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Sweet silence reigned around:—no other sound Came on the air, than when the shepherd made The reed-pipe rudely musical, or notes From the wild birds, or children in their play Sending forth shouts or laughter. Strangers came Rarely or never near the lonely place.... I went into far countries. Years past by, But still that vale in silent beauty dwelt Within my memory. Home I came at last. I stood upon a mountain height, and looked Into the vale below; and smoke arose, And heavy sounds; and through the thick dim air Shot blackened turrets, and brick walls, and roofs Of the red tile. I entered in the streets: There were ten thousand hurrying to and fro; And masted vessels stood upon the river,