12 DAYS IN DOVE DALE 



I am sorry to say that I could do nothing 

 to allure that sarcastic trout, though I per- 

 severed still for many anxious minutes. For 

 the present, however, I have given him up, 

 though I hope on another occasion to have a 

 try at him again. 



I must now give up. I have had from five 

 to six hours of angling in a pelting, continuous 

 storm of rain, and I begin to think myself a 

 worthy disciple of the great master, especially 

 as my courage is not a whit abated ; but the 

 inner man craves for what is not here. 



So absorbed have I been in my occupation 

 for the last five hours, that it only now strikes 

 me that Nature and I are here alone together in 

 the midst of her most lovely scenery. Here 

 I could remain for hours were it not for the 

 pelting rain and that inward monitor already 

 mentioned. 



for beside that boist'rous brook 

 The mountains have all opened up themselves, 

 And made a hidden valley of their own. 

 No habitation there is seen ; but such 

 As journey thither find themselves alone 

 With a few sheep, with rocks and stones, and kites 

 That overhead are sailing in the sky, 

 It is in truth an utter solitude. 



WORDSWORTH. 



