Clouds, lingering yet, extend[1] in solid bars Through the grey west; and lo! these waters, steeled By breezeless air to smoothest polish, yield A vivid repetition[2] of the stars; Jove, Venus, and the ruddy crest of Mars 5 Amid his fellows beauteously revealed At happy distance from earth's groaning field, Where ruthless mortals wage incessant wars. Is it a mirror?--or the nether Sphere Opening to view the abyss in which she feeds 10 Her own calm fires?[3]--But list! a voice is near; Great Pan himself low-whispering through the reeds, "Be thankful, thou; for, if unholy deeds Ravage the world, tranquillity is here!" VARIANTS: [1] 1827. Eve's lingering clouds extend ... MS. and 1819. [2] 1819. A bright re-duplication ... MS. [3] 1837. Opening a vast abyss, while fancy feeds On the rich show? ... MS. Opening its vast abyss, ... 1819. Opening to view the abyss in which it feeds Its own calm fires?-- ... 1827. IN THE GROUNDS OF COLEORTON, THE SEAT OF SIR GEORGE BEAUMONT, BART., LEICESTERSHIRE Composed 1808.--Published 1815 [In the grounds of Coleorton these verses are engraved on a stone placed near the Tree, which was thriving and spreading when I saw it in the summer of 1841.--I. F.] Included among the "Inscriptions."--ED. The embowering rose, the acacia, and the pine, Will[1] not unwillingly their place resign; If but the Cedar thrive that near them stands, Planted by Beaumont's and by Wordsworth's hands. One wooed the silent Art with studious pains: 5 These groves have heard the Other's pensive strains; Devoted thus, their spirits did unite By interchange of knowledge and delight. May Nature's kindliest powers sustain the Tree, And Love protect it from all injury! 10 And when its potent branches, wide out-thrown, Darken the brow of this memorial Stone, [2]Here may some Painter sit in future days, Some future Poet meditate his lays; Not mindless of that distant age renowned 15 When Inspiration hovered o'er this ground, The haunt of him who sang how spear and shield In civil conflict met on Bosworth-field; And of that famous Youth, full soon removed From earth, perhaps by Shakspeare's self approved, 20 Fletcher's Associate, Jonson's Friend beloved.