RUTHIN TO LLANGOLLEN. iCl 



tains, and abrupt rocks towering rudely into the 

 iky. The bottoms of thefe were, In many places, 

 clad with wood and verdure. In this vale are feated 

 the venerable ruins of Llan Egweft, or Valle Crucis 

 abbey ; and from the road, at a little diflance, the 

 fine gothic weft end, embowered in trees, and backed 

 by the mountain, on whofe fummit ftand the fhat- 

 tered remains of Caftell Dinas Bran, form a fcene 

 finely pidurefque. The adjacent precipices were 

 enlivened by the browfmg flocks, which were fcat- 

 tered along their fides, and by 



Kites that fwim fubllnie 

 In ftill-repeated circles, fcreaming loud, 



whilft from below I was entertained with 



The cheerful found 

 Of woodland harmony, that always fills 

 The merry vale between. 



The rugged and woody banks of the Dee, upon 

 my proceeding onward, foon added a freih intereft 

 to the fcenery of this beautiful retreat. — The vale 

 extends nearly to Llangollen ; and at the diftance of 

 about a mile, the town, with its church and antique 

 bridge, romantically embofomed In mountains, whofe 

 rugged fummits pierced the clouds, became addi- 

 tional features in the landfcape. 



Pillar of Eliseg. 



The vale of Crucis Is indebted for its name to this 



crofs, or pillar, which is to be found in a meadow 



VOL. II. M near 



