The Old Man; or, Ravings and Ramblings round Conistone — Part 32

“A field or two of brighter green, or plot Of tillage-ground, that seemeth like a spot Of stationary sunshine!”

indicating the situation of a farm called Stoneythwaite, perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of the precipice, with some of its fields upon ledges half-way down.

“The laurel-honouring Laureate” says, respecting this portion of Duddon vale,—“The _chaotic_ aspect of the scene is well marked by the expression of a stranger, who strolled out while dinner was preparing, and, at his return, being asked by his host, “What way he had been wandering?” replied, “As far as it is _finished_!”

The wild is the prevailing characteristic of Seathwaite scenery; and, at the same time, it is invested with an air of quietness and repose which prevents its wildness approaching the savage or terrible, though many distinct parts of it, as well as its general aspect, are fully entitled to the epithet of sublime.

THE REV. ROBERT WALKER—HIS PARENTAGE, BIRTH, AND BREEDING—HABITS OF LIFE—HIS INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, AND HOSPITALITY—HIS WAYS OF MONEYMAKING—HIS DEATH—DESCRIPTION OF HIS OUTER MAN—COMMENTS—GENERAL POVERTY OF THE OLD CLERGY—MARY HIRD—HER CHARACTER AND DEATH.