O dearer far than light and life are dear, Full oft our human foresight I deplore; Trembling, through my unworthiness, with fear That friends, by death disjoined, may meet no more! Misgivings, hard to vanquish or control, 5 Mix with the day, and cross the hour of rest; While all the future, for thy purer soul, With "sober certainties" of love is blest.[379] That sigh of thine,[380] not meant for human ear, Tells[381] that these words thy humbleness offend; 10 Yet bear me up[382]--else faltering in the rear Of a steep march: support[383] me to the end. Peace settles where the intellect is meek, And Love is dutiful in thought and deed; Through Thee communion with that Love I seek: 15 The faith Heaven strengthens where _he_ moulds the Creed. FOOTNOTES: [379] See _Comus_, l. 263.--ED. [380] 1836. If a faint sigh, ... 1827. [381] 1836. Tell ... 1827. [382] 1836. Cherish me still-- ... 1827. [383] 1836. ... uphold ... 1827. "HOW RICH THAT FOREHEAD'S CALM EXPANSE!" Composed 1824.--Published 1827 [Written at Rydal Mount. Mrs. Wordsworth's impression is that the Poem was written at Coleorton: it was certainly suggested by a Print at Coleorton Hall.--I. F.] One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."--ED. How rich that forehead's calm expanse! How bright that heaven-directed glance! --Waft her to glory, wingèd Powers, Ere sorrow be renewed, And intercourse with mortal hours 5 Bring back a humbler mood! So looked Cecilia when she drew An Angel from his station;[384] So looked; not ceasing to pursue Her tuneful adoration! 10 But hand and voice alike are still; No sound _here_ sweeps away the will That gave it birth: in service meek One upright arm sustains the cheek, And one across the bosom lies-- 15 That rose, and now forgets to rise, Subdued by breathless harmonies Of meditative feeling; Mute strains from worlds beyond the skies, Through the pure light of female eyes, 20 Their sanctity revealing! FOOTNOTES: [384] Compare Dryden's _Alexander's Feast_, an Ode in honour of St. Cecilia's Day-- _Timotheus._ He raised a mortal to the skies. _Cecilia._ She drew an angel down.--ED. TO ---- Composed 1824.--Published 1827 [Written at Rydal Mount. Prompted by the undue importance attached to personal beauty by some dear friends of mine.--I. F.] One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."--ED.