The cattle crowding round this beverage clear
To slake their thirst, with reckless hoofs have trod
The encircling turf into a barren clod;
Through which the waters creep, then disappear,
Born to be lost in Derwent flowing near;
Yet, o'er the brink, and round the lime-stone cell
Of the pure spring ( they call it the “Nun's Well,”
Name that first struck by chance my startled ear )
A tender Spirit broods — the pensive Shade
Of ritual honours to this Fountain paid
By hooded Votaresseswith saintly cheer;
Albeit oft the Virgin-mother mild
Looked down with pity upon eyes beguiled
Into the shedding of “too soft a tear. "