[444] This dedicatory sonnet may possibly have been inscribed to his sister, whose reading of Milton's sonnets in 1801 first led him (as the Fenwick note tells us) to write sonnets.--ED. [445] See the note on the previous page.--ED. [446] 1837. ... gather it. O chief Of Friends! such feelings if I here present, Such thoughts, with others mixed less fortunate; Then smile into my heart a fond belief That Thou, ... 1827. [447] 1837. Receiv'st the gift for ... 1827. [448] "_Something less than joy, but more than dull content._" COUNTESS OF WINCHELSEA.--W. W. 1837. "HER ONLY PILOT THE SOFT BREEZE, THE BOAT" Composed 1827.--Published 1827 One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED. Her only pilot the soft breeze, the boat Lingers, but Fancy is well satisfied; With keen-eyed Hope, with Memory, at her side, And the glad Muse at liberty to note All that to each is precious, as we float 5 Gently along; regardless who shall chide If the heavens smile, and leave us free to glide, Happy Associates breathing air remote From trivial cares. But, Fancy and the Muse, Why have I crowded this small bark with you 10 And others of your kind, ideal crew! While here sits One whose brightness owes its hues To flesh and blood; no Goddess from above, No fleeting Spirit, but my own true Love?[449] FOOTNOTES: [449] The reminiscence of a day spent on Grasmere Lake with Mrs. Wordsworth. Compare Robert Browning's lines-- No angel, but a dearer being All dipt in angel instincts.--ED. "WHY, MINSTREL, THESE UNTUNEFUL MURMURINGS" Composed 1827.--Published 1827 One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED. "Why, Minstrel, these untuneful murmurings-- Dull, flagging notes that with each other jar?" "Think, gentle Lady, of a Harp so far From its own country, and forgive the strings." A simple answer! but even so forth springs, 5 From the Castalian fountain of the heart,[450] The Poetry of Life, and all _that_ Art Divine of words quickening insensate things. From the submissive necks of guiltless men Stretched on the block, the glittering axe recoils; 10 Sun, moon, and stars, all struggle in the toils Of mortal sympathy; what wonder then That[451] the poor Harp distempered music yields To its sad Lord, far from his native fields? FOOTNOTES: [450] Castaly (Castalius fons), a fountain near Parnassus sacred to the Muses. See Virgil, _Georgics_, iii. 293.--ED. [451] 1837. If ... 1827. TO S. H.[452] Composed 1827.--Published 1827 One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.