Or when the church-clock's knell profound[549] To Time's first step across the bound Of midnight makes reply; Time pressing on with starry crest, 70 To filial sleep upon the breast Of dread eternity. _The Wishing-gate_ was first published in _The Keepsake_ in 1829, and next in the 1832 edition of the Poems.--ED. FOOTNOTES: [546] Having been told, upon what I thought good authority, that this gate had been destroyed, and the opening where it hung walled up, I gave vent immediately to my feelings in these stanzas. But going to the place some time after, I found, with much delight, my old favourite unmolested.--W. W. 1832. "The same triumphant power attributed to the Wishing-gate is fancifully attributed to an image of St. Bridget in the ruined Franciscan convent at Adare." (Mr. Aubrey de Vere.) [547] 1832. Yes! even ... 1829. [548] 1836. And yearn ... 1829. [549] Grasmere Church.--ED. THE WISHING-GATE DESTROYED Composed 1828.--Published 1842 One of the "Poems of the Imagination."--ED. 'Tis gone--with old belief and dream That round it clung, and tempting scheme Released from fear and doubt; And the bright landscape too must lie, By this blank wall, from every eye, 5 Relentlessly shut out. Bear witness ye who seldom passed That opening--but a look ye cast Upon the lake below, What spirit-stirring power it gained 10 From faith which here was entertained, Though reason might say no. Blest is that ground, where, o'er the springs Of history, Glory claps her wings, Fame sheds the exulting tear; 15 Yet earth is wide, and many a nook Unheard of is, like this, a book For modest meanings dear. It was in sooth a happy thought That grafted, on so fair a spot, 20 So confident a token Of coming good;--the charm is fled; Indulgent centuries spun a thread, Which one harsh day has broken. Alas! for him who gave the word; 25 Could he no sympathy afford, Derived from earth or heaven, To hearts so oft by hope betrayed; Their very wishes wanted aid Which here was freely given? 30 Where, for the love-lorn maiden's wound, Will now so readily be found A balm of expectation? Anxious for far-off children, where Shall mothers breathe a like sweet air 35 Of home-felt consolation? And not unfelt will prove the loss 'Mid trivial care and petty cross And each day's shallow grief; Though the most easily beguiled 40 Were oft among the first that smiled At their own fond belief.