There, sometimes does a leaping Fish Thither the Rainbow comes, the Cloud; But that enormous Barrier binds it fast. Not knowing what to think, a while Nor far had gone before he found Sad sight! the Shepherd with a sigh From those abrupt and perilous rocks, At length upon the Shepherd's mind He instantly recall'd the Name, And who he was, and whence he came; On which the Traveller pass'd this way. But hear a wonder now, for sake Of which this mournful Tale I tell! A lasting monument of words This wonder merits well. The Dog, which still was hovering nigh, Repeating the same timid cry, This Dog had been through three months' space A Dweller in that savage place. Yes, proof was plain that since the day On which the Traveller thus had died The Dog had watch'd about the spot, How nourish'd here through such long time She was a Phantom of delight To be a moment's ornament; Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair; Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair; But all things else about her drawn From May-time and the chearful Dawn; I saw her upon nearer view, Her household motions light and free, A countenance in which did meet For transient sorrows, simple wiles, Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. And now I see with eye serene |