IN THE PASS. 



Across my road a mountain rose of rock— 



Fierce, naked rock. Its shadow, black and chill, 



Shut out the sun. Gray clouds, which seemed to mock 



With cruel challenges my helpless will. 



Sprang up and scaled the steepest crags. The shrill 



Winds, two and two, went breathless out and in, 



Filling the darkened air with evil din. 



I turned away my weary steps, and said : 

 " This must be confine of some fearful place ; 

 Here is no path for mortal man to tread. 

 Who enters here will tremble, face to face 

 With powers of darkness, whose unearthly race 

 In cloud and wind and storm delights to dwell, 

 Ruling them all by an uncanny spell." 



The guide but smiled, and, holding fast my hand. 



Compelled me up a path I had not seen. 



It wound round ledges where I scarce could stand ; 



It plunged to sudden sunless depths between 



Immeasurable cliffs, which seemed to lean 



Together, closing, as we passed, like door 



I )f dungeon which would open nevermore. 



