’We mark majestic herds of cattle, free
    To ruminate.’

This is a most grateful sight for an Englishman returning to his native land.  Every where one misses in the cultivated grounds abroad, the animated and soothing accompaniment of animals ranging and selecting their own food at will.

292. The Forks. [’Desultory Stanzas,’ l. 37.]

Les Fourches, the point at which the two chains of mountains part, that enclose the Valais, which terminates at St. Maurice.

292[a]. The Landenberg. [Ibid. ll. 49-51.]

    —­’ye that occupy
    Your Council-seats beneath the open sky,
    On Sarnen’s Mount.’

Sarnen, one of the two capitals of the Canton of Underwalden; the spot here alluded to is close to the town, and is called the Landenberg, from the tyrant of that name, whose chateau formerly stood there.  On the 1st of January 1308, the great day which the confederated Heroes had chosen for the deliverance of their country, all the castles of the Governors were taken by force or stratagem; and the Tyrants themselves conducted, with their creatures, to the frontiers, after having witnessed the destruction of their strong-holds.  From that time the Landenberg has been the place where the Legislators of this division of the Canton assemble.  The site, which is well described by Ebel, is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland.

293. Pictures in Bridges of Switzerland. [Ibid. l. 56.]

    ‘Calls me to pace her honoured Bridge.’

The bridges of Lucerne are roofed, and open at the sides, so that the passenger has, at the same time, the benefit of shade, and a view of the magnificent country.  The pictures are attached to the rafters; those from Scripture History, on the Cathedral-bridge, amount, according to my notes, to 240.  Subjects from the Old Testament face the passenger as he goes towards the Cathedral, and those from the New as he returns.  The pictures on these bridges, as well as those in most other parts of Switzerland, are not to be spoken of as works of art; but they are instruments admirably answering the purpose for which they were designed.

294. *_At Dover_. [XXXVII.]

For the impressions on which this Sonnet turns I am indebted to the experience of my daughter during her residence at Dover with our dear friend Miss Fenwick.

* * * * *

XII.  MEMORIALS OF A TOUR IN ITALY, 1837.

295. *_Introductory Remarks_.