And to the solitary fawn Vouchsafes her lessons, bounteous Nymph She, who inspires that strain of joyance holy With views of undefined delight, And cheerful songs, and suns that shine VII. But thou, O Goddess! in thy favourite Isle The wide earth's store-house fenced about And Love, when worthiest of his name, ΤΟ XXXV. ON HER FIRST ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT OF HELVELLYN. [WRITTEN at Rydal Mount. The lady was Miss Blackett, then residing with Mr. Montagu Burgoyne at Fox-Ghyll. We were tempted to remain too long upon the mountain; and I, imprudently, with the hope of shortening the way, led her among the crags and down a steep slope which entangled us in difficulties that were met by her with much spirit and courage.] INMATE of a mountain-dwelling, Potent was the spell that bound thee For blue Ether's arms, flung round thee, Lo! the dwindled woods and meadows; Lo! the clouds, the solemn shadows, And a record of commotion Maiden! now take flight ;—inherit Or survey their bright dominions Thine are all the coral fountains To Niphates' top invited, For the power of hills is on thee, 1816. XXXVI. TO A YOUNG LADY, WHO HAD BEEN REPROACHED FOR TAKING LONG WALKS IN THE COUNTRY. [COMPOSED at the same time and on the same view as “I met Louisa in the shade :" indeed they were designed to make one piece.] DEAR Child of Nature, let them rail! A harbour and a hold; Where thou, a Wife and Friend, shalt see Thy own heart-stirring days, and be A light to young and old. There, healthy as a shepherd boy, And treading among flowers of joy Thou, while thy babes around thee cling, Shalt show us how divine a thing A Woman may be made. Thy thoughts and feelings shall not die, But an old age serene and bright, And lovely as a Lapland night, VOL. II. 1803. XXXVII. WATER-FOWL. [OBSERVED frequently over the lakes of Rydal and Grasmere.] 'Let me be allowed the aid of verse to describe the evolutions which these visitants sometimes perform, on a fine day towards the close of winter.'-Extract from the Author's Book on the Lakes. MARK how the feathered tenants of the flood, Their curious pastime! shaping in mid air Hundreds of curves and circlets, to and fro, |