Said Walter, leaping from the ground, "Down to the stump of yon old yew We'll for our whistles run a race.' Away the shepherds flew.

They leapt they ran—and when they came
Right opposite to Dungeon-Ghyll,

Seeing that he should lose the prize,
"Stop!" to his comrade Walter cries-
James stopped with no good will:
Said Walter then, "Your task is here,
'Twill keep you working half a year.

"Now cross where I shall cross-come on

And follow me where I shall lead ! "

The other took him at his word,

But did not like the deed.

It was a spot which you may see

If ever you to Langdale go;

Into a chasm a mighty block

Hath fallen, and made a bridge of rock:

The gulf is deep below ;

And in a basin black and small

Receives a lofty waterfall.

With staff in hand across the cleft

The challenger began his march;
And now, all eyes and feet, hath gained

The middle of the arch.

When, list! he hears a piteous moan-
Again!-his heart within him dies-
His pulse is stopped, his breath is lost,
He totters, pale as any ghost,
And, looking down, he spies

A lamb, that in the pool is pent
Within that black and frightful rent.

The lamb had slipped into the stream, And safe without a bruise or wound

The cataract had borne him down
Into the gulf profound.

His Dam had seen him when he fell,
She saw him down the torrent borne :