If thou indeed derive thy light from Heaven, Then, to the measure of that heaven-born light, Shine, Poet![495] in thy place, and be content:-- The stars pre-eminent in magnitude, And they that from the zenith dart their beams,[496] 5 (Visible though they[497] be to half the earth, Though half a sphere be conscious of their brightness) Are[498] yet of no diviner origin, No purer essence, than the one that burns, Like an untended watch-fire, on the ridge 10 Of some dark mountain; or than those which seem Humbly to hang, like twinkling winter lamps, Among the branches of the leafless trees; All are the undying offspring of one Sire: Then, to the measure of the light vouchsafed, 15 Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content.[499] These lines, first published in 1827, found a place in the edition of that year, amongst the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection." In the edition of 1845 they appeared as a Preface to the entire volume of Poems.--ED. FOOTNOTES: [495] 1837. ... from Heaven, Shine, Poet, ... 1827. [496] 1837. The Star that from the zenith darts its beams, 1827. [497] 1837. ... it ... 1827. [498] 1837. ... its brightness, Is ... 1827. [499] The last three lines were added in 1837.--ED. IN THE WOODS OF RYDAL[500] Composed 1827.--Published 1827 One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED. Wild Redbreast![501] hadst them at Jemima's lip[502] Pecked, as at mine, thus boldly, Love might say[503] A half-blown rose had tempted thee to sip Its glistening dews: but hallowed is the clay Which the Muse warms; and I, whose head is grey,[504] 5 Am not unworthy of thy fellowship; Nor could I let one thought--one motion--slip That might thy sylvan confidence betray. For are we not all His without whose care Vouchsafed no sparrow falleth to the ground?[505] 10 Who gives his Angels wings to speed through air, And rolls the planets through the blue profound; Then peck or perch, fond Flutterer! nor forbear To trust a Poet in still musings bound.[506] FOOTNOTES: [500] The original title (in MS.) was "To a Redbreast." _In the Woods of Rydal_ was added in 1836.--ED.