[As recorded in my sister's Journal, I had first seen the Trosachs in her and Coleridge's company. The sentiment that runs through this Sonnet was natural to the season in which I again saw this beautiful spot; but this and some other Sonnets that follow were coloured by the remembrance of my recent visit to Sir Walter Scott, and the melancholy errand on which he was going.--I. F.] There's not a nook within this solemn Pass, But were an apt confessional for One Taught by his summer spent, his autumn gone, That Life is but a tale of morning grass Withered at eve.[696] From scenes of art which chase[697] That thought away, turn, and with watchful eyes 6 Feed it 'mid Nature's old felicities, Rocks, rivers, and smooth lakes more clear than glass Untouched, unbreathed upon. Thrice happy quest,[698] If from a golden perch of aspen spray 10 (October's workmanship to rival May) The pensive warbler of the ruddy breast That[699] moral sweeten by a heaven-taught lay, Lulling the year, with all its cares, to rest! FOOTNOTES: [696] Compare _The Excursion_, book iii. 11. 468-474.--ED. [697] 1837. ... that chase 1835. [698] A supposed reading of this line printed, but placed by Wordsworth amongst the _errata_ of the edition of 1835, may be quoted, as it has given rise to some controversy. In that edition the phrase was "Thrice happy Guest." In a copy of the same edition of 1835, which Wordsworth presented to the Rev. T.C. Judkin, he crossed out the G and wrote in Q in pencil. It was a point on which the late Matthew Arnold was much interested; and although he retained, in his Selections, the reading finally sanctioned by the poet, he thought, as many others have done, that a good deal might be said in favour of the other reading.--ED. [699] 1837. This ... 1835. VII "THE PIBROCH'S NOTE, DISCOUNTENANCED OR MUTE" The pibroch's note, discountenanced or mute; The Roman kilt, degraded to a toy Of quaint apparel for a half-spoilt boy; The target mouldering like ungathered fruit; The smoking steam-boat eager in pursuit, 5 As eagerly pursued; the umbrella spread To weather-fend the Celtic herdsman's head-- All speak of manners withering to the root, And of[700] old honours, too, and passions high: Then may we ask, though pleased that thought should range 10 Among the conquests of civility, Survives imagination--to the change Superior? Help to virtue does she give?[701] If not, O Mortals, better cease to live! FOOTNOTES: [700] 1845. And some ... 1835. [701] 1845. ... it give? 1835. VIII COMPOSED AFTER READING A NEWSPAPER OF THE DAY[702]