[400] The lofty ridge of mountains in northern Greece between Thessaly and Epirus, which, like the Apennines in Italy, form the back-bone of the country.--ED. [401] The Rhine. The Via Mala is the gorge between Thusis and Zillis, near the source of the Rhine. Compare _Descriptive Sketches_ (vol. i. p. 46)-- Or, led where Via Mala's chasms confine The indignant waters of the infant Rhine.--ED. COMPOSED AMONG THE RUINS OF A CASTLE IN NORTH WALES Composed 1824.--Published 1827 One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED. Through shattered galleries, 'mid roofless halls, Wandering with timid footsteps[402] oft betrayed, The Stranger sighs, nor scruples to upbraid Old Time, though he, gentlest among the Thralls Of Destiny, upon these wounds hath laid 5 His lenient touches, soft as light that falls, From the wan Moon, upon the towers and walls, Light deepening the profoundest sleep of shade. Relic of Kings! Wreck of forgotten wars, To winds abandoned and the prying stars, 10 Time _loves_ Thee! at his call the Seasons twine Luxuriant wreaths around thy forehead hoar; And, though past pomp no changes can restore, A soothing recompense, his gift, is thine![403] FOOTNOTES: [402] 1837. ... footstep ... 1827. [403] Compare _The White Doe of Rylstone_, canto i. ll. 118, 119 (vol. iv. p. 110)-- Nature, softening and concealing, And busy with a hand of healing. This was doubtless Carnarvon Castle, which Wordsworth visited in September 1824, at the close of his three weeks' ramble in North Wales, of which he wrote to Sir George Beaumont, "We employed several hours in exploring the interior of the noble castle, and looking at it from different points of view in the neighbourhood."--ED. ELEGIAC STANZAS (ADDRESSED TO SIR G.H.B. UPON THE DEATH OF HIS SISTER-IN-LAW) 1824[404] Composed 1824.--Published 1827