See yon undulating meadow MS. ] [Footnote 325: In a MS. this stanza follows the second last one in the Inscription beginning, "Hopes, what are they?"] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote DC: And therefore not far from the _Glow-worm Rock_, if not upon it. See the note to _The Pilgrim's Dream_, p. 167.--ED.] COMPOSED UPON AN EVENING OF EXTRAORDINARY SPLENDOUR AND BEAUTY[DD] Composed 1818.--Published 1820 [Felt, and in a great measure composed, upon the little mount in front of our abode at Rydal. In concluding my notices of this class of poems, it may be as well to observe that among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets" are a few alluding to morning impressions, which might be read with mutual benefit, in connection with these "Evening Voluntaries." See, for example, that one on Westminster Bridge, that composed on a May Morning, the one on the Song of the Thrush, and that beginning--"While beams of orient light shoot wide and high."--I. F.] In 1820 this was one of the "Poems of the Imagination." In 1837 it was transferred to the "Evening Voluntaries."--ED. I Had this effulgence disappeared With flying haste, I might have sent, Among the speechless clouds, a look Of blank astonishment; But 'tis endued with power to stay, 5 And sanctify[328] one closing day, That frail Mortality may see-- What is?--ah no, but what _can_ be! Time was when field and watery cove With modulated echoes rang, 10 While choirs of fervent Angels sang Their vespers in the grove;[329] Or, crowning, star-like, each some sovereign height,[330] Warbled, for heaven above and earth below, Strains, suitable to both.--Such holy rite, 15 Methinks, if audibly repeated now From hill or valley, could not move[331] Sublimer transport, purer[332] love, Than doth this silent spectacle--the gleam-- The shadow--and the peace supreme! 20 II No sound is uttered,--but a deep[333] And solemn harmony pervades The hollow vale from steep to steep, And penetrates the glades. Far-distant images draw nigh, 25 Called forth by wondrous potency Of beamy radiance, that imbues Whate'er it strikes, with gem-like hues! In vision exquisitely clear, Herds range[334] along the mountain side; 30 And glistening antlers are descried;[DE] And gilded flocks appear. Thine is the tranquil hour, purpureal Eve! But long as god-like wish, or hope divine, Informs my spirit, ne'er can I believe 35 That this magnificence is wholly thine! --From worlds not quickened[335] by the sun[DF] A portion of the gift is won; An intermingling of Heaven's pomp is spread On ground which British shepherds tread! 40 III