...captured in small by the word blanc, which names darkness as whiteness and occlusion as revelation: But cloud instead, and ever-during dark Surrounds...Book of knowledge fair Presented with a Universal blanc Of Nature's works to me expung'd and ras'd, And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. So much...

...sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine; But cloud in stead, and ever-during dark Surrounds me, from the cheerful...and for the Book of Knowledge fair Presented with Universal blank Of Nature's works to me expunged and razed, And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out....

...of poor little Helen's deprivations : — " Not to me returns Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose,...herds, or human face divine ; But cloud instead, and ever-daring dark Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men Cut off, and for the book of knowledge...