On, loitering Muse--the swift Stream chides us--on! Albeit his deep-worn channel doth immure Objects immense portrayed in miniature, Wild shapes for many a strange comparison! Niagaras, Alpine passes, and anon 5 Abodes of Naiads, calm abysses pure, Bright liquid mansions, fashioned to endure When the broad oak drops, a leafless skeleton, And the solidities of mortal pride, Palace and tower, are crumbled into dust!-- 10 The Bard who walks with Duddon for his guide, Shall find such toys of fancy thickly set: Turn from the sight, enamoured Muse--we must; And, if thou canst, leave them without regret![443] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote FK: "Almost immediately after leaving Birks Brig the stream plunges into a gorge--the 'deep-worn channel' of this sonnet. By dint of a little clambering, all the picturesque features described in the sonnet may be seen, but the traveller is forced at last to resume the road. The channel is so deep and confined that the stream cannot be seen from the road, and this is the first time since leaving the source that the Duddon is lost to sight. It is this fact which gives rise to the concluding lines of the sonnet:-- Turn from the sight, enamoured Muse--we must; And, if thou canst, leave them without regret!" (Herbert Rix.) ] XIII OPEN PROSPECT[FL] Hail to the fields--with Dwellings sprinkled o'er, And one small hamlet, under a green hill Clustering,[444] with barn and byre, and spouting mill! A glance suffices;--should we wish for more, Gay June would scorn us. But when bleak winds roar 5 Through the stiff lance-like shoots of pollard ash,[FM] Dread swell of sound! loud as the gusts that lash The matted forests of Ontario's shore By wasteful steel unsmitten--then would I Turn into port; and, reckless of the gale, 10 Reckless of angry Duddon sweeping by, While the warm hearth exalts the mantling ale, Laugh with the generous household heartily At all the merry pranks of Donnerdale! VARIANTS: [Footnote 443: 1827. Leave them--and, if thou canst, without regret! 1820. ] [Footnote 444: 1837. Cluster'd, ... 1820. ] FOOTNOTES: