In hearts no longer young; Still may a veteran Few have pride In thoughts whose sternness makes them sweet; And withered leaves, from earth's cold breast VI. But, if such homage thou disdain As doth with mellowing years agree, She, who incites the frolic lambs Vouchsafes her lessons, bounteous Nymph She, who inspires that strain of joyance holy Which the sweet Bird, misnamed the melancholy, Pours forth in shady groves, shall plead for me; And vernal mornings opening bright With views of undefined delight, And cheerful songs, and suns that shine On busy days, with thankful nights, be mine. VII. But thou, O Goddess! in thy favorite Isle The wide earth's storehouse fenced about And Love, when worthiest of his name, XXXV. то ON HER FIRST ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT OF HELVELLYN. INMATE of a mountain dwelling, Thou hast clomb aloft, and gazed Awed, delighted, and amazed! Potent was the spell that bound thee, Not unwilling to obey; For blue Ether's arms, flung round thee, Lo the dwindled woods and meadows! What a vast abyss is there! Lo the clouds, the solemn shadows, And the glistenings, heavenly fair! And a record of commotion Which a thousand ridges yield; Maiden! now take flight; -inherit Or survey their bright dominions In the gorgeous colors drest Flung from off the purple pinions Evening spreads throughout the west! Thine are all the coral fountains Of the untrodden lunar mountains ; To Niphates' top invited, For the power of hills is on thee, 1816. XXXVI. TO A YOUNG LADY, WHO HAD BEEN REPROACHED FOR TAKING LONG WALKS IN THE COUNTRY. DEAR Child of Nature, let them rail! A harbor and a hold; Where thou, a Wife and Friend, shalt see There, healthy as a shepherd-boy, And treading among flowers of joy Which at no season fade, Thou, while thy babes around thee cling, A Woman may be made. Thy thoughts and feelings shall not die, But an old age serene and bright, Shall lead thee to thy grave. 1808. XXXVII. WATER-FOWL. 'Let me be allowed the aid of verse to describe the evolutions which these visitants sometimes perform, on a fine day towards the close of winter." ·Extract from the Author's Book on the Lakes. MARK how the feathered tenants of the flood, With grace of motion that might scarcely seem Inferior to angelic, prolong Their curious pastime! shaping in mid-air Hundreds of curves and circlets, to and fro, |