That told of days long past, when here I roved Some who had early mandates to depart, By Duddon's side; once more do we unite, Once more beneath the kind Earth's tranquil light; From her unworthy seat, the cloudy stall XXII. TRADITION. A LOVE-LORN Maid, at some far-distant time, And, gazing, saw that Rose, which from the prime Of echo doth reverberate some sweet sound: The starry treasure from the blue profound She longed to ravish; - shall she plunge, or climb Of April, smiling high in upper air? To prompt the thought?-Upon the steep rock's breast XXIII. SHEEP-WASHING. SAD thoughts, avaunt! — the fervour of the year, Duly performed before the Dales-men shear Their panting charge. The distant Mountains hear, Hear and repeat, the turmoil that unites Clamour of boys with innocent despites Of barking dogs, and bleatings from strange fear. Meanwhile, if Duddon's spotless breast receive Unwelcome mixtures as the uncouth noise Thickens, the pastoral River will forgive Such wrong; nor need we blame the licensed joys, Though false to Nature's quiet equipoise: Frank are the sports, the stains are fugitive. No zephyr breathes, no cloud its shadow throws: If we advance unstrengthened by repose, Farewell the solace of the vagrant reed! This Nook, with woodbine hung and straggling weed, Tempting recess as ever pilgrim chose, Half grot, half arbour, proffers to enclose Body and mind from molestation freed, In narrow compass narrow as itself: Or if the Fancy, too industrious Elf, Be loth that we should breathe awhile exempt From new incitements friendly to our task, There wants not stealthy prospect, that may tempt Loose Idless to forego her wily mask. XXV. METHINKS 'twere no unprecedented feat The One for whom my heart shall ever beat Atween his downy wings be furnished, there Would lodge her, and the cherished burden bear |