Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/163

CANTO II.] XLVI.

From the dark barriers of that rugged clime,

Ev'n to the centre of Illyria's vales,

Childe Harold passed o'er many a mount sublime,

Through lands scarce noticed in historic tales:

Yet in famed Attica such lovely dales

Are rarely seen; nor can fair Tempe boast

A charm they know not; loved Parnassus fails,

Though classic ground and consecrated most,

To match some spots that lurk within this lowering coast.

XLVII.

He passed bleak Pindus, Acherusia's lake,N17

And left the primal city of the land,

And onwards did his further journey take

To greet Albania's Chief, whose dread commandN18

Is lawless law; for with a bloody hand

He sways a nation, turbulent and bold:

Yet here and there some daring mountain-band

Disdain his power, and from their rocky hold

Hurl their defiance far, nor yield, unless to gold.N19

XLVIII.

Monastic Zitza! from thy shady brow,N20

Thou small, but favoured spot of holy ground!