Queen-like the castle sits sublime, and frowns O’er all she sees, and deems the whole her own. Straight from the gate the gloomy wall ascends The mound, and thus the stately keep attains. A close-built citadel, piercing the clear air, Outside and inside strong, well fitted to its use. Its base, of heaped-up earth three cubits raised, Solid and firm, the floor does thus support; On which firm base the supereminent keep Rises, unrivalled in its glittering sheen. On twice two timbers stayed, are seen to rest The buildings there, for each main angle one: While round each half circumference are wings, Each ending in a formidable wall. Springing from these a bridge, by easy steps, To the high battlements an access forms, Where the broad wall all round gives ample path, And thus the summit of the keep is gained. Stately that keep! a circle in its form, Splendid and strong by art, and by position fair. Thence, downward to the castle, leads the bridge, And offers easy access to and fro; For broad its path with many a shallow step, The base attaining by a gradual slope. Hard by, the wall, thrown backwards from the keep, Faces the west towards th’ encircling stream, On whose high bank continued, it enfolds With a bold sweep an ample pasture there; From parching northern blasts protected thus, And so curves round to the stern keep again. Nor does the space within the wall embraced Stand without buildings: such there are, and good. Two porches to two palaces belong, Of which the work to th’ artist brings no shame. Here, too, a chapel fair six columns boasts, Nor large, nor small, but fitted to its needs. Here beds lie near to beds, and halls to halls, Each for its province suitably disposed: Robes here, bright vessels there, here glittering arms, Here bread, there flesh, and tempting coin concealed, And corn and wine laid down, and barley beer, And the clear flour here finds its proper bin. Thus on one side house joins to house, and hall To hall. The other too is occupied. The court alone is free, and there is seen The well, full deep, with water well supplied. EATON-SOCON CASTLE, BEDFORDSHIRE.