Page:Landon in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book 1837.pdf/86

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of Himself, Him only speak these hills! I do not see the sunshine on the vale, I do not hear the low song of the wind Singing as sings a child. Like fancies flung Around the midnight pillow of a dream, Dim pageantries shut out the real scene, And call up one associate with Him. I see the ancient Master pale and worn, Tho' on him shines the lovely southern heaven And Naples greets him with festivity.

When Sir Waller Scott arrived at Naples, the picturesque imagination of the south was all alive to do him honour. Contrary to established etiquette, the king called upon him—

A fête was then given in his honour, and Pompeii was chosen for its site. All the guests took some character from the Waverley novels. The deserted city echoed with music; lamps flung their light over walls so long unconscious of festivity. The city of the Dead suited well the festival of the dying. Sir Walter was present, but unconscious; he sat wan, exhausted, and motionless,—"the centre of the glittering ring" formed by his own genius. The triumph had its usual moral—it came too late.