Inscription III. For A Cavern That Overlooks The River Avon.

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.