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LEWESDON HILL.
13
Strong, and unconquerable even in death—
Alas, they perish'd all, all in one hour!
Alas, they perish'd all, all in one hour!
Now yonder high way view, wide-beaten, bare
With ceaseless tread of men and beasts, and track
Of many' indenting wheels, heavy and light,
That violently rush with unsafe speed,
Or slowly turn, oft-resting, up the steep.
Mark how that road, with mazes serpentine,
From [1]Shipton's bottom to the lofty down
Winds like a path of pleasure, drawn by art
Through park or flowery garden for delight.
Nor less delightful this; if, while he mounts
Not wearied, the free Journeyer will pause
To view the prospect oft, as oft to see
Beauty still changing: yet not so contrived
By fancy' or choice, but of necessity,
By soft gradations of ascent to lead
With ceaseless tread of men and beasts, and track
Of many' indenting wheels, heavy and light,
That violently rush with unsafe speed,
Or slowly turn, oft-resting, up the steep.
Mark how that road, with mazes serpentine,
From [1]Shipton's bottom to the lofty down
Winds like a path of pleasure, drawn by art
Through park or flowery garden for delight.
Nor less delightful this; if, while he mounts
Not wearied, the free Journeyer will pause
To view the prospect oft, as oft to see
Beauty still changing: yet not so contrived
By fancy' or choice, but of necessity,
By soft gradations of ascent to lead
- ↑ Shipton is a hill, which, according to common report, is so called from its shape; the top of it being formed like a ship with the keel upwards. It stands three miles from Bridport on the road towards London; which road passes by the foot of it to the North.
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