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Of simple manners, feelings unsuppressed
And undisguised, and strong and serious thought;
A character reflected in himself,
With such embellishment as well beseems
His rank and sacred function. This deep vale
Is lengthened out by many a winding reach,
Not visible to us; and one of these
A turretted manorial Hall adorns;
In which the good Man's Ancestors have dwelt
From age to age, the Patrons of this Cure.
To them, and to his decorating hand,
The Vicar's Dwelling, and the whole Domain,
Owes that presiding aspect which might well
Attract your notice; statelier than could else
Have been bestowed, in course of common chance,
On an unwealthy mountain Benefice."
This said, oft halting we pursued our way;
Nor reached the Village Church-yard till the sun,
Travelling at steadier pace than ours, had risen
Above the summits of the highest hills,
And round our path darted oppressive beams.
