III.

But all round them was _life_--the _living_ scene, The real sky, and earth, and wave, and air: The turf on which Egeria's steps had been, The shade, stream, grotto, which had known her care. Still o'er them floated an inspiring breath-- The fragrance and the melody of song-- The legend--glory--verse--that vanquish'd death Still through the orange glades were borne along, And sunk into their souls to swell the hoard Of those rich thoughts the miser Passion stored!