XXXIII. It is no Spirit who from Heaven hath flown, Nor Traveller gone from Earth the Heavens to espy! 'Tis Hesperus-there he stands with glittering crown, First admonition that the sun is down, For yet it is broad daylight! clouds pass by; O most ambitious Star! thy Presence brought Of the distinguished few among mankind, Who dare to step beyond their natural race, As thou seem'st now to do: nor was a thought - that even I might one day trace Some ground not mine; and, strong her strength above, My Soul, an Apparition in the place, Tread there, with steps that no one shall reprove? OH! pleasant exercise of hope and joy! But to be young was very heaven! -Oh! times, `n which the meagre, stale, forbidding ways Of custom, law, and statute, took at once The attraction of a country in Romance! When Reason seemed the most to assert her rights, When most intent on making of herself # This, and the Extract, Vol. I. page 44. and the first Piece of this Class, are from the unpublished Poem of which some account is given in the Preface to the EXCURSION. A prime Enchantress to assist the work, Which then was going forward in her name! (To take an image which was felt no doubt All powers of swiftness, subtilty and strength Their ministers, who in lordly wise had stirred Among the grandest objects of the sense, And dealt with whatsoever they found there To wield it; they, too, who of gentle mood Had watched all gentle motions, and to these Now was it that both found, the Meek and Lofty Were called upon to exercise their skill, Not in Utopia, subterraneous Fields,— Or some secreted Island, Heaven knows where! XXXV. ODE. THE PASS OF KIRKSTONE. 1. WITHIN the mind strong fancies work, Of these fraternal hills: Where, save the rugged road, we find Nor hint of man, if stone or rock Altars for Druid service fit; Green moss-grown tower; or hoary tent; On which four thousand years have gazed! |