We saw, but surely, in the motley crowd, Not one of us has felt the far-famed sight; How _could_ we feel it? each the other's blight, Hurried and hurrying, volatile and loud. O for those motions only that invite 5 The Ghost of Fingal to his tuneful Cave By the breeze entered, and wave after wave Softly embosoming the timid light! And by _one_ Votary who at will might stand Gazing, and take into his mind and heart, 10 With undistracted reverence, the effect Of those proportions where the almighty hand That made the worlds, the sovereign Architect, Has deigned to work as if with human Art![901] FOOTNOTES: [900] The reader may be tempted to exclaim, "How came this and the two following sonnets to be written, after the dissatisfaction expressed in the preceding one?" In fact, at the risk of incurring the reasonable displeasure of the master of the steam-boat, I returned[902] to the cave, and explored it under circumstances more favourable to those imaginative impressions which it is so wonderfully fitted to make upon the mind.--W. W. 1835. [901] Staffa, or the island of Staves, as some derive the name.--ED. [902] 1845. the Author returned 1835. XXIX CAVE OF STAFFA (AFTER THE CROWD HAD DEPARTED)[903] Thanks for the lessons of this Spot--fit school For the presumptuous thoughts that would assign Mechanic laws to agency divine; And, measuring heaven by earth, would overrule Infinite Power. The pillared vestibule, 5 Expanding yet precise, the roof embowed,[904] Might seem designed to humble man, when proud Of his best workmanship by plan and tool. Down-bearing with his whole Atlantic weight Of tide and tempest on the Structure's base, 10 And flashing to that Structure's topmost height,[905] Ocean has proved its strength, and of its grace In calms is conscious,[906] finding for his freight Of softest music some responsive place. FOOTNOTES: [903] 1845. CAVE OF STAFFA. 1835. [904] Note the topographical accuracy of this description.--ED. [905] 1837. And flashing upwards to its topmost height, 1835. [906] Compare, _On a high part of the Coast of Cumberland_, p. 338-- No; 'tis the earth-voice of the mighty sea, Whispering how meek and gentle he _can_ be!--ED. XXX CAVE OF STAFFA