Of Hellespont (such faith was entertained) (1814.) ΤΟ [MISS BLACKETT], ON HER FIRST ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT OF HELVELLYN. Inmate of a mountain-dwelling, From the watch-towers of Helvellyn; 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 Evening spreads throughout the west! Thine are all the coral fountains Of the untrodden lunar mountains ; To Niphates' top invited, For the power of hills is on thee, (1816.) EVENING VOLUNTARY. [Composed upon an Evening of extraordinary Splendour and Beauty.] I. Had this effulgence disappeared With flying haste, I might have sent, Of blank astonishment; But 'tis endued with power to stay, And sanctify one closing day, What is?-ah no, but what can be! Time was when field and watery cove With modulated echoes rang, While choirs of fervent Angels sang Or, crowning, star-like, each some sovereign height, Than doth this silent spectacle-the gleam- 2. No sound is uttered, but a deep The hollow vale from steep to steep, Whate'er it strikes with gem-like hues ! Herds range along the mountain side; Thine is the tranquil hour, purpureal Eve! An intermingling of Heaven's pomp is spread 3. And, if there be whom broken ties Afflict, or injuries assail, Yon hazy ridges to their eyes Present a glorious scale, Climbing suffused with sunny air, To stop-no record hath told where ! And tempting Fancy to ascend, -Wings at my shoulders seem to play; On those bright steps that heaven-ward raise Come forth, ye drooping old men, look abroad, Hath slept since noon-tide on the grassy ground, Ye Genii! to his covert speed; And wake him with such gentle heed As may attune his soul to meet the dower 4. Such hues from their celestial Urn This glimpse of glory, why renewed? Survived, 'twas only in my dreams. Dread Power! whom peace and calmness serve No less than Nature's threatening voice, If aught unworthy be my choice, From THEE if I would swerve; Oh, let thy grace remind me of the light 'Tis past, the visionary splendour fades ; And night approaches with her shades. (1818.) [From the Prelude. 1799-1805.] [APPARITION ON THE LAKE.] Dust as we are, the immortal spirit grows The calm existence that is mine when I Am worthy of myself! Praise to the end! Thanks to the means which Nature deigned to employ ; Whether her fearless visitings, or those That came with soft alarm, like hurtless light More palpable, as best might suit her aim. One summer evening (led by her) I found A little boat tied to a willow tree Within a rocky cave, its usual home. Straight I unloosed her chain, and stepping in And troubled pleasure, nor without the voice Of sparkling light. But now, like one who rows, With an unswerving line, I fixed my view |