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WorkshopWorkshopThe Romantic PoetsThe Romantic Poets
William WordsworthWilliam Wordsworth
Biographical noteBiographical note::Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, in the Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, in the West Cumberland, in the Lake District in April West Cumberland, in the Lake District in April 1770. 1770. His mother died in 1778, when he was just eight His mother died in 1778, when he was just eight years old. Then, his father sent him and his years old. Then, his father sent him and his brothers to Hawkshead Grammar School, near brothers to Hawkshead Grammar School, near Esthwaite Lake, and they were lodged at Ann Esthwaite Lake, and they were lodged at Ann Tyson’s cottage. There, the young Wordsworth Tyson’s cottage. There, the young Wordsworth spent his free days and half the nights in sports spent his free days and half the nights in sports and ramblings in the countryside, in contact with and ramblings in the countryside, in contact with natural sights and sounds.natural sights and sounds.
His father died in 1783, when he was 13 His father died in 1783, when he was 13 years old.years old.
He entered St. John’s College in Cambride He entered St. John’s College in Cambride in 1787, where he got the degree of in 1787, where he got the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1790.Bachelor of Arts in 1790.
During the first summer vacations in 1788 he During the first summer vacations in 1788 he returned to Hawkshead where he spent his returned to Hawkshead where he spent his schooltime and the first years of his youth.schooltime and the first years of his youth.During his third summer vacations in 1790 During his third summer vacations in 1790 Wordsworth took a trip along the Alps. His Wordsworth took a trip along the Alps. His walking tour coincides with the time when the walking tour coincides with the time when the French are celebating the first aniversary of the French are celebating the first aniversary of the Revolution. As he returned to England, he Revolution. As he returned to England, he settled in London for about one year.settled in London for about one year. Between 1792 and 1793 he travelled through Between 1792 and 1793 he travelled through Europe. He lived in France, where he converted Europe. He lived in France, where he converted to the revolucionary ideal and took part of to the revolucionary ideal and took part of republican moviments.republican moviments.
Friendship with fellow poetsFriendship with fellow poets[Illus., right: George Cattermole (1800-1868) Sir Walter Scott and Wordsworth at Newark Castle, 1831. Lithographed by Harding; [Illus., right: George Cattermole (1800-1868) Sir Walter Scott and Wordsworth at Newark Castle, 1831. Lithographed by Harding;
Recollections of a Tour Recollections of a Tour Made in Scotland, A. D. Made in Scotland, A. D. 18031803 (1874) (1874)
Recollections of a Tour Made in Scotland, A. Recollections of a Tour Made in Scotland, A. D. 1803D. 1803 (1874) is a travel memoir by Dorothy (1874) is a travel memoir by Dorothy Wordsworth about a six-week, 663-mile journey Wordsworth about a six-week, 663-mile journey through the Scottish Highlands from August–through the Scottish Highlands from August–September 1803 with her brother William September 1803 with her brother William Wordsworth and mutual friend Samuel Taylor Wordsworth and mutual friend Samuel Taylor Coleridge.Coleridge.
A late 19th-century painting of a jaunting A late 19th-century painting of a jaunting car similar to the one used by Dorothy, William car similar to the one used by Dorothy, William and Samuel. Because of the poor roads "and Samuel. Because of the poor roads " in in practice it meant going most of the way by foot.practice it meant going most of the way by foot.""
Wordsworth and Coleridge: Two Kindred SpiritsWordsworth and Coleridge: Two Kindred SpiritsAsher Durand: Kindred Spirits
Alfoxden: Wordsworth's house in 1797-8 and the Quantock Hills, in North DorsetRacedown: Wordsworth’s home from 1795 to 1797.
Dove Cottage, Town End. Watercolor by Dora Wordsworth after Amos Green. Dove Cottage, Town End. Watercolor by Dora Wordsworth after Amos Green. The Mill—Grasmere. Pencil sketch by Sara Hutchinson.The Mill—Grasmere. Pencil sketch by Sara Hutchinson.
Dove Cottage – Grasmere, CumbriaDove Cottage – Grasmere, Cumbria
Dove Cottage, home to the poet William Dove Cottage, home to the poet William Wordsworth from 1799-1908. Situated in Wordsworth from 1799-1908. Situated in
Grasmere in the Lake District of England.Grasmere in the Lake District of England.
A pretty corner of the garden at Dove CottageA pretty corner of the garden at Dove Cottage
Allan Bank, GrasmereAllan Bank, GrasmereWordsworth’s house from 1808 to 1811Wordsworth’s house from 1808 to 1811
Rydal Mount. Watercolor by William Westall from Dora Wordsworth's Book. 1831.Rydal Mount. Watercolor by William Westall from Dora Wordsworth's Book. 1831.Wordsworth on Helvellyn. Painting by Benjamin Robert Haydon. 1842.Wordsworth on Helvellyn. Painting by Benjamin Robert Haydon. 1842.
Wordsworth and Coleridge in PandaemoniumWordsworth and Coleridge in Pandaemonium
Lyrical BalladsLyrical BalladsThe book came into public in three editions: The book came into public in three editions: 1798, 1800 and 1802, and was gradually 1798, 1800 and 1802, and was gradually altered as follows:altered as follows:
Lyricall Ballads, 1798Lyricall Ballads, 1798CONTENTSCONTENTS
The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere . . . . 1 The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere . . . . 1 The Foster-Mother’s Tale . . . . . . . 53 The Foster-Mother’s Tale . . . . . . . 53 Lines left upon a Seat in a Yew-tree which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite . . . . . 59 Lines left upon a Seat in a Yew-tree which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite . . . . . 59 The Nightingale, a Conversational Poem . . 63 The Nightingale, a Conversational Poem . . 63 The Female Vagrant . . . . . . . . 69 The Female Vagrant . . . . . . . . 69 Goody Blake and Harry Gill . . . . . . 85 Goody Blake and Harry Gill . . . . . . 85 Lines written at a small distance from my House, and sent by my little Boy to the Person to Lines written at a small distance from my House, and sent by my little Boy to the Person to whom they are addressed . . . . . 95 whom they are addressed . . . . . 95 Simon Lee, the old Huntsman . . . . . 98 Simon Lee, the old Huntsman . . . . . 98 Anecdote for Fathers . . . . . . . . 105 Anecdote for Fathers . . . . . . . . 105 We are seven . . . . . . . . . . . 110 We are seven . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Lines written in early spring . . . . . . 115 Lines written in early spring . . . . . . 115 The Thorn . . . . . . . . . . . 117 The Thorn . . . . . . . . . . . 117 The last of the Flock . . . . . . . . 133 The last of the Flock . . . . . . . . 133 The Dungeon . . . . . . . . . . . 139 The Dungeon . . . . . . . . . . . 139 The Mad Mother . . . . . . . . . 141 The Mad Mother . . . . . . . . . 141 The Idiot Boy . . . . . . . . . . 149 The Idiot Boy . . . . . . . . . . 149 Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames, at Evening . . . . . . . . . . 180 Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames, at Evening . . . . . . . . . . 180 Expostulation and Reply . . . . . . . 183 Expostulation and Reply . . . . . . . 183 The Tables turned; an Evening Scene, on the same subject . . . . . . . . . 186 The Tables turned; an Evening Scene, on the same subject . . . . . . . . . 186 Old Man travelling . . . . . . . . . 189 Old Man travelling . . . . . . . . . 189 The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman . 193 The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman . 193 The Convict . . . . . . . . . . . 197 The Convict . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey… 201Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey… 201
Lirical Ballads with other Poems, 1800Lirical Ballads with other Poems, 1800Volume 1Volume 1
CONTENTSCONTENTS Expostulation and ReplyExpostulation and Reply The Tables turned; an Evening Scene, on the same subject The Tables turned; an Evening Scene, on the same subject Animal Tranquillity and Decay, a Sketch Animal Tranquillity and Decay, a Sketch The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman The Last of the Flock The Last of the Flock Lines left upon a Seat in a Yew-tree which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite Lines left upon a Seat in a Yew-tree which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite The Foster-Mother's Tale The Foster-Mother's Tale Goody Blake and Harry Gill Goody Blake and Harry Gill The Thorn The Thorn We are Seven We are Seven Anecdote for Fathers Anecdote for Fathers Lines written at a small distance from my House and sent me by my little Boy to the Person to whom they Lines written at a small distance from my House and sent me by my little Boy to the Person to whom they are addressedare addressed The Female Vagrant The Female Vagrant The Dungeon The Dungeon Simon Lee, the old Huntsman Simon Lee, the old Huntsman Lines written in early Spring Lines written in early Spring The Nightingale, written in April, 1798. The Nightingale, written in April, 1798. Lines written when sailing in a Boat at Evening Lines written when sailing in a Boat at Evening Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames The Idiot Boy The Idiot Boy Love Love The Mad Mother The Mad Mother The Ancient Mariner The Ancient Mariner Lines written above Tintern Abbey Lines written above Tintern Abbey
Lirical Ballads with other Poems, 1800Lirical Ballads with other Poems, 1800Volume 2Volume 2
CONTENTSCONTENTSHart-leap WellHart-leap WellThere was a Boy, &cThere was a Boy, &cThe Brothers, a Pastoral PoemThe Brothers, a Pastoral PoemEllen Irwin, or the Braes of KirtleEllen Irwin, or the Braes of KirtleStrange fits of passion I have known, &c.Strange fits of passion I have known, &c.SongSongA slumber did my spirit seal, &cA slumber did my spirit seal, &cThe Waterfall and the EglantineThe Waterfall and the EglantineThe Oak and the Broom, a PastoralThe Oak and the Broom, a PastoralLucy GrayLucy GrayThe Idle Shepherd-Boys or Dungeon-Gill Force, a PastoralThe Idle Shepherd-Boys or Dungeon-Gill Force, a Pastoral‘Tis said that some have died for love, &c.‘Tis said that some have died for love, &c.Poor SusanPoor SusanInscription for the Spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert's Island, Derwent-WaterInscription for the Spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert's Island, Derwent-WaterInscription for the House (an Out-house) on the Island at GrasmereInscription for the House (an Out-house) on the Island at GrasmereTo a SextonTo a SextonAndrew JonesAndrew JonesThe two Thieves, or the last stage of AvariceThe two Thieves, or the last stage of AvariceA whirl-blast from behind the Hill, &c.A whirl-blast from behind the Hill, &c.Song for the wandering JewSong for the wandering Jew
RuthRuthLines written with a Slate-Pencil upon a Stone, &c.Lines written with a Slate-Pencil upon a Stone, &c.Lines written on a Tablet in a SchoolLines written on a Tablet in a SchoolThe two April MorningsThe two April MorningsThe Fountain, a conversationThe Fountain, a conversationNuttingNuttingThree years she grew in sun and shower, &c.Three years she grew in sun and shower, &c.The Pet-Lamb, a PastoralThe Pet-Lamb, a PastoralWritten in Germany on one of the coldest days of the centuryWritten in Germany on one of the coldest days of the centuryThe Childless FatherThe Childless FatherThe Old Cumberland Beggar, a DescriptionThe Old Cumberland Beggar, a DescriptionRural ArchitectureRural ArchitectureA Poet's EpitaphA Poet's EpitaphA CharacterA CharacterA FragmentA FragmentPoems on the Naming of Places,Poems on the Naming of Places,Michael, a PastoralMichael, a PastoralNotes to the Poem of The BrothersNotes to the Poem of The BrothersNotes to the Poem of MichaelNotes to the Poem of Michael
Lyrical Ballads, 1802, Volume 1Lyrical Ballads, 1802, Volume 1CONTENTS.CONTENTS.
Expostulation and Reply - - - - - 1 Expostulation and Reply - - - - - 1 The Tables turned; an Evening Scene, on the same subject - - - - - - 4 The Tables turned; an Evening Scene, on the same subject - - - - - - 4 Animal Tranquillity and Decay, a Sketch - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Animal Tranquillity and Decay, a Sketch - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Goody Blake and Harry Gill - - - - - 9 Goody Blake and Harry Gill - - - - - 9 The Last of the Flock - - - - - 18 The Last of the Flock - - - - - 18 Lines left upon a Seat in a Yew tree which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite - - - 24 Lines left upon a Seat in a Yew tree which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite - - - 24 The Foster-Mother’s Tale - - - - 28 The Foster-Mother’s Tale - - - - 28 The Thorn - - - - - - 35 The Thorn - - - - - - 35 We are Seven - - - - - - 51 We are Seven - - - - - - 51 Anecdote for Fathers - - - - - 56 Anecdote for Fathers - - - - - 56 Lines written at a small distance from my House, and sent by my little Boy to the Person to Lines written at a small distance from my House, and sent by my little Boy to the Person to whom they are addressed - - - - 61 whom they are addressed - - - - 61 The Female Vagrant - - - - - 67 The Female Vagrant - - - - - 67 Lines written in early Spring - - - - 81 Lines written in early Spring - - - - 81 Simon Lee, the old Huntsman - - - 83 Simon Lee, the old Huntsman - - - 83 The Nightingale, written in April, 1798 - - - - 90 The Nightingale, written in April, 1798 - - - - 90 The Idiot Boy - - - - - - 99 The Idiot Boy - - - - - - 99 Love - - - - - - - - 130 Love - - - - - - - - 130 The Mad Mother - - - - - - 137 The Mad Mother - - - - - - 137 The Ancient Mariner - - - - - 145 The Ancient Mariner - - - - - 145 Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey - - - - -191Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey - - - - -191
Lyrical Ballads, 1802, Volume 2Lyrical Ballads, 1802, Volume 2CONTENTS.CONTENTS.Hart-leap Well - - - - - - 1 Hart-leap Well - - - - - - 1 There was a Boy, &c - - - - - 14 There was a Boy, &c - - - - - 14 The Brothers - - - - - - 16 The Brothers - - - - - - 16 Ellen Irwin, or the Braes of Kirtle - - - 46 Ellen Irwin, or the Braes of Kirtle - - - 46 Strange fits of passion I have known, &c. - - 50 Strange fits of passion I have known, &c. - - 50 She dwelt among th’ untrodden ways, &c. - 52 She dwelt among th’ untrodden ways, &c. - 52 A slumber did my spirit seal, &c. - - - 53 A slumber did my spirit seal, &c. - - - 53 The Waterfall and the Eglantine - - - 54 The Waterfall and the Eglantine - - - 54 The Oak and the Broom, a Pastoral - - 58 The Oak and the Broom, a Pastoral - - 58 The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman - 65 The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman - 65 Lucy Gray - - - - - - - 71 Lucy Gray - - - - - - - 71 ’Tis said that some have died for Love, &c. - 76 ’Tis said that some have died for Love, &c. - 76 The Idle Shepherd-Boys, or Dungeon-Gill Force, a Pastoral - - - - - - 80 The Idle Shepherd-Boys, or Dungeon-Gill Force, a Pastoral - - - - - - 80 Poor Susan - - - - - - - 87 Poor Susan - - - - - - - 87 Inscription for the Spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert’s Island, Derwent-Water - Inscription for the Spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert’s Island, Derwent-Water - 89 89 Lines written with a Pencil upon a stone in the wall of the House (an Out-house) on the Lines written with a Pencil upon a stone in the wall of the House (an Out-house) on the Island at Grasmere - - - - - 91 Island at Grasmere - - - - - 91 To a Sexton - - - - - - - 93 To a Sexton - - - - - - - 93 Andrew Jones - - - - - - - 96 Andrew Jones - - - - - - - 96 Ruth - - - - - - - 99 Ruth - - - - - - - 99 Lines written with a Slate-Pencil, &c. - - 117Lines written with a Slate-Pencil, &c. - - 117
Lucy Gray: Or SolitudeLucy Gray: Or SolitudeOft I had heard of Lucy Gray,Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray,And when I cross'd the Wild,And when I cross'd the Wild,I chanc'd to see at break of dayI chanc'd to see at break of dayThe solitary Child.The solitary Child.
No Mate, no comrade Lucy knew;No Mate, no comrade Lucy knew;She dwelt on a wild Moor,She dwelt on a wild Moor,The sweetest Thing that ever grewThe sweetest Thing that ever grewBeside a human door!Beside a human door!
You yet may spy the Fawn at play,You yet may spy the Fawn at play,The Hare upon the Green;The Hare upon the Green;But the sweet face of Lucy GrayBut the sweet face of Lucy GrayWill never more be seen.Will never more be seen.
"To-night will be a stormy night,"To-night will be a stormy night,You to the Town must go,You to the Town must go,And take a lantern, Child, to lightAnd take a lantern, Child, to lightYour Mother thro' the snow.”Your Mother thro' the snow.”
"That, Father! will I gladly do;"That, Father! will I gladly do;'Tis scarcely afternoon—'Tis scarcely afternoon—The Minster-clock has just struck two,The Minster-clock has just struck two,And yonder is the Moon."And yonder is the Moon."
At this the Father rais'd his hookAt this the Father rais'd his hookAnd snapp'd a ****-band;And snapp'd a ****-band;He plied his work, and Lucy tookHe plied his work, and Lucy tookThe lantern in her hand.The lantern in her hand.
Not blither is the mountain roe,Not blither is the mountain roe,With many a wanton strokeWith many a wanton strokeHer feet disperse, the powd'ry snowHer feet disperse, the powd'ry snowThat rises up like smoke.That rises up like smoke.
The storm came on before its time,The storm came on before its time,She wander'd up and down,She wander'd up and down,And many a hill did Lucy climbAnd many a hill did Lucy climbBut never reach'd the Town.But never reach'd the Town.
The wretched Parents all that nightThe wretched Parents all that nightWent shouting far and wide;Went shouting far and wide;But there was neither sound nor sightBut there was neither sound nor sightTo serve them for a guide.To serve them for a guide.
At day-break on a hill they stoodAt day-break on a hill they stoodThat overlook'd the Moor;That overlook'd the Moor;And thence they saw the Bridge of WoodAnd thence they saw the Bridge of WoodA furlong from their door.A furlong from their door.
And now they homeward turn'd, and cry'dAnd now they homeward turn'd, and cry'd"In Heaven we all shall meet!""In Heaven we all shall meet!"When in the snow the Mother spiedWhen in the snow the Mother spiedThe print of Lucy's feet.The print of Lucy's feet.
Then downward from the steep hill's edgeThen downward from the steep hill's edgeThey track'd the footmarks small;They track'd the footmarks small;And through the broken hawthorn-hedge,And through the broken hawthorn-hedge,And by the long stone-wall;And by the long stone-wall;
And then an open field they cross'd,And then an open field they cross'd,The marks were still the same;The marks were still the same;They track'd them on, nor ever lost,They track'd them on, nor ever lost,And to the Bridge they came.And to the Bridge they came.
They follow'd from the snowy bankThey follow'd from the snowy bankThe footmarks, one by one,The footmarks, one by one,Into the middle of the plank,Into the middle of the plank,And further there were none.And further there were none.
Yet some maintain that to this dayYet some maintain that to this dayShe is a living Child,She is a living Child,That you may see sweet Lucy GrayThat you may see sweet Lucy GrayUpon the lonesome Wild.Upon the lonesome Wild.
O'er rough and smooth she trips along,O'er rough and smooth she trips along,And never looks behind;And never looks behind;And sings a solitary songAnd sings a solitary songThat whistles in the wind.That whistles in the wind.
The author’s noteThe author’s noteLucy Gray is based on a true event, but Wordsworth strayed from the true Lucy Gray is based on a true event, but Wordsworth strayed from the true account in that in his poem her body was never. Found.account in that in his poem her body was never. Found.
He wroteHe wrote
Written at Goslar in Germany. It was founded on a circumstance told me by my Written at Goslar in Germany. It was founded on a circumstance told me by my Sister, of a little girl who, not far from Halifax in Yorkshire, was bewildered in a Sister, of a little girl who, not far from Halifax in Yorkshire, was bewildered in a snow-storm. Her footsteps were traced by her parents to the middle of the lock snow-storm. Her footsteps were traced by her parents to the middle of the lock of a canal, and no other vestige of her, backward or forward, could be traced. of a canal, and no other vestige of her, backward or forward, could be traced. The body however was found in the canal. The way in which the incident was The body however was found in the canal. The way in which the incident was treated and the spiritualising of the character might furnish hints for contrasting treated and the spiritualising of the character might furnish hints for contrasting the imaginative influences which I have endeavoured to throw over common life the imaginative influences which I have endeavoured to throw over common life with Crabbe's matter of fact style of treating subjects of the same kind. This is with Crabbe's matter of fact style of treating subjects of the same kind. This is not spoken to his disparagement, far from it, but to direct the attention of not spoken to his disparagement, far from it, but to direct the attention of thoughtful readers, into whose hands these notes may fall, to a comparison that thoughtful readers, into whose hands these notes may fall, to a comparison that may both enlarge the circle of their sensibilities, and tend to produce in them a may both enlarge the circle of their sensibilities, and tend to produce in them a catholic judgment.catholic judgment.
http://allpoetry.com/poem/8452819-Lucy-Gray-or-Solitude-by-William-Wordsworthhttp://allpoetry.com/poem/8452819-Lucy-Gray-or-Solitude-by-William-Wordsworth
Three Years She Grew Three Years She Grew in Sun and Shower in Sun and Shower
THREE years she grew in sun and shower, THREE years she grew in sun and shower, Then Nature said, "A lovelier flower Then Nature said, "A lovelier flower On earth was never sown; On earth was never sown; This Child I to myself will take; This Child I to myself will take; She shall be mine, and I will make She shall be mine, and I will make A Lady of my own. A Lady of my own.
"Myself will to my darling be "Myself will to my darling be Both law and impulse: and with me Both law and impulse: and with me The Girl, in rock and plain, The Girl, in rock and plain, In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, 10 In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, 10 Shall feel an overseeing power Shall feel an overseeing power To kindle or restrain. To kindle or restrain.
"She shall be sportive as the fawn "She shall be sportive as the fawn That wild with glee across the lawn, That wild with glee across the lawn, Or up the mountain springs; Or up the mountain springs; And her's shall be the breathing balm, And her's shall be the breathing balm, And her's the silence and the calm And her's the silence and the calm Of mute insensate things. Of mute insensate things.
"The floating clouds their state shall lend "The floating clouds their state shall lend To her; for her the willow bend; 20 To her; for her the willow bend; 20 Nor shall she fail to see Nor shall she fail to see Even in the motions of the Storm Even in the motions of the Storm Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form By silent sympathy. By silent sympathy.
"The stars of midnight shall be dear "The stars of midnight shall be dear To her; and she shall lean her ear To her; and she shall lean her ear In many a secret place In many a secret place Where rivulets dance their wayward round, Where rivulets dance their wayward round, And beauty born of murmuring sound And beauty born of murmuring sound Shall pass into her face. 30 Shall pass into her face. 30
"And vital feelings of delight "And vital feelings of delight Shall rear her form to stately height, Shall rear her form to stately height, Her virgin bosom swell; Her virgin bosom swell; Such thoughts to Lucy I will give Such thoughts to Lucy I will give While she and I together live While she and I together live Here in this happy dell." Here in this happy dell."
Thus Nature spake--The work was done– Thus Nature spake--The work was done– How soon my Lucy's race was run! How soon my Lucy's race was run! She died, and left to meShe died, and left to me This heath, this calm, and quiet scene; 40 This heath, this calm, and quiet scene; 40 The memory of what has been, The memory of what has been, And never more will be. 1799. And never more will be. 1799.
She Dwelt among the Untrodden WaysShe Dwelt among the Untrodden WaysShe dwelt among the untrodden ways Beside the springs of Dove,A Maid whom there were none to praise And very few to love:
A violet by a mossy stone Half hidden from the eye!—Fair as a star, when only one Is shining in the sky.
She lived unknown, and few could know When Lucy ceased to be;But she is in her grave, and, oh, The difference to me!
Strange Fits of Passion Have I KnownStrange Fits of Passion Have I KnownStrange fits of passion have I known: Strange fits of passion have I known:
And I will dare to tell, And I will dare to tell, But in the Lover's ear alone, But in the Lover's ear alone,
What once to me befell. What once to me befell.
When she I loved looked every day When she I loved looked every day Fresh as a rose in June, Fresh as a rose in June,
I to her cottage bent my way, I to her cottage bent my way, Beneath an evening-moon. Beneath an evening-moon.
Upon the moon I fixed my eye, Upon the moon I fixed my eye, All over the wide lea; 10 All over the wide lea; 10
With quickening pace my horse drew nigh With quickening pace my horse drew nigh Those paths so dear to me.Those paths so dear to me.
And now we reached the orchard-plot; And now we reached the orchard-plot; And, as we climbed the hill, And, as we climbed the hill,
The sinking moon to Lucy's cot The sinking moon to Lucy's cot Came near, and nearer still. Came near, and nearer still.
In one of those sweet dreams I slept, In one of those sweet dreams I slept, Kind Nature's gentlest boon! Kind Nature's gentlest boon!
And all the while my eyes I kept And all the while my eyes I kept On the descending moon. 20 On the descending moon. 20
My horse moved on; hoof after hoof My horse moved on; hoof after hoof He raised, and never stopped: He raised, and never stopped:
When down behind the cottage roof, When down behind the cottage roof, At once, the bright moon dropped. At once, the bright moon dropped.
What fond and wayward thoughts will slide What fond and wayward thoughts will slide Into a Lover's head! Into a Lover's head!
"O mercy!" to myself I cried, "O mercy!" to myself I cried, "If Lucy should be dead!" (1799.)"If Lucy should be dead!" (1799.)
A slumber did my spirit seal; A slumber did my spirit seal;
A slumber did my spirit seal; A slumber did my spirit seal; I had no human fears:I had no human fears:
She seemed a thing that could not feelShe seemed a thing that could not feelThe touch of earthly years.The touch of earthly years.
No motion has she now, no force;No motion has she now, no force;She neither hears nor sees;She neither hears nor sees;
Rolled round in earth's diurnal course,Rolled round in earth's diurnal course,With rocks, and stones, and trees.With rocks, and stones, and trees.
MutabilityMutabilityFrom low to high doth dissolution climb,From low to high doth dissolution climb,And sink from high to low, along a scaleAnd sink from high to low, along a scaleOf awful notes, whose concord shall not fail;Of awful notes, whose concord shall not fail;A musical but melancholy chime,A musical but melancholy chime,Which they can hear who meddle not with crime,Which they can hear who meddle not with crime,Nor avarice, nor over-anxious care.Nor avarice, nor over-anxious care.Truth fails not; but her outward forms that bearTruth fails not; but her outward forms that bearThe longest date do melt like frosty rime,The longest date do melt like frosty rime,That in the morning whitened hill and plainThat in the morning whitened hill and plainAnd is no more; drop like the tower sublimeAnd is no more; drop like the tower sublimeOf yesterday, which royally did wearOf yesterday, which royally did wearHis crown of weeds, but could not even sustainHis crown of weeds, but could not even sustainSome casual shout that broke the silent air,Some casual shout that broke the silent air,Or the unimaginable touch of Time.Or the unimaginable touch of Time.
Wordsworth’s handling of popular Wordsworth’s handling of popular poetry, tales and folklorepoetry, tales and folklore
Wordsworth was well acquainted with and Wordsworth was well acquainted with and employed the model of popular songs and tales employed the model of popular songs and tales to create his own stile. An example is his to create his own stile. An example is his preference for the language of the ballad preference for the language of the ballad The The Babes in the WoodBabes in the Wood to one of Samuel Johnson’s to one of Samuel Johnson’s poems, elevating the simplicity of popular verses poems, elevating the simplicity of popular verses above the phraseology of Classicism diction, as above the phraseology of Classicism diction, as shown in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads:shown in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads:
““Long as the Reader has been detained, I hope he will permit me to caution him against a Long as the Reader has been detained, I hope he will permit me to caution him against a mode of false criticism which has been applied to Poetry, in which the language closely mode of false criticism which has been applied to Poetry, in which the language closely resembles that of life and nature. Such verses have been triumphed over in parodies, of resembles that of life and nature. Such verses have been triumphed over in parodies, of which Dr. Johnson’s stanza is a fair specimen:— which Dr. Johnson’s stanza is a fair specimen:—
I put my hat upon my headI put my hat upon my headAnd walked into the Strand,And walked into the Strand,And there I met another manAnd there I met another manWhose hat was in his hand.Whose hat was in his hand.
Immediately under these lines let us place one of the most justly admired stanzas of the Immediately under these lines let us place one of the most justly admired stanzas of the ‘Babes in the Wood.’ ‘Babes in the Wood.’
These pretty Babes with hand in handThese pretty Babes with hand in handWent wandering up and down;Went wandering up and down;
But never more they saw the ManBut never more they saw the Man
Approaching from the town.Approaching from the town. In both these stanzas the words, and the order of the words, in no respect differ from the In both these stanzas the words, and the order of the words, in no respect differ from the most unimpassioned conversation. There are words in both, for example, ‘the Strand,’ and most unimpassioned conversation. There are words in both, for example, ‘the Strand,’ and ‘the town,’ connected with none but the most familiar ideas; yet the one stanza we admit ‘the town,’ connected with none but the most familiar ideas; yet the one stanza we admit as admirable, and the other as a fair example of the superlatively contemptible. Whence as admirable, and the other as a fair example of the superlatively contemptible. Whence arises this difference? Not from the metre, not from the language, not from the order of arises this difference? Not from the metre, not from the language, not from the order of the words; but the the words; but the mattermatter expressed in Dr. Johnson’s stanza is contemptible. The proper expressed in Dr. Johnson’s stanza is contemptible. The proper method of treating trivial and simple verses, to which Dr. Johnson’s stanza would be a fair method of treating trivial and simple verses, to which Dr. Johnson’s stanza would be a fair parallelism, is not to say, this is a bad kind of poetry, or, this is not poetry; but, this wants parallelism, is not to say, this is a bad kind of poetry, or, this is not poetry; but, this wants sense; it is neither interesting in itself nor can sense; it is neither interesting in itself nor can leadlead to anything interesting; the images to anything interesting; the images neither originate in that sane state of feeling which arises out of thought, nor can excite neither originate in that sane state of feeling which arises out of thought, nor can excite thought or feeling in the Reader”.thought or feeling in the Reader”.
The Babes in the WoodThe Babes in the WoodBabes in the WoodBabes in the Wood is a traditional children's tale, as well as a is a traditional children's tale, as well as a popular pantomime subject. It has also been the name of some other unrelated popular pantomime subject. It has also been the name of some other unrelated works. The expression has passed into common language, referring to works. The expression has passed into common language, referring to inexperienced innocents entering unaware into any potentially dangerous or inexperienced innocents entering unaware into any potentially dangerous or hostile situation. hostile situation. Traditional taleTraditional taleThe traditional children's tale is of two children abandoned in a wood, who die The traditional children's tale is of two children abandoned in a wood, who die and are covered with leaves by robins.and are covered with leaves by robins.First published as an anonymous broadside ballad, printed by Thomas First published as an anonymous broadside ballad, printed by Thomas Millington in Norwich in 1595 with the title "The Norfolk gent his will and Millington in Norwich in 1595 with the title "The Norfolk gent his will and Testament and howe he Commytted the keepinge of his Children to his own Testament and howe he Commytted the keepinge of his Children to his own brother whoe delte most wickedly with them and howe God plagued him for it" brother whoe delte most wickedly with them and howe God plagued him for it" ((sicsic). The tale has been reworked in many forms; it frequently appears ). The tale has been reworked in many forms; it frequently appears attributed as a Mother Goose rhyme. The anonymous ballad was illustrated attributed as a Mother Goose rhyme. The anonymous ballad was illustrated by Randolph Caldecott in a book published in 1879.by Randolph Caldecott in a book published in 1879.
The ballad tells of two small children left in the care of an uncle and aunt after The ballad tells of two small children left in the care of an uncle and aunt after their parents' death. The uncle gives the children to ruffians to be killed, in order their parents' death. The uncle gives the children to ruffians to be killed, in order to acquire their inheritance, telling his wife they are being sent to London for to acquire their inheritance, telling his wife they are being sent to London for their upbringing. The murderers fall out and the "milder" of the two kills the their upbringing. The murderers fall out and the "milder" of the two kills the other. He tells the children he will return with provisions, but they do not see other. He tells the children he will return with provisions, but they do not see him again. The children, wandering alone in the woods, die, and are covered by him again. The children, wandering alone in the woods, die, and are covered by leaves by the birds. Unlike many morality tales, the story ends there; leaves by the birds. Unlike many morality tales, the story ends there; no retribution is described as happening to the uncle. In sanitized versions, the no retribution is described as happening to the uncle. In sanitized versions, the children are bodily taken to Heaven.children are bodily taken to Heaven.
FolkloreFolkloreFolklore has it that the events told in Babes in the Wood originally happened Folklore has it that the events told in Babes in the Wood originally happened in Wayland Wood in Norfolk, England. It is said that the uncle lived at the in Wayland Wood in Norfolk, England. It is said that the uncle lived at the nearby Griston Hall. The ghosts of the murdered children are said to haunt nearby Griston Hall. The ghosts of the murdered children are said to haunt Wayland Wood. The village signs at Griston and nearby Watton depict the Wayland Wood. The village signs at Griston and nearby Watton depict the story. In the folklore version, the uncle resents the task and pays two men to story. In the folklore version, the uncle resents the task and pays two men to take the children into the woods and kill them. Finding themselves unable to go take the children into the woods and kill them. Finding themselves unable to go through with the act, the criminals abandon the children in the wood where, through with the act, the criminals abandon the children in the wood where, unable to fend for themselves, they eventually die.unable to fend for themselves, they eventually die.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babes_in_the_Woodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babes_in_the_Wood
Babes in the WoodBabes in the WoodOne of R. Caldecott's Picture Books Author: Anonymous Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott One of R. Caldecott's Picture Books Author: Anonymous Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott
Now ponder well, you parents deare,Now ponder well, you parents deare,These wordes which I shall write;These wordes which I shall write;A doleful story you shall heare,A doleful story you shall heare,In time brought forth to light.In time brought forth to light.
A gentleman of good accountA gentleman of good accountIn Norfolke dwelt of late.In Norfolke dwelt of late.Who did in honour far surmountWho did in honour far surmountMost men of his estate.Most men of his estate.
Sore sicke he was, and like to dye,Sore sicke he was, and like to dye,No helpe his life could save;No helpe his life could save;His wife by him as sicke did lye,His wife by him as sicke did lye,And both possest one grave.And both possest one grave.
No love between these two was lost,No love between these two was lost,Each was to other kinde;Each was to other kinde;In love they liv’d, in love they dyed,In love they liv’d, in love they dyed,And left two babes behinde:And left two babes behinde:
The one a fine and pretty boy,The one a fine and pretty boy,Not passing three yeares olde;Not passing three yeares olde;The other a girl more young than heThe other a girl more young than heAnd fram’d in beautye’s molde.And fram’d in beautye’s molde.
The father left his little son, The father left his little son, As plainlye doth appeare, As plainlye doth appeare, When he to perfect age should come When he to perfect age should come Three hundred poundes a yeare.Three hundred poundes a yeare.
And to his little daughter JaneAnd to his little daughter JaneFive hundred poundes in gold,Five hundred poundes in gold,To be paid downe on marriage-day,To be paid downe on marriage-day,Which might not be controll’d:Which might not be controll’d:
But if the children chanced to dye,But if the children chanced to dye,Ere they to age should come,Ere they to age should come,Their uncle should possesse their wealth;Their uncle should possesse their wealth;For so the wille did run.For so the wille did run.
““Now, brother,” said the dying man,Now, brother,” said the dying man,““Look to my children deare;Look to my children deare;Be good unto my boy and girl,Be good unto my boy and girl,No friendes else have they here:No friendes else have they here:
““To God and you I do commendTo God and you I do commendMy children deare this daye;My children deare this daye;But little while be sure we haveBut little while be sure we haveWithin this world to staye.Within this world to staye.
““You must be father and mother both,You must be father and mother both,And uncle all in one;And uncle all in one;God knowes what will become of them,God knowes what will become of them,When I am dead and gone.”When I am dead and gone.”
With that bespake their mother deare:With that bespake their mother deare:““O brother kinde,” quoth shee,O brother kinde,” quoth shee,You are the man must bring our babesYou are the man must bring our babesTo wealth or miserie:To wealth or miserie:
One of R. Caldecott's Picture Books Author: Anonymous Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott One of R. Caldecott's Picture Books Author: Anonymous Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott
““And if you keep them carefully,And if you keep them carefully,Then God will you reward;Then God will you reward;But if you otherwise should deal,But if you otherwise should deal,God will your deedes regard.”God will your deedes regard.”
With lippes as cold as any stone.With lippes as cold as any stone.They kist the children small:They kist the children small:‘‘God bless you both, my children deare;God bless you both, my children deare;’’With that the teares did fall.With that the teares did fall.
These speeches then their brother spakeThese speeches then their brother spakeTo this sicke couple there:To this sicke couple there:““The keeping of your little ones,The keeping of your little ones,Sweet sister, do not feare:Sweet sister, do not feare:
““God never prosper me nor mine,God never prosper me nor mine,Nor aught else that I have,Nor aught else that I have,If I do wrong your children deare,If I do wrong your children deare,When you are layd in grave.”When you are layd in grave.”
The parents being dead and gone,The parents being dead and gone,The children home he takes,The children home he takes,And bringes them straite unto his house,And bringes them straite unto his house,Where much of them he makes.Where much of them he makes.
He had not kept these pretty babesHe had not kept these pretty babesA twelvemonth and a daye,A twelvemonth and a daye,But, for their wealth, he did deviseBut, for their wealth, he did deviseTo make them both awaye.To make them both awaye.
He bargain’d with two ruffians strong,He bargain’d with two ruffians strong,Which were of furious mood,Which were of furious mood,That they should take the children young,That they should take the children young,And slaye them in a wood.And slaye them in a wood.
He told his wife an artful tale,He told his wife an artful tale,He would the children sendHe would the children sendTo be brought up in faire London,To be brought up in faire London,With one that was his friend.With one that was his friend.
Away then went those pretty babes,Away then went those pretty babes,Rejoycing at that tide,Rejoycing at that tide,Rejoycing with a merry minde,Rejoycing with a merry minde,They should on cock-horse ride.They should on cock-horse ride.
They prate and prattle pleasantlyThey prate and prattle pleasantlyAs they rode on the waye,As they rode on the waye,To those that should their butchers be,To those that should their butchers be,And work their lives’ decaye:And work their lives’ decaye:
So that the pretty speeche they had,So that the pretty speeche they had,Made murderers’ heart relent:Made murderers’ heart relent:And they that undertooke the deed,And they that undertooke the deed,Full sore did now repent.Full sore did now repent.
Yet one of them, more hard of heart,Yet one of them, more hard of heart,Did vow to do his charge,Did vow to do his charge,Because the wretch, that hired him,Because the wretch, that hired him,Had paid him very large.Had paid him very large.
One of R. Caldecott's Picture Books Author: Anonymous Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott One of R. Caldecott's Picture Books Author: Anonymous Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott
The other would not agree thereto,The other would not agree thereto,So here they fell to strife;So here they fell to strife;With one another they did fight,With one another they did fight,About the children’s life:About the children’s life:
And he that was of mildest mood,And he that was of mildest mood,Did slaye the other there,Did slaye the other there,Within an unfrequented wood,Within an unfrequented wood,Where babes did quake for feare!Where babes did quake for feare!
He took the children by the hand,He took the children by the hand,While teares stood in their eye,While teares stood in their eye,And bade them come and go with him,And bade them come and go with him,And look they did not crye:And look they did not crye:
And two long miles he ledd them on,And two long miles he ledd them on,While they for food complaine:While they for food complaine:““Stay here,” quoth he, “I’ll bring ye bread,Stay here,” quoth he, “I’ll bring ye bread,When I come back againe.”When I come back againe.”
These prettye babes, with hand in hand,These prettye babes, with hand in hand,Went wandering up and downe;Went wandering up and downe;But never more they sawe the manBut never more they sawe the manApproaching from the town.Approaching from the town.
Their prettye lippes with blackberriesTheir prettye lippes with blackberriesWere all besmear’d and dyed;Were all besmear’d and dyed;And when they sawe the darksome night,And when they sawe the darksome night,They sat them downe and cryed.They sat them downe and cryed.
Thus wandered these two prettye babes,Thus wandered these two prettye babes,Till death did end their grief;Till death did end their grief;In one another’s armes they dyed,In one another’s armes they dyed,As babes wanting relief.As babes wanting relief.
No burial these prettye babesNo burial these prettye babesOf any man receives,Of any man receives,Till Robin-redbreast painfullyTill Robin-redbreast painfullyDid cover them with leaves.Did cover them with leaves.http://www.gutenberg.org/files/19361/19361-h/19361-h.htmhttp://www.gutenberg.org/files/19361/19361-h/19361-h.htm
The ThornThe Thorn II““There is a Thorn—it looks so old,There is a Thorn—it looks so old,In truth, you’d find it hard to sayIn truth, you’d find it hard to sayHow it could ever have been young,How it could ever have been young,It looks so old and grey.It looks so old and grey.Not higher than a two years' childNot higher than a two years' childIt stands erect, this aged Thorn;It stands erect, this aged Thorn;No leaves it has, no prickly points;No leaves it has, no prickly points;It is a mass of knotted joints,It is a mass of knotted joints,A wretched thing forlorn.A wretched thing forlorn.It stands erect, and like a stoneIt stands erect, and like a stoneWith lichens is it overgrown.With lichens is it overgrown.
IIII““Like rock or stone, it is o’ergrown,Like rock or stone, it is o’ergrown,With lichens to the very top,With lichens to the very top,And hung with heavy tufts of moss,And hung with heavy tufts of moss,A melancholy crop:A melancholy crop:Up from the earth these mosses creep,Up from the earth these mosses creep,And this poor Thorn they clasp it roundAnd this poor Thorn they clasp it roundSo close, you’d say that they are bentSo close, you’d say that they are bentWith plain and manifest intentWith plain and manifest intentTo drag it to the ground;To drag it to the ground;And all have joined in one endeavourAnd all have joined in one endeavourTo bury this poor Thorn for ever.To bury this poor Thorn for ever.
IIIIII
““High on a mountain’s highest ridge,High on a mountain’s highest ridge,Where oft the stormy winter galeWhere oft the stormy winter galeCuts like a scythe, while through the cloudsCuts like a scythe, while through the cloudsIt sweeps from vale to vale;It sweeps from vale to vale;Not five yards from the mountain path,Not five yards from the mountain path,This Thorn you on your left espy;This Thorn you on your left espy;And to the left, three yards beyond,And to the left, three yards beyond,You see a little muddy pondYou see a little muddy pondOf water—never dry,Of water—never dry,Though but of compass small, and bareThough but of compass small, and bareTo thirsty suns and parching air.To thirsty suns and parching air. IVIV““And, close beside this aged Thorn,And, close beside this aged Thorn,There is a fresh and lovely sight,There is a fresh and lovely sight,A beauteous heap, a hill of moss,A beauteous heap, a hill of moss,Just half a foot in height.Just half a foot in height.All lovely colours there you see,All lovely colours there you see,All colours that were ever seen;All colours that were ever seen;And mossy network too is there,And mossy network too is there,As if by hand of lady fairAs if by hand of lady fairThe work had woven been;The work had woven been;And cups, the darlings of the eye,And cups, the darlings of the eye,So deep is their vermilion dye.So deep is their vermilion dye.
VV““Ah me! what lovely tints are thereAh me! what lovely tints are thereOf olive green and scarlet bright,Of olive green and scarlet bright,In spikes, in branches, and in stars,In spikes, in branches, and in stars,Green, red, and pearly white!Green, red, and pearly white!This heap of earth o’ergrown with moss,This heap of earth o’ergrown with moss,Which close beside the Thorn you see,Which close beside the Thorn you see,So fresh in all its beauteous dyes,So fresh in all its beauteous dyes,Is like an infant’s grave in size,Is like an infant’s grave in size,As like as like can be:As like as like can be:But never, never any where,But never, never any where,An infant’s grave was half so fair.An infant’s grave was half so fair. VIVI““Now would you see this aged Thorn,Now would you see this aged Thorn,This pond, and beauteous hill of moss,This pond, and beauteous hill of moss,You must take care and choose your timeYou must take care and choose your timeThe mountain when to cross.The mountain when to cross.For oft there sits between the heap,For oft there sits between the heap,So like an infant’s grave in size,So like an infant’s grave in size,And that same pond of which I spoke,And that same pond of which I spoke,A Woman in a scarlet cloak,A Woman in a scarlet cloak,And to herself she cries,And to herself she cries,‘‘Oh misery! oh misery!Oh misery! oh misery!Oh woe is me! oh misery!’Oh woe is me! oh misery!’
VIIVII““At all times of the day and nightAt all times of the day and nightThis wretched Woman thither goes;This wretched Woman thither goes;And she is known to every star,And she is known to every star,And every wind that blows;And every wind that blows;And there, beside the Thorn, she sitsAnd there, beside the Thorn, she sitsWhen the blue daylight’s in the skies,When the blue daylight’s in the skies,And when the whirlwind’s on the hill,And when the whirlwind’s on the hill,Or frosty air is keen and still,Or frosty air is keen and still,And to herself she cries,And to herself she cries,‘‘Oh misery! oh misery!Oh misery! oh misery!Oh woe is me! oh misery!’ ”Oh woe is me! oh misery!’ ”
VIIIVIII““Now wherefore, thus, by day and night,Now wherefore, thus, by day and night,In rain, in tempest, and in snow,In rain, in tempest, and in snow,Thus to the dreary mountain-topThus to the dreary mountain-topDoes this poor Woman go?Does this poor Woman go?And why sits she beside the ThornAnd why sits she beside the ThornWhen the blue daylight’s in the skyWhen the blue daylight’s in the skyOr when the whirlwind’s on the hill,Or when the whirlwind’s on the hill,Or frosty air is keen and still,Or frosty air is keen and still,And wherefore does she cry?—And wherefore does she cry?—O wherefore? wherefore? tell me whyO wherefore? wherefore? tell me whyDoes she repeat that doleful cry?”Does she repeat that doleful cry?”
IXIX““I cannot tell; I wish I could;I cannot tell; I wish I could;For the true reason no one knows:For the true reason no one knows:But would you gladly view the spot,But would you gladly view the spot,The spot to which she goes;The spot to which she goes;The hillock like an infant’s grave,The hillock like an infant’s grave,The pond—and Thorn, so old and grey;The pond—and Thorn, so old and grey;Pass by her door—’tis seldom shut—Pass by her door—’tis seldom shut—And if you see her in her hut—And if you see her in her hut—Then to the spot away!Then to the spot away!I never heard of such as dareI never heard of such as dareApproach the spot when she is there.”Approach the spot when she is there.”
XX““But wherefore to the mountain-topBut wherefore to the mountain-topCan this unhappy Woman go,Can this unhappy Woman go,Whatever star is in the skies,Whatever star is in the skies,Whatever wind may blow?”Whatever wind may blow?”““Full twenty years are past and goneFull twenty years are past and goneSince she (her name is Martha Ray)Since she (her name is Martha Ray)Gave with a maiden’s true good-willGave with a maiden’s true good-willHer company to Stephen Hill;Her company to Stephen Hill;And she was blithe and gay,And she was blithe and gay,While friends and kindred all approvedWhile friends and kindred all approvedOf him whom tenderly she loved.Of him whom tenderly she loved.
XIXI““And they had fixed the wedding day,And they had fixed the wedding day,The morning that must wed them both;The morning that must wed them both;But Stephen to another MaidBut Stephen to another MaidHad sworn another oath;Had sworn another oath;And, with this other Maid, to churchAnd, with this other Maid, to churchUnthinking Stephen went—Unthinking Stephen went—Poor Martha! on that woeful dayPoor Martha! on that woeful dayA pang of pitiless dismayA pang of pitiless dismayInto her soul was sent;Into her soul was sent;A fire was kindled in her breast,A fire was kindled in her breast,Which might not burn itself to rest.Which might not burn itself to rest.
XIIXII““They say, full six months after this,They say, full six months after this,While yet the summer leaves were green,While yet the summer leaves were green,She to the mountain-top would go,She to the mountain-top would go,And there was often seen.And there was often seen.What could she seek?—or wish to hide?What could she seek?—or wish to hide?Her state to any eye was plain;Her state to any eye was plain;She was with child, and she was mad;She was with child, and she was mad;Yet often was she sober sadYet often was she sober sadFrom her exceeding pain.From her exceeding pain.O guilty Father—would that deathO guilty Father—would that deathHad saved him from that breach of faith!Had saved him from that breach of faith!
XIIIXIII““Sad case for such a brain to holdSad case for such a brain to holdCommunion with a stirring child!Communion with a stirring child!Sad case, as you may think, for oneSad case, as you may think, for oneWho had a brain so wild!Who had a brain so wild!Last Christmas-eve we talked of this,Last Christmas-eve we talked of this,And grey-haired Wilfred of the glenAnd grey-haired Wilfred of the glenHeld that the unborn infant wroughtHeld that the unborn infant wroughtAbout its mother’s heart, and broughtAbout its mother’s heart, and broughtHer senses back again:Her senses back again:And, when at last her time drew near,And, when at last her time drew near,Her looks were calm, her senses clear.Her looks were calm, her senses clear.
XIVXIV““More know I not, I wish I did,More know I not, I wish I did,And it should all be told to you;And it should all be told to you;For what became of this poor childFor what became of this poor childNo mortal ever knew;No mortal ever knew;Nay—if a child to her was bornNay—if a child to her was bornNo earthly tongue could ever tell;No earthly tongue could ever tell;And if ’twas born alive or dead,And if ’twas born alive or dead,Far less could this with proof be said;Far less could this with proof be said;But some remember well,But some remember well,That Martha Ray about this timeThat Martha Ray about this timeWould up the mountain often climb.Would up the mountain often climb.
XVXV““And all that winter, when at nightAnd all that winter, when at nightThe wind blew from the mountain-peak,The wind blew from the mountain-peak,’’Twas worth your while, though in the dark,Twas worth your while, though in the dark,The churchyard path to seek:The churchyard path to seek:For many a time and oft were heardFor many a time and oft were heardCries coming from the mountain head:Cries coming from the mountain head:Some plainly living voices were;Some plainly living voices were;And others, I’ve heard many swear,And others, I’ve heard many swear,Were voices of the dead:Were voices of the dead:I cannot think, whate’er they say,I cannot think, whate’er they say,They had to do with Martha Ray.They had to do with Martha Ray.
XVIXVI““But that she goes to this old Thorn,But that she goes to this old Thorn,The Thorn which I described to you,The Thorn which I described to you,And there sits in a scarlet cloak,And there sits in a scarlet cloak,I will be sworn is true.I will be sworn is true.For one day with my telescope,For one day with my telescope,To view the ocean wide and bright,To view the ocean wide and bright,When to this country first I came,When to this country first I came,Ere I had heard of Martha’s name,Ere I had heard of Martha’s name,I climbed the mountain’s height:—I climbed the mountain’s height:—A storm came on, and I could seeA storm came on, and I could seeNo object higher than my knee.No object higher than my knee.
XVIIXVII“ ’“ ’Twas mist and rain, and storm and rain:Twas mist and rain, and storm and rain:No screen, no fence could I discover;No screen, no fence could I discover;And then the wind! in sooth, it wasAnd then the wind! in sooth, it wasA wind full ten times over.A wind full ten times over.I looked around, I thought I sawI looked around, I thought I sawA jutting crag,—and off I ran,A jutting crag,—and off I ran,Head-foremost, through the driving rain,Head-foremost, through the driving rain,The shelter of the crag to gain;The shelter of the crag to gain;And, as I am a man,And, as I am a man,Instead of jutting crag, I foundInstead of jutting crag, I foundA Woman seated on the ground.A Woman seated on the ground.
XVIIIXVIII““I did not speak—I saw her face;I did not speak—I saw her face;Her face!—it was enough for me;Her face!—it was enough for me;I turned about and heard her cry,I turned about and heard her cry,‘‘Oh misery! oh misery!’Oh misery! oh misery!’And there she sits, until the moonAnd there she sits, until the moonThrough half the clear blue sky will go;Through half the clear blue sky will go;And when the little breezes makeAnd when the little breezes makeThe waters of the pond to shake,The waters of the pond to shake,As all the country know,As all the country know,She shudders, and you hear her cry,She shudders, and you hear her cry,‘‘Oh misery! oh misery!’ ”Oh misery! oh misery!’ ”
XIXXIX““But what’s the Thorn? and what the pond?But what’s the Thorn? and what the pond?And what the hill of moss to her?And what the hill of moss to her?And what the creeping breeze that comesAnd what the creeping breeze that comesThe little pond to stir?”The little pond to stir?”““I cannot tell; but some will sayI cannot tell; but some will sayShe hanged her baby on the tree;She hanged her baby on the tree;Some say she drowned it in the pond,Some say she drowned it in the pond,Which is a little step beyond:Which is a little step beyond:But all and each agree,But all and each agree,The little Babe was buried there,The little Babe was buried there,Beneath that hill of moss so fair.Beneath that hill of moss so fair.
XXXX““I’ve heard, the moss is spotted redI’ve heard, the moss is spotted redWith drops of that poor infant’s blood;With drops of that poor infant’s blood;But kill a new-born infant thus,But kill a new-born infant thus,I do not think she could!I do not think she could!Some say, if to the pond you go,Some say, if to the pond you go,And fix on it a steady view,And fix on it a steady view,The shadow of a babe you trace,The shadow of a babe you trace,A baby and a baby’s face,A baby and a baby’s face,And that it looks at you;And that it looks at you;Whene’er you look on it, ’tis plainWhene’er you look on it, ’tis plainThe baby looks at you again.The baby looks at you again.
XXIXXI““And some had sworn an oath that sheAnd some had sworn an oath that sheShould be to public justice brought;Should be to public justice brought;And for the little infant’s bonesAnd for the little infant’s bonesWith spades they would have sought.With spades they would have sought.But instantly the hill of mossBut instantly the hill of mossBefore their eyes began to stir!Before their eyes began to stir!And, for full fifty yards around,And, for full fifty yards around,The grass—it shook upon the ground!The grass—it shook upon the ground!Yet all do still averYet all do still averThe little Babe lies buried there,The little Babe lies buried there,Beneath that hill of moss so fair.Beneath that hill of moss so fair. XXIIXXII““I cannot tell how this may be,I cannot tell how this may be,But plain it is the Thorn is boundBut plain it is the Thorn is boundWith heavy tufts of moss that striveWith heavy tufts of moss that striveTo drag it to the ground;To drag it to the ground;And this I know, full many a time,And this I know, full many a time,When she was on the mountain high,When she was on the mountain high,By day, and in the silent night,By day, and in the silent night,When all the stars shone clear and bright,When all the stars shone clear and bright,That I have heard her cry,That I have heard her cry,‘‘Oh misery! oh misery!Oh misery! oh misery!Oh woe is me! oh misery!’ ”Oh woe is me! oh misery!’ ”
Source: Source: Poems Volume OnePoems Volume One (Penguin Books, 1977) (Penguin Books, 1977)http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/237810http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/237810
Preface to Lyrical Ballads: Objectives:Preface to Lyrical Ballads: Objectives:Wordsworth’s primary objective in publishing anonimously the first Wordsworth’s primary objective in publishing anonimously the first version of Lyrical Ballads was:version of Lyrical Ballads was:““to ascertain, how far, by fitting to metrical arrangement a selection of the to ascertain, how far, by fitting to metrical arrangement a selection of the real language of men in a state of vivid sensation, that sort of pleasure real language of men in a state of vivid sensation, that sort of pleasure and that quantity of pleasure may be imparted, which a Poet may and that quantity of pleasure may be imparted, which a Poet may rationally endeavour to impart”.rationally endeavour to impart”.In order to undertake his task, the poet had to examine the cultural context, for:In order to undertake his task, the poet had to examine the cultural context, for:““to treat the subject with the clearness and coherence of which it is to treat the subject with the clearness and coherence of which it is susceptible, it would be necessary to give a full account of the present susceptible, it would be necessary to give a full account of the present state of the public taste in this country, and to determine how far this state of the public taste in this country, and to determine how far this taste is healthy or depraved; which, again, could not be determined, taste is healthy or depraved; which, again, could not be determined, without pointing out in what manner language and the human mind act without pointing out in what manner language and the human mind act and re-act on each other, and without retracing the revolutions, not of and re-act on each other, and without retracing the revolutions, not of literature alone, but likewise of society itselfliterature alone, but likewise of society itself”.”.
INCIDENTS FROM COMMON LIFE IN A INCIDENTS FROM COMMON LIFE IN A LANGUAGE REALLY SPOKEN BY MENLANGUAGE REALLY SPOKEN BY MEN
““The principal object, then, proposed in these Poems was to choose incidents The principal object, then, proposed in these Poems was to choose incidents and situations from common life, and to relate or describe them, throughout, as and situations from common life, and to relate or describe them, throughout, as far as was possible in a selection of language really used by men, and, at the far as was possible in a selection of language really used by men, and, at the same time, to throw over them a certain colouring of imagination, whereby same time, to throw over them a certain colouring of imagination, whereby ordinary things should be presented to the mind in an unusual aspect; and, ordinary things should be presented to the mind in an unusual aspect; and, further, and above all, to make these incidents and situations interesting by further, and above all, to make these incidents and situations interesting by tracing in them, truly though not ostentatiously, the primary laws of our nature: tracing in them, truly though not ostentatiously, the primary laws of our nature: chiefly, as far as regards the manner in which we associate ideas in a state of chiefly, as far as regards the manner in which we associate ideas in a state of excitement”.excitement”.
““Humble and rustic life was generally chosen, because, in that condition, the Humble and rustic life was generally chosen, because, in that condition, the essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can attain their essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can attain their maturity, are less under restraint, and speak a plainer and more emphatic maturity, are less under restraint, and speak a plainer and more emphatic language; because in that condition of life our elementary feelings coexist in a language; because in that condition of life our elementary feelings coexist in a state of greater simplicity, and, consequently, may be more accurately state of greater simplicity, and, consequently, may be more accurately contemplated, and more forcibly communicated; because the manners of rural life contemplated, and more forcibly communicated; because the manners of rural life germinate from those elementary feelings, and, from the necessary character of germinate from those elementary feelings, and, from the necessary character of rural occupations, are more easily comprehended, and are more durable; and, rural occupations, are more easily comprehended, and are more durable; and, lastly, because in that condition the passions of men are incorporated with the lastly, because in that condition the passions of men are incorporated with the beautiful and permanent forms of naturebeautiful and permanent forms of nature”. ”.
Language arising from repeated Language arising from repeated experience and regular feelingexperience and regular feeling
““The language, too, of these men has been adopted (purified indeed from The language, too, of these men has been adopted (purified indeed from what appear to be its real defects, from all lasting and rational causes of what appear to be its real defects, from all lasting and rational causes of dislike or disgust) because such men hourly communicate with the best dislike or disgust) because such men hourly communicate with the best objects from which the best part of language is originally derived; and objects from which the best part of language is originally derived; and because, from their rank in society and the sameness and narrow circle because, from their rank in society and the sameness and narrow circle of their intercourse, being less under the influence of social vanity, they of their intercourse, being less under the influence of social vanity, they convey their feelings and notions in simple and unelaborated convey their feelings and notions in simple and unelaborated expressions. Accordingly, such a language, arising out of repeated expressions. Accordingly, such a language, arising out of repeated experience and regular feelings, is a more permanent, and a far more experience and regular feelings, is a more permanent, and a far more philosophical language, than that which is frequently substituted for it by philosophical language, than that which is frequently substituted for it by Poets, who think that they are conferring honour upon themselves and Poets, who think that they are conferring honour upon themselves and their art, in proportion as they separate themselves from the sympathies their art, in proportion as they separate themselves from the sympathies of men, and indulge in arbitrary and capricious habits of expression, in of men, and indulge in arbitrary and capricious habits of expression, in order to furnish food for fickle tastes, and fickle appetites, of their own order to furnish food for fickle tastes, and fickle appetites, of their own creation.”creation.”
Purpose: Distinction from verses trivial and Purpose: Distinction from verses trivial and mean in thought and language mean in thought and language
““The Poems in these volumes will be found distinguished at least by one mark The Poems in these volumes will be found distinguished at least by one mark of difference, that of difference, that each of them has a worthy each of them has a worthy purpose.purpose. Not that I always began Not that I always began to write with a distinct purpose formerly conceived; but habits of meditation to write with a distinct purpose formerly conceived; but habits of meditation have, I trust, so prompted and regulated my feelings, that my descriptions of have, I trust, so prompted and regulated my feelings, that my descriptions of such objects as strongly excite those feelings, will be found to carry along with such objects as strongly excite those feelings, will be found to carry along with them a them a purpose.purpose. If this opinion be erroneous, I can have little right to the name If this opinion be erroneous, I can have little right to the name of a Poet. For of a Poet. For all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelingsall good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: : and though this be true, Poems to which any value can be attached were never and though this be true, Poems to which any value can be attached were never produced on any variety of subjects but produced on any variety of subjects but by a man who, being possessed of by a man who, being possessed of more than usual organic sensibility, had also thought long and deeplymore than usual organic sensibility, had also thought long and deeply. For . For our our continued influxes of feeling are modified and directed by our thoughts, which continued influxes of feeling are modified and directed by our thoughts, which are indeed the representatives of all our past feelingsare indeed the representatives of all our past feelings; and, as by contemplating ; and, as by contemplating the relation of these general representatives to each other, we discover what is the relation of these general representatives to each other, we discover what is really important to men, so, by the repetition and continuance of this act, our really important to men, so, by the repetition and continuance of this act, our feelings will be connected with important subjects, till at length, if we be feelings will be connected with important subjects, till at length, if we be originally possessed of much sensibility, such habits of mind will be produced, originally possessed of much sensibility, such habits of mind will be produced, that, by obeying blindly and mechanically the impulses of those habits, we shall that, by obeying blindly and mechanically the impulses of those habits, we shall describe objects, and utter sentiments, of such a nature, and in such connexion describe objects, and utter sentiments, of such a nature, and in such connexion with each other, that the understanding of the Reader must necessarily be in with each other, that the understanding of the Reader must necessarily be in some degree enlightened, and his affections strengthened and purified”.some degree enlightened, and his affections strengthened and purified”.
The feeling enriches the action and situationThe feeling enriches the action and situation
““Another circumstance must be mentioned which distinguishes these Poems Another circumstance must be mentioned which distinguishes these Poems from the popular Poetry of the day; it is this, that from the popular Poetry of the day; it is this, that the feeling therein developed the feeling therein developed gives importance to the action and situation, and not the action and situation to gives importance to the action and situation, and not the action and situation to the feelingthe feeling”. ”.
““[T]he Reader’s attention is pointed to this mark of distinction, far less for the [T]he Reader’s attention is pointed to this mark of distinction, far less for the sake of these particular Poems than from the general importance of the sake of these particular Poems than from the general importance of the subject. The subject is indeed important! For subject. The subject is indeed important! For the human mind is capable of the human mind is capable of being excited without the application of gross and violent stimulantsbeing excited without the application of gross and violent stimulants; and he ; and he must have a very faint perception of its beauty and dignity who does not know must have a very faint perception of its beauty and dignity who does not know this, and who does not further know, that one being is elevated above another, this, and who does not further know, that one being is elevated above another, in proportion as he possesses this capability. It has therefore appeared to me, in proportion as he possesses this capability. It has therefore appeared to me, that to endeavour to produce or enlarge this capability is one of the best that to endeavour to produce or enlarge this capability is one of the best services in which, at any period, a Writer can be engaged; but this service, services in which, at any period, a Writer can be engaged; but this service, excellent at all times, is especially so at the present day. excellent at all times, is especially so at the present day.
For For a multitude of causes, unknown to former times, are now acting with a a multitude of causes, unknown to former times, are now acting with a combined force to blunt the discriminating powers of the mindcombined force to blunt the discriminating powers of the mind, and, unfitting it , and, unfitting it for all voluntary exertion, to reduce it to a state of almost savage torpor. The for all voluntary exertion, to reduce it to a state of almost savage torpor. The most effective of these causes are the great national events which are daily most effective of these causes are the great national events which are daily taking place, and the increasing accumulation of men in cities, where the taking place, and the increasing accumulation of men in cities, where the uniformity of their occupations produces a craving for extraordinary incident, uniformity of their occupations produces a craving for extraordinary incident, which the rapid communication of intelligence hourly gratifies. to this tendency which the rapid communication of intelligence hourly gratifies. to this tendency of life and manners the literature and theatrical exhibitions of the country have of life and manners the literature and theatrical exhibitions of the country have conformed themselves. The invaluable works of our elder writers, I had almost conformed themselves. The invaluable works of our elder writers, I had almost said the works of Shakespeare and Milton, are driven into neglect by frantic said the works of Shakespeare and Milton, are driven into neglect by frantic novels, sickly and stupid German Tragedies, and deluges of idle and novels, sickly and stupid German Tragedies, and deluges of idle and extravagant stories in verse.—When I think upon this degrading thirst after extravagant stories in verse.—When I think upon this degrading thirst after outrageous stimulation, I am almost ashamed to have spoken of the feeble outrageous stimulation, I am almost ashamed to have spoken of the feeble endeavour made in these volumes to counteract it; and, endeavour made in these volumes to counteract it; and, reflecting upon the reflecting upon the magnitude of the general evil, I should be oppressed with no dishonourable magnitude of the general evil, I should be oppressed with no dishonourable melancholy, had I not a deep impression of certain inherent and indestructible melancholy, had I not a deep impression of certain inherent and indestructible qualities of the human mind, and likewise of certain powers in the great and qualities of the human mind, and likewise of certain powers in the great and permanent objects that act upon it, which are equally inherent and permanent objects that act upon it, which are equally inherent and indestructibleindestructible; and were there not added to this impression a belief, that the ; and were there not added to this impression a belief, that the time is approaching when the evil will be systematically opposed, by men of time is approaching when the evil will be systematically opposed, by men of greater powers, and with far more distinguished success.greater powers, and with far more distinguished success.
To look steadily on the subject VsTo look steadily on the subject VsConventional stock figures of speechConventional stock figures of speech
” ”Having dwelt thus long on the subjects and aim of these Poems, I shall Having dwelt thus long on the subjects and aim of these Poems, I shall request the Reader’s permission to apprise him of a few circumstances relating request the Reader’s permission to apprise him of a few circumstances relating to their to their style,style, in order, among other reasons, that he may not censure me for in order, among other reasons, that he may not censure me for not having performed what I never attempted. The Reader will find that not having performed what I never attempted. The Reader will find that personifications of abstract ideas rarely occur in these volumespersonifications of abstract ideas rarely occur in these volumes; and are utterly ; and are utterly rejected, as an rejected, as an ordinary device to elevate the style, and raise it above proseordinary device to elevate the style, and raise it above prose. . My purpose was My purpose was to imitate, and, as far as possible, to adopt the very language to imitate, and, as far as possible, to adopt the very language of menof men; and assuredly ; and assuredly such personifications do not make any natural or regular such personifications do not make any natural or regular part of that languagepart of that language. They are, indeed, . They are, indeed, a figure of speech occasionally a figure of speech occasionally prompted by passion, and I have made use of them as suchprompted by passion, and I have made use of them as such; but have ; but have endeavoured utterly to endeavoured utterly to reject them as a mechanical device of stylereject them as a mechanical device of style, or as a , or as a family language which Writers in metre seem to lay claim to by prescription. I family language which Writers in metre seem to lay claim to by prescription. I have wished to keep the Reader in the company of flesh and blood, persuaded have wished to keep the Reader in the company of flesh and blood, persuaded that by so doing I shall interest him”. that by so doing I shall interest him”.
Style: the language of men Vs poetic dictionStyle: the language of men Vs poetic diction““There will also be found in these volumes little of what is usually called There will also be found in these volumes little of what is usually called poetic poetic dictiondiction; as much pains has been taken to avoid it as is ordinarily taken to ; as much pains has been taken to avoid it as is ordinarily taken to produce it; this has been done for the reason already alleged, produce it; this has been done for the reason already alleged, to bring my to bring my language near to the language of menlanguage near to the language of men; and further, because ; and further, because the pleasure which the pleasure which I have proposed to myself to impart, is of a kind very different from that which is I have proposed to myself to impart, is of a kind very different from that which is supposed by many persons to be the proper object of poetrysupposed by many persons to be the proper object of poetry. Without being . Without being culpably particular, I do not know how to give my Reader a more exact notion of culpably particular, I do not know how to give my Reader a more exact notion of the style in which it was my wish and intention to write, than by informing him the style in which it was my wish and intention to write, than by informing him that that I have at all times endeavoured to look steadily at my subjectI have at all times endeavoured to look steadily at my subject; ; consequently, there is I hope in these Poems consequently, there is I hope in these Poems little falsehood of description, and little falsehood of description, and my ideas are expressed in language fitted to their respective importancemy ideas are expressed in language fitted to their respective importance. . Something must have been gained by this practice, as it is friendly to one Something must have been gained by this practice, as it is friendly to one property of all good poetry, namely, property of all good poetry, namely, good sensegood sense: but it has necessarily cut me : but it has necessarily cut me off from a large portion of phrases and figures of speech which from father to off from a large portion of phrases and figures of speech which from father to son have long been regarded as the common inheritance of Poets. I have also son have long been regarded as the common inheritance of Poets. I have also thought it expedient to restrict myself still further, having abstained from the use thought it expedient to restrict myself still further, having abstained from the use of many expressions, in themselves proper and beautiful, but which have been of many expressions, in themselves proper and beautiful, but which have been foolishly repeated by bad Poets, till such feelings of disgust are connected with foolishly repeated by bad Poets, till such feelings of disgust are connected with them as it is scarcely possible by any art of association to overpower”.them as it is scarcely possible by any art of association to overpower”.
She Was a Phantom of DelightShe Was a Phantom of DelightShe was a Phantom of delightShe was a Phantom of delightWhen first she gleamed upon my sight;When first she gleamed upon my sight;A lovely Apparition, sentA lovely Apparition, sentTo be a moment's ornament;To be a moment's ornament;Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair;Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair;But all things else about her drawnBut all things else about her drawnFrom May-time and the cheerful Dawn;From May-time and the cheerful Dawn;A dancing Shape, an Image gay,A dancing Shape, an Image gay,To haunt, to startle, and way-lay.To haunt, to startle, and way-lay.
I saw her upon nearer view,I saw her upon nearer view,A Spirit, yet a Woman too!A Spirit, yet a Woman too!Her household motions light and free,Her household motions light and free,And steps of virgin-liberty;And steps of virgin-liberty;A countenance in which did meetA countenance in which did meetSweet records, promises as sweet;Sweet records, promises as sweet;A Creature not too bright or goodA Creature not too bright or goodFor human nature's daily food;For human nature's daily food;For transient sorrows, simple wiles,For transient sorrows, simple wiles,Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles.Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles.
This lyric characterized the poet’s wife, Mary Hutchinson. Each of the stanzas represents a progressive stage in his acquaintance with her.(Priestley & Spear, 1963, p. 133)
And now I see with eye sereneAnd now I see with eye sereneThe very pulse of the machine;The very pulse of the machine;A Being breathing thoughtful breath,A Being breathing thoughtful breath,A Traveller between life and death;A Traveller between life and death;The reason firm, the temperate will,The reason firm, the temperate will,Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;A perfect Woman, nobly planned,A perfect Woman, nobly planned,To warn, to comfort, and command;To warn, to comfort, and command;And yet a Spirit still, and brightAnd yet a Spirit still, and brightWith something of angelic light.With something of angelic light.
I Wandered Lonely as a CloudI Wandered Lonely as a CloudI wandered lonely as a cloudI wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o'er vales and hills,That floats on high o'er vales and hills,When all at once I saw a crowd,When all at once I saw a crowd,A host, of golden daffodils;A host, of golden daffodils;Beside the lake, beneath the trees,Beside the lake, beneath the trees,Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shineContinuous as the stars that shineAnd twinkle on the milky way,And twinkle on the milky way,They stretched in never-ending lineThey stretched in never-ending lineAlong the margin of a bay:Along the margin of a bay:Ten thousand saw I at a glance,Ten thousand saw I at a glance,Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but theyThe waves beside them danced; but theyOut-did the sparkling waves in glee:Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:A poet could not but be gay,A poet could not but be gay,In such a jocund company:In such a jocund company:I gazed—and gazed—but little thoughtI gazed—and gazed—but little thoughtWhat wealth the show to me had brought:What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lieFor oft, when on my couch I lieIn vacant or in pensive mood,In vacant or in pensive mood,They flash upon that inward eyeThey flash upon that inward eyeWhich is the bliss of solitude;Which is the bliss of solitude;And then my heart with pleasure fills,And then my heart with pleasure fills,And dances with the daffodils.And dances with the daffodils.
Ullswater from Gobarrow Park, Watercolor, 1819. by JMW Turner.
Ich wandre durch die stille NachtIch wandre durch die stille NachtJoseph von EichendorffJoseph von Eichendorff
Ich wandre durch die stille Nacht, Ich wandre durch die stille Nacht, Da schleicht der Mond so heimlich sacht Da schleicht der Mond so heimlich sacht Oft aus der dunklen Wolkenhülle, Oft aus der dunklen Wolkenhülle, Und hin und her im Tal, Und hin und her im Tal, Erwacht die Nachtigall Erwacht die Nachtigall Dann wieder alles grau und stille. Dann wieder alles grau und stille.
O wunderbarer Nachtgesang, O wunderbarer Nachtgesang, Von fern im Land der Ströme Gang, Von fern im Land der Ströme Gang, Leis Schauern in den dunkeln Bäumen Leis Schauern in den dunkeln Bäumen – – Wirrst die Gedanken mir, Wirrst die Gedanken mir, Mein irres Singen hier Mein irres Singen hier Ist wie ein Rufen nur aus Träumen.Ist wie ein Rufen nur aus Träumen.
I wander through the quiet nightI wander through the quiet nightI wander through the quiet night; I wander through the quiet night; the moon floats so secretly and gently, the moon floats so secretly and gently, often emerging from a dark cover of clouds. often emerging from a dark cover of clouds. And here and there in the valley And here and there in the valley a nightingale awakens a nightingale awakens but then all is gray and still again. but then all is gray and still again.
O wonderful night-song O wonderful night-song from distant parts - the rushing of a stream from distant parts - the rushing of a stream and the soft shuddering in the dark trees and the soft shuddering in the dark trees confuse my thoughts. confuse my thoughts. My clamorous singing here My clamorous singing here is only like a cry from my dreams.is only like a cry from my dreams.
Translation from German to EnglishTranslation from German to English by Emily Ezust by Emily Ezusthttp://www.recmusic.org/lieder/get_text.html?TextId=5205http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/get_text.html?TextId=5205
ResolutionResolution and Independence and IndependenceThere was a roaring in the wind all night;There was a roaring in the wind all night;The rain came heavily and fell in floods;The rain came heavily and fell in floods;But now the sun is rising calm and bright;But now the sun is rising calm and bright;The birds are singing in the distant woods;The birds are singing in the distant woods;Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods;Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods;The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.
All things that love the sun are out of doors;All things that love the sun are out of doors;The sky rejoices in the morning's birth;The sky rejoices in the morning's birth;The grass is bright with rain-drops;—on the moorsThe grass is bright with rain-drops;—on the moorsThe hare is running races in her mirth;The hare is running races in her mirth;And with her feet she from the plashy earthAnd with her feet she from the plashy earthRaises a mist, that, glittering in the sun,Raises a mist, that, glittering in the sun,Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run.Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run.
I was a Traveller then upon the moor;I was a Traveller then upon the moor;I saw the hare that raced about with joy;I saw the hare that raced about with joy;I heard the woods and distant waters roar;I heard the woods and distant waters roar;Or heard them not, as happy as a boy:Or heard them not, as happy as a boy:The pleasant season did my heart employ:The pleasant season did my heart employ:My old remembrances went from me wholly;My old remembrances went from me wholly;And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.
But, as it sometimes chanceth, from the mightBut, as it sometimes chanceth, from the mightOf joys in minds that can no further go,Of joys in minds that can no further go,As high as we have mounted in delightAs high as we have mounted in delightIn our dejection do we sink as low;In our dejection do we sink as low;To me that morning did it happen so;To me that morning did it happen so;And fears and fancies thick upon me came;And fears and fancies thick upon me came;Dim sadness—and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.Dim sadness—and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.
I heard the sky-lark warbling in the sky;I heard the sky-lark warbling in the sky;And I bethought me of the playful hare:And I bethought me of the playful hare:Even such a happy Child of earth am I;Even such a happy Child of earth am I;Even as these blissful creatures do I fare;Even as these blissful creatures do I fare;Far from the world I walk, and from all care;Far from the world I walk, and from all care;But there may come another day to me—But there may come another day to me—Solitude, pain of heart, distress, and poverty.Solitude, pain of heart, distress, and poverty.
My whole life I have lived in pleasant thought,My whole life I have lived in pleasant thought,As if life's business were a summer mood;As if life's business were a summer mood;As if all needful things would come unsoughtAs if all needful things would come unsoughtTo genial faith, still rich in genial good;To genial faith, still rich in genial good;But how can He expect that others shouldBut how can He expect that others shouldBuild for him, sow for him, and at his callBuild for him, sow for him, and at his callLove him, who for himself will take no heed at all?Love him, who for himself will take no heed at all?
I thought of Chatterton, the marvellous Boy,I thought of Chatterton, the marvellous Boy,The sleepless Soul that perished in his pride;The sleepless Soul that perished in his pride;Of Him who walked in glory and in joyOf Him who walked in glory and in joyFollowing his plough, along the mountain-side:Following his plough, along the mountain-side:By our own spirits are we deified:By our own spirits are we deified:We Poets in our youth begin in gladness;We Poets in our youth begin in gladness;But thereof come in the end despondency and madness.But thereof come in the end despondency and madness.
Now, whether it were by peculiar grace,Now, whether it were by peculiar grace,A leading from above, a something given,A leading from above, a something given,Yet it befell that, in this lonely place,Yet it befell that, in this lonely place,When I with these untoward thoughts had striven,When I with these untoward thoughts had striven,Beside a pool bare to the eye of heavenBeside a pool bare to the eye of heavenI saw a Man before me unawares:I saw a Man before me unawares:The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.
As a huge stone is sometimes seen to lieAs a huge stone is sometimes seen to lieCouched on the bald top of an eminence;Couched on the bald top of an eminence;Wonder to all who do the same espy,Wonder to all who do the same espy,By what means it could thither come, and whence;By what means it could thither come, and whence;So that it seems a thing endued with sense:So that it seems a thing endued with sense:Like a sea-beast crawled forth, that on a shelfLike a sea-beast crawled forth, that on a shelfOf rock or sand reposeth, there to sun itself;Of rock or sand reposeth, there to sun itself;
Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead,Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead,Nor all asleep—in his extreme old age:Nor all asleep—in his extreme old age:His body was bent double, feet and headHis body was bent double, feet and headComing together in life's pilgrimage;Coming together in life's pilgrimage;As if some dire constraint of pain, or rageAs if some dire constraint of pain, or rageOf sickness felt by him in times long past,Of sickness felt by him in times long past,A more than human weight upon his frame had cast.A more than human weight upon his frame had cast.
Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face,Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face,Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood:Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood:And, still as I drew near with gentle pace,And, still as I drew near with gentle pace,Upon the margin of that moorish floodUpon the margin of that moorish floodMotionless as a cloud the old Man stood,Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood,That heareth not the loud winds when they call,That heareth not the loud winds when they call,And moveth all together, if it move at all.And moveth all together, if it move at all.
At length, himself unsettling, he the pondAt length, himself unsettling, he the pondStirred with his staff, and fixedly did lookStirred with his staff, and fixedly did lookUpon the muddy water, which he conned,Upon the muddy water, which he conned,As if he had been reading in a book:As if he had been reading in a book:And now a stranger's privilege I took;And now a stranger's privilege I took;And, drawing to his side, to him did say,And, drawing to his side, to him did say,"This morning gives us promise of a glorious day.""This morning gives us promise of a glorious day."
A gentle answer did the old Man make,A gentle answer did the old Man make,In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew:In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew:And him with further words I thus bespake,And him with further words I thus bespake,"What occupation do you there pursue?"What occupation do you there pursue?This is a lonesome place for one like you."This is a lonesome place for one like you."Ere he replied, a flash of mild surpriseEre he replied, a flash of mild surpriseBroke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes.Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes.
His words came feebly, from a feeble chest,His words came feebly, from a feeble chest,But each in solemn order followed each,But each in solemn order followed each,With something of a lofty utterance drest—With something of a lofty utterance drest—Choice word and measured phrase, above the reachChoice word and measured phrase, above the reachOf ordinary men; a stately speech;Of ordinary men; a stately speech;Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use,Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use,Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.
He told, that to these waters he had comeHe told, that to these waters he had comeTo gather leeches, being old and poor:To gather leeches, being old and poor:Employment hazardous and wearisome!Employment hazardous and wearisome!And he had many hardships to endure:And he had many hardships to endure:From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor;From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor;Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance;Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance;And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.
The old Man still stood talking by my side;The old Man still stood talking by my side;But now his voice to me was like a streamBut now his voice to me was like a streamScarce heard; nor word from word could I divide;Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide;And the whole body of the Man did seemAnd the whole body of the Man did seemLike one whom I had met with in a dream;Like one whom I had met with in a dream;Or like a man from some far region sent,Or like a man from some far region sent,To give me human strength, by apt admonishment.To give me human strength, by apt admonishment.
My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills;My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills;And hope that is unwilling to be fed;And hope that is unwilling to be fed;Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills;Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills;And mighty Poets in their misery dead.And mighty Poets in their misery dead.——Perplexed, and longing to be comforted,Perplexed, and longing to be comforted,My question eagerly did I renew,My question eagerly did I renew,"How is it that you live, and what is it you do?""How is it that you live, and what is it you do?"
He with a smile did then his words repeat;He with a smile did then his words repeat;And said that, gathering leeches, far and wideAnd said that, gathering leeches, far and wideHe travelled; stirring thus about his feetHe travelled; stirring thus about his feetThe waters of the pools where they abide.The waters of the pools where they abide."Once I could meet with them on every side;"Once I could meet with them on every side;But they have dwindled long by slow decay;But they have dwindled long by slow decay;Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may.”Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may.”
While he was talking thus, the lonely place,While he was talking thus, the lonely place,The old Man's shape, and speech—all troubled me:The old Man's shape, and speech—all troubled me:In my mind's eye I seemed to see him paceIn my mind's eye I seemed to see him paceAbout the weary moors continually,About the weary moors continually,Wandering about alone and silently.Wandering about alone and silently.While I these thoughts within myself pursued,While I these thoughts within myself pursued,He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.
And soon with this he other matter blended,And soon with this he other matter blended,Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind,Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind,But stately in the main; and, when he ended,But stately in the main; and, when he ended,I could have laughed myself to scorn to findI could have laughed myself to scorn to findIn that decrepit Man so firm a mind.In that decrepit Man so firm a mind."God," said I, "be my help and stay secure;"God," said I, "be my help and stay secure;I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!"I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!"
Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798
Five years have past; five summers, with the lengthFive years have past; five summers, with the lengthOf five long winters! and again I hearOf five long winters! and again I hearThese waters, rolling from their mountain-springsThese waters, rolling from their mountain-springsWith a soft inland murmur.—Once againWith a soft inland murmur.—Once againDo I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,That on a wild secluded scene impressThat on a wild secluded scene impressThoughts of more deep seclusion; and connectThoughts of more deep seclusion; and connectThe landscape with the quiet of the sky.The landscape with the quiet of the sky.The day is come when I again reposeThe day is come when I again reposeHere, under this dark sycamore, and viewHere, under this dark sycamore, and viewThese plots of cottage-ground, these orchard-tufts,These plots of cottage-ground, these orchard-tufts,Which at this season, with their unripe fruits,Which at this season, with their unripe fruits,Are clad in one green hue, and lose themselvesAre clad in one green hue, and lose themselves'Mid groves and copses. Once again I see'Mid groves and copses. Once again I seeThese hedge-rows, hardly hedge-rows, little linesThese hedge-rows, hardly hedge-rows, little linesOf sportive wood run wild: these pastoral farms,Of sportive wood run wild: these pastoral farms,Green to the very door; and wreaths of smokeGreen to the very door; and wreaths of smokeSent up, in silence, from among the trees!Sent up, in silence, from among the trees!With some uncertain notice, as might seemWith some uncertain notice, as might seemOf vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods,Of vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods,Or of some Hermit's cave, where by his fireOr of some Hermit's cave, where by his fireThe Hermit sits alone.The Hermit sits alone.
William Turner
These beauteous forms,These beauteous forms,Through a long absence, have not been to meThrough a long absence, have not been to meAs is a landscape to a blind man's eye:As is a landscape to a blind man's eye:But oft, in lonely rooms, and 'mid the dinBut oft, in lonely rooms, and 'mid the dinOf towns and cities, I have owed to them,Of towns and cities, I have owed to them,In hours of weariness, sensations sweet,In hours of weariness, sensations sweet,Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart;Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart;And passing even into my purer mindAnd passing even into my purer mindWith tranquil restoration:—feelings tooWith tranquil restoration:—feelings tooOf unremembered pleasure: such, perhaps,Of unremembered pleasure: such, perhaps,As have no slight or trivial influenceAs have no slight or trivial influenceOn that best portion of a good man's life,On that best portion of a good man's life,His little, nameless, unremembered, actsHis little, nameless, unremembered, actsOf kindness and of love. Nor less, I trust,Of kindness and of love. Nor less, I trust,To them I may have owed another gift,To them I may have owed another gift,Of aspect more sublime; that blessed mood,Of aspect more sublime; that blessed mood,In which the burthen of the mystery,In which the burthen of the mystery,In which the heavy and the weary weightIn which the heavy and the weary weightOf all this unintelligible world,Of all this unintelligible world,Is lightened:—that serene and blessed mood,Is lightened:—that serene and blessed mood,In which the affections gently lead us on,—In which the affections gently lead us on,—Until, the breath of this corporeal frameUntil, the breath of this corporeal frameAnd even the motion of our human bloodAnd even the motion of our human bloodAlmost suspended, we are laid asleepAlmost suspended, we are laid asleepIn body, and become a living soul:In body, and become a living soul:While with an eye made quiet by the powerWhile with an eye made quiet by the powerOf harmony, and the deep power of joy,Of harmony, and the deep power of joy,We see into the life of things.We see into the life of things.
Samuel Colman, Tintern Abbey with Elegant Figures
If thisIf thisBe but a vain belief, yet, oh! how oft—Be but a vain belief, yet, oh! how oft—In darkness and amid the many shapesIn darkness and amid the many shapesOf joyless daylight; when the fretful stirOf joyless daylight; when the fretful stirUnprofitable, and the fever of the world,Unprofitable, and the fever of the world,Have hung upon the beatings of my heart—Have hung upon the beatings of my heart—How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee,How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee,O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro' the woods,O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro' the woods, How often has my spirit turned to thee!How often has my spirit turned to thee!George Cole
And now, with gleams of half-extinguished thought,And now, with gleams of half-extinguished thought,With many recognitions dim and faint,With many recognitions dim and faint,And somewhat of a sad perplexity,And somewhat of a sad perplexity,The picture of the mind revives again:The picture of the mind revives again:While here I stand, not only with the senseWhile here I stand, not only with the senseOf present pleasure, but with pleasing thoughtsOf present pleasure, but with pleasing thoughtsThat in this moment there is life and foodThat in this moment there is life and foodFor future years. And so I dare to hope,For future years. And so I dare to hope,Though changed, no doubt, from what I was when firstThough changed, no doubt, from what I was when firstI came among these hills; when like a roeI came among these hills; when like a roeI bounded o'er the mountains, by the sidesI bounded o'er the mountains, by the sidesOf the deep rivers, and the lonely streams,Of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams,Wherever nature led: more like a manWherever nature led: more like a manFlying from something that he dreads, than oneFlying from something that he dreads, than oneWho sought the thing he loved. For nature thenWho sought the thing he loved. For nature then(The coarser pleasures of my boyish days(The coarser pleasures of my boyish daysAnd their glad animal movements all gone by)And their glad animal movements all gone by)To me was all in all.—I cannot paintTo me was all in all.—I cannot paintWhat then I was. The sounding cataractWhat then I was. The sounding cataractHaunted me like a passion: the tall rock,Haunted me like a passion: the tall rock,The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood,The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood,Their colours and their forms, were then to meTheir colours and their forms, were then to meAn appetite; a feeling and a love,An appetite; a feeling and a love,That had no need of a remoter charm,That had no need of a remoter charm,By thought supplied, not any interestBy thought supplied, not any interestUnborrowed from the eye.—That time is past,Unborrowed from the eye.—That time is past,And all its aching joys are now no more,And all its aching joys are now no more,And all its dizzy raptures. Not for thisAnd all its dizzy raptures. Not for thisFaint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other giftsFaint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other giftsHave followed; for such loss, I would believe,Have followed; for such loss, I would believe,Abundant recompense. Abundant recompense.
For I have learnedFor I have learnedTo look on nature, not as in the hourTo look on nature, not as in the hourOf thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimesOf thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimesThe still sad music of humanity,The still sad music of humanity,Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample powerNor harsh nor grating, though of ample powerTo chasten and subdue.—And I have feltTo chasten and subdue.—And I have feltA presence that disturbs me with the joyA presence that disturbs me with the joyOf elevated thoughts; a sense sublimeOf elevated thoughts; a sense sublimeOf something far more deeply interfused,Of something far more deeply interfused,Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,And the round ocean and the living air,And the round ocean and the living air,And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:A motion and a spirit, that impelsA motion and a spirit, that impelsAll thinking things, all objects of all thought,All thinking things, all objects of all thought,And rolls through all things. Therefore am I stillAnd rolls through all things. Therefore am I stillA lover of the meadows and the woodsA lover of the meadows and the woodsAnd mountains; and of all that we beholdAnd mountains; and of all that we beholdFrom this green earth; of all the mighty worldFrom this green earth; of all the mighty worldOf eye, and ear,—both what they half create,Of eye, and ear,—both what they half create,And what perceive; well pleased to recogniseAnd what perceive; well pleased to recogniseIn nature and the language of the senseIn nature and the language of the senseThe anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soulThe guide, the guardian of my heart, and soulOf all my moral being.Of all my moral being.
Edward Dayes, Tintern Abbey from across the Wye 1795.
Nor perchance,Nor perchance,If I were not thus taught, should I the moreIf I were not thus taught, should I the moreSuffer my genial spirits to decay:Suffer my genial spirits to decay:For thou art with me here upon the banksFor thou art with me here upon the banksOf this fair river; thou my dearest Friend,Of this fair river; thou my dearest Friend,My dear, dear Friend; and in thy voice I catchMy dear, dear Friend; and in thy voice I catchThe language of my former heart, and readThe language of my former heart, and readMy former pleasures in the shooting lightsMy former pleasures in the shooting lightsOf thy wild eyes. Oh! yet a little whileOf thy wild eyes. Oh! yet a little whileMay I behold in thee what I was once,May I behold in thee what I was once,My dear, dear Sister! and this prayer I make,My dear, dear Sister! and this prayer I make,Knowing that Nature never did betrayKnowing that Nature never did betrayThe heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege,The heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege,Through all the years of this our life, to leadThrough all the years of this our life, to leadFrom joy to joy: for she can so informFrom joy to joy: for she can so informThe mind that is within us, so impressThe mind that is within us, so impressWith quietness and beauty, and so feedWith quietness and beauty, and so feedWith lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues,With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues,Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men,Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men,Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor allNor greetings where no kindness is, nor allThe dreary intercourse of daily life,The dreary intercourse of daily life,Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturbShall e'er prevail against us, or disturbOur cheerful faith, that all which we beholdOur cheerful faith, that all which we beholdIs full of blessings. Therefore let the moonIs full of blessings. Therefore let the moonShine on thee in thy solitary walk;Shine on thee in thy solitary walk;
And let the misty mountain-winds be freeAnd let the misty mountain-winds be freeTo blow against thee: and, in after years,To blow against thee: and, in after years,When these wild ecstasies shall be maturedWhen these wild ecstasies shall be maturedInto a sober pleasure; when thy mindInto a sober pleasure; when thy mindShall be a mansion for all lovely forms,Shall be a mansion for all lovely forms,Thy memory be as a dwelling-placeThy memory be as a dwelling-placeFor all sweet sounds and harmonies; oh! then,For all sweet sounds and harmonies; oh! then,If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief,If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief,Should be thy portion, with what healing thoughtsShould be thy portion, with what healing thoughtsOf tender joy wilt thou remember me,Of tender joy wilt thou remember me,And these my exhortations! Nor, perchance—And these my exhortations! Nor, perchance—If I should be where I no more can hearIf I should be where I no more can hearThy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes these gleamsThy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes these gleamsOf past existence—wilt thou then forgetOf past existence—wilt thou then forgetThat on the banks of this delightful streamThat on the banks of this delightful streamWe stood together; and that I, so longWe stood together; and that I, so longA worshipper of Nature, hither cameA worshipper of Nature, hither cameUnwearied in that service: rather sayUnwearied in that service: rather sayWith warmer love—oh! with far deeper zealWith warmer love—oh! with far deeper zealOf holier love. Nor wilt thou then forget,Of holier love. Nor wilt thou then forget,That after many wanderings, many yearsThat after many wanderings, many yearsOf absence, these steep woods and lofty cliffs,Of absence, these steep woods and lofty cliffs,And this green pastoral landscape, were to meAnd this green pastoral landscape, were to meMore dear, both for themselves and for thy sake!More dear, both for themselves and for thy sake!
Shepherd and his Flock - Charles Émile Jacque
Benjamin William LeaderMorning on the Sussex Coast, 1911
Videos on Tintern AbbeyVideos on Tintern Abbeyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn8rQMq91dUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn8rQMq91dU
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SummarySummaryThe poem opens with the speaker’s declaration that five years have passed The poem opens with the speaker’s declaration that five years have passed since he last visited this location, encountered its tranquil, rustic scenery, and since he last visited this location, encountered its tranquil, rustic scenery, and heard the murmuring waters of the river. He recites the objects he sees again, heard the murmuring waters of the river. He recites the objects he sees again, and describes their effect upon him: the “steep and lofty cliffs” impress upon and describes their effect upon him: the “steep and lofty cliffs” impress upon him “thoughts of more deep seclusion”; he leans against the dark sycamore him “thoughts of more deep seclusion”; he leans against the dark sycamore tree and looks at the cottage-grounds and the orchard trees, whose fruit is still tree and looks at the cottage-grounds and the orchard trees, whose fruit is still unripe. He sees the “wreaths of smoke” rising up from cottage chimneys unripe. He sees the “wreaths of smoke” rising up from cottage chimneys between the trees, and imagines that they might rise from “vagrant dwellers in between the trees, and imagines that they might rise from “vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods,” or from the cave of a hermit in the deep forest. The the houseless woods,” or from the cave of a hermit in the deep forest. The speaker then describes how his memory of these “beauteous forms” has speaker then describes how his memory of these “beauteous forms” has worked upon him in his absence from them: when he was alone, or in crowded worked upon him in his absence from them: when he was alone, or in crowded towns and cities, they provided him with “sensations sweet, / Felt in the blood, towns and cities, they provided him with “sensations sweet, / Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart.” The memory of the woods and cottages offered and felt along the heart.” The memory of the woods and cottages offered “tranquil restoration” to his mind, and even affected him when he was not “tranquil restoration” to his mind, and even affected him when he was not aware of the memory, influencing his deeds of kindness and love. He further aware of the memory, influencing his deeds of kindness and love. He further credits the memory of the scene with offering him access to that mental and credits the memory of the scene with offering him access to that mental and spiritual state in which the burden of the world is lightened, in which he spiritual state in which the burden of the world is lightened, in which he becomes a “living soul” with a view into “the life of things.” The speaker then becomes a “living soul” with a view into “the life of things.” The speaker then says that his belief that the memory of the woods has affected him so strongly says that his belief that the memory of the woods has affected him so strongly may be “vain”—but if it is, he has still turned to the memory often in times of may be “vain”—but if it is, he has still turned to the memory often in times of “fretful stir.”“fretful stir.”
Even in the present moment, the memory of his past experiences in these Even in the present moment, the memory of his past experiences in these surroundings floats over his present view of them, and he feels bittersweet joy surroundings floats over his present view of them, and he feels bittersweet joy in reviving them. He thinks happily, too, that his present experience will provide in reviving them. He thinks happily, too, that his present experience will provide many happy memories for future years. The speaker acknowledges that he is many happy memories for future years. The speaker acknowledges that he is different now from how he was in those long-ago times, when, as a boy, he different now from how he was in those long-ago times, when, as a boy, he “bounded o’er the mountains” and through the streams. In those days, he says, “bounded o’er the mountains” and through the streams. In those days, he says, nature made up his whole world: waterfalls, mountains, and woods gave shape nature made up his whole world: waterfalls, mountains, and woods gave shape to his passions, his appetites, and his love. That time is now past, he says, but to his passions, his appetites, and his love. That time is now past, he says, but he does not mourn it, for though he cannot resume his old relationship with he does not mourn it, for though he cannot resume his old relationship with nature, he has been amply compensated by a new set of more mature gifts; for nature, he has been amply compensated by a new set of more mature gifts; for instance, he can now “look on nature, not as in the hour / Of thoughtless youth; instance, he can now “look on nature, not as in the hour / Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes / The still, sad music of humanity.” And he can now but hearing oftentimes / The still, sad music of humanity.” And he can now sense the presence of something far more subtle, powerful, and fundamental in sense the presence of something far more subtle, powerful, and fundamental in the light of the setting suns, the ocean, the air itself, and even in the mind of the light of the setting suns, the ocean, the air itself, and even in the mind of man; this energy seems to him “a motion and a spirit that impels / All thinking man; this energy seems to him “a motion and a spirit that impels / All thinking thoughts.... / And rolls through all things.” For that reason, he says, he still loves thoughts.... / And rolls through all things.” For that reason, he says, he still loves nature, still loves mountains and pastures and woods, for they anchor his nature, still loves mountains and pastures and woods, for they anchor his purest thoughts and guard the heart and soul of his “moral being.”purest thoughts and guard the heart and soul of his “moral being.”
The speaker says that even if he did not feel this way or understand these The speaker says that even if he did not feel this way or understand these things, he would still be in good spirits on this day, for he is in the company of things, he would still be in good spirits on this day, for he is in the company of his “dear, dear Sister,” who is also his “dear, dear Friend,” and in whose voice his “dear, dear Sister,” who is also his “dear, dear Friend,” and in whose voice and manner he observes his former self, and beholds “what I was once.” He and manner he observes his former self, and beholds “what I was once.” He offers a prayer to nature that he might continue to do so for a little while, offers a prayer to nature that he might continue to do so for a little while, knowing, as he says, that “Nature never did betray / The heart that loved her,” knowing, as he says, that “Nature never did betray / The heart that loved her,” but leads rather “from joy to joy.” Nature’s power over the mind that seeks her but leads rather “from joy to joy.” Nature’s power over the mind that seeks her out is such that it renders that mind impervious to “evil tongues,” “rash out is such that it renders that mind impervious to “evil tongues,” “rash judgments,” and “the sneers of selfish men,” instilling instead a “cheerful faith” judgments,” and “the sneers of selfish men,” instilling instead a “cheerful faith” that the world is full of blessings. The speaker then encourages the moon to that the world is full of blessings. The speaker then encourages the moon to shine upon his sister, and the wind to blow against her, and he says to her that shine upon his sister, and the wind to blow against her, and he says to her that in later years, when she is sad or fearful, the memory of this experience will in later years, when she is sad or fearful, the memory of this experience will help to heal her. And if he himself is dead, she can remember the love with help to heal her. And if he himself is dead, she can remember the love with which he worshipped nature. In that case, too, she will remember what the which he worshipped nature. In that case, too, she will remember what the woods meant to the speaker, the way in which, after so many years of absence, woods meant to the speaker, the way in which, after so many years of absence, they became more dear to him—both for themselves and for the fact that she is they became more dear to him—both for themselves and for the fact that she is in them.in them.
FormForm
““Tintern Abbey” is composed in blank verse, which is a name Tintern Abbey” is composed in blank verse, which is a name used to describe unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter. Its style is used to describe unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter. Its style is therefore very fluid and natural; it reads as easily as if it were a therefore very fluid and natural; it reads as easily as if it were a prose piece. But of course the poetic structure is tightly prose piece. But of course the poetic structure is tightly constructed; Wordsworth’s slight variations on the stresses of constructed; Wordsworth’s slight variations on the stresses of iambic rhythms is remarkable. Lines such as “Here, under this iambic rhythms is remarkable. Lines such as “Here, under this dark sycamore, and view” do not quite conform to the stress-dark sycamore, and view” do not quite conform to the stress-patterns of the meter, but fit into it loosely, helping Wordsworth patterns of the meter, but fit into it loosely, helping Wordsworth approximate the sounds of natural speech without grossly approximate the sounds of natural speech without grossly breaking his meter. Occasionally, divided lines are used to breaking his meter. Occasionally, divided lines are used to indicate a kind of paragraph break, when the poet changes indicate a kind of paragraph break, when the poet changes subjects or shifts the focus of his discourse.subjects or shifts the focus of his discourse.
CommentaryCommentary
The subject of “Tintern Abbey” is memory—specifically, childhood memories of The subject of “Tintern Abbey” is memory—specifically, childhood memories of communion with natural beauty. Both generally and specifically, this subject is communion with natural beauty. Both generally and specifically, this subject is hugely important in Wordsworth’s work, reappearing in poems as late as the hugely important in Wordsworth’s work, reappearing in poems as late as the “Intimations of Immortality” ode. “Tintern Abbey” is the young Wordsworth’s first “Intimations of Immortality” ode. “Tintern Abbey” is the young Wordsworth’s first great statement of his principle (great) theme: that the memory of pure great statement of his principle (great) theme: that the memory of pure communion with nature in childhood works upon the mind even in adulthood, communion with nature in childhood works upon the mind even in adulthood, when access to that pure communion has been lost, and that the maturity of when access to that pure communion has been lost, and that the maturity of mind present in adulthood offers compensation for the loss of that communionmind present in adulthood offers compensation for the loss of that communion—specifically, the ability to “look on nature” and hear “human music”; that is, to —specifically, the ability to “look on nature” and hear “human music”; that is, to see nature with an eye toward its relationship to human life. In his youth, the see nature with an eye toward its relationship to human life. In his youth, the poet says, he was thoughtless in his unity with the woods and the river; now, poet says, he was thoughtless in his unity with the woods and the river; now, five years since his last viewing of the scene, he is no longer thoughtless, but five years since his last viewing of the scene, he is no longer thoughtless, but acutely aware of everything the scene has to offer him. Additionally, the acutely aware of everything the scene has to offer him. Additionally, the presence of his sister gives him a view of himself as he imagines himself to presence of his sister gives him a view of himself as he imagines himself to have been as a youth. Happily, he knows that this current experience will have been as a youth. Happily, he knows that this current experience will provide both of them with future memories, just as his past experience has provide both of them with future memories, just as his past experience has provided him with the memories that flicker across his present sight as he provided him with the memories that flicker across his present sight as he travels in the woods.travels in the woods.
““Tintern Abbey” is a monologue, imaginatively spoken by a single speaker to Tintern Abbey” is a monologue, imaginatively spoken by a single speaker to himself, referencing the specific objects of its imaginary scene, and himself, referencing the specific objects of its imaginary scene, and occasionally addressing others—once the spirit of nature, occasionally the occasionally addressing others—once the spirit of nature, occasionally the speaker’s sister. The language of the poem is striking for its simplicity and speaker’s sister. The language of the poem is striking for its simplicity and forthrightness; the young poet is in no way concerned with ostentation. He is forthrightness; the young poet is in no way concerned with ostentation. He is instead concerned with speaking from the heart in a plainspoken manner. The instead concerned with speaking from the heart in a plainspoken manner. The poem’s imagery is largely confined to the natural world in which he moves, poem’s imagery is largely confined to the natural world in which he moves, though there are some castings-out for metaphors ranging from the nautical though there are some castings-out for metaphors ranging from the nautical (the memory is “the anchor” of the poet’s “purest thought”) to the architectural (the memory is “the anchor” of the poet’s “purest thought”) to the architectural (the mind is a “mansion” of memory).(the mind is a “mansion” of memory).The poem also has a subtle strain of religious sentiment; though the actual The poem also has a subtle strain of religious sentiment; though the actual form of the Abbey does not appear in the poem, the idea of the abbey—of a form of the Abbey does not appear in the poem, the idea of the abbey—of a place consecrated to the spirit—suffuses the scene, as though the forest and place consecrated to the spirit—suffuses the scene, as though the forest and the fields were themselves the speaker’s abbey. This idea is reinforced by the the fields were themselves the speaker’s abbey. This idea is reinforced by the speaker’s description of the power he feels in the setting sun and in the mind of speaker’s description of the power he feels in the setting sun and in the mind of man, which consciously links the ideas of God, nature, and the human mind—man, which consciously links the ideas of God, nature, and the human mind—as they will be linked in Wordsworth’s poetry for the rest of his life, from “It is a as they will be linked in Wordsworth’s poetry for the rest of his life, from “It is a beauteous evening, calm and free” to the great summation of the Immortality beauteous evening, calm and free” to the great summation of the Immortality Ode.Ode.http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/wordsworth/section1.rhtmlhttp://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/wordsworth/section1.rhtml
My heart leaps up when I behold My heart leaps up when I behold
My heart leaps up when I behold My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; The Child is father of the Man; I could wish my days to be I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. 1802. Bound each to each by natural piety. 1802.
Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early ChildhoodRecollections of Early Childhood
I I THERE was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, THERE was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth, and every common sight, The earth, and every common sight, To me did seem To me did seem Apparelled in celestial light, Apparelled in celestial light, The glory and the freshness of a dream. The glory and the freshness of a dream. It is not now as it hath been of yore;-- It is not now as it hath been of yore;-- Turn wheresoe'er I may, Turn wheresoe'er I may, By night or day, By night or day, The things which I have seen I now can see no more. The things which I have seen I now can see no more.
IIIIThe Rainbow comes and goes, The Rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the Rose, And lovely is the Rose, The Moon doth with delight The Moon doth with delight Look round her when the heavens are bare, Look round her when the heavens are bare, Waters on a starry night Waters on a starry night Are beautiful and fair; Are beautiful and fair; The sunshine is a glorious birth; The sunshine is a glorious birth; But yet I know, where'er I go, But yet I know, where'er I go, That there hath past away a glory from the earth. That there hath past away a glory from the earth.
III III
Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song, Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song, And while the young lambs bound And while the young lambs bound As to the tabor's sound, As to the tabor's sound, To me alone there came a thought of grief: To me alone there came a thought of grief: A timely utterance gave that thought relief, A timely utterance gave that thought relief, And I again am strong: And I again am strong: The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep; The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep; No more shall grief of mine the season wrong; No more shall grief of mine the season wrong; I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng, I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng, The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep, The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep, And all the earth is gay; And all the earth is gay; Land and sea Land and sea Give themselves up to jollity, Give themselves up to jollity, And with the heart of May And with the heart of May Doth every Beast keep holiday;-- Doth every Beast keep holiday;-- Thou Child of Joy, Thou Child of Joy, Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy Shepherd-boy! Shepherd-boy!
IV IV Ye blessed Creatures, I have heard the call Ye blessed Creatures, I have heard the call Ye to each other make; I see Ye to each other make; I see The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee; The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee; My heart is at your festival, My heart is at your festival, My head hath its coronal, My head hath its coronal, The fulness of your bliss, I feel--I feel it all. The fulness of your bliss, I feel--I feel it all. Oh evil day! if I were sullen Oh evil day! if I were sullen While Earth herself is adorning, While Earth herself is adorning, This sweet May-morning, This sweet May-morning, And the Children are culling And the Children are culling On every side, On every side, In a thousand valleys far and wide, In a thousand valleys far and wide, Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm, Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm, And the Babe leaps up on his Mother's arm:-- And the Babe leaps up on his Mother's arm:-- I hear, I hear, with joy I hear! I hear, I hear, with joy I hear! --But there's a Tree, of many, one, --But there's a Tree, of many, one, A single Field which I have looked upon, A single Field which I have looked upon, Both of them speak of something that is gone: Both of them speak of something that is gone: The Pansy at my feet The Pansy at my feet Doth the same tale repeat: Doth the same tale repeat: Whither is fled the visionary gleam? Whither is fled the visionary gleam? Where is it now, the glory and the dream? Where is it now, the glory and the dream?
V V
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar: And cometh from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness, Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! Heaven lies about us in our infancy! Shades of the prison-house begin to close Shades of the prison-house begin to close Upon the growing Boy, Upon the growing Boy, But He beholds the light, and whence it flows, But He beholds the light, and whence it flows, He sees it in his joy; He sees it in his joy; The Youth, who daily farther from the east The Youth, who daily farther from the east Must travel, still is Nature's Priest, Must travel, still is Nature's Priest, And by the vision splendid And by the vision splendid Is on his way attended; Is on his way attended; At length the Man perceives it die away, At length the Man perceives it die away, And fade into the light of common day. And fade into the light of common day.
VI VI Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own; Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own; Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind, Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind, And, even with something of a Mother's mind, And, even with something of a Mother's mind, And no unworthy aim, And no unworthy aim, The homely Nurse doth all she can The homely Nurse doth all she can To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man, To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man, Forget the glories he hath known, Forget the glories he hath known, And that imperial palace whence he came. And that imperial palace whence he came.
VII VII
Behold the Child among his new-born blisses, Behold the Child among his new-born blisses, A six years' Darling of a pigmy size! A six years' Darling of a pigmy size! See, where 'mid work of his own hand he lies, See, where 'mid work of his own hand he lies, Fretted by sallies of his mother's kisses, Fretted by sallies of his mother's kisses, With light upon him from his father's eyes! With light upon him from his father's eyes! See, at his feet, some little plan or chart, See, at his feet, some little plan or chart, Some fragment from his dream of human life, Some fragment from his dream of human life, Shaped by himself with newly-learned art; Shaped by himself with newly-learned art; A wedding or a festival, A wedding or a festival, A mourning or a funeral; A mourning or a funeral; And this hath now his heart, And this hath now his heart, And unto this he frames his song: And unto this he frames his song: Then will he fit his tongue Then will he fit his tongue To dialogues of business, love, or strife; To dialogues of business, love, or strife; But it will not be long But it will not be long Ere this be thrown aside, Ere this be thrown aside, And with new joy and pride And with new joy and pride The little Actor cons another part; The little Actor cons another part; Filling from time to time his "humorous stage" Filling from time to time his "humorous stage" With all the Persons, down to palsied Age, With all the Persons, down to palsied Age, That Life brings with her in her equipage; That Life brings with her in her equipage; As if his whole vocation As if his whole vocation Were endless imitation.Were endless imitation.
VIII VIII Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie Thy Soul's immensity; Thy Soul's immensity; Thou best Philosopher, who yet dost keep Thou best Philosopher, who yet dost keep Thy heritage, thou Eye among the blind, Thy heritage, thou Eye among the blind, That, deaf and silent, read'st the eternal deep, That, deaf and silent, read'st the eternal deep, Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,-- Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,-- Mighty Prophet! Seer blest! Mighty Prophet! Seer blest! On whom those truths do rest, On whom those truths do rest, Which we are toiling all our lives to find, Which we are toiling all our lives to find, In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave; In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave; Thou, over whom thy Immortality Thou, over whom thy Immortality Broods like the Day, a Master o'er a Slave, Broods like the Day, a Master o'er a Slave, A Presence which is not to be put by; A Presence which is not to be put by; Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might Of heaven-born freedom on thy being's height, Of heaven-born freedom on thy being's height, Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke The years to bring the inevitable yoke, The years to bring the inevitable yoke, Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife? Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife? Full soon thy Soul shall have her earthly freight, Full soon thy Soul shall have her earthly freight, And custom lie upon thee with a weight And custom lie upon thee with a weight Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life! Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!
IX IX O joy! that in our embers O joy! that in our embers Is something that doth live, Is something that doth live, That nature yet remembers That nature yet remembers What was so fugitive! What was so fugitive! The thought of our past years in me doth breed The thought of our past years in me doth breed Perpetual benediction: not indeed Perpetual benediction: not indeed For that which is most worthy to be blest-- For that which is most worthy to be blest-- Delight and liberty, the simple creed Delight and liberty, the simple creed Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest, Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest, With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:-- With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:-- Not for these I raise Not for these I raise The song of thanks and praise; The song of thanks and praise; But for those obstinate questionings But for those obstinate questionings Of sense and outward things, Of sense and outward things, Fallings from us, vanishings; Fallings from us, vanishings; Blank misgivings of a Creature Blank misgivings of a Creature Moving about in worlds not realised, Moving about in worlds not realised, High instincts before which our mortal Nature High instincts before which our mortal Nature Did tremble like a guilty Thing surprised: Did tremble like a guilty Thing surprised: But for those first affections, But for those first affections, Those shadowy recollections, Those shadowy recollections, Which, be they what they may, Which, be they what they may, Are yet the fountain light of all our day, Are yet the fountain light of all our day, Are yet a master light of all our seeing; Are yet a master light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make Our noisy years seem moments in the being Our noisy years seem moments in the being Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake, Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake, To perish never; To perish never; Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour, Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour, Nor Man nor Boy, Nor Man nor Boy, Nor all that is at enmity with joy, Nor all that is at enmity with joy, Can utterly abolish or destroy! Can utterly abolish or destroy! Hence in a season of calm weather Hence in a season of calm weather Though inland far we be, Though inland far we be, Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea Which brought us hither, Which brought us hither, Can in a moment travel thither, Can in a moment travel thither, And see the Children sport upon the shore, And see the Children sport upon the shore, And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore. And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.
X X Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song! Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song! And let the young Lambs bound And let the young Lambs bound As to the tabor's sound! As to the tabor's sound! We in thought will join your throng, We in thought will join your throng, Ye that pipe and ye that play, Ye that pipe and ye that play, Ye that through your hearts to-day Ye that through your hearts to-day Feel the gladness of the May! Feel the gladness of the May! What though the radiance which was once so bright What though the radiance which was once so bright Be now for ever taken from my sight, Be now for ever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind; Strength in what remains behind; In the primal sympathy In the primal sympathy Which having been must ever be; Which having been must ever be; In the soothing thoughts that spring In the soothing thoughts that spring Out of human suffering; Out of human suffering; In the faith that looks through death, In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind. In years that bring the philosophic mind.
XI XI And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves, And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves, Forebode not any severing of our loves! Forebode not any severing of our loves! Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might; Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might; I only have relinquished one delight I only have relinquished one delight To live beneath your more habitual sway. To live beneath your more habitual sway. I love the Brooks which down their channels fret, I love the Brooks which down their channels fret, Even more than when I tripped lightly as they; Even more than when I tripped lightly as they; The innocent brightness of a new-born Day The innocent brightness of a new-born Day Is lovely yet; Is lovely yet; The Clouds that gather round the setting sun The Clouds that gather round the setting sun Do take a sober colouring from an eye Do take a sober colouring from an eye That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality; That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality; Another race hath been, and other palms are won. Another race hath been, and other palms are won. Thanks to the human heart by which we live, Thanks to the human heart by which we live, Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears, Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears, To me the meanest flower that blows can give To me the meanest flower that blows can give Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears. Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
Childhood and YouthChildhood and Youth ““In the outset of life (and particularly at this time I felt it so) our In the outset of life (and particularly at this time I felt it so) our
imagination has a body to it. We are in a state between imagination has a body to it. We are in a state between sleeping and waking, and have indistinct but glorious glimpses sleeping and waking, and have indistinct but glorious glimpses of strange shapes, and there is always something to come of strange shapes, and there is always something to come better than what we see. As in our dreams the fullness of the better than what we see. As in our dreams the fullness of the blood gives warmth and reality to the coinage of the brain, so in blood gives warmth and reality to the coinage of the brain, so in youth our ideas are clothed, and fed, and pampered with our youth our ideas are clothed, and fed, and pampered with our good spirits; we breathe thick with thoughtless happiness, the good spirits; we breathe thick with thoughtless happiness, the weight of future years presses on the strong pulses of the heart, weight of future years presses on the strong pulses of the heart, and we repose with undisturbed faith in truth and good. As we and we repose with undisturbed faith in truth and good. As we advance, we exhaust our fund of enjoyment and of hope. We advance, we exhaust our fund of enjoyment and of hope. We are no longer wrapped in are no longer wrapped in lamb's-woollamb's-wool, lulled in Elysium. As we , lulled in Elysium. As we taste the pleasures of life, their spirit evaporates, the sense taste the pleasures of life, their spirit evaporates, the sense palls; and nothing is left but the phantoms, the lifeless shadows palls; and nothing is left but the phantoms, the lifeless shadows of what of what has beenhas been!”.!”.
((My First Acquaintance with Poets, By William HazlittMy First Acquaintance with Poets, By William Hazlitt))
Shepherd boys:Shepherd boys: common images to Wordsworth common images to Wordsworth
The Solitary ReaperThe Solitary ReaperBehold her, single in the field,Behold her, single in the field,Yon solitary Highland Lass!Yon solitary Highland Lass!Reaping and singing by herself;Reaping and singing by herself;Stop here, or gently pass!Stop here, or gently pass!Alone she cuts and binds the grain,Alone she cuts and binds the grain,And sings a melancholy strain;And sings a melancholy strain;O listen! for the Vale profoundO listen! for the Vale profoundIs overflowing with the sound.Is overflowing with the sound.
No Nightingale did ever chauntNo Nightingale did ever chauntMore welcome notes to weary bandsMore welcome notes to weary bandsOf travellers in some shady haunt,Of travellers in some shady haunt,Among Arabian sands:Among Arabian sands:A voice so thrilling ne'er was heardA voice so thrilling ne'er was heardIn spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,Breaking the silence of the seasBreaking the silence of the seasAmong the farthest Hebrides.Among the farthest Hebrides.
Will no one tell me what she sings?—Will no one tell me what she sings?—Perhaps the plaintive numbers flowPerhaps the plaintive numbers flowFor old, unhappy, far-off things,For old, unhappy, far-off things,And battles long ago:And battles long ago:Or is it some more humble lay,Or is it some more humble lay,Familiar matter of to-day?Familiar matter of to-day?Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,That has been, and may be again?That has been, and may be again?
Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sangWhate'er the theme, the Maiden sangAs if her song could have no ending;As if her song could have no ending;I saw her singing at her work,I saw her singing at her work,And o'er the sickle bending;—And o'er the sickle bending;—I listened, motionless and still;I listened, motionless and still;And, as I mounted up the hill,And, as I mounted up the hill,The music in my heart I bore,The music in my heart I bore,Long after it was heard no more.Long after it was heard no more.
John Keats’s Ode to AutumnJohn Keats’s Ode to Autumn1.1.Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;Conspiring with him how to load and blessConspiring with him how to load and blessWith fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shellsTo swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shellsWith a sweet kernel; to set budding more,With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,And still more, later flowers for the bees,And still more, later flowers for the bees,Until they think warm days will never cease,Until they think warm days will never cease,For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.
2.2.Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may findSometimes whoever seeks abroad may findThee sitting careless on a granary floor,Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hookDrows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hookSpares the next swath and all its twined flowers:Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keepAnd sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keepSteady thy laden head across a brook;Steady thy laden head across a brook;Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.
3.Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mournAmong the river sallows, borne aloftOr sinking as the light wind lives or dies;And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble softThe red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.
Home at GrasmereHome at Grasmerehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWGaSvk1vUghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWGaSvk1vUg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PdDHzBq7h4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PdDHzBq7h4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9rZYSQvlAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9rZYSQvlA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpg5XJGHNukhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpg5XJGHNuk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlbOoiwlHd0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlbOoiwlHd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQkGA1dUUXwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQkGA1dUUXw
The Experience of Nature and the The Experience of Nature and the Growh of the Poet’s Mind in Growh of the Poet’s Mind in The The PreludePrelude, by William Wordsworth, by William Wordsworth
AUTHOR: Márcio José CoutinhoAUTHOR: Márcio José Coutinho
Orientador: Kathrin RosenfieldOrientador: Kathrin Rosenfield
Objetivo:Objetivo:
Discutir a função dos sentimentos Discutir a função dos sentimentos provocados pela experiência da Natureza e provocados pela experiência da Natureza e a importância dos sentimentos voltados a importância dos sentimentos voltados para a Natureza para o processo de para a Natureza para o processo de formação subjetiva do protagonista tanto formação subjetiva do protagonista tanto como homem quanto como poeta no poema como homem quanto como poeta no poema autobiográfico de Wordsworth, privilegiando autobiográfico de Wordsworth, privilegiando uma concepção de Natureza como base uma concepção de Natureza como base crítica para reagir contra um conjunto de crítica para reagir contra um conjunto de adversidades no contexto histórico e social adversidades no contexto histórico e social da época romântica.da época romântica.
Wordsworth: Biographical accountWordsworth: Biographical account
Wordsworth nasceu em Cockermouth, Wordsworth nasceu em Cockermouth, Cumberland, na região dos Lagos na Inglaterra Cumberland, na região dos Lagos na Inglaterra em 1770.em 1770.
Sua mãe faleceu em 1778. Então seu pai o Sua mãe faleceu em 1778. Então seu pai o mandou para “Hawkshead Grammar School”, mandou para “Hawkshead Grammar School”, uma instituição de fundação religiosa.uma instituição de fundação religiosa.
Seu pai faleceu em 1783. Seu pai faleceu em 1783. Ingressou na Universidade de Cambridge em Ingressou na Universidade de Cambridge em
1787, onde se formou em artes em 1791.1787, onde se formou em artes em 1791.
Nas primeiras férias de verão de 1788 Nas primeiras férias de verão de 1788 retornou a Hawkshead onde passara seu retornou a Hawkshead onde passara seu período colegial e os primeiros anos de período colegial e os primeiros anos de juventude.juventude.
Nas férias de seu terceiro ano em Nas férias de seu terceiro ano em Cambridge, em 1790, Wordsworth Cambridge, em 1790, Wordsworth empreende uma viagem através dos empreende uma viagem através dos Alpes, que coincide com o período em que Alpes, que coincide com o período em que os franceses comemoram o primeiro os franceses comemoram o primeiro aniversário da Revolução. aniversário da Revolução.
Entre 1792 e 1793 viajou pela Europa. Entre 1792 e 1793 viajou pela Europa. Morou na França, onde converteu-se ao Morou na França, onde converteu-se ao ideal revolucionário e participou de ideal revolucionário e participou de movimentos republicanos.movimentos republicanos.
Em 1795 reside em Londres.Em 1795 reside em Londres. No mesmo ano encontra Coleridge, em Nether No mesmo ano encontra Coleridge, em Nether
Stowey, Sommerset.Stowey, Sommerset. Em 1798, juntamente com Coleridge, publica um Em 1798, juntamente com Coleridge, publica um
conjunto de poemas intitulado conjunto de poemas intitulado Balladas LíricasBalladas Líricas, , considerado o marco inicial do Romantismo na considerado o marco inicial do Romantismo na Inglaterra. Depois disso os dois poetas viajam para Inglaterra. Depois disso os dois poetas viajam para a Alemanha. Em Goslar, tomado de nostalgia, a Alemanha. Em Goslar, tomado de nostalgia, Wordsworth começa a escrever sobre sua infância: Wordsworth começa a escrever sobre sua infância: tem início tem início The PreludeThe Prelude..
Em 1799 fixa residência com a família na casa Em 1799 fixa residência com a família na casa chamada Dove Cottage, em Grasmere, onde leva a chamada Dove Cottage, em Grasmere, onde leva a cabo a composição de seu opus magnum, o poema cabo a composição de seu opus magnum, o poema autobiográfico autobiográfico The PreludeThe Prelude, em 1805., em 1805.
Entre 1798 e 1805 compõe Entre 1798 e 1805 compõe The PreludeThe Prelude.. Em 1814 publica Em 1814 publica The ExcursionThe Excursion.. Faleceu em Rydal Mount em 1850.Faleceu em Rydal Mount em 1850.
Esquema de Esquema de The Prelude no Projeto The Prelude no Projeto Estético de WordsworthEstético de Wordsworth::
O poema autobiográfico O poema autobiográfico The PreludeThe Prelude está está designado a servir de introdução a um grande designado a servir de introdução a um grande poema filosófico planejado por Wordsworth poema filosófico planejado por Wordsworth com o título de com o título de The RecluseThe Recluse, o qual deveria , o qual deveria ser composto de três partes:ser composto de três partes:
The PreludeThe PreludeThe RecluseThe Recluse Parte I (inconcluso): Book I - Parte I (inconcluso): Book I - Home at GrasmereHome at GrasmereParte II: The ExcursionParte II: The ExcursionPart III: (inconcluso, nunca iniciado talvez)Part III: (inconcluso, nunca iniciado talvez)
As diferentes versões de As diferentes versões de The PreludeThe Prelude
The PreludeThe Prelude (II Livros): 1798-1799 (II Livros): 1798-1799The PreludeThe Prelude (V Livros): 1802 (V Livros): 1802The PreludeThe Prelude (XIII Livros): 1805 (XIII Livros): 1805The PreludeThe Prelude (XIV Livros- (XIV Livros-Authorized versionAuthorized version): 1850): 1850
Esquema narrativo de Esquema narrativo de The PreludeThe Prelude::
Book I: Introduction – Childhood and School-Book I: Introduction – Childhood and School-timetime
Book II: School-time (Book II: School-time (continuedcontinued))Book III: Residence at CambridgeBook III: Residence at CambridgeBook IV: Summer VacationBook IV: Summer VacationBook V: BooksBook V: BooksBook VI: Cambridge and The AlpsBook VI: Cambridge and The AlpsBook VII: Residence in LondonBook VII: Residence in London
Book VIII: Retrospect – Love of Nature Book VIII: Retrospect – Love of Nature Leading to Love of ManLeading to Love of Man
Book IX: Residence in FranceBook IX: Residence in FranceBook X: Residence in France (continued)Book X: Residence in France (continued)Book XI: France (continued)Book XI: France (continued)Book XII: Imagination and Taste, How Book XII: Imagination and Taste, How
Impaired and RestoredImpaired and RestoredBook XIII: Imagination and Taste, How Book XIII: Imagination and Taste, How
Impaired and Restored (concluded)Impaired and Restored (concluded)Book XIV: ConclusionBook XIV: Conclusion
Esquema narrativo de Esquema narrativo de The PreludeThe Prelude::
Early Childhood and Boyhood Early Childhood and Boyhood Experiences of Nature:Experiences of Nature:
Em seu relato confessional o narrador Em seu relato confessional o narrador privilegia a influencia da liberdade para privilegia a influencia da liberdade para vagar por entre cenas rurais – cenas de vagar por entre cenas rurais – cenas de instrução – em vez do peso da educação instrução – em vez do peso da educação formal para a formação de sua formal para a formação de sua sensibilidade, seu espírito e caráter. sensibilidade, seu espírito e caráter. Wordsworth sugere um modo simbólico de Wordsworth sugere um modo simbólico de educação baseado no livre contato da educação baseado no livre contato da sensibilidade humana com os elementos sensibilidade humana com os elementos da Natureza.da Natureza.
O sujeito enriquece seu espírito O sujeito enriquece seu espírito emocionalmente, intelectualmente e emocionalmente, intelectualmente e moralmente através da exposição às moralmente através da exposição às impressões sensoriais do mundo exterior.impressões sensoriais do mundo exterior.
Ao crescer no sentido da juventude e vida Ao crescer no sentido da juventude e vida adulta, o heroi manifesta um caráter adulta, o heroi manifesta um caráter excursional que o leva a visitar lugares excursional que o leva a visitar lugares distantes. Mas ele sempre retorna à terra distantes. Mas ele sempre retorna à terra natal por que certa nostalgia o prende a natal por que certa nostalgia o prende a seu lugar de origem. seu lugar de origem.
Experiências iniciais que criam e Experiências iniciais que criam e determinam a sensibilidade, o determinam a sensibilidade, o
conhecimento, e o gosto do poeta:conhecimento, e o gosto do poeta:As experiências primeiras de Wordsworth As experiências primeiras de Wordsworth
perseguem/assombram o sujeito e perseguem/assombram o sujeito e instauram uma exigência psicológica e instauram uma exigência psicológica e simbólica de recordação e revisitação. Daí simbólica de recordação e revisitação. Daí o retorno do poeta à Natureza e às cenas o retorno do poeta à Natureza e às cenas iniciais em sua região de origem, iniciais em sua região de origem, sobretudo ao fixar residência definitiva no sobretudo ao fixar residência definitiva no Vale de Grasmere depois de ter Vale de Grasmere depois de ter experienciado a desordem e corrupção experienciado a desordem e corrupção moral nas cenas urbanas de Londres. moral nas cenas urbanas de Londres.
Trauma como compulsão de Trauma como compulsão de repetição, segundo Freudrepetição, segundo Freud
Aqui pode-se invocar o conceito Freudiano Aqui pode-se invocar o conceito Freudiano de trauma cuja característica sintomática, a de trauma cuja característica sintomática, a compulsão de repetição, responde a um compulsão de repetição, responde a um passado catastrófico que impede a passado catastrófico que impede a assimilação consciente pelo sujeito no assimilação consciente pelo sujeito no momento em que o evento ocorre. O trauma momento em que o evento ocorre. O trauma consiste em lembrar uma experiência consiste em lembrar uma experiência esquecida, trazendo-a de volta e tornando-a esquecida, trazendo-a de volta e tornando-a real novamente, e revivê-la experienciando real novamente, e revivê-la experienciando sua repetição no presente. sua repetição no presente.
Instâncias adversas à formação espiritual Instâncias adversas à formação espiritual do poeta, que atuam porém como parte do poeta, que atuam porém como parte
necessária do processo formativo: necessária do processo formativo: O protagonista se distancia da Natureza O protagonista se distancia da Natureza
em três momentos fundamentais na em três momentos fundamentais na narrativa: nos intervalos em que vive em narrativa: nos intervalos em que vive em Cambridge, Londres e na França. Cambridge, Londres e na França. Sucumbe então, e ora reverencia as Sucumbe então, e ora reverencia as imposições da educação formal, a imposições da educação formal, a depravação e desordem mental e social depravação e desordem mental e social da vida urbana e a ação desumana da da vida urbana e a ação desumana da ordem política, que leva o herói a uma ordem política, que leva o herói a uma crise moral, espiritual e estética.crise moral, espiritual e estética.
O Retorno à Natureza: Restauração O Retorno à Natureza: Restauração das Faculdades do Poetadas Faculdades do Poeta
O protagonista retorna ao seio da O protagonista retorna ao seio da natureza ao fixar residência na região natureza ao fixar residência na região onde nasceu. Com isso renova suas onde nasceu. Com isso renova suas forças criativas, imaginativas e poéticas. O forças criativas, imaginativas e poéticas. O retorno configura a estrutura simbólica de retorno configura a estrutura simbólica de uma viagem cíclica em que a volta às uma viagem cíclica em que a volta às origens traz um conhecimento depurado, origens traz um conhecimento depurado, redimido e superior, e infunde novo ânimo redimido e superior, e infunde novo ânimo ao poder criador do homem e poeta.ao poder criador do homem e poeta.
Motivos wordsworthianos em Motivos wordsworthianos em Resolution and IndependenceResolution and Independence
Márcio José CoutinhoMárcio José CoutinhoOrientadora: Kathrin RosenfieldOrientadora: Kathrin Rosenfield
Asher Durand: Kindred Spirits
•Do fascínio pelo velho itinerante à busca do companheiro e do mestre
Resolution and Resolution and IndependenceIndependence
Humboldt and Bonpland camped near
Resolution and IndependenceResolution and Independence: : O fascínio do menino pela figura do velhoO fascínio do menino pela figura do velho
II THERE was a roaring in the wind all night; THERE was a roaring in the wind all night; The rain came heavily and fell in floods; The rain came heavily and fell in floods; But now the sun is rising calm and bright; But now the sun is rising calm and bright; The birds are singing in the distant woods; The birds are singing in the distant woods; Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods; Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods; The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters; The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters; And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.
III III I was a Traveller then upon the moor, I was a Traveller then upon the moor, I saw the hare that raced about with joy; I saw the hare that raced about with joy; I heard the woods and distant waters roar; I heard the woods and distant waters roar; Or heard them not, as happy as a boy: Or heard them not, as happy as a boy: The pleasant season did my heart employ: The pleasant season did my heart employ: My old remembrances went from me wholly; My old remembrances went from me wholly; And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.
IV IV But, as it sometimes chanceth, from the might But, as it sometimes chanceth, from the might Of joy in minds that can no further go, Of joy in minds that can no further go, As high as we have mounted in delight As high as we have mounted in delight In our dejection do we sink as low; In our dejection do we sink as low; To me that morning did it happen so; To me that morning did it happen so; And fears and fancies thick upon me came; And fears and fancies thick upon me came; Dim sadness--and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.Dim sadness--and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.
VIII VIII Now, whether it were by peculiar grace, Now, whether it were by peculiar grace, A leading from above, a something given, A leading from above, a something given, Yet it befell, that, in this lonely place, Yet it befell, that, in this lonely place, When I with these untoward thoughts had striven, When I with these untoward thoughts had striven, Beside a pool bare to the eye of heaven Beside a pool bare to the eye of heaven I saw a Man before me unawares: I saw a Man before me unawares: The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.
X X Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead, Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead, Nor all asleep--in his extreme old age: Nor all asleep--in his extreme old age: His body was bent double, feet and head His body was bent double, feet and head Coming together in life's pilgrimage; Coming together in life's pilgrimage; As if some dire constraint of pain, or rage As if some dire constraint of pain, or rage Of sickness felt by him in times long past, Of sickness felt by him in times long past, A more than human weight upon his frame had cast. A more than human weight upon his frame had cast.
XI XI Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face, Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face, Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood: Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood: And, still as I drew near with gentle pace, And, still as I drew near with gentle pace, Upon the margin of that moorish flood Upon the margin of that moorish flood Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood, Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood, That heareth not the loud winds when they call That heareth not the loud winds when they call And moveth all together, if it move at all. And moveth all together, if it move at all.
The image of the leech gatherer:The image of the leech gatherer:A impressão causada pelo velho andarilhoA impressão causada pelo velho andarilho
XII XII At length, himself unsettling, he the pond At length, himself unsettling, he the pond Stirred with his staff, and fixedly did look Stirred with his staff, and fixedly did look Upon the muddy water, which he conned, Upon the muddy water, which he conned, As if he had been reading in a book: As if he had been reading in a book: And now a stranger's privilege I took; And now a stranger's privilege I took; And, drawing to his side, to him did say, And, drawing to his side, to him did say, "This morning gives us promise of a glorious day." "This morning gives us promise of a glorious day."
XIII XIII A gentle answer did the old Man make, A gentle answer did the old Man make, In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew: In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew: And him with further words I thus bespake, And him with further words I thus bespake, "What occupation do you there pursue? "What occupation do you there pursue? This is a lonesome place for one like you." This is a lonesome place for one like you." Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes, Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes,
XIV XIV His words came feebly, from a feeble chest, His words came feebly, from a feeble chest, But each in solemn order followed each, But each in solemn order followed each, With something of a lofty utterance drest-- With something of a lofty utterance drest-- Choice word and measured phrase, above the reach Choice word and measured phrase, above the reach Of ordinary men; a stately speech; Of ordinary men; a stately speech; Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use, Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use, Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.
XV XV He told, that to these waters he had come He told, that to these waters he had come To gather leeches, being old and poor: To gather leeches, being old and poor: Employment hazardous and wearisome! Employment hazardous and wearisome! And he had many hardships to endure: And he had many hardships to endure: From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor; From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor; Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance, Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance, And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.
XVI XVI The old Man still stood talking by my side; The old Man still stood talking by my side; But now his voice to me was like a stream But now his voice to me was like a stream Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide; Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide; And the whole body of the Man did seem And the whole body of the Man did seem Like one whom I had met with in a dream; Like one whom I had met with in a dream; Or like a man from some far region sent, Or like a man from some far region sent, To give me human strength, by apt admonishment. To give me human strength, by apt admonishment.
XVII XVII My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills; My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills; And hope that is unwilling to be fed; And hope that is unwilling to be fed; Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills; Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills; And mighty Poets in their misery dead. And mighty Poets in their misery dead. --Perplexed, and longing to be comforted, --Perplexed, and longing to be comforted, My question eagerly did I renew, My question eagerly did I renew, "How is it that you live, and what is it you do?""How is it that you live, and what is it you do?"
XIX XIX While he was talking thus, the lonely place, While he was talking thus, the lonely place, The old Man's shape, and speech--all troubled me: The old Man's shape, and speech--all troubled me: In my mind's eye I seemed to see him pace In my mind's eye I seemed to see him pace About the weary moors continually, About the weary moors continually, Wandering about alone and silently. Wandering about alone and silently. While I these thoughts within myself pursued, While I these thoughts within myself pursued, He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed. He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.
XX XX And soon with this he other matter blended, And soon with this he other matter blended, Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind, Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind, But stately in the main; and when he ended, But stately in the main; and when he ended, I could have laughed myself to scorn to find I could have laughed myself to scorn to find In that decrepit Man so firm a mind. In that decrepit Man so firm a mind. "God," said I, "be my help and stay secure; "God," said I, "be my help and stay secure; I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!" I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!"
1807. 1807.
The Old Cumberland BeggarThe Old Cumberland Beggar I saw an aged Beggar in my walk,I saw an aged Beggar in my walk,
And he was seated by the highway sideAnd he was seated by the highway sideOn a low structure of rude masonryOn a low structure of rude masonryBuilt at the foot of a huge hill, that theyBuilt at the foot of a huge hill, that theyWho lead their horses down the steep rough roadWho lead their horses down the steep rough roadMay thence remount at ease. The aged manMay thence remount at ease. The aged manHad placed his staff across the broad smooth stoneHad placed his staff across the broad smooth stoneThat overlays the pile, […] In the sun,That overlays the pile, […] In the sun,Upon the second step of that small pile,Upon the second step of that small pile,Surrounded by those wild unpeopled hills,Surrounded by those wild unpeopled hills,He sate, and eat his food in solitude;He sate, and eat his food in solitude;And ever, scatter'd from his palsied hand,And ever, scatter'd from his palsied hand,That still attempting to prevent the waste,That still attempting to prevent the waste,Was baffled still, the crumbs in little showersWas baffled still, the crumbs in little showersFell on the ground, and the small mountain birds,Fell on the ground, and the small mountain birds,Not venturing yet to peck their destin'd meal,Not venturing yet to peck their destin'd meal,Approached within the length of half his staff.Approached within the length of half his staff.
Him from my childhood have I known, and thenHim from my childhood have I known, and thenHe was so old, he seems not older now;He was so old, he seems not older now;He travels on, a solitary man,He travels on, a solitary man,So helpless in appearance, that for himSo helpless in appearance, that for himThe sauntering horseman-traveller does not throwThe sauntering horseman-traveller does not throwWith careless hand his alms upon the ground,With careless hand his alms upon the ground,But stops, that he may safely lodge the coinBut stops, that he may safely lodge the coinWithin the old Man's hat; […] Within the old Man's hat; […]
He travels on, a solitary Man,He travels on, a solitary Man,His age has no companion. On the groundHis age has no companion. On the groundHis eyes are turn'd, and, as he moves along,His eyes are turn'd, and, as he moves along,_They_ move along the ground; and evermore;_They_ move along the ground; and evermore;Instead of common and habitual sightInstead of common and habitual sightOf fields with rural works, of hill and dale,Of fields with rural works, of hill and dale,And the blue sky, one little span of earthAnd the blue sky, one little span of earthIs all his prospect. Thus, from day to day,Is all his prospect. Thus, from day to day,Bowbent, his eyes for ever on the ground,Bowbent, his eyes for ever on the ground,He plies his weary journey, seeing still,He plies his weary journey, seeing still,And never knowing that he sees, some straw,And never knowing that he sees, some straw,Some scatter'd leaf, or marks which, in one track,Some scatter'd leaf, or marks which, in one track,The nails of cart or chariot wheel have leftThe nails of cart or chariot wheel have leftImpress'd on the white road, in the same line,Impress'd on the white road, in the same line,At distance still the same. Poor Traveller!At distance still the same. Poor Traveller!His staff trails with him, scarcely do his feetHis staff trails with him, scarcely do his feetDisturb the summer dust, he is so stillDisturb the summer dust, he is so stillIn look and motion that the cottage curs,In look and motion that the cottage curs,Ere he have pass'd the door, will turn awayEre he have pass'd the door, will turn awayWeary of barking at him.Weary of barking at him. [...] [...]
Let him be free of mountain solitudes,Let him be free of mountain solitudes,And have around him, whether heard or nor,And have around him, whether heard or nor,The pleasant melody of woodland birds.The pleasant melody of woodland birds.Few are his pleasures; if his eyes, which nowFew are his pleasures; if his eyes, which nowHave been so long familiar with the earth,Have been so long familiar with the earth,No more behold the horizontal sunNo more behold the horizontal sunRising or setting, let the light at leastRising or setting, let the light at leastFind a free entrance to their languid orbs.Find a free entrance to their languid orbs.
And let him, _where_ and _when_ he will, sit downAnd let him, _where_ and _when_ he will, sit downBeneath the trees, or by the grassy bankBeneath the trees, or by the grassy bankOf high-way side, and with the little birdsOf high-way side, and with the little birdsShare his chance-gather'd meal, and, finally,Share his chance-gather'd meal, and, finally,As in the eye of Nature he has liv'd,As in the eye of Nature he has liv'd,So in the eye of Nature let him die.So in the eye of Nature let him die.
The ExcursionThe Excursion: : The WandererThe Wanderer Upon that open moorland stood a grove, Upon that open moorland stood a grove,
The wished-for port to which my course was bound. The wished-for port to which my course was bound. Thither I came, and there, amid the gloom Thither I came, and there, amid the gloom Spread by a brotherhood of lofty elms, Spread by a brotherhood of lofty elms, Appeared a roofless Hut; four naked walls Appeared a roofless Hut; four naked walls That stared upon each other!--I looked round, That stared upon each other!--I looked round, And to my wish and to my hope espied And to my wish and to my hope espied The Friend I sought; a Man of reverend age, The Friend I sought; a Man of reverend age, But stout and hale, for travel unimpaired. But stout and hale, for travel unimpaired. There was he seen upon the cottage-bench, There was he seen upon the cottage-bench, Recumbent in the shade, as if asleep; Recumbent in the shade, as if asleep;
An iron-pointed staff lay at his side.An iron-pointed staff lay at his side. The Wanderer, The Deserted Cottage, Birkett Foster
O discípulo e o mestre
A questão do itineranteA questão do itinerante Him had I marked the day before--alone Him had I marked the day before--alone
And stationed in the public way, with face And stationed in the public way, with face Turned toward the sun then setting, while that staff Turned toward the sun then setting, while that staff Afforded, to the figure of the man Afforded, to the figure of the man Detained for contemplation or repose, Detained for contemplation or repose, Graceful support; his countenance as he stood Graceful support; his countenance as he stood Was hidden from my view, and he remained Was hidden from my view, and he remained Unrecognised; but, stricken by the sight, Unrecognised; but, stricken by the sight, With slackened footsteps I advanced, and soon With slackened footsteps I advanced, and soon A glad congratulation we exchanged A glad congratulation we exchanged At such unthought-of meeting.--For the night At such unthought-of meeting.--For the night We parted, nothing willingly; and now We parted, nothing willingly; and now He by appointment waited for me here, He by appointment waited for me here,
Under the covert of these clustering elms.Under the covert of these clustering elms.
Os dois companheiros: Os dois companheiros: a experiência do mais velhoa experiência do mais velho
Many a time, Many a time, On holidays, we rambled through the woods: On holidays, we rambled through the woods: We sate--we walked; he pleased me with report We sate--we walked; he pleased me with report Of things which he had seen; and often touched Of things which he had seen; and often touched Abstrusest matter, reasonings of the mind Abstrusest matter, reasonings of the mind Turned inward; or at my request would sing Turned inward; or at my request would sing Old songs, the product of his native hills; Old songs, the product of his native hills; A skilful distribution of sweet sounds, A skilful distribution of sweet sounds, Feeding the soul, and eagerly imbibed Feeding the soul, and eagerly imbibed As cool refreshing water, by the care As cool refreshing water, by the care Of the industrious husbandman, diffused Of the industrious husbandman, diffused Through a parched meadow-ground, in time of drought. Through a parched meadow-ground, in time of drought. Still deeper welcome found his pure discourse; Still deeper welcome found his pure discourse; How precious, when in riper days I learned How precious, when in riper days I learned To weigh with care his words, and to rejoice To weigh with care his words, and to rejoice In the plain presence of his dignity!In the plain presence of his dignity!
A formação do homem e A formação do homem e a sabedoria de vidaa sabedoria de vida
But, through the inclement and the perilous days But, through the inclement and the perilous days Of long-continuing winter, he repaired, Of long-continuing winter, he repaired, Equipped with satchel, to a school, that stood Equipped with satchel, to a school, that stood Sole building on a mountain's dreary edge, Sole building on a mountain's dreary edge, Remote from view of city spire, or sound Remote from view of city spire, or sound Of minster clock! From that bleak tenement Of minster clock! From that bleak tenement He, many an evening, to his distant home He, many an evening, to his distant home In solitude returning, saw the hills In solitude returning, saw the hills Grow larger in the darkness; all alone Grow larger in the darkness; all alone Beheld the stars come out above his head, Beheld the stars come out above his head, And travelled through the wood, with no one near And travelled through the wood, with no one near To whom he might confess the things he To whom he might confess the things he saw.saw.
Experiências de vida: Experiências de vida: fundamentos para a mente do poetafundamentos para a mente do poeta
So the foundations of his mind were laid. So the foundations of his mind were laid. In such communion, not from terror free, In such communion, not from terror free, While yet a child, and long before his time, While yet a child, and long before his time, Had he perceived the presence and the power Had he perceived the presence and the power Of greatness; and deep feelings had impressed Of greatness; and deep feelings had impressed So vividly great objects that they lay So vividly great objects that they lay Upon his mind like substances, whose presence Upon his mind like substances, whose presence Perplexed the bodily sense. He had received Perplexed the bodily sense. He had received A precious gift; for, as he grew in years, A precious gift; for, as he grew in years, With these impressions would he still compare With these impressions would he still compare All his remembrances, thoughts, shapes, and forms;All his remembrances, thoughts, shapes, and forms;
Experiência de vida e o conhecimento da Experiência de vida e o conhecimento da essência das coisasessência das coisas
Thus informed, Thus informed, He had small need of books; for many a tale He had small need of books; for many a tale Traditionary, round the mountains hung, Traditionary, round the mountains hung, And many a legend, peopling the dark woods, And many a legend, peopling the dark woods, Nourished Imagination in her growth, Nourished Imagination in her growth, And gave the Mind that apprehensive power And gave the Mind that apprehensive power By which she is made quick to recognise By which she is made quick to recognise The moral properties and scope of things.The moral properties and scope of things.
