[285] These two rocks rise to the left of the lower high-road from Grasmere to Rydal, after it leaves the former lake and turns eastwards towards the latter. They are still “heath-clad,” and covered with the coppice of the old Bane Riggs Wood, so named because the shortest road from Ambleside to Grasmere used to pass through it; “bain” or “bane” signifying, in the Westmoreland dialect, a short cut. Dr. Cradock wrote of them thus:--“They are now difficult of approach, being enclosed in a wood, with dense undergrowth, and surrounded by a high, well-built wall. They can be well seen from the lower road, from a spot close to the three-mile stone from Ambleside. They are some fifty or sixty feet above the road, about twenty yards apart, and separated by a slight depression of, say, ten feet. The view from the easterly one is now much preferable, as it is less encumbered with shrubs; and for that reason also is more heath-clad. The twin rocks are also well seen, though at a farther distance, from the hill in White Moss Common between the roads, which Dr. Arnold used to call ‘Old Corruption,’ and ‘Bit-by-bit Reform.’ Doubtless the rocks were far more easily approached fifty years ago, when walls, if any, were low and ill-built. It is probable, however, that even then they were enclosed and protected; for heath will not grow on the Grasmere hills, on places much frequented by sheep.” The best view of these “heath-clad” rocks from the lower carriage road is at a spot two or three yards to the west of a large rock on the road-side near the milestone. The view of them from the Loughrigg Terrace walks is also interesting. The two sisters were Mary and Sarah Hutchinson (Mrs. Wordsworth and her Sister); and, in the Rydal household, the rocks were respectively named “Mary-Point,” and “Sarah-Point.”--ED. [286] 1845. O’er wood … MS. [287] 1845. … eye MS. [288] 1845. … that deep … MS. [289] 1845. Gone to a common home, their duty done, In this dear vale the Sisters lived, but long Have they been parted … C. True to a common love, their early choice In this dear Vale, the sisters lived, but long Have they been parted-- … C. THE WESTMORELAND GIRL[290] TO MY GRANDCHILDREN Composed June 6, 1845.--Published 1845 One of the “Poems referring to the Period of Childhood.”--ED. PART I Seek who will delight in fable I shall tell you truth. A Lamb Leapt from this steep bank to follow ’Cross the brook its thoughtless dam.[291] Far and wide on hill and valley 5 Rain had fallen, unceasing rain, And the bleating mother’s Young-one Struggled with the flood in vain: