“Almost immediately after I had composed my tribute to the memory of Grace Darling, I learnt that the Queen and Queen Dowager had both just subscribed towards the erection of a monument to record her heroism, upon the spot that witnessed it.” (Wordsworth to Sir W. Gomm, March 24, 1843.)--ED. Among the dwellers in the silent fields The natural heart is touched, and public way And crowded streets resound with ballad strains, Inspired by ONE whose very name bespeaks Favour divine, exalting human love; 5 Whom, since her birth on bleak Northumbria’s coast, Known unto few but prized as far as known, A single Act endears to high and low Through the whole land--to Manhood, moved in spite Of the world’s freezing cares--to generous Youth-- 10 To Infancy, that lisps her praise--to Age Whose eye reflects it, glistening through a tear Of tremulous admiration. Such true fame Awaits her _now_; but, verily, good deeds Do no imperishable record find 15 Save in the rolls of heaven, where hers may live A theme for angels, when they celebrate The high-souled virtues which forgetful earth Has witness’d. Oh! that winds and waves could speak Of things which their united power called forth 20 From the pure depths of her humanity! A Maiden gentle, yet, at duty’s call, Firm and unflinching, as the Lighthouse reared On the Island-rock, her lonely dwelling-place; Or like the invincible Rock itself that braves, 25 Age after age, the hostile elements, As when it guarded holy Cuthbert’s cell.[415]