THE RIVER DUDDON
XXII. TRADITION
THE RIVER DUDDON
A LOVE-LORN Maid, at some far-distant time, Came to this hidden pool, whose depths surpass In crystal clearness Dian’s looking-glass; And, gazing, saw that Rose, which from the prime Derives its name, reflected, as the chime Of echo doth reverberate some sweet sound: The starry treasure from the blue profound She longed to ravish;–shall she plunge, or climb The humid precipice, and seize the guest Of April, smiling high in upper air? 10 Desperate alternative! what fiend could dare To prompt the thought?–Upon the steep rock’s breast The lonely Primrose yet renews its bloom, Untouched memento of her hapless doom!