ASCENT OF MONT BLANC. 99 



aces of infinite power and majesty. They restrain us 

 from their presence like august monarchs. They reach 

 up to heaven and reflect a celestial radiance dawn to us, 

 while we, in our weakness, must remain below. 



" Net vainly did the early Persian make 



His altar the high places, and the peak 

 Of earth-o'ergazing mountains, and thus take 



A fit and unwalled temple, there to seek 



The spirit in whose honor shrines are weak, 

 Upreared by human hands. Come and compare 



Columns and idol-dwellings, Goth or Greek, 

 With Nature's realms of worship, earth and air; 

 Nor fix on fond abodes to circumscribe thy prayer." 



