AIRE. 191 



There, at noon, how sweet to listen 



To the music of the trees ; 

 There, to see the clear streams glisten, 



As they sparkle in the breeze! 



Vale of bliss, etc., etc. 



ra. 



Now the rays of eve lie glowing 



On the village spire beneath ; 

 Bright as gleams of glory flowing 



Round some sinless martyr's wreath! 

 Soon the bird of darkness ringing, 



Wakes the woods with solemn song; 

 Spirits, too, of night seem singing, 



As they soar the stars among. 



Vale of bliss, etc., etc. 



IV. 



O how blest, to dwell for ever, 



'Mid these scenes of placid peace ! 

 If some Power the past could sever, 



If the tones of Mem'ry cease. 

 Ah! not Faith herself dare cherish 



Hopes unstain'd by 'wild'ring fears ; 

 Could we dream the past might perish, 



What shall quench our future tears ?* 



Vale of bliss, etc., etc. 



The river Lys flows through this town; and the water 

 between it and Therouanne is much better adapted for 

 the fly, than that which runs towards the Belgian frontier. 

 There are some few streams as you go towards Therou- 

 anne; but on the whole, the waters below this latter town 

 are much better "suited for minnow and the red- worm, 

 than for the fly. Trout of a considerable size are often 



* These stanzas have been set to exquisite music by J. W. 

 Griesbach, Esq. 



