine Alpshow fiercely sweeps

Croglin, the stately Eden's tributary!

He raves, or through some moody passage creeps

Plotting new mischief — out again he leaps

Into broad light, and sends, through regions airy,

That voice which soothed the Nuns while on the steeps

They knelt in prayer, or sang to blissful Mary.

That union ceased: then, cleaving easy walks

Through crags, and smoothing paths beset with danger,

Came studious Taste; and many a pensive stranger

Dreams on the banks, and to the river talks.

What change shall happen next to Nunnery Dell?

Canal, and Viaduct, and Railway, tell!