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highest idea, and could forget all which we, of a grosser clay, wish 

 we could forget. The choi-us repUes in the same spirit : 



" The harpings stilled their charge again, 

 From Hackpen bears the funeral train 



Towards Ahury's sacred groves, 

 Marshalled the host in order due 

 Along the winding avenue 



The mute procession moves." 



Then, no longer mute, come the bards, and then the soldiery. 

 The mob pours out of painted huts 



Like beehives heaped on stages round 

 Above the velvet green. 



An allusion, doubtless to the terraces and escarpments on Salisbury 

 Plain and Murlborough Downs. 



" And now the leaders reach the lines, 

 Where serpent's neck the body joins. 



Here groups of sarsons bald and white, 

 Like ghastly spectres daunt the sight. 



Forth starting from the gloom. 

 Averting rash offender's feet. 

 From this lone spot, this last retreat, 



Where Druids love to roam." 



A white steer is sacrificed. The poet proceeds to declare the 

 Dracontia to be — 



" All emblematic to the eye, 

 Of that dread term Eternity." 



And of that 



" Great cause whence springs the endless chain. 

 Who was, and is, and ever must remain." 



To proceed : — 



" Slowly their winding course pursue. 

 The hosts through western avenue. 



Describing sinuous maze, 

 Of serpent's tail — this barrier past 

 The mournful bearers halt at last. 

 Beside the chieftain's grave. 



" Two feet beneath the verdant glade. 

 By bards a narrow cyst is made. 

 Yet ample to contain 



