When native Britons British lands possess’d— Their glory freedom, and their blessing rest— A powerful chief this lofty Seat survey’d, And here his mansion’s strong foundation laid. In his own ground the massy stone he sought, From his own woods the rugged timbers brought, Rudeness and greatness in his work combined— An humble taste with an aspiring mind. His herds the vale, his flocks the hills, o’erspread; Warriors and vassals at his table fed; 10 Sons, kindred, servants, waited on his will, And hail’d his mansion on the mighty hill. In a new age a Saxon Lord appear’d, And on the lofty base his dwelling rear’d. Then first the grand but threatening form was known, And to the subject-vale a Castle shown, Where strength alone appear’d—the gloomy wall Enclosed the dark recess, the frowning hall; In chilling rooms the sudden fagot gleam’d; On the rude board the common banquet steam’d. 20 Astonish’d peasants fear’d the dreadful skill That placed such wonders on their favourite hill; The soldier praised it as he march’d around, And the dark building o’er the valley frown’d. A Norman Baron, in succeeding times, Here, while the minstrel sang heroic rhymes, In feudal pomp appear’d. It was his praise A loftier dome with happier skill to raise; His halls, still gloomy, yet with grandeur rose; Here friends were feasted—here confined were foes. 30 In distant chambers, with her female train, Dwelt the fair partner of his awful reign. Curb’d by no laws, his vassal-tribe he sway’d— The Lord commanded, and the slave obey’d. No soft’ning arts in those fierce times were found, But rival Barons spread their terrors round; Each, in the fortress of his power, secure, Of foes was fearless, and of soldiers sure; And here the chieftain, for his prowess praised, Long held the Castle that his might had raised. 40 Came gentler times—the Barons ceased to strive With kingly power, yet felt their pomp survive; Impell’d by softening arts, by honour charm’d, Fair ladies studied and brave heroes arm’d. The Lord of Belvoir then his Castle view’d, Strong without form, and dignified but rude; The dark long passage, and the chambers small, Recess and secret hold, he banish’d all; Took the rude gloom and terror from the place, And bade it shine with majesty and grace. 50 Then arras first o’er rugged walls appear’d; Bright lamps at eve the vast apartment cheer’d; In each superior room were polish’d floors, Tall ponderous beds, and vast cathedral doors. All was improved within, and then below Fruits of the hardier climes were taught to grow; The silver flagon on the table stood, And to the vassal left the horn and wood. Dress’d in his liveries, of his honours vain, Came at the Baron’s call a menial train— 60 Proud of their arms, his strength and their delight; Loud in the feast, and fearless in the fight.