Sad thoughts, avaunt!--the fervour of the year, Poured on the fleece-encumbered flock, invites To laving currents, for prelusive rites Duly performed before the Dales-men shear Their panting charge. The distant Mountains hear, 1820. ] [Footnote 455: 1845. Meanwhile, if Duddon's spotless breast receive 1820. ] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote GB: See note to Sonnet xxvii.--ED.] XXV "METHINKS 'TWERE NO UNPRECEDENTED FEAT" Methinks 'twere no unprecedented feat Should some benignant Minister of air Lift, and encircle with a cloudy chair, The One for whom my heart shall ever beat With tenderest love;--or, if a safer seat 5 Atween his downy wings be furnished, there Would lodge her, and the cherished burden bear O'er hill and valley to this dim retreat! Rough ways my steps have trod; too rough and long For her companionship; here dwells soft ease: 10 With sweets that[457] she partakes not some distaste Mingles, and lurking consciousness of wrong; Languish the flowers; the waters seem to waste Their vocal charm; their sparklings cease to please. XXVI "RETURN, CONTENT! FOR FONDLY I PURSUED" Return, Content! for fondly I pursued, Even when a child, the Streams[GC]--unheard, unseen; Through tangled woods, impending rocks between; Or, free as air, with flying inquest viewed The sullen reservoirs whence their bold brood-- 5 Pure as the morning, fretful, boisterous, keen, Green as the[458] salt-sea billows, white and green-- Poured down the hills, a choral multitude! Nor have I tracked their course for scanty gains; They taught me random cares and truant joys, 10 That shield from mischief and preserve from stains Vague minds, while men are growing out of boys; Maturer Fancy owes to their rough noise Impetuous thoughts that brook not servile reins. VARIANTS: [Footnote 456: 1837. There ... 1820. ] [Footnote 457: 1837. ... which ... 1820. ] [Footnote 458: 1820. Sparkling like ... C. ] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote GC: See note to Sonnet XXVII.--ED.] XXVII "FALLEN, AND DIFFUSED INTO A SHAPELESS HEAP"