RIEVAULX ABBEY. 429 



Italy for that purpose. These artificial beauties, 

 aided by the still superior beauties of nature, make 

 this situation desirable, and cannot fail to gratify 

 every one who beholds it. This temple is seen to 

 great advantage from the margin of the Hambleton 

 hills, from Scawton, and other places on the road 

 to Thirsk ; and the impressions made on a refined 

 perception, by a visit to the place, can never be 

 obliterated. 



In Leland's Collectanea, vol. iv. p. 38, is a list 

 of books which were in Rievaulx abbey ; but this 

 work will not admit the insertion of them. 



It is said that after the king of Scotland had de- 

 feated the forces of Edward II., he spoiled the 

 monastery of Rievaulx ; and went over the York- 

 shire wolds, destroying all before him till he came 

 to Beverley. 



LINES ON RIEVAULX ABBEY. 



Say now proud edifice where is thy boast ; 



The gorgeous splendour of thy former pride, 



Thy various trappings of religion's garb, 



With all the attributes of monkish life : 



All vanish'd like the momentary beam 



Which Phoebus sheds when gliding tow'rds the west ; 



Anon succeeds a dark and gloomy night, 



And hides that beauty which his beams reveal 'd. 



Beneath that arch, in woeful ruins now, 

 Perhaps some pond'rous crucifix was plac'd ; 

 Which oft the reverential bow receiv'd 

 Of the Cistercian inmates passing there : 



