XLIV TROUBLES OF CHARLES THE FIRST 1821 1822 EVEN Such the contrast that, where'er we move, And the Land's humblest comforts. Now her mood Whose rage the gentle skies in vain reprove; Of headstrong will! Can this be Piety? No some fierce Maniac hath usurped her name; And scourges England struggling to be free: Her peace destroyed! her hopes a wilderness! Her blessings cursed her glory turned to shame! XLV 65 LAUD 1821 1822 PREJUDGED by foes determined not to spare, On hope that conscious innocence supplied, Why tarries then thy chariot? Wherefore, stay, XLVI AFFLICTIONS OF ENGLAND 1821 1822 HARP! could'st thou venture, on thy boldest string, Caught from the hand of Moses às it passed Of dread Jehovah; then, should wood and waste Of which the Lord was weary. Weep, oh! weep, PART III FROM THE RESTORATION TO THE PRESENT TIMES 1821 1822 When I came to this part of the series I had the dream described in this Sonnet. The figure was that of my daughter, and the whole passed exactly as here represented. The Sonnet was composed on the middle road leading from Grasmere to Ambleside: it was begun as I left the last house of the vale, and finished, word for word as it now stands, before I came in view of Rydal. I wish I could say the same of the five or six hundred I have written: most of them were frequently retouched in the course of composition, and, not a few, laboriously. I have only further to observe that the intended Church which prompted these Sonnets was erected on Coleorton Moor towards the centre of a very populous parish between three and four miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, on the road to Loughborough, and has proved, I believe, a great benefit to the neighbourhood. I I SAW the figure of a lovely Maid Set off her brightness with a pleasing shade. But while I gazed in tender reverie (Or was it sleep that with my Fancy played?) The bright corporeal presence — form and face Remaining still distinct grew thin and rare, Like sunny mist; — at length the golden hair, -- Shape, limbs, and heavenly features, keeping pace Each with the other in a lingering race Of dissolution, melted into air. |