46 THE FORESTERS. 



The silence deep, the solemn gloom profound, 



The venerable piles that rise around, 



Such awe impress, that as we upward gaze, 



In whispers low we murmer our amaze ! 



Here to the god (30) whose keen voracious brcod 



Pursue the pilgrim, ravenous for food, 



With stump of pine, an altar we uprear, 



And round its mouldering roots ?.rn:nged appear; 



There bread, cheese, meat, with liberal hand we laid, 



And, like true priests, devoured the offering made : 



The power appeased, in silence soon withdrew, 



And left us braced with vigorous life anew. 



All day through this deep swamp, in splattered plight, 

 Begulfed in mire we labored on till night, 

 When lo, emerging from the opening wood, 

 'Midst narrow fields a little cottage stood ! 

 A mill hard by in clattering murmur played ; 

 Before the door a rapid rivulet strayed ; 

 Trees round the garden bent with apples hung, 

 And cows and sheep their tinkling music rung. 

 Sacred to peace it seemed, and calm repose, 

 And here, well pleased, our night's retreat we chose ; 

 Approached the door, presenting our request, 

 The dame's kind looks already bade us rest ; 

 And soon the landlord, entering with his train, 

 Confirmed her kindness o'er and o'er again ; 

 And now the table showed its welcome head, 

 With cheering fare, and rural dainties spread ; 

 Green sparkling tea, obscured with floating cream ; 

 Delicious salmon from the neighboring gtream ; 



