lifeless use into which mythology fell towards the close of the 17th century, and which continued through the 18th, disgusted the general reader with all allusion to it in modern verse; and though, in deference to this disgust, and also in a measure participating in it, I abstained in my earlier writings from all introduction of pagan fable, surely, even in its humble form, it may ally itself with real sentiment, as I can truly affirm it did in the present case.--I. F.] One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection." In 1847 Wordsworth wrote to Mr. Fletcher that this poem was "suggested to him one day at Ullswater, in the year 1817, by seeing two white, snowy clouds reflected in the lake. 'They looked' (he said), 'like two swans.'"--ED. I An age hath been when Earth was proud Of lustre too intense To be sustained; and Mortals bowed The front in self-defence. Who _then_, if Dian's crescent gleamed, 5 Or Cupid's sparkling arrow streamed While on the wing the Urchin played, Could fearlessly approach the shade? --Enough for one soft vernal day, If I, a bard of ebbing time, 10 And nurtured in a fickle clime, May haunt this hornèd bay;[CM] Whose amorous water multiplies The flitting halcyon's vivid dyes;[CN] And smooths her[249] liquid breast--to show 15 These swan-like specks of mountain snow,[CO] White as the pair that slid along the plains Of heaven, when Venus held the reins! II In youth we love the darksome lawn Brushed by the owlet's wing; 20 Then, Twilight is preferred to Dawn, And Autumn to the Spring.[CP] Sad fancies do we then affect, In luxury of disrespect To our own prodigal excess 25 Of too familiar happiness. Lycoris (if such name befit Thee, thee my life's celestial sign!)[CQ] When Nature marks the year's decline, Be ours to welcome it; 30 Pleased with the harvest hope that runs Before the path of milder suns;[250] Pleased while the sylvan world displays Its ripeness to the feeding gaze; Pleased when the sullen winds resound the knell Of the resplendent miracle. 36 III