# Lines on a Fountain explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

A poetic celebration of natural springs and fountains, emphasizing the purity and life-giving qualities of cold water as it flows from mountain sources, contrasting the untouched wilderness with distant exotic lands, and portraying the spring as a heavenly vision for the thirsty traveler.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the Environment

The poem exalts the natural fountain and its pristine setting in the wild woods and rocky dell, untouched by human presence.

## Key lines

> We love cold water as it flows from the fountain, Which nature hath brewed alone in the mountain;

We cherish the cold water that springs naturally from the mountain, brewed solely by nature.

_Opens with a direct expression of love for natural, unadulterated water._

> In the wild woods and in the rocky dell, Where man hath not been but the deer loves to dwell;

In the untamed forests and rocky valleys, where humans have not ventured but deer happily live.

_Highlights the pristine, untouched quality of the fountain's environment._

> And when he has quenched his thirst at the cooling spring, With many grateful songs he makes the air to ring;

After drinking from the refreshing spring, the traveler sings songs of gratitude that fill the air.

_Describes the joyful and thankful response of a traveler after finding water._

> For many nights he dreams of this scene of bliss, And when he thinks of Heaven it is of such as this.

He dreams of this blissful scene for many nights, and his idea of Heaven is exactly this kind of place.

_Elevates the natural spring to a heavenly ideal, showing its profound impact._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/lines-on-a-fountain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters