The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 6 (of 8)Wordsworth, William
General
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 6 (of 8)
Wordsworth, William
English poetry -- 18th century; English poetry -- 19th century
It is impossible to say where the "spring of the Hermitage" was, or was
supposed by Wordsworth to be. It may refer to some Rydalian retreat.
There is no spring or "crystal well" on St. Herbert's Island,
Derwentwater; but Inscription XIII. in the edition of 1820 is entitled
"For the Spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert's Island,
Derwentwater."--ED.
V
"NOT SELDOM, CLAD IN RADIANT VEST"
Not seldom, clad in radiant vest,
Deceitfully goes forth the Morn;
Not seldom Evening in the west
Sinks smilingly forsworn.
The smoothest seas will sometimes prove, 5
To the confiding Bark, untrue;
And, if she trust the stars above,
They can be treacherous too.
The umbrageous Oak, in pomp outspread,
Full oft, when storms the welkin rend, 10
Draws lightning down upon the head
It promised to defend.
But Thou art true, incarnate Lord,
Who didst vouchsafe for man to die;
Thy smile is sure, thy plighted word 15
No change can falsify!
I bent before thy gracious throne,
And asked for peace on suppliant knee;[326]
And peace was given,--nor peace alone,
But faith sublimed to ecstasy![327] 20
VARIANTS:
[Footnote 309: 1820.
... fair abode MS.
]
[Footnote 310: 1820.
... this ... MS.
]
[Footnote 311: 1820.
... tender ... MS.
]
[Footnote 312: 1820.
In some strait and dangerous pass. MS.
]
[Footnote 313: 1820.
Haunting Man ... MS.
]
[Footnote 314: 1820.
But when danger meets the unwary MS.
]
[Footnote 315: 1820.
... a pearl rejected; MS.
]
[Footnote 316: 1827.
Joy?--a dazzling moon reflected 1820.
]
[Footnote 317: 1820.
... plashing bog; MS.
]
[Footnote 318: 1820.
Bright, and in a moment hidden, C.
]
[Footnote 319: 1837.
Gone, as if for ever hidden, 1820.
]
[Footnote 320: 1820.
Bright, as if through ether steering,
Not a moment past it shone;
Can we trust its re-appearing?
No, 'tis dim, mis-shapen, gone. MS.
... its dazzling light. C.
]
[Footnote 321: 1820.
... a sparkling billow
Shaped and instantly no more; MS.
]
[Footnote 322: 1820.
On a melancholy shore. MS.
]
[Footnote 323: 1820.
4 vol. edition.
... with train incessant, 1820.
1 vol. edition.
]
[Footnote 324: 1820.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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