For gentlest uses, oft-times Nature takes
The work of Fancy from her willing hands;
And even such beautiful creation makes
As renders needless spells and magic wands,
And for the boldest tale belief commands.
When first my eyes beheld that famous Hill
The sacred Engelberg, celestial Bands,
With intermingling motions soft and still,
Hung round its top, on wings that changed their hues at will.
Clouds do not name those Visitants; they were
The very Angels whose authentic lays,
Sung from that heavenly ground in middle air,
Made known the spot where Piety should raise
A holy Structure to the Almighty’s praise.
Resplendent Apparition! if in vain
My ears did listen, ’twas enough to gaze;
And watch the slow departure of the train,
Whose skirts the glowing Mountain thirsted to detain!