case that, on inquiry into the state of our affairs in London, he should think it advisable to do so. It is at my request that this information is communicated to you." Calvert did not live to go south; and he changed the sum left to Wordsworth from £600 to £900. The relationship of the two men suggests the somewhat parallel one between Spinoza and Simon de Vries.--ED. "METHOUGHT I SAW THE FOOTSTEPS OF A THRONE" Composed 1806.--Published 1807 [The latter part of this sonnet was a great favourite with my sister S. H. When I saw her lying in death, I could not resist the impulse to compose the Sonnet that follows it.--I. F.] One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED. Methought I saw the footsteps of a throne Which mists and vapours from mine eyes did shroud-- Nor view of who might sit[1] thereon allowed; But all the steps and ground about were strown With sights the ruefullest that flesh and bone 5 Ever put on; a miserable crowd, Sick, hale, old, young, who cried before that cloud, "Thou art our king, O Death! to thee we groan." Those steps I clomb; the mists before me gave[2] Smooth way; and I beheld the face of one 10 Sleeping alone within a mossy cave, With her face up to heaven; that seemed to have Pleasing remembrance of a thought foregone; A lovely Beauty in a summer grave! "The Sonnet that follows," referred to in the Fenwick note, is one belonging to the year 1836, beginning-- Even so for me a Vision sanctified. See the note to that sonnet.--ED. VARIANTS: [1] 1815. ... of him who sate ... 1807. [2] 1845. I seem'd to mount those steps; the vapours gave 1807. Those steps I mounted, as the vapours gave 1837. ... while the vapours gave 1838. Those steps I clomb; the opening vapours gave C. and 1840. LINES Composed at Grasmere, during a walk one Evening, after a stormy day, the Author having just read in a Newspaper that the dissolution of Mr. Fox was hourly expected. Composed September 1806.--Published 1807 This poem was ranked among the "Epitaphs and Elegiac Pieces."--ED. Loud is the Vale! the Voice is up With which she speaks when storms are gone, A mighty unison of streams! Of all her Voices, One! Loud is the Vale;--this inland Depth 5 In peace is roaring like the Sea; Yon star upon the mountain-top Is listening quietly. Sad was I, even to pain deprest, Importunate and heavy load![A] 10 The Comforter hath found me here, Upon this lonely road; And many thousands now are sad-- Wait the fulfilment of their fear; For he must die who is their stay, 15 Their glory disappear.