And they a blissful course may hold Even now, who, not unwisely bold, Yet seek thy firm support, according to their need.* I, loving freedom, and untried ; The task, in smoother walks to stray ; But thee I now would serve more strictly, if I Through no disturbance of my soul, Or strong compunction in me wrought, Stern Lawgiver! yet thou dost wear Flowers laugh before thee on their beds * And blest are they who in the main This faith even now do entertain, Live in the spirit of this creed, may. Yet find that other strength according to their need.-Edit. 1815. Thou dost preserve the stars from wrong; And the most ancient heavens, through Thee, are fresh and strong. To humbler functions, awful Power! Oh, The confidence of reason give; And in the light of truth thy Bondman let me live! * * See some remarks from Mr. Wordsworth himself upon the philosophy of the last stanza, in the biography by Dr. Wordsworth, i. 432. POEMS ON THE NAMING OF PLACES. ADVERTISEMENT. By persons resident in the country and attached to rural objects, many places will be found unnamed or of unknown names, where little Incidents must have occurred, or feelings been experienced, which will have given to such places a private and peculiar interest. From a wish to give some sort of record to such Incidents, and renew the gratification of such feelings, Names have been given to Places by the Author and some of his Friends, and the following Poems written in consequence. I. EMMA'S DELL.* It was an April morning: fresh and clear Ran with a young man's speed; and yet the voice Was softened down into a vernal tone. The spirit of enjoyment and desire, And hopes and wishes, from all living things * Written at Grasmere, 1800. The poem was suggested on the banks of the brook that runs through Easedale. * Them and their object: but, meanwhile, prevailed Green leaves were here; But 'twas the foliage of the rocks—the birch, The yew, the holly, and the bright green thorn, -Soon did the spot become my other home, * The budding groves appeared as if in haste There was such deep contentment in the air.-Edit. 1815. My dwelling, and my out-of-doors abode. And, of the Shepherds who have seen me there, Have told this fancy, two or three, perhaps, Years after we are gone and in our graves, When they have cause to speak of this wild place, II. TO JOANNA.* AMID the smoke of cities did you pass The living Beings by your own fire-side, heart And make dear friendships with the streams and groves. Yet we, who are transgressors in this kind, Dwelling retired in our simplicity Among the woods and fields, we love you well, Joanna and I guess, since you have been While I was seated, now some ten days past, * Joanna Hutchinson. This poem was written at Grasmere, 1800. |