Careful Words

sloping (adj.)

With spots of sunny openings, and with nooks

To lie and read in, sloping into brooks.

Leigh Hunt (1784-1859): The Story of Rimini.

But life is sweet, though all that makes it sweet

Lessen like sound of friends' departing feet;

And Death is beautiful as feet of friend

Coming with welcome at our journey's end.

For me Fate gave, whate'er she else denied,

A nature sloping to the southern side;

I thank her for it, though when clouds arise

Such natures double-darken gloomy skies.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891): To George William Curtis.