grew thinner toward the middle, but multiplied and lay closer together toward the end of the arches that were entire.

(28) There were, indeed, some persons, but their number was very small, that continued a kind of hobbling march on the broken arches, but fell through, one after another, being quite tired and spent with so long a walk. (29) I passed some time in the contemplation of this wonderful structure, and the great variety of objects which it presented.

(30) My heart was filled with deep melancholy to see several dropping, unexpectedly, in the midst of mirth and jollity, and catching by everything that stood by them to save themselves. (31) Some were looking up toward the heavens in a thoughtful posture, and, in the midst of a speculation, stumbled and fell out of sight. (32) Multitudes were very busy in the pursuit of bubbles that glittered in their eyes and danced before them; but often when they thought themselves within the reach of them, their footing failed, and down they sunk.

(34) In this confusion of objects, I observed some with cimeters in their hands, and others with lancets, who ran to and fro upon the bridge, thrusting several persons on trap-doors which did not seem to lie in their way, and which they might have escaped had they not been thus forced upon them.

(35) The Genius, seeing me indulge myself in this melancholy prospect, told me I had dwelt long enough upon it. (36) "Take thine eyes off the bridge," said he, "and tell me if thou yet seest anything thou dost not comprehend." (37) Upon looking up, "What mean," said I," those great flights of birds that are perpetually hovering about the bridge, and settling upon it from time to time? (38) I see vultures, harpies, ravens, cormorants, and, among many other feathered creatures, several little winged boys, that perch in great numbers upon the middle arches."

(39) "These," said the Genius, "are envy, avarice, superstition, despair, love, with the like cares and passions

that infest human life." (40) I here fetched a deep sigh. (41) "Alas!" said I, "man was made in vain! how is he given away to misery and mortality! tortured in life, and swallowed up in death!" (42) The Genins, being moved with compassion toward me, bid me quit so uncomfortable a prospect. (43) "Look no more,” said he, "on man in the first stage of his existence, in his setting out for eternity, but cast thine eye on that thick mist, into which the tide bears the several generations of mortals that fall into it."

(44) I directed my sight as ordered, and, whether or no the good Genius strengthened it with any supernatural force, or dissipated part of the mist, that was before too thick for the eye to penetrate, I saw the valley opening at the farther end, and spreading forth into an immense ocean, that had a huge rock of adamant running through the midst of it, and dividing it into two equal parts. (45) The clouds still rested on one half of it, insomuch that I could discover nothing in it; but the other appeared to me a vast ocean, planted with innumerable islands, that were covered with fruits and flowers and interwoven with a thousand little shining seas, that ran among them.

(46) I could see persons dressed in glorious habits, with garlands upon their heads, passing among the trees, lying down by the sides of fountains, or resting on beds of flowers; and could hear a confused harmony of singing birds, falling water, human voices, and musical instruments. (47) Gladness grew in me upon the discovery of so delightful a scene. (48) I wished for the wings of an eagle, that I might fly away to those happy seats; but the Genius told me there was no passage to them except through the gates of death, that I saw opening every moment upon the bridge.

(49) "The islands," said he, "that lie so fresh and green before thee, and with which the whole face of the ocean appears spotted, as far as thou canst see, are more in number than the sands on the sea-shore.

(50) There are myriads of islands behind those which thou here discoverest, reaching farther than thine eye or

even thine imagination can extend itself. (51) These are the mansions of good men after death, who, according to the degrees and kinds of virtue in which they excelled, are distributed among these several islands, which abound with pleasures of different kinds and degrees, suitable to the relishes and perfections of those who are settled in them. (52) Every island is a paradise accommodated to its respective inhabitants.

(53) Are not these, oh Mirza, habitations worth contending for? (54) Does life appear miserable, that gives thee opportunities of earning such a reward? (55) Is death to be feared, that will convey thec to so happy an existence? (56) Think not man was made in vain, who has such an eternity reserved for him." (57) I gazed with inexpressible pleasure on those happy islands. (58) "At length," said I, "show me now, I beseech thee, the secrets that lie under those dark clouds that cover the ocean on the other side of the rock of adamant.”

(59) The Genius making me no answer, I turned about to address myself to him a second time, but I found that he had left me. (60) I then turned again to the vision which I had been so long contemplating; but, instead of the rolling tide, the arched bridge, and the happy islands, I saw nothing but the long hollow valley of Bagdat, with oxen, sheep, and camels grazing upon the sides of it.

THE LADY OF SHALOTT.

PART I.

(1) On either side the river lie

Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-towered Camelot ;

And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow,
'Round an island there below,
The Island of Shalott.

(2) Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Thro' the wave that runs forever,
By the island in the river,

Flowing down to Camelot.

Four gray walls and four gray towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,

And the silent isle embowers
The lady of Shalott.

(3) By the margin, willow-veil'd,
Slide the heavy barges, trail'd
By slow horses; and unhail'd
The shallop flitteth, silken-sail'd,
Skimming down to Camelot ;
But who hath seen her wave her hand?
Or at the casement seen her stand?
Or is she known in all the land,
The lady of Shalott?

(4) Only reapers, reaping early
In among the bearded barley,
Hear a song that echoes cheerly,
From the river winding clearly,

Down to towered Camelot :
And by the moon, the reaper weary,
Piling sheaves in upland airy,
Listening, whispers, ""Tis the fairy
Lady of Shalott."

TO SENECA LAKE.

(1) On thy fair bosom, silver lake,

The wild swan spreads his snowy sail,
And round his breast the ripples break,
As down he bears before the gale.

(2) On thy fair bosom, waveless stream,
The dipping paddle echoes far,
And flashes in the moonlight gleam,
And bright reflects the polar star.

(3) The waves along thy pebbly shore,

As blows the north wind, heave their foam, And curl around the dashing oar,

As late the boatman hies him home.

(4) How sweet, at set of sun, to view

The golden mirror, spreading wide,
And see the mist of mantling blue

Float round the distant mountain's side!

(5) At midnight hour, as shines the moon,
A sheet of silver spreads below;
And swift she cuts, at highest noon,
Light clouds, like wreaths of purest snow.

(6) On thy fair bosom, silver lake,

O! I could ever sweep the oar,
When early birds at morning wake,
And evening tells us toil is o'er.