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The purple shadows upward crept
 * On Sikkim's mountains blue,

The snows their solemn vigil kept
 * Those stately watchers true.

The frosted peaks of Chola gleamed.
 * Broken and bare and bold,

On the glittering crest of Kinchin streamed
 * The sun-light clear and cold.

The fleeting clouds brief shadows flung On mighty Junnoo's brow, or hung
 * On Pindim's forehead near;

And Donkia's beetling bastions frowned A silent warning far around:
 * No foot may venture here.

The light air bore the sullen roar
 * Of Rungit rushing by;

And Bengal's Lord in thought was deep As he gazed across the mountains steep
 * And he spake his counsel high:—

"No travellers come from far Tibet, From the mystic land no tidings yet
 * For many a month are sent;

No more the tinkling bells ring clear;
 * On Lingtu's heights, by Bedden's mere;

On Jelep's path no step resounds No smoke at even upward bounds
 * From weary trader's tent.