“BLEAK SEASON WAS IT, TURBULENT AND BLEAK”

Bleak season was it, turbulent and bleak, When hitherward we journeyed side by side Through burst of sunshine and through flying showers; Paced the long vales—how long they were—and yet How fast that length of way was left behind, Wensley's rich Vale, and Sedbergh's naked heights. The frosty wind, as if to make amends For its keen breath, was aiding to our steps, And drove us onward like two ships at sea, Or like two birds, companions in mid-air, Parted and reunited by the blast. Stern was the face of nature; we rejoiced In that stern countenance, for our souls thence drew A feeling of their strength. The naked trees, The icy brooks, as on we passed, appeared To question us. "Whence come ye, to what end?"