POEMS
COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833
VIII. NUN’S WELL, BRIGHAM
POEMS
COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833
THE cattle crowding round this beverage clear To slake their thirst, with reckless hoofs have trod The encircling turf into a barren clod; Through which the waters creep, then disappear, Born to be lost in Derwent flowing near; Yet, o’er the brink, and round the limestone cell Of the pure spring (they call it the “Nun’s Well,” Name that first struck by chance my startled ear) A tender Spirit broods–the pensive Shade Of ritual honours to this Fountain paid 10 By hooded Votaresses with saintly cheer; Albeit oft the Virgin-mother mild Looked down with pity upon eyes beguiled Into the shedding of “too soft a tear.”