THE BIRMINGHAM WATERWORKS 37 



accommodation of over two thousand workmen. 

 Farther up we reach the first great dam, the 

 foundations of which are now nearly complete ; 

 our driver pointed out, on the other side of the 

 valley, a charmingly situated mansion, now occupied 

 by some of the engineers. 



This house is called Cwm Elan, and possesses 

 a double claim to be mentioned ; first, because, 

 according to the guide-books, it was once the 

 residence of Shelley the poet, in July 1811, after 

 his expulsion from Oxford, and after the breaking 

 of his engagement with his cousin, Miss Harriet 

 Grove. 



This is what Shelley says about this valley 



"The scenery is divine, grand rocks piled on 

 each other to tremendous heights, rivers formed 

 into cataracts by their projection, and valleys 

 clothed with woods, present an appearance of 

 enchantment." 



The grandeur of the scenery inspired the poet, 

 and was a solace for the "overwhelming woe" 

 which his matrimonial trials had caused him. 

 Mr. Dowden, in his Life of Shelley, published, 

 for the first time in 1886, a poem which was 

 written during the poet's residence at Cwm Elan. 

 I can only afford space for a few lines 



" The moonlight was my dearer day, 

 Then would I wander far away, 

 And, lingering on the wild brook's shore, 

 To hear its unremitting roar, 

 Would lose in the ideal flow 

 All sense of overwhelming woe ; 



