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,
'T will keep you working half a year.

come on

"Now cross where I shall cross-
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.