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—So we descend; and winding round a rock
Attain a point that shewed the Valley—stretched
In length before us; and, not distant far,
Upon a rising ground a grey Church-tower,
Whose battlements were screened by tufted trees.
And, tow'rds a chrystal Mere, that lay beyond
Among steep hills and woods embosomed, flowed
A copious Stream with boldly-winding course;
Here traceable, there hidden—there again
To sight restored, and glittering in the Sun.
On the Stream's bank, and every where, appeared
Fair Dwellings, single or in social knots;
Some scattered o'er the level, others perched
On the hill sides, a cheerful quiet scene,
Now in its morning purity arrayed.
"As, 'mid some happy Valley of the Alps,"
Said I, "once happy, ere tyrannic Power
Wantonly breaking in upon the Swiss,
Destroyed their unoffending Commonwealth,
A popular equality doth seem
Here to prevail; and yet a House of State
Stands yonder, one beneath whose roof, methinks,
