book iv
. l. 378.--ED.
THOUGHTS[640] ON THE SEASONS
Composed 1829.--Published 1835
[Written at Rydal Mount.--I. F.]
One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."--ED.
Flattered with promise of escape From every hurtful blast, Spring takes, O sprightly May! thy shape, Her loveliest and her last.[641]
Less fair is summer riding high 5 In fierce solstitial power, Less fair than when a lenient sky Brings on her parting hour.
When earth repays with golden sheaves The labours of the plough, 10 And ripening fruits and forest leaves All brighten on the bough;
What pensive beauty autumn shows, Before she hears the sound Of winter rushing in, to close 15 The emblematic round!
Such be our Spring, our Summer such; So may our Autumn blend With hoary Winter, and Life touch, Through heaven-born hope, her end! 20
FOOTNOTES:
[640] 1850.
THOUGHT ... 1835.
The text of 1857 returns to that of 1835.
[641] Compare _Ode, composed on May Morning_, 1826 (p. 146); also _To May_, 1826 (p. 148).--ED.
A TRADITION OF OKER HILL IN DARLEY DALE, DERBYSHIRE[642]
Composed 1829.--Published 1829[643]
[This pleasing tradition was told me by the coachman at whose side I sate while he drove down the dale, he pointing to the trees on the hill as he related the story.--I.F.]
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.
'Tis said that to the brow of yon fair hill Two Brothers clomb, and, turning face from face, Nor one look more exchanging, grief to still Or feed, each planted on that lofty place A chosen Tree;[644] then, eager to fulfil 5 Their courses, like two new-born rivers, they In opposite directions urged their way Down from the far-seen mount. No blast might kill Or blight that fond memorial;--the trees grew, And now entwine their arms; but ne'er again 10 Embraced those Brothers upon earth's wide plain; Nor aught of mutual joy or sorrow knew Until their spirits mingled in the sea That to itself takes all, Eternity.
FOOTNOTES:
[642] 1837.
A TRADITION OF DARLEY DALE, DERBYSHIRE. 1832.
[643] In _The Keepsake_.--ED.
[644] Mr. T. W. Shore (Southampton), writes to me: "The two trees referred to by the poet are still on the hill, and called the Shore Trees. The family of Shore is an ancient one in Derbyshire, extending back to the reign of Richard II. In the time of Charles I, several members of the family impoverished themselves in support of the Royalist cause.... The trees on Oker Hill are supposed to have been planted by those who remembered the family misfortunes, or who succeeded the family which took part in the 17th century struggle."--ED.
FILIAL PIETY
(ON THE WAYSIDE BETWEEN PRESTON AND LIVERPOOL)
Composed 1829 (probably).--Published 1832
[This was also communicated to me by a coachman in the same way.[645] In the course of my many coach rambles and journeys, which, during the day-time always, and often in the night, were taken on the outside of the coach, I had good and frequent opportunities of learning the characteristics of this class of men. One remark I made that is worth recording; that whenever I had occasion especially to notice their well-ordered, respectful and kind behaviour to women, of whatever age, I found them, I may say almost always, to be married men.--I.F.]
This happened near Ormskirk. Thomas Scarisbrick was killed by a flash of lightning, whilst building a turf-stack in 1799. His son James completed the work, and kept it intact during his life-time. James was buried April 21st, 1824. Wordsworth was therefore wrong as to the "fifty winters."--ED.
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.
Untouched through all severity of cold; Inviolate, whate'er the cottage hearth Might need for comfort, or for festal mirth; That Pile of Turf is half a century old: Yes, Traveller! fifty winters have been told 5 Since suddenly the dart of death went forth 'Gainst him who raised it,--his last work on earth: Thence has it, with the Son, so strong a hold Upon his Father's memory, that his hands, Through reverence, touch it only to repair[646] 10 Its waste.--Though crumbling with each breath of air, In annual renovation thus it stands-- Rude Mausoleum! but wrens nestle there, And red-breasts warble when sweet sounds are rare.
FOOTNOTES:
[645] Compare the Fenwick note to _A Tradition of Oker Hill in Darley_ _Dale, Derbyshire_, p. 230.--ED.
[646] 1837.
Thence by his Son more prized than aught which gold Could purchase--watched, preserved by his own hands, That, faithful to the Structure, still repair 1832.
1830
The Poems written in 1830 include, _The Armenian Lady's Love_, _The Russian Fugitive_, _The Egyptian Maid_, the Elegiac Stanzas on Sir George Beaumont, and several minor pieces.--ED.
THE ARMENIAN LADY'S LOVE
Composed 1830.--Published 1835
The subject of the following poem is from the Orlandus of the author's friend, Kenelm Henry Digby: and the liberty is taken of inscribing it to him as an acknowledgment, however unworthy, of pleasure and instruction derived from his numerous and valuable writings, illustrative of the piety and chivalry of the olden time.--W. W.
[Written at Rydal Mount.--I. F.]
One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."--ED.
I
You have heard "a Spanish Lady How she wooed an English man;"[647] Hear now of a fair Armenian, Daughter of the proud Soldàn; How she loved a Christian Slave, and told her pain 5 By word, look, deed, with hope that he might love again.
II
"Pluck that rose, it moves my liking," Said she, lifting up her veil; "Pluck it for me, gentle gardener, Ere it wither and grow pale." 10 "Princess fair, I till the ground, but may not take From twig or bed an humbler flower, even for your sake!"
III
"Grieved am I, submissive Christian! To behold thy captive state; Women, in your land, may pity 15 (May they not?) the unfortunate." "Yes, kind Lady! otherwise man could not bear Life, which to every one that breathes is full of care."
IV
"Worse than idle is compassion If it end in tears and sighs; 20 Thee from bondage would I rescue And from vile indignities; Nurtured, as thy mien bespeaks, in high degree, Look up--and help a hand that longs to set thee free."
V
"Lady! dread the wish, nor venture 25 In such peril to engage; Think how it would stir against you Your most loving father's rage: Sad deliverance would it be, and yoked with shame, Should troubles overflow on her from whom it came." 30
VI
"Generous Frank! the just in effort Are of inward peace secure: Hardships for the brave encountered, Even the feeblest may endure: If almighty grace through me thy chains unbind 35 My father for slave's work may seek a slave in mind."
VII
"Princess, at this burst of goodness, My long-frozen heart grows warm!" "Yet you make all courage fruitless, Me to save from chance of harm: 40 Leading such companion I that gilded dome, Yon minarets, would gladly leave for his worst home."
VIII
"Feeling tunes your voice, fair Princess! And your brow is free from scorn, Else these words would come like mockery, 45 Sharper than the pointed thorn." "Whence the undeserved mistrust? Too wide apart Our faith hath been,--O would that eyes could see the heart!"
IX
"Tempt me not, I pray; my doom is These base implements to wield; 50 Rusty lance, I ne'er shall grasp thee, Ne'er assoil my cobwebb'd shield! Never see my native land, nor castle towers, Nor Her who thinking of me there counts widowed hours."
X
"Prisoner! pardon youthful fancies; 55 Wedded? If you _can_, say no! Blessed is and be your consort; Hopes I cherished--let them go! Handmaid's privilege would leave my purpose free, Without another link to my felicity." 60
XI
"Wedded love with loyal Christians, Lady, is a mystery rare; Body, heart, and soul in union, Make one being of a pair." "Humble love in me would look for no return, 65 Soft as a guiding star that cheers, but cannot burn."
XII
"Gracious Allah! by such title Do I dare to thank the God, Him who thus exalts thy spirit, Flower of an unchristian sod! 70 Or hast thou put off wings which thou in heaven dost wear? What have I seen, and heard or dreamt? where am I? where?"
XIII
Here broke off the dangerous converse: Less impassioned words might tell How the pair escaped together, 75 Tears not wanting, nor a knell Of sorrow in her heart while through her father's door, And from her narrow world, she passed for evermore.
XIV
But affections higher, holier, Urged her steps; she shrunk from trust 80 In a sensual creed that trampled Woman's birthright into dust. Little be the wonder then, the blame be none, If she, a timid Maid, hath put such boldness on.
XV
Judge both Fugitives with knowledge: 85 In those old romantic days Mighty were the soul's commandments To support, restrain, or raise. Foes might hang upon their path, snakes rustle near, But nothing from their inward selves had they to fear. 90
XVI
Thought infirm ne'er came between them, Whether printing desert sands With accordant steps, or gathering Forest-fruit with social hands; 94 Or whispering like two reeds that in the cold moonbeam Bend with the breeze their heads, beside a crystal stream.
XVII
On a friendly deck reposing They at length for Venice steer; There, when they had closed their voyage, One, who daily on the pier 100 Watched for tidings from the East, beheld his Lord, Fell down and clasped his knees for joy, not uttering word.
XVIII
Mutual was the sudden transport; Breathless questions followed fast, Years contracting to a moment, 105 Each word greedier than the last; "Hie thee to the Countess, friend! return with speed, And of this Stranger speak by whom her lord was freed.
XIX
Say that I, who might have languished, Drooped and pined till life was spent, 110 Now before the gates of Stolberg[648] My Deliverer would present For a crowning recompense, the precious grace Of her who in my heart still holds her ancient place.
XX
Make it known that my Companion 115 Is of royal eastern blood, Thirsting after all perfection, Innocent, and meek, and good, Though with misbelievers bred; but that dark night Will holy Church disperse by beams of gospel-light." 120
XXI
Swiftly went that grey-haired Servant, Soon returned a trusty Page Charged with greetings, benedictions, Thanks and praises, each a gage For a sunny thought to cheer the Stranger's way, 125 Her virtuous scruples to remove, her fears allay.
XXII
And how blest the Reunited, While beneath their castle-walls, Runs a deafening noise of welcome!-- Blest, though every tear that falls 130 Doth in its silence of past sorrow tell, And makes[649] a meeting seem most like a dear farewell.
XXIII
Through a haze of human nature, Glorified by heavenly light, Looked the beautiful Deliverer 135 On that overpowering sight, While across her virgin cheek pure blushes strayed, For every tender sacrifice her heart had made.
XXIV
On the ground the weeping Countess Knelt, and kissed the Stranger's hand; 140 Act of soul-devoted homage, Pledge of an eternal band: Nor did aught of future days that kiss belie, Which, with a generous shout, the crowd did ratify.
XXV
Constant to the fair Armenian, 145 Gentle pleasures round her moved, Like a tutelary spirit Reverenced, like a sister, loved. Christian meekness smoothed for all the path of life, 149 Who, loving most, should wiseliest love, their only strife.
XXVI
Mute memento of that union In a Saxon church survives, Where a cross-legged Knight lies sculptured As between two wedded Wives-- Figures with armorial signs of race and birth, 155 And the vain rank the pilgrims bore while yet on earth.
FOOTNOTES:
[647] See, in Percy's _Reliques_, that fine old ballad, "The Spanish Lady's Love;" from which Poem the form of stanza, as suitable to dialogue, is adopted.--W. W. 1835.
[648] A small town in Prussian-Saxony, the residence of the Counts of Stolberg-Stolberg.--ED.
[649] 1836.
Fancy (while, to banners floating High on Stolberg's Castle walls, Deafening noise of welcome mounted, Trumpets, Drums, and Atabals,) The devout embraces still, while such tears fell As made ... 1835.
THE RUSSIAN FUGITIVE[650]
Composed 1830.--Published 1835
[Early in life this story had interested me, and I often thought it would make a pleasing subject for an opera or musical drama.--I. F.]
In 1837 this poem was placed among those grouped as "Yarrow revisited, etc." In 1845 it was transferred to the "Miscellaneous Poems."--ED.
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