"I do not know of any pool of water in the Upper Rydal Park. There are some pools up the river, 'Mirror Pool' among them; but I hardly think there can ever have been 'beech-trees' growing near them." There are many difficulties, and the place cannot now be identified. Wordsworth's own wish will doubtless be realised, 'The travellers know it not, and 'twill remain Unknown to them.' Ed. * * * * * THE WATERFALL AND THE EGLANTINE Composed 1800.--Published 1800 [Suggested nearer to Grasmere, in the same mountain track as that referred to in the following note. The Eglantine remained many years afterwards, but is now gone.--I.F.] Included among the "Poems of the Fancy."--Ed. I "Begone, thou fond presumptuous Elf," Exclaimed an angry Voice, [1] "Nor dare to thrust thy foolish self Between me and my choice!" A small Cascade fresh swoln with snows 5 Thus threatened a poor Briar-rose, [2] That, all bespattered with his foam, And dancing high and dancing low, Was living, as a child might know, In an unhappy home. 10 II "Dost thou presume my course to block? Off, off! or, puny Thing! I'll hurl thee headlong with the rock To which thy fibres cling." The Flood was tyrannous and strong; [A] 15 The patient Briar suffered long, Nor did he utter groan or sigh, Hoping the danger would be past; But, seeing no relief, at last, He ventured to reply. 20 III "Ah!" said the Briar, "blame me not; Why should we dwell in strife? We who in this sequestered spot [3] Once lived a happy life! You stirred me on my rocky bed--25 What pleasure through my veins you spread The summer long, from day to day, My leaves you freshened and bedewed; Nor was it common gratitude That did your cares repay. 30 IV "When spring came on with bud and bell, [B] Among these rocks did I Before you hang my wreaths [4] to tell That gentle days were nigh! And in the sultry summer hours, 35 I sheltered you with leaves and flowers; And in my leaves--now shed and gone, The linnet lodged, and for us two Chanted his pretty songs, when you Had little voice or none. 40