SHEEP grazed the field; some with soft bosom pressed The herb as soft, while nibbling stray'd the rest;

Nor noise was heard but of the hasty brook,

Struggling, detain'd in many a petty nook.

All seemed so peaceful, that, from them convey'd,
To me their peace by kind contagion spread.

COWPER.

217

So ABEL, pondering on his state forlorn,

Look'd round for comfort, and was chased by scorn.
And now we saw him on the beach reclined,

Or causeless walking in the wintry wind;
And when it raised a loud and angry sea,
He stood and gazed, in wretched reverie:
He heeded not the frost, the rain, the snow,
Close by the sea he walk'd alone and slow.

CRABBE.

219