Tales and Legends of the English Lakes

The Lake District has long been regarded as the romantic 'classic ground' of England. The Tour of Gray and others formerly, and the works and residence of some of the most celebrated poets of our day, have thrown a 'sacred halo' around it in the eye of the stranger, endeared as it is by living and departed genius; and have exalted the enthusiasm with which the visitor surveys a region that embodies more variety of charming scenery, and of picturesque magnificence, than an equal space of our own or of any other country. In extent, indeed, the sister kingdoms may surpass it, but not in beauty; and, save in their 'diadem of snow,' its mountains may be said to rival the sublimity of the Alps, without their vastness. Where, in all Europe, in all the wide world, can more lovely and enchanting spots be found than are embosomed amongst the lakes and mountains of Cumberland and Westmorland?