Volume Ii Part 3 (2/2)

The suns.h.i.+ne may not bless it, nor the dew; It cannot help itself in it's decay; Stiff in it's members, wither'd, changed of hue.

And, in my spleen, I smiled that it was grey. 20

To be a Prodigal's Favorite--then, worse truth, A Miser's Pensioner--behold our lot!

O Man! that from thy fair and s.h.i.+ning youth Age might but take the things Youth needed not!

7.

I wandered lonely as a Cloud That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills, When all at once I saw a crowd A host of dancing Daffodills; Along the Lake, beneath the trees, Ten thousand dancing in the breeze.

The waves beside them danced, but they Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:-- A Poet could not but be gay In such a laughing company: 10 I gaz'd--and gaz'd--but little thought What wealth the shew to me had brought:

For oft when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude, And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the Daffodils.

8.

Who fancied what a pretty sight This Rock would be if edged around With living Snowdrops? circlet bright!

How glorious to this Orchard ground!

Who loved the little Rock, and set Upon its Head this Coronet?

Was it the humour of a Child?

Or rather of some love-sick Maid, Whose brows, the day that she was styled The Shepherd Queen, were thus arrayed?

Of Man mature, or Matron sage?

Or old Man toying with his age?

I ask'd--'twas whisper'd, The device To each or all might well belong.

It is the Spirit of Paradise That prompts such work, a Spirit strong, That gives to all the self-same bent Where life is wise and innocent.

9. _THE SPARROW'S NEST_.

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