[Footnote EZ: "'A gleam of brilliant moss' refers, no doubt, to the _Sphagnum_, or Bog-moss, which grows here in large patches, very noticeable among the sombre heather, and which shines like gold when the sunlight is upon it." (Herbert Rix.) "On the edge of the saucer-like hollow, into which the rillets that make the stream descend, are glacier-banded rock outcrops, and on one of these is a rock perché, to which instinctively I turned for a seat. The lines in Sonnet III.-- How shall I paint thee?--Be this naked stone My seat, at once suggested themselves to me; and below me, as I sat, gleamed the 'brilliant moss, instinct with freshness rare,' which the poet's eyes had rejoiced in, so many years ago." (H. D. Rawnsley.)] IV "TAKE, CRADLED NURSLING OF THE MOUNTAIN, TAKE" Take, cradled Nursling of the mountain, take This parting glance, no negligent adieu![FA] A Protean change seems wrought while I pursue The curves, a loosely-scattered chain doth make; Or rather thou appear'st[436] a glittering snake, 5 Silent, and to the gazer's eye untrue, Thridding with sinuous lapse the rushes, through Dwarf willows gliding, and by ferny brake. Starts from a dizzy steep the undaunted Rill Robed instantly in garb of[437] snow-white foam; 10 And laughing dares the Adventurer, who hath clomb So high, a rival purpose to fulfil; Else let the dastard backward wend, and roam, Seeking less bold achievement, where he will![FB] VARIANTS: [Footnote 436: 1820. ... I behold ... C. ] [Footnote 437: 1820. Leaps instantly enrobed in ... C. ] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote FA: "The 'parting glance' of this sonnet would naturally be taken just before rounding the brow of the hill. The path drops somewhat suddenly, so that two or three steps bring the traveller from a level whence looking backward the 'sinuous lapse' of the stream may be seen for some distance, to a stage where it is entirely hidden from view. Or, more likely, the 'sinuous lapse' is that which lies below the spectator, as he stands at this point of vantage, and looks down into Wrynose Bottom. The 'Protean change' is then the contrast between the 'cradled Nursling' as the poet looks back into Wrynose Gap, and the 'loosely-scattered chain' or 'glittering snake' which he sees below him, as he turns and looks down into Wrynose Bottom. These similes are accurately descriptive of the river so seen, especially towards evening when the western light is on the water. From this point the Duddon descends to the valley by a quick series of falls. The first of these falls--a very pretty cascade just at the edge of the hill--is probably the 'dizzy steep' mentioned in the sonnet." (Herbert Rix.)] V "SOLE LISTENER, DUDDON! TO THE BREEZE THAT PLAYED"