Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, So didst thou travel on life's common way, In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart The lowliest duties on herself did lay. IT IS NOT TO BE THOUGHT OF (1802) It is not to be thought of that the flood Of British freedom, which, to the open sea Of the world's praise, from dark antiquity Hath flowed, "with pomp of waters, unwithstood," Roused though it be full often to a mood 5 Which spurns the check of salutary bands, That this most famous stream in bogs and sands Should perish; and to evil and to good Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung Armory of the invincible knights of old: 10 We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold 10 Those trees, a veil just half withdrawn; 15 20 20 35 Thou wear'st upon thy forehead clear What hand but would a garland cull For thee who art so beautiful? O happy pleasure! here to dwell Beside thee in some heathy dell; Adopt your homely ways, and dress, A shepherd, thou a shepherdess! But I could frame a wish for thee More like a grave reality: Thou art to me but as a wave 45 50 55 Will no one tell me what she sings? Or is it some more humble lay, Whate'er the theme, the maiden sang 15 20 25 36 TO THE CUCKOO (1804) O blithe new-comer! I have heard, O Cuckoo! shall I call thee bird, While I am lying on the grass From hill to hill it seems to pass, Though babbling only to the vale, Thrice welcome, darling of the Spring! No bird, but an invisible thing, A voice, a mystery; The same whom in my school-boy days I listened to: that cry Which made me look a thousand ways To seek thee did I often rove And I can listen to thee yet; 25 |