Un Solitaire

A Drawing by E.I. [Emma Isola]

[To Sarah Lachlan]

Solitary man, around thee Are the mountains: Peace hath found thee Resting by that rippling tide; All vain toys of life expelling, Hermit-like, thou find'st a dwelling, Lost 'mid foliage stretching wide. Angels here alone may find thee, Contemplation fast may bind thee. Holier spot, or more fantastic, Livelier scene of deep seclusion, Armed by Nature 'gainst intrusion, Never graced a seat Monastic.