10

A BECK IN WINTER[998:1]

Over the broad, the shallow, rapid stream, The Alder, a vast hollow Trunk, and ribb'd-- All mossy green with mosses manifold, And ferns still waving in the river-breeze Sent out, like fingers, five projecting trunks-- The shortest twice 6 (?) of a tall man's strides.-- One curving upward in its middle growth Rose straight with grove of twigs--a pollard tree:-- The rest more backward, gradual in descent-- One in the brook and one befoamed its waters: One ran along the bank in the elk-like head And pomp of antlers--

Jan. 1804. Now first published from an MS. (pencil).