Proud Bass! amidst the crystal sea

Proud Bass! amidst the crystal sea Thou’rt like a fairy-haunted isle, Now echoing blithe the sportsman’s glee, Now bright with Beauty’s radiant smile. Upon the wave right glad we hail Thy rugged face, and strike the sail; And land upon thy rocky shore, Stunn’d by the breakers rising roar. Escap’d the perils of the deep, We almost kneel to kiss thy steep.

Alas! we may not mark the spot Where stood the hermit’s holy cell; Its sacred precincts are forgot, And if we find his crystal well, ’Tis but the stubborn truth to tell That streams and rocks remain the same— Man rather makes the change of scene Than nature; for she shineth now With birds in many a snowy flock, As bright as when the priest did bow Before the altar of the rock!—