Farewell, fair castle! on thy lordly hill <br />Firm be thy seat and proud thy station still, <br />Soft rise the breezes from the vale below, <br />Bright be the clouds that wander o'er thy brow; <br />O'er the broad lands that form thy wide domain <br />Short be the winter, long the summer's reign. <br />Pilgrim of pleasure to thy stately towers, <br />Fain would I leave among thy friendly bowers <br />Some votive offering ere on my way, <br />With many a backward glance, I turn to stray. <br />May virtue, strength, and honour, guard thy walls, <br />Love, health, and peace, abide within thy halls, <br />While graceful mirth and noble courtesy <br />As now for ever hold their seat in thee; <br />And still upon thy lordly turrets rest <br />The grateful blessing of each parting guest!<br /><br />Frances Anne Kemble<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-written-on-leaving-belvoir-castle-in-1842/
