XVII.

Neuha arose, and Torquil: Twilight's hour Came sad and softly to their rocky bower, Which, kindling by degrees its dewy spars, 400 Echoed their dim light to the mustering stars. Slowly the pair, partaking Nature's calm, Sought out their cottage, built beneath the palm; Now smiling and now silent, as the scene; Lovely as Love--the Spirit!--when serene. The Ocean scarce spoke louder with his swell, Than breathes his mimic murmurer in the shell,[394] As, far divided from his parent deep, The sea-born infant cries, and will not sleep, Raising his little plaint in vain, to rave 410 For the broad bosom of his nursing wave: The woods drooped darkly, as inclined to rest, The tropic bird wheeled rockward to his nest, And the blue sky spread round them like a lake Of peace, where Piety her thirst might slake.