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THE MONASTERY OF MARIA EINSIEDELN, by                    
First Line: Twas eventide in summer's glorious prime
Last Line: Before me thus, all unexpected, brought!
Variant Title(s): On First Seeing The Monastery Of Maria Einsiedeln
Subject(s): Alps; Einsiedeln, Switzerland; Mountains; Hills; Downs (great Britain)


'T WAS eventide in summer's glorious prime,
When walking lonely, 'mong the Alpine chain,
I first beheld Einsiedeln's hallowed fane,
In the pure air serene, majestic climb,
And heard her Ave Mary softly chime:
And lo! ev'n while I gazed, along the plain
The monks walked forth, to bless the pilgrim train,
Who came from far to expiate their crime.
I then was but a stripling in my teens,
Delighting in all legendary lore;
Imagination revelled in such scenes;
Then judge my joy, to see what tales of yore
Of pilgrims, monks, and their dear lady, taught,
Before me thus, all unexpected, brought!





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