XXVII.

DALZIEL.

C. IV. ST. 118.

Here didst thou dwell, in this enchanted cover,
Egeria-thy all-heavenly bosom beating
For the far footsteps of thy mortal lover:
The purple midnight veil'd that mystic meeting
With her most starry canopy; and seating
Thyself by thine adorer, what befell?

This cave was surely shaped out for the greeting
Of an enamoured goddess, and the cell

Haunted by holy love-the earliest oracle.