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and half a mile the other. In its centre, a single island of
verdant pasture, rising boldly from the water in a fine
swelling form. Being completely encircled by mountains, a
view of Grasmere from any direction is varied with bold and
ennobling mountains, but those are the most awakening which
include the Church. There are two inns in the dale, so that
the tourist may stay here for a while, and examine the
component features in detail.
The finest views are from the terrace-road under Loughrigg.
Here the lake is at your feet, with the church and village
scattered amid green enclosures at the base of Butterlip
How. On the left are the beetling rocks and woods which
ornament the front of Silver How; on the right, Fairfield
and Seat Sandale; and in front, Helm Crag, with its rugged
top, surnamed the Lion and Lamb; beyond which is seen the
road stretching through bare enclosures up to the Raise Gap.
The descent from Langdale gives very nearly the same
features, and, if I am not mistaken, has been thus
felicitously described by the master-hand of Wordsworth:
'- So we descend; and winding round a rock,
Attain a point that showed the valley; stretch'd
In length before us, and not distant far,
Upon a rising ground, a grey church-tower,
Whose battlements were screened by tufted trees.
And, tow'rds a crystal mere, that lay beyond
Among steep hills and woods embosomed, flow'd
A copious stream with boldly-winding course;
Here traceable, there hidden - there again
To sight restor'd, and glittering in the sun.
On the stream's bank, and every where, appear'd
Fair dwellings, single or in social knots;
Some scattered o'er the level, others perch'd
On the hill-side, a cheerful quiet scene,
Now in its morning purity array'd.'
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