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diff --git a/16550-h/16550-h.htm b/16550-h/16550-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d3c5d1f --- /dev/null +++ b/16550-h/16550-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,72849 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Prose Works Of William Wordsworth, by +The Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, St. George's, Blackburn, Lancashire.</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } +p {text-indent: 4% } +p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + .poem span.i10 {display: block; margin-left: 10em;} + .poem span.i3 {display: block; margin-left: 3em;} + .poem span.i14 {display: block; margin-left: 14em;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + ul li {padding-bottom: 1em;} + a:link {color: blue; text-decoration: none; } + link {color: blue; text-decoration: none; } + a:visited {color: blue; text-decoration: none; } + a:hover {color: red } + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} +span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 91%; right: 1%; + font-size: 8pt;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .6em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i1 {display: block; margin-left: 1em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + .poem span.i5 {display: block; margin-left: 5em;} + .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 6em;} + .poem span.i7 {display: block; margin-left: 7em;} + .poem span.i8 {display: block; margin-left: 8em;} + .poem span.i11 {display: block; margin-left: 11em;} + .poem span.i12 {display: block; margin-left: 12em;} + .poem span.i18 {display: block; margin-left: 18em;} + .poem span.i20 {display: block; margin-left: 20em;} + .poem span.i21 {display: block; margin-left: 21em;} + .poem span.i22 {display: block; margin-left: 22em;} + .poem span.i25 {display: block; margin-left: 25em;} + .poem span.i26 {display: block; margin-left: 26em;} + .poem span.i28 {display: block; margin-left: 28em;} + + </style> + </head> + <body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Prose Works of William Wordsworth, by William Wordsworth</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Prose Works of William Wordsworth<br /> +For the First Time Collected, With Additions from Unpublished Manuscripts. In Three Volumes.</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: William Wordsworth</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Editor: Alexander B. Grosart</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 19, 2005 [eBook #16550]<br /> +[Most recently updated: January 24, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Jonathan Ingram, Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PROSE WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH ***</div> + + <h1> + THE PROSE WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h1> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apageiii" id="Apageiii"></a>{iii}</span> + </p> + <h4> + FOR THE FIRST TIME COLLECTED, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>WITH ADDITIONS FROM UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + Edited, with Preface, Notes and Illustrations, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + BY THE REV. ALEXANDER B. GROSART, ST. GEORGE'S, BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + IN THREE VOLUMES. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h1> + VOL. I. + </h1> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + POLITICAL AND ETHICAL. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + LONDON: EDWARD MOXON, SON, AND CO. 1 AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + 1876. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + AMS Press, Inc. New York 10003 1967 + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + Manufactured in the United States of America + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS OF THREE VOLUMES + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <h3> + <a href="#CONTVOLI"><b>CONTENTS OF VOL. I.</b></a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#CONTVOLII"><b>CONTENTS OF VOL. II.</b></a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#CONTVOLIII"><b>CONTENTS OF VOL. III.</b></a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#INDEX"><b>INDEX.</b></a> + </h3> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apageiv" id="Apageiv"></a>{iv}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="CONTVOLI" id="CONTVOLI"></a>CONTENTS OF VOL. I. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + *** A star [*] designates publication herein <i>for the first time</i> + G. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#TO_THE_QUEEN"><b>The Dedication to the Queen</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#Deign_Sovereign_Mistres"><b>*Poem addressed to her Majesty + with a Gift-copy of the Poems</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#PREFACE"><b>The Preface</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#I_POLITICAL"><b>I. POLITICAL</b></a> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#I_APOLOGY_FOR_THE_FRENCH_REVOLUTION_1793"><b>*I. Apology + for the French Revolution, 1793</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#APPENDIX_to_Bishop_Watsons_Sermon"><b>Appendix to + Bishop Watson's Sermon</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#II_THE_CONVENTION_OF_CINTRA"><b>II. The Convention of + Cintra</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#APPENDIX175"><b>Appendix by De Quincey</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a + href="#III_VINDICATION_OF_OPINIONS_IN_THE_TREATISE_ON_THE_CONVENTION_OF"> + <b>III. Vindication of Opinions in the Treatise on the 'Convention + of Cintra'</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#PASLEY"><b>(<i>a</i>) Letter to Major-General Sir + Charles W. Pasley, K.C.B. on his 'Military Policy and + Institutions of the British Empire,' 1811</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#Preceding_to_a_Friend_unnamed"><b>*(<i>b</i>) Letter + enclosing the Preceding to a Friend unnamed</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#IV_TWO_ADDRESSES_TO_THE_FREEHOLDERS_OF_WESTMORELAND"><b>IV. + Two Addresses to the Freeholders of Westmoreland, 1818</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#V_OF_THE_CATHOLIC_RELIEF_BILL_1829"><b>*V. Of the Catholic + Relief Bill, 1829</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + <p> + </p> + <ul class="noindent"> + <li> + <a href="#II_ETHICAL"><b>II. ETHICAL.</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <ul> + <li> + <a + href="#I_OF_LEGISLATION_FOR_THE_POOR_THE_WORKING_CLASSES_AND_THE_CLERGY"> + <b>I. Of Legistration for the Poor, the Working Classes and the + Clergy: Appendix to Poems, 1835</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#II_ADVICE_TO_THE_YOUNG"><b>II. Advise to the Young:</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#MATHETES"><b>(<i>a</i>) Letter to the Editor of 'The + Friend,' signed 'Mathetes'</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#ANSWER"><b>(<i>b</i>) Answer to the Letter of + 'Mathetes,' 1809</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#III_OF_EDUCATION"><b>III. Of Education:</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#EDUCATION_OF_THE_YOUNG"><b>(<i>a</i>) On the Education + of the Young: Letter to a Friend, 1806</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#OF_THE_PEOPLE"><b><i>(b)</i> Of the People, their Ways + and Needs: Letter to Archdeacon Wrangham, 1808</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#Hugh_James_Rose"><b><i>(c)</i> Education: Two Letters + to the Rev. Hugh James Rose, Horsham, Sussex</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#EDUCATION_OF_DUTY"><b>(<i>d</i>) Education of Duty: + Letter to Rev. Dr. Wordsworth, 1839</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#BOWNESS"><b>*(<i>e</i>) Speech on Laying the + Foundation-stone of the New School in the Village of Bowness, + Windermere, 1836</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + <p> + </p> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#NOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS"><b>NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#FOOTNOTES"><b>Footnotes</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagev" id="Apagev"></a>{v}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="TO_THE_QUEEN" id="TO_THE_QUEEN"></a>TO THE QUEEN. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MADAM, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have the honour to place in your Majesty's hands the hitherto + uncollected and unpublished Prose Works of + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH</span> + </p> + <p> + —name sufficient in its simpleness to give lustre to any page. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having been requested thus to collect and edit his Prose Writings by those + who hold his MSS. and are his nearest representatives, one little + discovery or recovery among these MSS. suggested your Majesty as the one + among all others to whom the illustrious Author would have chosen to + dedicate these Works, viz. a rough transcript of a Poem which he had + inscribed on the fly-leaf of a gift-copy of the collective edition of his + Poems sent to the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. This very tender, + beautiful, and pathetic Poem will be found on the other side of this + Dedication. It must 'for all time' take its place beside the living + Laureate's imperishable verse-tribute to your Majesty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I venture to thank your Majesty for the double permission so + appreciatively given—of this Dedication itself and to print (for the + first time) the Poem. The gracious permission so pleasantly and + discriminatingly signified is only one of abundant proofs that your + Majesty is aware that of the enduring names of the reign of Victoria, + Wordsworth's is supreme as Poet and Thinker. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Gratefully and loyally,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 14em;">ALEXANDER B. GROSART.</span> <br /> <br /> <br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagevi" id="Apagevi"></a>{vi}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><a name="Deign_Sovereign_Mistres" id="Deign_Sovereign_Mistres"></a>Deign, + Sovereign Mistress! to accept a lay,<br /></span> <span class="i2">No + Laureate offering of elaborate art;<br /></span> <span>But salutation + taking its glad way<br /></span> <span class="i2">From deep recesses of a + loyal heart.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Queen, Wife, and Mother! may All-judging Heaven<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Shower with a bounteous hand on Thee and Thine<br /></span> + <span>Felicity that only can be given<br /></span> <span class="i2">On + earth to goodness blest by grace divine.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Lady! devoutly honoured and beloved<br /></span> <span class="i2">Through + every realm confided to thy sway;<br /></span> <span>Mayst Thou pursue + thy course by God approved,<br /></span> <span class="i2">And He will + teach thy people to obey.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>As Thou art wont, thy sovereignty adorn<br /></span> <span + class="i2">With woman's gentleness, yet firm and staid;<br /></span> + <span>So shall that earthly crown thy brows have worn<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Be changed for one whose glory cannot fade.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And now, by duty urged, I lay this Book<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Before thy Majesty, in humble trust<br /></span> <span>That on + its simplest pages Thou wilt look<br /></span> <span class="i2">With a + benign indulgence more than just.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Nor wilt Thou blame an aged Poet's prayer,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">That issuing hence may steal into thy mind<br /></span> <span>Some + solace under weight of royal care,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Or grief—the + inheritance of humankind.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>For know we not that from celestial spheres,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">When Time was young, an inspiration came<br /></span> <span>(Oh, + were it mine!) to hallow saddest tears,<br /></span> <span class="i2">And + help life onward in its noblest aim?<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + W.W. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 9th January 1846. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagevii" id="Apagevii"></a>{vii}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In response to a request put in the most gratifying way possible of the + nearest representatives of WORDSWORTH, the Editor has prepared this + collection of his <i>Prose Works</i>. That this should be done <i>for the + first time</i> herein seems somewhat remarkable, especially in the + knowledge of the permanent value which the illustrious Author attached to + his Prose, and that he repeatedly expressed his wish and expectation that + it would be thus brought together and published, <i>e.g.</i> in the + 'Memoirs,' speaking of his own prose writings, he said that but for + COLERIDGE'S irregularity of purpose he should probably have left much more + in that kind behind him. When COLERIDGE was proposing to publish his + 'Friend,' he (WORDSWORTH) had offered contributions. COLERIDGE had + expressed himself pleased with the offer, but said, "I must arrange + my principles for the work, and when that is done I shall be glad of your + aid." But this "arrangement of principles" never took + place. WORDSWORTH added: "<i>I think my nephew, Dr. Wordsworth, will, + after my death, collect and publish all I have written in prose</i>...." + "On another occasion, I believe, he intimated a desire that his <i>works + in Prose should be edited by his son-in-law, Mr. Quillinan</i>."<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apageviii" id="Apageviii"></a>{viii}</span><a + name="AFNanchor_1_1" id="AFNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#AFootnote_1_1" + class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Similarly he wrote to Professor REED in 1840: 'I + am much pleased by what you say in your letter of the 18th May last, upon + the Tract of the "Convention of Cintra," and <i>I think myself + with some interest upon its being reprinted hereafter along with my other + writings</i> [in prose]. But the respect which, in common with all the + rest of the rational part of the world, I bear for the DUKE OF WELLINGTON + will prevent my reprinting the pamphlet during his lifetime. It has not + been in my power to read the volumes of his Despatches, which I hear so + highly spoken of; but I am convinced that nothing they contain could alter + my opinion of the injurious tendency of that or any other Convention, + conducted upon such principles. <i>It was, I repeat, gratifying to me that + you should have spoken of that work as you do, and particularly that you + should have considered it in relation to my Poems, somewhat in the same + manner as you had done in respect to my little volume on the Lakes</i>.'<a + name="AFNanchor_2_2" id="AFNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#AFootnote_2_2" + class="fnanchor">[2]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is probable that the <i>amount</i> of the Prose of WORDSWORTH will come + as a surprise—surely a pleasant one—on even his admirers and + students. His own use of 'Tract' to describe a goodly octavo volume, and + his calling his 'Guide' a 'little volume' while it is a somewhat + considerable one, together with the hiding away of some of his most + matterful and weightiest productions in local and fugitive publications, + and in Prefaces and Appendices to Poems, go far to explain the prevailing + unacquaintance with even the <i>extent</i>, not to speak of the + importance, of his Prose, and the light contentment with which it has + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apageix" id="Apageix"></a>{ix}</span> been + permitted so long to remain (comparatively) out of sight. That the + inter-relation of the Poems to the Prose, and of the Prose to the Poems—of + which above he himself wrote—makes the collection and publication of + the Prose a duty to all who regard WILLIAM WORDSWORTH as one of the + supreme intellects of the century—as certainly the glory of the + Georgian and Victorian age as ever SHAKESPEARE and RALEIGH were of the + Elizabethan and Jacobean—will not be questioned to-day. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The present Editor can only express his satisfaction at being called to + execute a task which, from a variety of circumstances, has been too long + delayed; but only delayed, inasmuch as the members of the Poet's family + have always held it as a sacred obligation laid upon them, with the + additional sanction that WORDSWORTH'S old and valued friend, HENRY CRABB + ROBINSON, Esq., had expressed a wish in his last Will (1868) that the + Prose Works of his friend should one day be collected; and which wish + alone, from one so discriminating and generous—were there no other + grounds for doing so—the family of WORDSWORTH could not but regard + as imperative. He rejoices that the delay—otherwise to be regretted—has + enabled the Editor to furnish a much fuller and more complete collection + than earlier had perhaps been possible. He would now briefly notice the + successive portions of these Volumes: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagex" id="Apagex"></a>{x}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="VOL_I" id="VOL_I"></a>VOL. I. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + I. POLITICAL. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (a) <i>Apology for the French Revolution</i>, 1793. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is from the Author's own MS., and is published <i>for the first time</i>. + Every reader of 'The Recluse' and 'The Excursion' and the 'Lines on the + French Revolution, as it appeared to Enthusiasts at its Commencement'—to + specify only these—is aware that, in common with SOUTHEY and the + greater COLERIDGE, WORDSWORTH was in sympathy with the uprising of France + against its tyrants. But it is only now that we are admitted to a full + discovery of his youthful convictions and emotion by the publication of + this Manuscript, carefully preserved by him, but never given to the world. + The title on the fly-leaf—'Apology,' &c., being ours—in + the Author's own handwriting, is as follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + A<br /> LETTER<br /> TO THE<br /> BISHOP OF LANDAFF<br /> ON THE EXTRAORDINARY + AVOWAL OF HIS<br /> POLITICAL PRINCIPLES,<br /> CONTAINED IN THE<br /> + APPENDIX TO HIS LATE SERMON:<br /> BY A<br /> REPUBLICAN.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is nowhere dated, but inasmuch as Bishop WATSON'S Sermon, with the + Appendix, appeared early in 1793, to that year certainly belongs the + composition of the 'Letter.' The title-page of the Sermon and Appendix may + be here given; + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexi" id="Apagexi"></a>{xi}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + A<br /> SERMON<br /> PREACHED BEFORE THE<br /> STEWARDS<br /> OF THE<br /> + WESTMINSTER DISPENSARY,<br /> AT THEIR<br /> ANNIVERSARY MEETING,<br /> + CHARLOTTE STREET CHAPEL, APRIL 1785.<br /> WITH AN APPENDIX, BY R. WATSON, + D.D.<br /> LORD BISHOP OF LANDAFF.<br /> LONDON:<br /> PRINTED FOR T. CADELL + IN THE STRAND; AND T. EVANS<br /> IN PATERNOSTER ROW.<br /> 1793 [8vo].<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the same year a 'second edition' was published, and also separately the + Appendix, thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + STRICTURES<br /> ON THE<br /> FRENCH REVOLUTION<br /> AND THE<br /> BRITISH + CONSTITUTION,<br /> AS WRITTEN IN 1793<br /> IN AN<br /> APPENDIX TO A SERMON<br /> + PREACHED BEFORE THE<br /> STEWARDS OF THE WESTMINSTER DISPENSARY,<br /> AT + THEIR<br /> ANNIVERSARY MEETING,<br /> CHARLOTTE STREET CHAPEL, APRIL 1785,<br /> + BY R. WATSON, D.D.<br /> LORD BISHOP OF LANDAFF.<br /> <i>Reprinted at + Loughborough,<br /> (With his Lordship's permission) by Adams, Jun.<br /> + and<br /> Recommended by the Loughborough Association<br /> For the Support + of the Constitution to<br /> The Serious Attention of the Public</i>.<br /> + Price Twopence, being one third of the original price,<br /> 1793 [small + 8vo],<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexii" id="Apagexii"></a>{xii}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Sermon is a somewhat commonplace dissertation on 'The Wisdom and + Goodness of God in having made both Rich and Poor,' from Proverbs xxii. 2: + 'The rich and poor meet together, the Lord is the Maker of them all.' It + could not but be most irritating to one such as young WORDSWORTH—then + in his twenty-third year—who passionately felt as well with as for + the poor of his native country, and that from an intimacy of knowledge and + intercourse and sympathy in striking contrast with the serene optimism of + the preacher,—all the more flagrant in that Bishop Watson himself + sprang from the very humblest ranks. But it is on the Appendix this Letter + expends its force, and, except from BURKE on the opposite side, nothing + more forceful, or more effectively argumentative, or informed with a + nobler patriotism, is to be found in the English language. If it have not + the kindling eloquence which is Demosthenic, and that axiomatic statement + of principles which is Baconian, of the 'Convention,' every sentence and + epithet pulsates—as its very life-blood—with a manly scorn of + the false, the base, the sordid, the merely titularly eminent. It may not + be assumed that even to old age WILLIAM WORDSWORTH would have disavowed a + syllable of this 'Apology.' Technically he might not have held to the name + 'Republican,' but to the last his heart was with the oppressed, the + suffering, the poor, the silent. Mr. H. CRABB ROBINSON tells us in his + Diary (vol. ii. p. 290, 3d edition): 'I recollect once hearing Mr. + WORDSWORTH say, half in joke, half in earnest, "I have no respect + whatever for Whigs, but I have a great deal of the Chartist in me;"' + and his friend adds: 'To be sure he has. His earlier poems are full of + that intense love of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexiii" + id="Apagexiii"></a>{xiii}</span>the people, as such, which becomes + Chartism when the attempt is formally made to make their interests the + especial object of legislation, as of deeper importance than the positive + rights hitherto accorded to the privileged orders.' Elsewhere the same + Diarist speaks of 'the brains of the noblest youths in England' being + 'turned' (i. 31, 32), including WORDSWORTH. There was no such 'turning' of + brain with him. He was deliberate, judicial, while at a red heat of + indignation. To measure the quality of difference, intellectually and + morally, between WORDSWORTH and another noticeable man who entered into + controversy with Bishop WATSON, it is only necessary to compare the + present Letter with GILBERT WAKEFIELD'S 'Reply to some Parts of the Bishop + of Landaff's Address to the People of Great Britain' (1798). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The manuscript is wholly in the handwriting of its author, and is done + with uncharacteristic painstaking; for later, writing was painful and + irksome to him, and even his letters are in great part illegible. One + folio is lacking, but probably it contained only an additional sentence or + two, as the examination of the Appendix is complete. Following on our + ending are these words: 'Besides the names which I.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That the Reader may see how thorough is the Answer of WORDSWORTH to Bishop + WATSON, the 'Appendix' is reprinted <i>in extenso</i>. Being comparatively + brief, it was thought expedient not to put the student on a vain search + for the long-forgotten Sermon. On the biographic value of this Letter, and + the inevitableness of its inclusion among his prose Works, it cannot be + needful to say a word. It is noticed—and little more—in the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexiv" id="Apagexiv"></a>{xiv}</span> + 'Memoirs' (c. ix. vol. i. pp. 78-80). In his Letters (<a href="#CONTVOLIII">vol. + iii.</a>) will be found incidental allusions and vindications of the + principles maintained in the 'Apology.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>(b) Concerning the Relations of Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal, to + each other and the common Enemy, at this Crisis; and specifically as + affected by the Convention of Cintra: the whole brought to the test of + those Principles, by which alone the Independence and Freedom of Nations + can be Preserved or Recovered</i>. 1809. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As stated in its 'Advertisement,' two portions of this treatise (rather + than 'Tract'), 'extending to p. 25' of the completed volume, were + originally printed in the months of December and January (1808-9), in the + 'Courier' newspaper. In this shape it attracted the notice of no less a + reader than Sir WALTER SCOTT, who thus writes of it: 'I have read + WORDSWORTH'S lucubrations<a name="AFNanchor_3_3" id="AFNanchor_3_3"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> in the 'Courier,' <i>and + much agree with him</i>. Alas! we want everything but courage and virtue + in this desperate contest. Skill, knowledge of mankind, ineffable + unhesitating villany, combination of movement and combination of means, + are with our adversary. We can only fight like mastiffs—boldly, + blindly, and faithfully. I am almost driven to the pass of the + Covenanters, when they told the Almighty in their prayers He should no + longer be their God; and I really believe a few Gazettes more will make me + turn Turk or infidel.'<a name="AFNanchor_4_4" id="AFNanchor_4_4"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What WORDSWORTH'S own feelings and impulses were in the composition of the + 'Convention of Cintra' are revealed with unwonted as fine passion in his + 'Letters and Conversations' (<a href="#Cpage256">vol. iii. pp. 256-261, + &c.</a>), whither <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexv" id="Apagexv"></a>{xv}</span>the + Reader will do well to turn, inasmuch as he returns and re-returns therein + to his standing-ground in this very remarkable and imperishable book. The + long Letters to (afterwards) Sir CHARLES W. PASLEY and another—<i>never + before printed</i>—which follow the 'Convention of Cintra' itself, + are of special interest. The Appendix of Notes, 'a portion of the work + which WORDSWORTH regarded as executed in a masterly manner, was drawn up + by De Quincey, who revised the proofs of the whole' ('Memoirs,' i. 384). + Of the 'Convention of Cintra' the (now) Bishop of Lincoln (WORDSWORTH) + writes eloquently as follows: 'Much of WORDSWORTH'S life was spent in + comparative retirement, and a great part of his poetry concerns natural + and quiet objects. But it would be a great error to imagine that he was + not an attentive observer of public events. He was an ardent lover of his + country and of mankind. He watched the progress of civil affairs in + England with a vigilant eye, and he brought the actions of public men to + the test of the great and lasting principles of equity and truth. He + extended his range of view to events in foreign parts, especially on the + continent of Europe. Few persons, though actually engaged in the great + struggle of that period, felt more deeply than WORDSWORTH did in his + peaceful retreat for the calamities of European nations, suffering at that + time from the imbecility of their governments, and from the withering + oppression of a prosperous despotism. His heart burned within him when he + looked forth upon the contest, and impassioned words proceeded from him, + both in poetry and prose. The contemplative calmness of his position, and + the depth and intensity of his feelings, combined<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apagexvi" id="Apagexvi"></a>{xvi}</span> together to give a dignity + and clearness, a vigour and splendour, and, consequently, a lasting value, + to his writings on measures of domestic and foreign policy, qualities that + rarely belong to contemporaneous political effusions produced by those + engaged in the heat and din of the battle. This remark is specially + applicable to his tract on the Convention of Cintra.... Whatever + difference of opinion may prevail concerning the relevance of the great + principles enunciated in it to the questions at issue, but one judgment + can exist with respect to the importance of those principles, and the + vigorous and fervid eloquence with which they are enforced. If WORDSWORTH + had never written a single verse, this Essay alone would be sufficient to + place him in the highest rank of English poets.... Enough has been quoted + to show that the Essay on the Convention of Cintra was not an ephemeral + production, destined to vanish with the occasion which gave it birth. If + this were the case, the labour bestowed upon it was almost abortive. The + author composed the work in the discharge of what he regarded a sacred + duty, and for the permanent benefit of society, rather than with a view to + any immediate results.'<a name="AFNanchor_5_5" id="AFNanchor_5_5"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> The Bishop adds further + these details: 'He foresaw and predicted that his words would be to the + public ear what midnight storms are to men who sleep: + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexvii" id="Apagexvii"></a>{xvii}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"I dropp'd my pen, and listen'd to the wind,<br /></span> + <span>That sang of trees uptorn and vessels tost—<br /></span> + <span>A midnight harmony, and wholly lost<br /></span> <span>To the + general sense of men, by chains confined<br /></span> <span>Of business, + care, or pleasure, or resign'd<br /></span> <span>To timely sleep. + Thought I, the impassion'd strain,<br /></span> <span>Which without aid + of numbers I sustain,<br /></span> <span>Like acceptation from the world + will find.<br /></span> <span>Yet some with apprehensive ear shall drink<br /></span> + <span>A dirge devoutly breath'd o'er sorrows past;<br /></span> <span>And + to the attendant promise will give heed—<br /></span> <span>The + prophecy—like that of this wild blast,<br /></span> <span>Which, + while it makes the heart with, sadness shrink,<br /></span> <span>Tells + also of bright calms that shall succeed."<a name="AFNanchor_6_6" + id="AFNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#AFootnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is true that some few readers it had on its first appearance; and it is + recorded by an ear-witness that Canning said of this pamphlet that he + considered it the most eloquent production since the days of Burke;<a + name="AFNanchor_7_7" id="AFNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#AFootnote_7_7" + class="fnanchor">[7]</a> but, by some untoward delays in printing, it was + not published till the interest in the question under discussion had + almost subsided. Certain it is, that an edition, consisting only of five + hundred copies, was not sold off; that many copies were disposed of by the + publishers as waste paper, and went to the trunkmakers; and now there is + scarcely any volume published in this country which is so difficult to be + met with as the tract on the Convention of Cintra; and if it were now + reprinted, it would come before the public with almost the unimpaired + freshness of a new work.'<a name="AFNanchor_8_8" id="AFNanchor_8_8"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> In agreement with the + closing statement, at the sale of the library of Sir James Macintosh a + copy fetched (it has been reported) ten guineas. Curiously enough not a + single copy was preserved by the Author himself. The companion sonnet to + the above, 'composed while the author was engaged in writing a tract + occasioned by the Convention of Cintra, 1808,' must also find a place + here: + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexviii" id="Apagexviii"></a>{xviii}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Not 'mid the world's vain objects that enslave<br /></span> <span>The + free-born soul—that world whose vaunted skill<br /></span> <span>In + selfish interest perverts the will,<br /></span> <span>Whose factions + lead astray the wise and brave—<br /></span> <span>Not there; but + in dark wood and rocky cave,<br /></span> <span>And hollow vale which + foaming torrents fill<br /></span> <span>With omnipresent murmur as they + rave<br /></span> <span>Down their steep beds, that never shall be still,<br /></span> + <span>Here, mighty Nature, in this school sublime<br /></span> <span>I + weigh the hopes and fears of suffering Spain;<br /></span> <span>For her + consult the auguries of time,<br /></span> <span>And through the human + heart explore my way,<br /></span> <span>And look and listen—gathering + where I may<br /></span> <span>Triumph, and thoughts no bondage can + restrain.'<a name="AFNanchor_9_9" id="AFNanchor_9_9"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>(c) Letter to Major-General Sir Charles W. Pasley, K.C.B., on his + 'Military Policy and Institutions of the British Empire,' with another—now + first printed—transmitting it</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The former is derived from the 'Memoirs' (vol. i. pp. 405-20). In + forwarding it to the (now) Bishop of Lincoln, Sir CHARLES thus wrote of + it: 'The letter on my "Military Policy" is particularly + interesting.... Though WORDSWORTH agreed that we ought to step forward + with all our military force as principals in the war, he objected to any + increase of our own power and resources by continental conquest, in which + I now think he was quite right. I am not, however, by any means shaken in + the opinion then advanced, that peace with Napoleon would lead to the loss + of our naval superiority and of our national independence, ... and I fully + believe that the Duke of Wellington's campaigns in the Spanish Peninsula + saved the nation, though no less credit is due to the Ministry of that day + for not despairing of eventual success, but supporting him under all + difficulties in spite of temporary reverses, and in opposition to a + powerful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexix" id="Apagexix"></a>{xix}</span> + party and to influential writers.' The letter transmitting the other has + only recently been discovered on a reëxamination of the Wordsworth + MSS. Both letters have a Shakespearian-patriotic ring concerning 'This + England.' It is inspiring to read in retrospect of the facts such + high-couraged writing as in these letters. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>(d) Two Addresses to the Freeholders of Westmoreland</i>, 1818. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The 'Mr. BROUGHAM' of these 'Two Addresses' was, as all the world knows, + the (afterwards) renowned and many-gifted HENRY, Lord BROUGHAM and VAUX. + In his Autobiography he refers very good-humouredly to his three defeats + in contesting the representation of Westmoreland; but there is no allusion + whatever to WORDSWORTH. With reference to his final effort he thus informs + us: 'Parliament was dissolved in 1826, when for the third time I stood for + Westmoreland; and, after a hard-fought contest, was again defeated. I have + no wish to enter into the local politics of that county, but I cannot + resist quoting an extract from a letter of my esteemed friend Bishop + BATHURST to Mr. HOWARD of Corby, by whose kindness I am enabled to give + it: "Mr. BROUGHAM has struggled nobly for civil and religious + liberty; and is fully entitled to the celebrated eulogy bestowed by Lucan + upon Cato— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Victrix causa Diis placuit, sed victa Catoni.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How others may feel I know not, but for my own part I would much rather be + in his situation than in that of the two victorious opponents; + notwithstanding the cold discouraging maxim of Epictetus, which is + calculated to check every virtuous effort—' + </p> + <div class="center"> + <img src="images/greekpreface.png" alt="Greek" title="Greek" /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexx" id="Apagexx"></a>{xx}</span> + </p> + <p> + [=You may be invincible if you never go down into the arena when you are + not secure of victory: Enchiridion, cxxv.]. He will not, I hope, suffer + from his exertions, extraordinary in every way. I respect exceedingly his + fine abilities, and the purpose to which he applies them" (Norwich, + July 10, 1826). As Cato owed Lucan's panegyric to the firmness he had + shown in adhering to the losing cause, and to his steadfastness to the + principles he had adopted, so I considered the Bishop's application of the + lines to me as highly complimentary' ('Life and Times,' vol. ii. pp. + 437-8). It seemed only due to the subject of WORDSWORTH'S invective and + opposition to give <i>his</i> view of the struggle and another's worthy of + all respect. Unless the writer has been misinformed, WORDSWORTH and + BROUGHAM came to know and worthily estimate each other when the + exacerbations and clamours of provincial politics had long passed away, + and when, except the 'old gray head' of WELLINGTON, none received more + reverence from the nation than that of HENRY BROUGHAM. In the just-issued + 'Memoirs of the Reigns of George IV. and William IV.' by GREVILLE, + BROUGHAM and WORDSWORTH are brought together very pleasingly. (See these + works, vol. iii. p. 504.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Author's personal relations to the Lowthers semi-unconsciously + coloured his opinions, and intensified his partisanship and glorified the + commonplace. But with all abatements these 'Two Addresses' supply much + material for a right and high estimate of WORDSWORTH as man and thinker. + As invariably, he descends to the roots of things, and almost ennobles + even his prejudices and alarms and ultra-caution. There is the same terse, + compacted, pungent style in these 'Two Addresses' with his <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxi" id="Apagexxi"></a>{xxi}</span> general + prose. Bibliographically the 'Two Addresses' are even rarer and + higher-priced than the 'Convention of Cintra.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>(e) Of the Catholic Relief Bill</i>, 1829. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To the great names of EDMUND SPENSER and Sir JOHN DAVIES, as Englishmen + who dealt with the problem of the government of Ireland, and found it, as + more recent statesmen have done, to be in infinite ways 'England's + difficulty,' has now to be added one not less great—WILLIAM + WORDSWORTH. If at this later day—for even 1829 seems remote now—much + of the present letter to the Bishop of London (BLOMFIELD) is mainly of + historical noticeableness, as revealing how 'Catholic Emancipation' looked + to one of the foremost minds of his age, there are, nevertheless, + expressions of personal opinion—<i>e.g.</i> against the Athanasian + Creed in its 'cursing' clauses, and expositions of the Papacy regarded + politically and ecclesiastically in its domination of Ireland, that have a + message for to-day strangely congruous with that of the magnificent + philippic 'Of the Vatican Decrees,' which is thundering across Europe as + these words are written. As a piece of vigorous, masculine, and o'times + eloquent English, this letter may take its place—not an inch lower—beside + a 'View of the State of Ireland,' and the 'Discoverie of the True Cavses + why Ireland was never entirely subdued, nor brought under obedience of the + Crowne of England, untill the beginning of his Maiestie's happie raigne;' + while the conflict with Ultramontanism in Germany and elsewhere and Mr. + Gladstone's tractate give new significance to its forecastings and + portents. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxii" id="Apagexxii"></a>{xxii}</span> + </p> + <p> + The manuscript, unlike most of his, is largely in WORDSWORTH'S own + handwriting—the earlier portion in (it is believed) partly Miss + WORDSWORTH'S and partly Mrs. WORDSWORTH'S. In the 'Memoirs' this letter is + quoted largely (vol. ii. pp. 136-140). It is now given completely from the + manuscript itself, not without significant advantage. It does not appear + whether this letter were actually sent to the Bishop of London. There is + no mention of it in Bishop Blomfield's 'Life;' and hence probably it never + was sent to him. In his letters there are many references to the present + topics (cf. vol. iii. pp. 258-9, 263-4, &c.). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. ETHICAL. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + I. <i>Of Legislation for the Poor, the Working Classes, and the Clergy:<br /> + Appendix to Poems</i>, 1835. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This formed one of WORDSWORTH'S most deliberate and powerful Appendices to + his Poems (1835), and has ever since been regarded as of enduring worth. + It has all the Author's characteristics of deep thinking, imaginative + illustration, intense conviction and realness. Again, accept or dissent, + this State Paper (so to say) is specially Wordsworthian. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It seems only due to WORDSWORTH to bear in recollection that, herein and + elsewhere, he led the way in indicating CO-OPERATION as <i>the</i> remedy + for the defects and conflicts in the relations between our capitalists and + their operatives, or capital and labour (see the second section of the + Postscript, and remember its date—1835). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. <i>Advice to the Young</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) Letter to the Editor of 'The Friend,' signed Mathetes.<br /> (<i>b</i>) + Answer to the Letter of Mathetes, 1809. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Mathetes' proved to be Professor JOHN WILSON,<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apagexxiii" id="Apagexxiii"></a>{xxiii}</span> 'eminent in the + various departments of poetry, philosophy, and criticism' ('Memoirs,' i. + 423), and here probably was the commencement of the long friendship + between him and WORDSWORTH. As a student of WILSON'S, the Editor remembers + vividly how the 'old man eloquent' used to kindle into enthusiasm the + entire class as he worked into his extraordinary lectures quotations from + the 'Excursion' and 'Sonnets' and 'Poems of the Imagination.' Among the + letters (<a href="#Cpage263">vol. iii. p. 263</a>) is an interesting one + refering to 'Advice to the Young;' and another to Professor WILSON (<a + href="#Bpage208"> vol. ii. pp. 208-14</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + III. OF EDUCATION. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) On the Education of the Young: Letter to a Friend, 1806.<br /> (<i>b</i>) + Of the People, their Ways and Needs: Letter to Archdeacon<br /> Wrangham, + 1808.<br /> (<i>c</i>) Education: Two Letters to the Rev. H.J. Rose, 1828.<br /> + (<i>d</i>) Education of Duty: Letter to Rev. Dr. Wordsworth, 1830.<br /> (<i>e</i>) + Speech on laying the Foundation-stone of the New School in the Village of + Bowness, Windermere, 1836.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In these Letters and the Speech are contained WORDSWORTH'S earliest and + latest and most ultimate opinions and sentiments on education. Agree or + differ, the student of WORDSWORTH has in these discussions—for in + part they have the elaborateness and thoroughness of such—what were + of the substance of his beliefs. Their biographic importance—intellectually + and spiritually—can scarcely be exaggerated, <i>(a), (b), (c), (d)</i> + are from the 'Memoirs;' (<i>e</i>) is from the local newspaper (Kendal), + being for the first time fully reprinted. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxiv" id="Apagexxiv"></a>{xxiv}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="VOL_II" id="VOL_II"></a>VOL. II. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + AESTHETICAL AND LITERARY. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + I. <i>Of Literary Biography and Monuments</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) A Letter to a Friend of Robert Burns, 1816.<br /> (<i>b</i>) + Letter to a Friend on Monuments to Literary Men, 1819.<br /> (<i>c</i>) + Letter to John Peace, Esq., of Bristol, 1844. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These naturally group themselves together. Of the first (<i>a</i>), + perhaps it is hardly worth while, and perhaps it is worth while, recalling + that WILLIAM HAZLITT, in his Lectures upon the English Poets, attacked + WORDSWORTH on this Letter with characteristic insolence and uncritical + shallowness and haste. Under date Feb. 24th, 1818, Mr. H. CRABB ROBINSON + thus refers to the thing: 'Heard part of a lecture by HAZLITT at the + Surrey Institution. He was so contemptuous towards WORDSWORTH, speaking of + his Letter about Burns, that I lost my temper. He imputed to WORDSWORTH + the desire of representing himself as a superior man' (vol. i. p. 311, 3d + ed.). The lecture is included in HAZLITT'S published Lectures in all its + ignorance and wrong-headedness; but it were a pity to lose one's temper + over such trash. His eyes were spectacles, not 'seeing eyes,' and + jaundice-yellow, (<i>b</i>) and (<i>c</i>) are sequels to (<i>a</i>), and + as such accompany it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. UPON EPITAPHS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) From 'The Friend.' (<i>b</i> and <i>c</i>) From the Author's + MSS., for the first time. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of (<i>a</i>) CHARLES LAMB wrote: 'Your Essay on Epitaphs is the only + sensible thing which has been written on that subject, and it goes to the + bottom' (Talfourd's 'Final Memorials,' vol. i. p. 180). The two additional + Papers—only briefly quoted from in the 'Memoirs' (c. xxx. <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxv" id="Apagexxv"></a>{xxv}</span> vol. i.)—were + also intended for 'The Friend,' had COLERIDGE succeeded in his announced + arrangement of principles. These additional papers are in every respect + equal to the first, with Wordsworthian touches and turns in his cunningest + faculty. They are faithfully given from the MSS. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + III. ESSAYS, LETTERS, AND NOTES ELUCIDATORY AND CONFIRMATORY OF THE POEMS, + 1798-1835. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) Of the Principles of Poetry and the 'Lyrical Ballads' + (1798-1802.)<br /> (<i>b</i>) Of Poetic Diction.<br /> (<i>c</i>) Poetry as + a Study (1815).<br /> (<i>d</i>) Of Poetry as Observation and Description, + and Dedication of 1815.<br /> (<i>e</i>) Of 'The Excursion:' Preface.<br /> + (<i>f</i>) Letters to Sir George and Lady Beaumont and others on the Poems + and related Subjects.<br /> (<i>g</i>) Letter to Charles Fox with the + 'Lyrical Ballads,' and his Answer, &c.<br /> (<i>h</i>) Letter on the + Principles of Poetry and his own Poems to (afterwards) Professor John + Wilson.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (<i>a</i>) to (<i>e</i>) form appendices to the early and later editions + of the Poems, and created an epoch in literary criticism. COLERIDGE put + forth his utmost strength on a critical examination of them, oblivious + that he had himself impelled, not to say compelled, his friend to write + these Prefaces, as WORDSWORTH signifies. It is not meant by this that + COLERIDGE was thereby shut out from criticising the definitions and + statements to which he objected. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + IV. DESCRIPTIVE. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) A Guide through the District of the Lakes, 1835.<br /> (<i>b</i>) + Kendal and Windermere Railway: two Letters, &c.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxvi" id="Apagexxvi"></a>{xxvi}</span> + </p> + <p> + These very much explain themselves; but of the former it may be of + bibliographical interest to state that it formed originally the + letterpress and Introduction to 'Select Views in Cumberland, Westmoreland, + and Lancashire,' by the Rev. JOSEPH WILKINSON, Rector of East Wrotham, + Norfolk, 1810 (folio). It was reprinted in the volume of Sonnets on the + River Duddon. The fifth edition (1835) has been selected as the Author's + own final text. In Notes and Illustrations in the place, a strangely + overlooked early account of the Lake District is pointed out and quoted + from. The 'Two Letters' need no vindication at this late day. Ruskin is + reiterating their arguments and sentiment eloquently as these pages pass + through the press. Apart from deeper reasons, let the fault-finder realise + to himself the differentia of general approval of railways, and a railway + forced through the 'old churchyard' that holds his mother's grave or the + garden of his young prime. It was a merely sordid matter on the part of + the promoters. Their professions of care for the poor and interest in the + humbler classes getting to the Lakes had a Judas element in them, nothing + higher or purer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="VOL_III" id="VOL_III"></a>VOL. III. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + CRITICAL AND ETHICAL. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + I. <i>Notes and Illustrations of the Poems, incorporating</i>: + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) The Notes originally added to the first and successive + editions.<br /> (<i>b</i>) The whole of the I.F. MSS.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This division of the Prose has cost the Editor more labour and thought + than any other, from the scattered and hitherto unclassified + semi-publication of these Notes. Those called 'original' are from the + first and successive editions of the Poems, being found in some and <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxvii" id="Apagexxvii"></a>{xxvii}</span> + absent in other collections. An endeavour has been made to include + everything, even the briefest; for judging by himself, the Editor believes + that to the reverent and thoughtful student of WORDSWORTH the slightest + thing is of interest; <i>e.g.</i> one turns to the most commonplace book + of topography or contemporary verse in any way noticed by him, just + because it is WORDSWORTH who has noticed it, while an old ballad, a + legend, a bit of rural usage, takes a light of glory from the page in + which it is found. Hence as so much diamond-dust or filings of gold the + published Notes are here brought together. Added, and far exceeding in + quantity and quality alike, it is the privilege of the Editor to print <i>completely + and in integrity</i> the I.F. MSS., as written down to the dictation of + WORDSWORTH by Miss FENWICK. These have been hitherto given with + tantalising and almost provoking fragmentariness in the 'Memoirs' and in + the centenary edition of the Poems—again withdrawn in the recent + Rossetti edition. In these Notes—many of which in both senses are + elaborate and full—are some of the deepest and daintiest-worded + things from WORDSWORTH. The I.F. MSS. are delightfully chatty and + informal, and ages hence will be treasured and studied in relation to the + Poems by the (then) myriad millions of the English-speaking races. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Miss FENWICK, to whom the world is indebted for these MSS., is + immortalised in two Sonnets by WORDSWORTH, which surely long ere this + ought to have been included in the Poetical Works; and they may fitly + reappear here (from the 'Memoirs'): + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxviii" id="Apagexxviii"></a>{xxviii}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'<i>On a Portrait of I.F., painted by Margaret Gillies</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>We gaze—nor grieve to think that we must die,<br /></span> + <span>But that the precious love this friend hath sown<br /></span> <span>Within + our hearts, the love whose flower hath blown<br /></span> <span>Bright as + if heaven were ever in its eye,<br /></span> <span>Will pass so soon from + human memory;<br /></span> <span>And not by strangers to our blood alone,<br /></span> + <span>But by our best descendants be unknown,<br /></span> <span>Unthought + of—this may surely claim a sigh.<br /></span> <span>Yet, blessed + Art, we yield not to dejection;<br /></span> <span>Thou against Time so + feelingly dost strive:<br /></span> <span>Where'er, preserved in this + most true reflection,<br /></span> <span>An image of her soul is kept + alive,<br /></span> <span>Some lingering fragrance of the pure affection,<br /></span> + <span>Whose flower with us will vanish, must survive.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><i>Rydal Mount, New Year's Day, 1840</i>.'<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'<i>To I.F.</i><br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The star which comes at close of day to shine<br /></span> <span>More + heavenly bright than when it leads the morn<br /></span> <span>Is + Friendship's emblem, whether the forlorn<br /></span> <span>She visiteth, + or shedding light benign<br /></span> <span>Through shades that solemnise + Life's calm decline,<br /></span> <span>Doth make the happy happier. This + have we<br /></span> <span>Learnt, Isabel, from thy society,<br /></span> + <span>Which now we too unwillingly resign<br /></span> <span>Though for + brief absence. But farewell! the page<br /></span> <span>Glimmers before + my sight through thankful tears,<br /></span> <span>Such as start forth, + not seldom, to approve<br /></span> <span>Our truth, when we, old yet + unchill'd by age,<br /></span> <span>Call thee, though known but for a + few fleet years,<br /></span> <span>The heart-affianced sister of our + love!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><i>Rydal Mount, Feb. 1840</i>.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxix" id="Apagexxix"></a>{xxix}</span> + </p> + <p> + In addition to these Sonnets the beautiful memory of Miss FENWICK has been + reillumined in the 'Memoir and Letters of Sara Coleridge' (2 vols. 1873); + <i>e.g.</i> 'I take great delight in Miss Fenwick, and in her + conversation. Well should I like to have her constantly in the + drawing-room, to come down to and from my little study up-stairs—her + mind is such a noble compound of heart and intelligence, of spiritual + feeling and moral strength, and the most perfect feminineness. She is + intellectual, but—what is a great excellence—never talks for + effect, never <i>keeps possession of the floor</i>, as clever women are so + apt to do. She converses for the interchange of thought and feeling, no + matter <i>how</i>, so she gets at your mind, and lets you into hers. A + more generous and a tenderer heart I never knew. I differ from her on many + points of religious faith, but on the whole prefer her views to those of + most others who differ from her' (ii. 5). Again: 'Miss FENWICK is to me an + angel upon earth. Her being near me now has seemed a special providence. + God bless her, and spare her to us and her many friends. She is a noble + creature, all tenderness and strength. When I first became acquainted with + her, I saw at once that her heart was of the very finest, richest quality, + and her wisdom and insight are, as ever must be in such a case, exactly + correspondent' (ibid. p. 397). Such words from one so penetrative, so + indeceivable, so great in the fullest sense as was the daughter of <i>the</i> + COLERIDGE, makes every one long to have the same service done for Miss + FENWICK as has been done for SARA COLERIDGE and Miss HARE, and within + these weeks for Mrs. FLETCHER. Her Diaries and Correspondence would be + inestimable to lovers of WORDSWORTH; for few or none got so near to him or + entered so magnetically into his thinking. The headings and numberings of + the successive Notes—lesser and larger—will guide to the + respective Poems and places.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxx" + id="Apagexxx"></a>{xxx}</span> The numberings accord with ROSSETTI'S handy + one-volume edition of the Poems, but as a rule will offer no difficulty in + any. The I.F. MSS. are marked with an asterisk [*]: They are <i>for the + first time</i> furnished in their entirety, and accurately. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. <i>Letters and Extracts of Letters</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These are arranged as nearly as possible chronologically from the + 'Memoirs,' &c. &c., with the benefit, as before, of collation in + many cases of the original MSS., especially in the Sir W.R. HAMILTON + letters, and a number are <i>for the first time printed</i>. The Editor + does not at all like 'Extracts,' and must be permitted to regret that what + in his judgment was an antiquated and mistaken idea of biography led the + excellent as learned Bishop of Lincoln to abridge and mutilate so very + many—the places not always marked. On this and the principle and <i>motif</i> + which approve and vindicate the publication of the Letters of every really + potential intellect such as WORDSWORTH'S, the accomplished daughter of + SARA COLERIDGE has remarked: 'A book composed of epistolary extracts can + never be a wholly satisfactory one, because its contents are not only + relative and fragmentary, but unauthorised and unrevised. To arrest the + passing utterances of the hour, and reveal to the world that which was + spoken either in the innermost circle of home affection, or in the outer + (but still guarded) circle of social or friendly intercourse, seems almost + like a betrayal of confidence, and is a step which cannot be taken by + survivors without some feelings of hesitation and reluctance. That + reluctance is only to be overcome by the sense that, however natural, it + is partly founded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxi" id="Apagexxxi"></a>{xxxi}</span> + on delusion—a delusion which leads us to personify "the world," + to our imagination, as an obtuse and somewhat hostile individual, who is + certain to take things by the wrong handle, and cannot be trusted to make + the needful allowance, and supply the inevitable omissions. Whereas it is + a more reasonable and a more comfortable belief, that the only part of the + world which is in the least likely to concern itself with such volumes as + these is composed of a number of enlightened and sympathetic persons' (as + before, Preface, <a href="#Apagevii">vii. viii.</a>). The closing + consideration ought to overweigh all scruples and reserve.<a + name="AFNanchor_10_10" id="AFNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#AFootnote_10_10" + class="fnanchor">[10]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There <i>is</i> the select circle of lovers of WORDSWORTH—yearly + widening—and there are the far-off multitudes of the future to whom + WILLIAM WORDSWORTH will be the grand name of the 18th-19th century, and + all that SHAKESPEARE and MILTON are now; and consequently the letters of + one so chary in letter-writing ought to be put beyond the risks of loss, + and given to Literature in entirety and trueness. WORDSWORTH had a morbid + dislike of writing letters, his weak eyes throughout rendering all + penmanship painful; but the present Editor, while conceding that his + letters lack the charm of style of COWPER'S, and the vividness and passion + of BYRON'S, finds in them, even the hastiest, matter of rarest biographic + and interpretative value. He was not a great sentencemaker; <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxii" id="Apagexxxii"></a>{xxxii}</span> in + a way prided himself that his letters were so (intentionally) poor as sure + to be counted unworthy of publication; and altogether had the prejudices + of an earlier day against the giving of letters to the world; but none the + less are his letters informed with his intellect and meditative + thoughtfulness and exquisiteness of feeling. It is earnestly to be hoped + that one of the Family who is admirably qualified for the task of love + will address himself to write adequately and confidingly the Life of his + immortal relative; and toward this every one possessed of anything in the + handwriting or from the mind of WORDSWORTH may be appealed to for + co-operation. The 'Memoirs' of the (now) Bishop of Lincoln, within its own + limits, was a great gift; but it is avowedly not a 'Life,' and <i>the + world wants a Life</i>. Collation of the originals of these letters has + restored sentences and words and things of the most characteristic kind. + Very gross mistakes have also been corrected.<a name="AFNanchor_11_11" + id="AFNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#AFootnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + III. <i>Conversations and Personal Reminiscences of Wordsworth</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + From 'Satyrane's Letters;' Klopstock.<br /> Personal Reminiscences of the + Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge.<br /> Recollections of a Tour in Italy with + Wordsworth. By H.C. Robinson.<br /> Reminiscences of Lady Richardson and + Mrs. Davy.<br /> Conversations recorded by the Bishop of Lincoln.<br /> + Reminiscences by the Rev. R. P. Graves, M.A., Dublin; on the Death of + Coleridge; and further (hitherto unpublished) Reminiscences.<br /> An + American's Reminiscences.<br /> Recollections of Aubrey de Vere, Esq., now + first published.<a name="AFNanchor_12_12" id="AFNanchor_12_12"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a><br /> From 'Recollections + of the Last Days of Shelley and Byron,' by E.J.<br /> Trelawny, Esq.<br /> + From Letters of Professor Tayler (1872).<br /> Anecdote of Crabbe and + Wordsworth.<br /> Wordsworth's Later Opinion of Lord Brougham.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxiii" id="Apagexxxiii"></a>{xxxiii}</span> + </p> + <p> + These are included in the Prose inevitably, inasmuch as they preserve + opinions and sentiments, criticisms and sayings, actually spoken by + WORDSWORTH, of exactly the type of which Lord COLERIDGE, among other + things, wrote the Editor: 'I hope we shall have a transcript from you of + the thoughts and opinions of that very great and noble person, of whom (as + far as I know them) it is most true that "the very dust of his + writings is gold." Any grave and deliberate opinion of his is + entitled to weight; and if we have his opinions at all, we should have + them whole and entire.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Editor has studied to give WORDSWORTH'S own conversations and sayings—not + others' concerning him. Hence such eloquent pseudo-enthusiasm as is found + in De Quincey's 'Recollections of the Lakes' (Works, vol. ii.) is + excluded. He dares to call it pseudo-enthusiasm; for this book of the + little, alert, self-conscious creature, with the marvellous brain and more + marvellous tongue—a monkey with a man's soul somehow transmigrated + into it—opens and shuts without preserving a solitary saying of the + man he professes to honour. That is a measure of <i>his</i> admiration as + of his insight or no insight. There are besides personal impertinencies,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxiv" id="Apagexxxiv"></a>{xxxiv}</span> + declarative of essential vulgarity.<a name="AFNanchor_13_13" + id="AFNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#AFootnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> + Smaller men have printed their 'Recollections,' or rather retailed their + gossip; but they themselves occupy the foreground, much as your + chimney-sweep introduces himself prominently in front of his signboard + presentment of some many-chimneyed 'noble house.' Even Emerson's 'English + Traits' (a most un-English book) belongs to the same underbred category. + The new 'Recollections' by AUBREY DE VERE, Esq., it is a privilege to + publish—full of reverence and love, and so daintily and musically + worded, as they are. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such is an account of the contents of these volumes; and it may be + permitted the Editor to record his hearty thanks to the Sons of the Poet—WILLIAM + WORDSWORTH, Esq., Carlisle, and the just dead Rev. JOHN WORDSWORTH, M.A., + Brigham—and his nephew Professor WORDSWORTH of Bombay, for their so + flattering committal of this trust to him; and especially to the last, for + his sympathetic and gladdening counsel throughout—augury of larger + service ultimately, it is to be hoped. To the co-executor with WILLIAM + WORDSWORTH, Esq.—STRICKLAND COOKSON, Esq.—like acknowledgment + is due. He cannot sufficiently thank AUBREY DE VERE, Esq., for his + brilliant contribution<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxv" + id="Apagexxxv"></a>{xxxv}</span> to the 'Personal Reminiscences.' The Rev. + ROBERT PERCEVAL GRAVES, M.A., of Dublin (formerly of Windermere), has + greatly added to the interest of these volumes by forwarding his further + reminiscences of "WORDSWORTH and the Hamilton Letters. Fifteen of + these letters of WORDSWORTH, not yet published, will be given in a Life of + the great mathematician of Ireland, Sir W.R. HAMILTON, towards whom + WORDSWORTH felt the warmest friendship, and of whose many-sided genius he + had the most absolute admiration. Mr. GRAVES, walking in the footsteps of + FULKE GREVILLE, Lord BROOKE, who sought that on his tomb should be graven + 'Friend of Sir Philip Sidney' (albeit he would modestly disclaim the lofty + comparison), regards it as his title to memory that he was called 'my + highly esteemed friend' by WORDSWORTH (<a href="#Cpage27">vol. iii. p. 27</a>). + For the GRAVESES the Poet had much regard, and it was mutual. A Sonnet + addressed to WORDSWORTH by the (now) Bishop of Limerick was so highly + valued by him that it is a pleasure to be able to read it, as thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">'<i>To Wordsworth</i>.</span><br /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">The Sages of old time have pass'd away,<br /></span> + <span class="i2">A throng of mighty names. But little power<br /></span> + <span class="i2">Have ancient names to rule the present hour:<br /></span> + <span class="i2">No Plato to the learners of our day<br /></span> <span + class="i2">In grove of Academe reveals the way,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">The law, the soul of Nature. Yet a light<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Of living wisdom, beaming calm and bright,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Forbids our youth 'mid error's maze to stray.<br /></span> + <span class="i2">To thee, with gratitude and reverent love,<br /></span> + <span class="i2">O Poet and Philosopher! we turn;<br /></span> <span + class="i2">For in thy truth-inspirèd song we learn<br /></span> + <span class="i2">Passion and pride to quell—erect to move,<br /></span> + <span>From doubts and fears deliver'd—and conceiving<br /></span> + <span>Pure hopes of heaven, live happy in believing.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>August</i> 1833.' C.G. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxvi" id="Apagexxxvi"></a>{xxxvi}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lady RICHARDSON has similarly added to the value of her former + 'Recollections' for this work. Very special gratitude is due to the Miss + QUILLINANS of Loughrigg, Rydal, for the use of the MS. of Miss FENWICK'S + Notes—one half in their father's handwriting, and the other half (or + thereabout) in that of Mrs. QUILLINAN ('DORA'), who at the end has + written: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'To dearest Miss Fenwick are we obliged for these Notes, every word of + which was taken down by her kind pen from my father's dictation. The + former portion was transcribed at Rydal by Mr. Quillinan, the latter by + me, and finished at the Vicarage, Brigham, this twenty-fifth day of + August 1843.—D.Q.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The MS., he it repeated, is now printed <i>in extenso</i>, nor will the + least acceptable be 'DORA'S' own slight pencillings intercalated. The Miss + COOKSONS of Grasmere were good enough to present the Editor with a copy of + the 'Two Letters to the Freeholders of Westmoreland', when he had almost + despaired of recovering the pamphlet. Thanks are due to several literary + friends for aid in the Notes and Illustrations. There must be named + Professor DOWDEN and Rev. E.P. GRAVES, M.A.,<a name="AFNanchor_14_14" + id="AFNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#AFootnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> + Dublin; F.W. COSENS, Esq., and G.A. SIMCOX, Esq., London; W. ALDIS WRIGHT, + Esq., M.A., Trinity College, Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One point only remains to be noticed. Every one who knows our highest + poetical literature knows the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxvii" + id="Apagexxxvii"></a>{xxxvii}</span> 'Lost Leader' of ROBERT BROWNING, + Esq. Many have been the speculations and surmises and assertions and + contradictions as to who the 'Lost Leader' was. The verdict of one of the + immortals on his fellow-immortal concerns us all. Hence it is with no + common thankfulness the Editor of WORDSWORTH'S Prose embraces this + opportunity of settling the controversy beyond appeal, by giving a letter + which Mr. BROWNING has done him the honour to write for publication. It is + as follows: + </p> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">'19 Warwick-crescent,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W. Feb. 24, '75.</span> <br /> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + DEAR MR. GROSART, + </p> + <p> + I have been asked the question you now address me with, and as duly + answered it, I can't remember how many times: there is no sort of + objection to one more assurance, or rather confession, on my part, that + I <i>did</i> in my hasty youth presume to use the great and venerated + personality of WORDSWORTH as a sort of painter's model; one from which + this or the other particular feature may be selected and turned to + account: had I intended more, above all, such a boldness as portraying + the entire man, I should not have talked about "handfuls of silver + and bits of ribbon". These never influenced the change of politics + in the great poet; whose defection, nevertheless, accompanied as it was + by a regular face about of his special party, was to my juvenile + apprehension, and even mature consideration, an event to deplore. But + just as in the tapestry on my wall I can recognise figures which have <i>struck + out</i> a fancy, on occasion, that though truly enough thus derived, yet + would be preposterous as a copy, so, though I dare not deny the original + of my little poem, I altogether refuse to have it considered as the + "very effigies" of such a moral and intellectual superiority. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 28em;">ROBERT BROWNING.'</span> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The Editor cannot close this Preface without expressing his sense of the + greatness of the trust confided to him, and the personal benefit it has + been to himself to have been brought so near to WILLIAM WORDSWORTH as he + has been in working on this collection of his Prose. He felt almost awed + as he handled the great and good man's MSS., and found himself behind the + screen (as it were), seeing what he had seen, touching what he had + touched, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apagexxxviii" id="Apagexxxviii"></a>{xxxviii}</span>knowing + what he had known, feeling what he had felt. Reverence, even veneration is + an empty word to utter the emotion excited in such communion; these + certainly, but something tenderer and more human were in head and heart. + It was a grand, high-thoughted, pure-lived, unique course that was run in + those sequestered vales. The closer one gets to the man, the greater he + proves, the truer, the simpler; and it is a benediction to the race, amid + so many fragmentary and jagged and imperfect lives, to have one so rounded + and completed, so august and so genuine: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Summon Detraction to object the worst<br /></span> <span>That may + be told, and utter all it can;<br /></span> <span>It cannot find a + blemish to be enforced<br /></span> <span>Against him, other than he was + a man,<br /></span> <span>And built of flesh and blood, and did live + here,<br /></span> <span>Within the region of infirmity;<br /></span> + <span>Where all perfections never did appear<br /></span> <span>To meet + in any one so really,<br /></span> <span>But that his frailty ever did + bewray<br /></span> <span>Unto the world that he was set in clay.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (Funeral Panegyric on the Earl of Devonshire, by Samuel Daniel.) + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">ALEXANDER B. GROSART.</span> + </p> + <p> + <i>Park View</i>,<br /> <i>Blackburn, Lancashire</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + NOTE.—It is perhaps right to mention, for Editor and present + Printers' sake, that WORDSWORTH'S own capitals, italics, punctuation, and + other somewhat antique characteristics, have been faithfully reproduced. + At the dates, capitals, italics, and punctuation were more abundant than + at present. <i>G</i>. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage1" id="Apage1"></a>{1}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="I_POLITICAL" id="I_POLITICAL"></a>I. POLITICAL. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage2" id="Apage2"></a>{2}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="I_APOLOGY_FOR_THE_FRENCH_REVOLUTION_1793" + id="I_APOLOGY_FOR_THE_FRENCH_REVOLUTION_1793"></a>I. APOLOGY FOR THE + FRENCH REVOLUTION. 1793. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + NOTE.For an account of the manuscript of this 'Apology,' and details on + other points, see <a href="#PREFACE">Preface</a> in the present volume. G. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage3" id="Apage3"></a>{3}</span> + </p> + <p> + MY LORD, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Reputation may not improperly be termed the moral life of man. Alluding to + our natural existence, Addison, in a sublime allegory well known to your + Lordship, has represented us as crossing an immense bridge, from whose + surface from a variety of causes we disappear one after another, and are + seen no more. Every one who enters upon public life has such a bridge to + pass. Some slip through at the very commencement of their career from + thoughtlessness, others pursue their course a little longer, till, misled + by the phantoms of avarice and ambition, they fall victims to their + delusion. Your Lordship was either seen, or supposed to be seen, + continuing your way for a long time unseduced and undismayed; but those + who now look for you will look in vain, and it is feared you have at last + fallen, through one of the numerous trap-doors, into the tide of contempt, + to be swept down to the ocean of oblivion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not my intention to be illiberal; these latter expressions have been + forced from me by indignation. Your Lordship has given a proof that even + religious controversy may be conducted without asperity; I hope I shall + profit by your example. At the same time, with a spirit which you may not + approve—for it is a republican spirit—I shall not preclude + myself from any truths, however severe, which I may think beneficial to + the cause which I have undertaken to defend. You will not, then, be + surprised when I inform you that it is only the name of its author which + has induced me to notice an Appendix to a Sermon which you have lately + given to the world, with a hope that it may have some effect in calming a + perturbation which, you say, has been <i>excited</i> in the minds of the + lower orders of the community. While, with a servility which has + prejudiced many people against religion itself, the ministers of the + Church of England have appeared as writers upon public measures only <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage4" id="Apage4"></a>{4}</span>to be the + advocates of slavery civil and religious, your Lordship stood almost alone + as the defender of truth and political charity. The names of levelling + prelate, bishop of the Dissenters, which were intended as a dishonour to + your character, were looked upon by your friends—perhaps by yourself—as + an acknowledgment of your possessing an enlarged and philosophical mind; + and like the generals in a neighbouring country, if it had been equally + becoming your profession, you might have adopted, as an honourable title, + a denomination intended as a stigma. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On opening your Appendix, your admirers will naturally expect to find an + impartial statement of the grievances which harass this Nation, and a + sagacious inquiry into the proper modes of redress. They will be + disappointed. Sensible how large a portion of mankind receive opinions + upon authority, I am apprehensive lest the doctrines which they will there + find should derive a weight from your name to which they are by no means + intrinsically entitled. I will therefore examine what you have advanced, + from a hope of being able to do away any impression left on the minds of + such as may be liable to confound with argument a strong prepossession for + your Lordship's talents, experience, and virtues. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before I take notice of what you appear to have laid down as principles, + it may not be improper to advert to some incidental opinions found at the + commencement of your political confession of faith. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At a period big with the fate of the human race I am sorry that you attach + so much importance to the personal sufferings of the late royal martyr, + and that an anxiety for the issue of the present convulsions should not + have prevented you from joining in the idle cry of modish lamentation + which has resounded from the Court to the cottage. You wish it to be + supposed you are one of those who are unpersuaded of the guilt of Louis + XVI. If you had attended to the history of the French Revolution as + minutely as its importance demands, so far from stopping to bewail his + death, you would rather have regretted that the blind fondness of his + people had placed a human being in that monstrous situation which rendered + him unaccountable before a human tribunal. A bishop, a man of philosophy + and humanity<a name="AFNanchor_15_15" id="AFNanchor_15_15"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> as distinguished as your + Lordship, declared at the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage5" + id="Apage5"></a>{5}</span>opening of the National Convention—and + twenty-five millions of men were convinced of the truth of the assertion—that + there was not a citizen on the tenth of August who, if he could have + dragged before the eyes of Louis the corpse of one of his murdered + brothers, might not have exclaimed to him: 'Tyran, voilà ton + ouvrage.' Think of this, and you will not want consolation under any + depression your spirits may feel at the contrast exhibited by Louis on the + most splendid throne of the universe, and Louis alone in the tower of the + Temple or on the scaffold. But there is a class of men who received the + news of the late execution with much more heartfelt sorrow than that which + you, among such a multitude, so officiously express. The passion of pity + is one of which, above all others, a Christian teacher should be cautious + of cherishing the abuse when, under the influence of reason, it is + regulated by the disproportion of the pain suffered to the guilt incurred. + It is from the passion thus directed that the men of whom I have just + spoken are afflicted by the catastrophe of the fallen monarch. They are + sorry that the prejudice and weakness of mankind have made it necessary to + force an individual into an unnatural situation, which requires more than + human talents and human virtues, and at the same time precludes him from + attaining even a moderate knowledge of common life, and from feeling a + particular share in the interests of mankind. But, above all, these men + lament that any combination of circumstances should have rendered it + necessary or advisable to veil for a moment the statues of the laws, and + that by such emergency the cause of twenty-five millions of people, I may + say of the whole human race, should have been so materially injured. Any + other sorrow for the death of Louis is irrational and weak. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In France royalty is no more. The person of the last anointed is no more + also; and I flatter myself I am not alone, even in this <i>kingdom</i>, + when I wish that it may please the Almighty neither by the hands of His + priests nor His nobles (I allude to a striking passage of Racine) to raise + his posterity to the rank of his ancestors, and reillume the torch of + extinguished David.<a name="AFNanchor_16_16" id="AFNanchor_16_16"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage6" id="Apage6"></a>{6}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You say: 'I fly with terror and abhorrence even from the altar of Liberty, + when I see it stained with the blood of the aged, of the innocent, of the + defenceless sex, of the ministers of religion, and of the faithful + adherents of a fallen monarch.' What! have you so little knowledge of the + nature of man as to be ignorant that a time of revolution is not the + season of true Liberty? Alas, the obstinacy and perversion of man is such + that she is too often obliged to borrow the very arms of Despotism to + overthrow him, and, in order to reign in peace, must establish herself by + violence. She deplores such stern necessity, but the safety of the people, + her supreme law, is her consolation. This apparent contradiction between + the principles of liberty and the march of revolutions; this spirit of + jealousy, of severity, of disquietude, of vexation, indispensable from a + state of war between the oppressors and oppressed, must of necessity + confuse the ideas of morality, and contract the benign exertion of the + best affections of the human heart. Political virtues are developed at the + expense of moral ones; and the sweet emotions of compassion, evidently + dangerous when traitors are to be punished, are too often altogether + smothered. But is this a sufficient reason to reprobate a convulsion from + which is to spring a fairer order of things? It is the province of + education to rectify the erroneous notions which a habit of oppression, + and even of resistance, may have created, and to soften this ferocity of + character, proceeding from a necessary suspension of the mild and social + virtues; it belongs to her to create a race of men who, truly free, will + look upon their fathers as only enfranchised.<a name="AFNanchor_17_17" + id="AFNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#AFootnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I proceed to the sorrow you express for the fate of the French priesthood. + The measure by which that body was immediately stripped of part of its + possessions, and a more equal distribution enjoined of the rest, does not + meet with your Lordship's approbation. You do not question the right of + the Nation over <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage7" id="Apage7"></a>{7}</span>ecclesiastical + wealth; you have voluntarily abandoned a ground which you were conscious + was altogether untenable. Having allowed this right, can you question the + propriety of exerting it at that particular period? The urgencies of the + State were such as required the immediate application of a remedy. Even + the clergy were conscious of such necessity; and aware, from the + immunities they had long enjoyed, that the people would insist upon their + bearing some share of the burden, offered of themselves a considerable + portion of their superfluities. The Assembly was true to justice, and + refused to compromise the interests of the Nation by accepting as a + satisfaction the insidious offerings of compulsive charity. They enforced + their right. They took from the clergy a large share of their wealth, and + applied it to the alleviation of the national misery. Experience shows + daily the wise employment of the ample provision which yet remains to + them. While you reflect on the vast diminution which some men's fortunes + must have undergone, your sorrow for these individuals will be diminished + by recollecting the unworthy motives which induced the bulk of them to + undertake the office, and the scandalous arts which enabled so many to + attain the rank and enormous wealth which it has seemed necessary to annex + to the charge of a Christian pastor. You will rather look upon it as a + signal act of justice that they should thus unexpectedly be stripped of + the rewards of their vices and their crimes. If you should lament the sad + reverse by which the hero of the necklace<a name="AFNanchor_18_18" + id="AFNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#AFootnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> + has been divested of about 1,300,000 livres of annual revenue, you may + find some consolation that a part of this prodigious mass of riches is + gone to preserve from famine some thousands of curés, who were + pining in villages unobserved by Courts. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I now proceed to principles. Your Lordship very properly asserts that 'the + liberty of man in a state of society consists in his being subject to no + law but the law enacted by the general will of the society to which he + belongs.' You approved of the object which the French had in view when, in + the infancy of the Revolution, they were attempting to destroy arbitrary + power, and to erect a temple to Liberty on its remains. It is with + surprise, then, that I find you afterwards presuming to dictate to the + world a servile adoption of the British constitution. It is with <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage8" id="Apage8"></a>{8}</span>indignation I + perceive you 'reprobate' a people for having imagined happiness and + liberty more likely to flourish in the open field of a Republic than under + the shade of Monarchy. You are therefore guilty of a most glaring + contradiction. Twenty-five millions of Frenchmen have felt that they could + have no security for their liberties under any modification of monarchical + power. They have in consequence unanimously chosen a Republic. You cannot + but observe that they have only exercised that right in which, by your own + confession, liberty essentially resides. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to your arguments, by which you pretend to justify your anathemas of a + Republic—if arguments they may be called—they are so concise, + that I cannot but transcribe them. 'I dislike a Republic for this reason, + because of all forms of government, scarcely excepting the most despotic, + I think a Republic the most oppressive to the bulk of the people; they are + deceived in it with a show of liberty, but they live in it under the most + odious of all tyrannies—the tyranny of their equals.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This passage is a singular proof of that fatality by which the advocates + of error furnish weapons for their own destruction: while it is merely <i>assertion</i> + in respect to a justification of your aversion to Republicanism, a strong + <i>argument</i> may be drawn from it in its favour. Mr. Burke, in a + philosophic lamentation over the extinction of chivalry, told us that in + those times vice lost half its evil by losing all its grossness. + Infatuated moralist! Your Lordship excites compassion as labouring under + the same delusion. Slavery is a bitter and a poisonous draught. We have + but one consolation under it, that a Nation may dash the cup to the ground + when she pleases. Do not imagine that by taking from its bitterness you + weaken its deadly quality; no, by rendering it more palatable you + contribute to its power of destruction. We submit without repining to the + chastisements of Providence, aware that we are creatures, that opposition + is vain and remonstrance impossible. But when redress is in our own power + and resistance is rational, we suffer with the same humility from beings + like ourselves, because we are taught from infancy that we were born in a + state of inferiority to our oppressors, that they were sent into the world + to scourge, and we to be scourged. Accordingly we see the bulk of mankind, + actuated by these fatal prejudices, even more ready to lay themselves + under the feet of <i>the great</i> than the great are to trample upon + them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage9" id="Apage9"></a>{9}</span> Now + taking for granted, that in Republics men live under the tyranny of what + you call their equals, the circumstance of this being the most odious of + all tyrannies is what a Republican would boast of; as soon as tyranny + becomes odious, the principal step is made towards its destruction. + Reflecting on the degraded state of the mass of mankind, a philosopher + will lament that oppression is not odious to them, that the iron, while it + eats the soul, is not felt to enter into it. 'Tout homme né dans + l'esclavage nâit pour l'esclavage, rien n'est plus certain; les + esclaves perdent tout dans leurs fers, jusqu'au désir d'en sortir; + ils aiment leur servitude, comme les compagnons d'Ulysse aimaient leur + abrutissement.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I return to the quotation in which you reprobate Republicanism. Relying + upon the temper of the times, you have surely thought little argument + necessary to content what few will be hardy enough to support; the + strongest of auxiliaries, imprisonment and the pillory, has left your arm + little to perform. But the happiness of mankind is so closely connected + with this subject, that I cannot suffer such considerations to deter me + from throwing out a few hints, which may lead to a conclusion that a + Republic legitimately constructed contains less of an oppressive principle + than any other form of government. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your Lordship will scarcely question that much of human misery, that the + great evils which desolate States, proceed from the governors having an + interest distinct from that of the governed. It should seem a natural + deduction, that whatever has a tendency to identify the two must also in + the same degree promote the general welfare. As the magnitude of almost + all States prevents the possibility of their enjoying a pure democracy, + philosophers—from a wish, as far as is in their power, to make the + governors and the governed one—will turn their thoughts to the + system of universal representation, and will annex an equal importance to + the suffrage of every individual. Jealous of giving up no more of the + authority of the people than is necessary, they will be solicitous of + finding out some method by which the office of their delegates may be + confined as much as is practicable to the proposing and deliberating upon + laws rather than to enacting them; reserving to the people the power of + finally inscribing them in the national code. Unless this is attended to, + as soon as a people has chosen representatives <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage10" id="Apage10"></a>{10}</span>it no longer has a political + existence, except as it is understood to retain the privilege of + annihilating the trust when it shall think proper, and of resuming its + original power. Sensible that at the moment of election an interest + distinct from that of the general body is created, an enlightened + legislator will endeavour by every possible method to diminish the + operation of such interest. The first and most natural mode that presents + itself is that of shortening the regular duration of this trust, in order + that the man who has betrayed it may soon be superseded by a more worthy + successor. But this is not enough; aware of the possibility of imposition, + and of the natural tendency of power to corrupt the heart of man, a + sensible Republican will think it essential that the office of legislator + be not intrusted to the same man for a succession of years. He will also + be induced to this wise restraint by the grand principle of + identification; he will be more sure of the virtue of the legislator by + knowing that, in the capacity of private citizen, to-morrow he must either + smart under the oppression or bless the justice of the law which he has + enacted to-day. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Perhaps in the very outset of this inquiry the principle on which I + proceed will be questioned, and I shall be told that the people are not + the proper judges of their own welfare. But because under every government + of modern times, till the foundation of the American Republic, the bulk of + mankind have appeared incapable of discerning their true interests, no + conclusion can be drawn against my principle. At this moment have we not + daily the strongest proofs of the success with which, in what you call the + best of all monarchical governments, the popular mind may be debauched? + Left to the quiet exercise of their own judgment, do you think that the + people would have thought it necessary to set fire to the house of the + philosophic Priestley, and to hunt down his life like that of a traitor or + a parricide? that, deprived almost of the necessaries of existence by the + burden of their taxes, they would cry out, as with one voice, for a war + from which not a single ray of consolation can visit them to compensate + for the additional keenness with which they are about to smart under the + scourge of labour, of cold, and of hunger? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Appearing, as I do, the advocate of Republicanism, let me not be + misunderstood. I am well aware, from the abuse of the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage11" id="Apage11"></a>{11}</span>executive power in States, that + there is not a single European nation but what affords a melancholy proof + that if, at this moment, the original authority of the people should be + restored, all that could be expected from such restoration would in the + beginning be but a change of tyranny. Considering the nature of a Republic + in reference to the present condition of Europe, your Lordship stops here; + but a philosopher will extend his views much farther: having dried up the + source from which flows the corruption of the public opinion, he will be + sensible that the stream will go on gradually refining itself. I must add + also, that the coercive power is of necessity so strong in all the old + governments, that a people could not at first make an abuse of that + liberty which a legitimate Republic supposes. The animal just released + from its stall will exhaust the overflow of its spirits in a round of + wanton vagaries; but it will soon return to itself, and enjoy its freedom + in moderate and regular delight. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, to resume the subject of universal representation, I ought to have + mentioned before, that in the choice of its representatives a people will + not immorally hold out wealth as a criterion of integrity, nor lay down as + a fundamental rule, that to be qualified for the trying duties of + legislation a citizen should be possessed of a certain fixed property. + Virtues, talents, and acquirements are all that it will look for. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having destroyed every external object of delusion, let us now see what + makes the supposition necessary that the people will mislead themselves. + Your Lordship respects 'peasants and mechanics when they intrude not + themselves into concerns for which their education has not fitted them.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Setting aside the idea of a peasant or mechanic being a legislator, what + vast education is requisite to enable him to judge amongst his neighbours + which is most qualified by his industry and integrity to be intrusted with + the care of the interests of himself and of his fellow-citizens? But + leaving this ground, as governments formed on such a plan proceed in a + plain and open manner, their administration would require much less of + what is usually called talents and experience, that is, of disciplined + treachery and hoary Machiavelism; and at the same time, as it would no + longer be their interest to keep the mass of the nation in ignorance, a + moderate portion of useful knowledge would be universally disseminated. If + your Lordship has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage12" id="Apage12"></a>{12}</span> + travelled in the democratic cantons of Switzerland, you must have seen the + herdsman with the staff in one hand and the book in the other. In the + constituent Assembly of France was found a peasant whose sagacity was as + distinguished as his integrity, whose blunt honesty over-awed and baffled + the refinements of hypocritical patriots. The people of Paris followed him + with acclamations, and the name of Père Gerard will long be + mentioned with admiration and respect through the eighty-three + departments. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From these hints, if pursued further, might be demonstrated the expediency + of the whole people 'intruding themselves' on the office of legislation, + and the wisdom of putting into force what they may claim as a right. But + government is divided into two parts—the legislative and executive. + The executive power you would lodge in the hands of an individual. Before + we inquire into the propriety of this measure, it will be necessary to + state the proper objects of the executive power in governments where the + principle of universal representation is admitted. With regard to that + portion of this power which is exerted in the application of the laws, it + may be observed that much of it would be superseded. As laws, being but + the expression of the general will, would be enacted only from an almost + universal conviction of their utility, any resistance to such laws, any + desire of eluding them, must proceed from a few refractory individuals. As + far, then, as relates to the internal administration of the country, a + Republic has a manifest advantage over a Monarchy, inasmuch as less force + is requisite to compel obedience to its laws. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From the judicial tribunals of our own country, though we labour under a + variety of partial and oppressive laws, we have an evident proof of the + nullity of regal interference, as the king's name is confessedly a mere + fiction, and justice is known to be most equitably administered when the + judges are least dependent on the crown. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have spoken of laws partial and oppressive; our penal code is so crowded + with disproportioned penalties and indiscriminate severity that a + conscientious man would sacrifice, in many instances, his respect for the + laws to the common feelings of humanity; and there must be a strange vice + in that legislation from which can proceed laws in whose execution a man + cannot <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage13" id="Apage13"></a>{13}</span>be + instrumental without forfeiting his self-esteem and incurring the contempt + of his fellow-citizens. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But to return from this digression: with regard to the other branches of + the executive government, which relate rather to original measures than to + administering the law, it may be observed that the power exercised in + conducting them is distinguished by almost imperceptible shades from the + legislative, and that all such as admit of open discussion and of the + delay attendant on public deliberations are properly the province of the + representative assembly. If this observation be duly attended to, it will + appear that this part of the executive power will be extremely + circumscribed, will be stripped almost entirely of a deliberative + capacity, and will be reduced to a mere hand or instrument. As a + Republican government would leave this power to a select body destitute of + the means of corruption, and whom the people, continually contributing, + could at all times bring to account or dismiss, will it not necessarily + ensue that a body so selected and supported would perform their simple + functions with greater efficacy and fidelity than the complicated concerns + of royalty can be expected to meet with in the councils of princes; of men + who from their wealth and interest have forced themselves into trust; and + of statesmen, whose constant object is to exalt themselves by laying + pitfalls for their colleagues and for their country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall pursue this subject no further; but adopting your Lordship's + method of argument, instead of continuing to demonstrate the superiority + of a Republican executive government, I will repeat some of the objections + which have been often made to monarchy, and have not been answered. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My first objection to regal government is its instability, proceeding from + a variety of causes. Where monarchy is found in its greatest intensity, as + in Morocco and Turkey, this observation is illustrated in a very pointed + manner, and indeed is more or less striking as governments are more or + less despotic. The reason is obvious: as the monarch is the chooser of his + ministers, and as his own passions and caprice are in general the sole + guides of his conduct, these ministers, instead of pursuing directly the + one grand object of national welfare, will make it their chief study to + vary their measures according to his humours. But a minister <i>may</i> be + refractory: his successor will <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage14" + id="Apage14"></a>{14}</span>naturally run headlong into plans totally the + reverse of the former system; for if he treads in the same path, he is + well aware that a similar fate will attend him. This observation will + apply to each succession of kings, who, from vanity and a desire of + distinction, will in general studiously avoid any step which may lead to a + suspicion that they are so spiritless as to imitate their predecessor. + That a similar instability is not incident to Republics is evident from + their very constitution. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As from the nature of monarchy, particularly of hereditary monarchy, there + must always be a vast disproportion between the duties to be performed and + the powers that are to perform them; and as the measures of government, + far from gaining additional vigour, are, on the contrary, enfeebled by + being intrusted to one hand, what arguments can be used for allowing to + the will of a single being a weight which, as history shows, will subvert + that of the whole body politic? And this brings me to my grand objection + to monarchy, which is drawn from (THE ETERNAL NATURE OF MAN.) The office + of king is a trial to which human virtue is not equal. Pure and universal + representation, by which alone liberty can be secured, cannot, I think, + exist together with monarchy. It seems madness to expect a manifestation + of the <i>general</i> will, at the same time that we allow to a <i>particular</i> + will that weight which it must obtain in all governments that can with any + propriety be called monarchical. They must war with each other till one of + them is extinguished. It was so in France and.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall not pursue this topic further, but, as you are a teacher of purity + of morals, I cannot but remind you of that atmosphere of corruption + without which it should seem that courts cannot exist. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You seem anxious to explain what ought to be understood by the equality of + men in a state of civil society; but your Lordship's success has not + answered your trouble. If you had looked in the articles of the Rights of + Man, you would have found your efforts superseded: 'Equality, without + which liberty cannot exist, is to be met with in perfection in that State + in which no distinctions are admitted but such as have evidently for their + object the general good;' 'The end of government cannot be attained + without authorising some members of the society to command, and of course + without imposing on the rest the necessity of obedience.'<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage15" id="Apage15"></a>{15}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here, then, is an inevitable inequality, which may be denominated that of + power. In order to render this as small as possible, a legislator will be + careful not to give greater force to such authority than is essential to + its due execution. Government is at best but a necessary evil. Compelled + to place themselves in a state of subordination, men will obviously + endeavour to prevent the abuse of that superiority to which they submit; + accordingly they will cautiously avoid whatever may lead those in whom it + is acknowledged to suppose they hold it as a right. Nothing will more + effectually contribute to this than that the person in whom authority has + been lodged should occasionally descend to the level of private citizen; + he will learn from it a wholesome lesson, and the people will be less + liable to confound the person with the power. On this principle hereditary + authority will be proscribed; and on another also—that in such a + system as that of hereditary authority, no security can be had for talents + adequate to the discharge of the office, and consequently the people can + only feel the mortification of being humbled without having protected + themselves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Another distinction will arise amongst mankind, which, though it may be + easily modified by government, exists independent of it; I mean the + distinction of wealth, which always will attend superior talents and + industry. It cannot be denied that the security of individual property is + one of the strongest and most natural motives to induce men to bow their + necks to the yoke of civil government. In order to attain this end of + security to property, a legislator will proceed with impartiality. He + should not suppose that, when he has insured to their proprietors the + possession of lands and movables against the depredation of the + necessitous, nothing remains to be done. The history of all ages has + demonstrated that wealth not only can secure itself, but includes even an + oppressive principle. Aware of this, and that the extremes of poverty and + riches have a necessary tendency to corrupt the human heart, he will + banish from his code all laws such as the unnatural monster of + primogeniture, such as encourage associations against labour in the form + of corporate bodies, and indeed all that monopolising system of + legislation, whose baleful influence is shown in the depopulation of the + country and in the necessity which reduces the sad relicks to owe their + very existence to the ostentatious <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage16" + id="Apage16"></a>{16}</span>bounty of their oppressors. If it is true in + common life, it is still more true in governments, that we should be just + before we are generous; but our legislators seem to have forgotten or + despised this homely maxim. They have unjustly left unprotected that most + important part of property, not less real because it has no material + existence, that which ought to enable the labourer to provide food for + himself and his family. I appeal to innumerable statutes, whose constant + and professed object it is to lower the price of labour, to compel the + workman to be <i>content</i> with arbitrary wages, evidently too small + from the necessity of legal enforcement of the acceptance of them. Even + from the astonishing amount of the sums raised for the support of one + description of the poor may be concluded the extent and greatness of that + oppression, whose effects have rendered it possible for the few to afford + so much, and have shown us that such a multitude of our brothers exist in + even helpless indigence. Your Lordship tells us that the science of civil + government has received all the perfection of which it is capable. For my + part, I am more enthusiastic. The sorrow I feel from the contemplation of + this melancholy picture is not unconsoled by a comfortable hope that the + class of wretches called mendicants will not much longer shock the + feelings of humanity; that the miseries entailed upon the marriage of + those who are not rich will no longer tempt the bulk of mankind to fly to + that promiscuous intercourse to which they are impelled by the instincts + of nature, and the dreadful satisfaction of escaping the prospect of + infants, sad fruit of such intercourse, whom they are unable to support. + If these flattering prospects be ever realised, it must be owing to some + wise and salutary regulations counteracting that inequality among mankind + which proceeds from the present <i>fixed</i> disproportion of their + possessions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not an advocate for the agrarian law nor for sumptuary regulations, + but I contend that the people amongst whom the law of primogeniture + exists, and among whom corporate bodies are encouraged, and immense + salaries annexed to useless and indeed hereditary offices, is oppressed by + an inequality in the distribution of wealth which does not necessarily + attend men in a state of civil society. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus far we have considered inequalities inseparable from civil society. + But other arbitrary distinctions exist among <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage17" id="Apage17"></a>{17}</span>mankind, either from choice or + usurpation. I allude to titles, to stars, ribbons, and garters, and other + badges of fictitious superiority. Your Lordship will not question the + grand principle on which this inquiry set out; I look upon it, then, as my + duty to try the propriety of these distinctions by that criterion, and + think it will be no difficult task to prove that these separations among + mankind are absurd, impolitic, and immoral. Considering hereditary + nobility as a reward for services rendered to the State—and it is to + my charity that you owe the permission of taking up the question on this + ground—what services can a man render to the State adequate to such + a compensation that the making of laws, upon which the happiness of + millions is to depend, shall be lodged in him and his posterity, however + depraved may be their principles, however contemptible their + understandings? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But here I may be accused of sophistry; I ought to subtract every idea of + power from such distinction, though from the weakness of mankind it is + impossible to disconnect them. What services, then, can a man render to + society to compensate for the outrage done to the dignity of our nature + when we bind ourselves to address him and his posterity with humiliating + circumlocutions, calling him most noble, most honourable, most high, most + august, serene, excellent, eminent, and so forth; when it is more than + probable that such unnatural flattery will but generate vices which ought + to consign him to neglect and solitude, or make him the perpetual object + of the finger of scorn? And does not experience justify the observation, + that where titles—a thing very rare—have been conferred as the + rewards of merit, those to whom they have descended, far from being + thereby animated to imitate their ancestor, have presumed upon that lustre + which they supposed thrown round them, and, prodigally relying on such + resources, lavished what alone was their own, their personal reputation? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It would be happy if this delusion were confined to themselves; but, alas, + the world is weak enough to grant the indulgence which they assume. Vice, + which is forgiven in one character, will soon cease to meet with sternness + of rebuke when found in others. Even at first she will entreat pardon with + confidence, assured that ere long she will be charitably supposed to stand + in no need of it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage18" id="Apage18"></a>{18}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let me ask you seriously, from the mode in which those distinctions + are originally conferred, is it not almost necessary that, far from being + the rewards of services rendered to the State, they should usually be the + recompense of an industrious sacrifice of the general welfare to the + particular aggrandisement of that power by which they are bestowed? Let us + even alter their source, and consider them as proceeding from the Nation + itself, and deprived of that hereditary quality; even here I should + proscribe them, and for the most evident reason—that a man's past + services are no sufficient security for his future character; he who + to-day merits the civic wreath may to-morrow deserve the Tarpeian rock. + Besides, where respect is not perverted, where the world is not taught to + reverence men without regarding their conduct, the esteem of mankind will + have a very different value, and, when a proper independence is secured, + will be regarded as a sufficient recompense for services however + important, and will be a much surer guarantee of the continuance of such + virtues as may deserve it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have another strong objection to nobility, which is that it has a + necessary tendency to dishonour labour, a prejudice which extends far + beyond its own circle; that it binds down whole ranks of men to idleness, + while it gives the enjoyment of a reward which exceeds the hopes of the + most active exertions of human industry. The languid tedium of this noble + repose must be dissipated, and gaming, with the tricking manoeuvres of the + horse-race, afford occupation to hours which it would be happy for mankind + had they been totally unemployed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Reflecting on the corruption of the public manners, does your Lordship + shudder at the prostitution which miserably deluges our streets? You may + find the cause in our aristocratical prejudices. Are you disgusted with + the hypocrisy and sycophancy of our intercourse in private life? You may + find the cause in the necessity of dissimulation which we have established + by regulations which oblige us to address as our superiors, indeed as our + masters, men whom we cannot but internally despise. Do you lament that + such large portions of mankind should stoop to occupations unworthy the + dignity of their nature? You may find in the pride and luxury thought + necessary to nobility how such servile arts are encouraged. Besides, where + the most honourable of the Land do not blush to accept such offices as + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage19" id="Apage19"></a>{19}</span>groom + of the bedchamber, master of the hounds, lords in waiting, captain of the + honourable band of gentlemen-pensioners, is it astonishing that the bulk + of the people should not ask of an occupation, what is it? but what may be + gained by it? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If the long equestrian train of equipage should make your Lordship sigh + for the poor who are pining in hunger, you will find that little is + thought of snatching the bread from their mouths to eke out the '<i>necessary</i> + splendour' of nobility. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have not time to pursue this subject further, but am so strongly + impressed with the baleful influence of aristocracy and nobility upon + human happiness and virtue, that if, as I am persuaded, monarchy cannot + exist without such supporters, I think that reason sufficient for the + preference I have given to the Republican system. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is with reluctance that I quit the subjects I have just touched upon; + but the nature of this Address does not permit me to continue the + discussion. I proceed to what more immediately relates to this Kingdom at + the present crisis. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You ask with triumphant confidence, to what other law are the people of + England subject than the general will of the society to which they belong? + Is your Lordship to be told that acquiescence is not choice, and that + obedience is not freedom? If there is a single man in Great Britain who + has no suffrage in the election of a representative, the will of the + society of which he is a member is not generally expressed; he is a Helot + in that society. You answer the question, so confidently put, in this + singular manner: 'The King, we are all justly persuaded, has not the + inclination—and we all know that, if he had the inclination, he has + not the power—to substitute his will in the place of law. The House + of Lords has no such power. The House of Commons has no such power.' This + passage, so artfully and unconstitutionally framed to agree with the + delusions of the moment, cannot deceive a thinking reader. The expression + of your full persuasion of the upright intentions of the King can only be + the language of flattery. You are not to be told that it is + constitutionally a maxim not to attribute to the person of the King the + measures and misconduct of government. Had you chosen to speak, as you + ought to have done, openly and explicitly, you must have expressed your + just persuasion and implicit confidence in the integrity, moderation, and + wisdom of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage20" id="Apage20"></a>{20}</span> + Majesty's ministers. Have you forgot the avowed ministerial maxim of Sir + Robert Walpole? Are you ignorant of the overwhelming corruption of the + present day? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You seem unconscious of the absurdity of separating what is inseparable + even in imagination. Would it have been any consolation to the miserable + Romans under the second triumvirate to have been asked insultingly, Is it + Octavius, is it Anthony, or is it Lepidus that has caused this bitterness + of affliction? and when the answer could not be returned with certainty, + to have been reproached that their sufferings were imaginary? The fact is + that the King <i>and</i> Lords <i>and</i> Commons, by what is termed the + omnipotence of Parliament, have constitutionally the right of enacting + whatever laws they please, in defiance of the petitions or remonstrances + of the nation. They have the power of doubling our enormous debt of 240 + millions, and <i>may</i> pursue measures which could never be supposed the + emanation of the general will without concluding the people stripped of + reason, of sentiment, and even of that first instinct which prompts them + to preserve their own existence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I congratulate your Lordship upon your enthusiastic fondness for the + judicial proceedings of this country. I am happy to find you have passed + through life without having your fleece torn from your back in the thorny + labyrinth of litigation. But you have not lived always in colleges, and + must have passed by some victims, whom it cannot be supposed, without a + reflection on your heart, that you have forgotten. Here I am reminded of + what I have said on the subject of representation—to be qualified + for the office of legislation you should have felt like the bulk of + mankind; their sorrows should be familiar to you, of which, if you are + ignorant, how can you redress them? As a member of the assembly which, + from a confidence in its experience, sagacity, and wisdom, the + constitution has invested with the supreme appellant jurisdiction to + determine the most doubtful points of an intricate jurisprudence, your + Lordship cannot, I presume, be ignorant of the consuming expense of our + never-ending process, the verbosity of unintelligible statutes, and the + perpetual contrariety in our judicial decisions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The greatest freedom that can be enjoyed by man in a state of civil + society, the greatest security that can be given with respect to the + protection of his character, property, personal liberty, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage21" id="Apage21"></a>{21}</span>limb, and + life, is afforded to every individual by our present constitution.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Let it never be forgotten by ourselves, and let us impress the + observation upon the hearts of our children, that we are in possession of + both (liberty and equality), of as much of both as can be consistent with + the end for which civil society was introduced among mankind.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many of my readers will hardly believe me when I inform them that these + passages are copied verbatim from your Appendix. Mr. Burke roused the + indignation of all ranks of men when, by a refinement in cruelty superior + to that which in the East yokes the living to the dead, he strove to + persuade us that we and our posterity to the end of time were riveted to a + constitution by the indissoluble compact of—a dead parchment, and + were bound to cherish a corpse at the bosom when reason might call aloud + that it should be entombed. Your Lordship aims at the same detestable + object by means more criminal, because more dangerous and insidious. + Attempting to lull the people of England into a belief that any inquiries + directed towards the nature of liberty and equality can in no other way + lead to their happiness than by convincing them that they have already + arrived at perfection in the science of government, what is your object + but to exclude them for ever from the most fruitful field of human + knowledge? Besides, it is another cause to execrate this doctrine that the + consequence of such fatal delusion would be that they must entirely draw + off their attention, not only from the government, but from their + governors; that the stream of public vigilance, far from clearing and + enriching the prospect of society, would by its stagnation consign it to + barrenness, and by its putrefaction infect it with death. You have aimed + an arrow at liberty and philosophy, the eyes of the human race; why, like + the inveterate enemy of Philip, in putting your name to the shaft, did you + not declare openly its destination? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As a teacher of religion, your Lordship cannot be ignorant of a class of + breaches of duty which may be denominated faults of omission. You profess + to give your opinions upon the present turbulent crisis, expressing a wish + that they may have some effect in tranquillising the minds of the people. + Whence comes it, then, that the two grand causes of this working of the + popular mind are passed over in silence? Your Lordship's conduct may <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage22" id="Apage22"></a>{22}</span>bring to + mind the story of a company of strolling comedians, who gave out the play + of <i>Hamlet</i> as the performance of the evening. The audience were not + a little surprised to be told, on the drawing up of the curtain, that from + circumstances of particular convenience it was hoped they would dispense + with the omission of the character of—Hamlet! But to be serious—for + the subject is serious in the extreme—from your silence respecting + the general call for a PARLIAMENTARY REFORM, supported by your assertion + that we at present enjoy as great a portion of liberty and equality as is + consistent with civil society, what can be supposed but that you are a + determined enemy to the redress of what the people of England call and + feel to be grievances? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From your omitting to speak upon the war, and your general disapprobation + of French measures and French principles, expressed particularly at this + moment, we are necessarily led also to conclude that you have no wish to + dispel an infatuation which is now giving up to the sword so large a + portion of the poor, and consigning the rest to the more slow and more + painful consumption of want. I could excuse your silence on this point, as + it would ill become an English bishop at the close of the eighteenth + century to make the pulpit the vehicle of exhortations which would have + disgraced the incendiary of the Crusades, the hermit Peter. But you have + deprived yourself of the plea of decorum by giving no opinion on the + REFORM OF THE LEGISLATURE. As undoubtedly you have some secret reason for + the reservation of your sentiments on this latter head, I cannot but apply + the same reason to the former. Upon what principle is your conduct to be + explained? In some parts of England it is quaintly said, when a drunken + man is seen reeling towards his home, that he has business on both sides + of the road. Observing your Lordship's tortuous path, the spectators will + be far from insinuating that you have partaken of Mr. Burke's intoxicating + bowl; they will content themselves, shaking their heads as you stagger + along, with remarking that you have business on both sides of the road. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The friends of Liberty congratulate themselves upon the odium under which + they are at present labouring, as the causes which have produced it have + obliged so many of her false adherents to disclaim with officious + earnestness any desire to promote her interests; nor are they disheartened + by the diminution which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage23" + id="Apage23"></a>{23}</span>their body is supposed already to have + sustained. Conscious that an enemy lurking in our ranks is ten times more + formidable than when drawn out against us, that the unblushing aristocracy + of a Maury or a Cazalès is far less dangerous than the insidious + mask of patriotism assumed by a La Fayette or a Mirabeau, we thank you for + your desertion. Political convulsions have been said particularly to call + forth concealed abilities, but it has been seldom observed how vast is + their consumption of them. Reflecting upon the fate of the greatest + portion of the members of the constituent and legislative assemblies, we + must necessarily be struck with a prodigious annihilation of human + talents. Aware that this necessity is attached to a struggle for Liberty, + we are the less sorry that we can expect no advantage from the mental + endowments of your Lordship. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage24" id="Apage24"></a>{24}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="APPENDIX_to_Bishop_Watsons_Sermon" + id="APPENDIX_to_Bishop_Watsons_Sermon"></a>APPENDIX to Bishop Watson's + Sermon. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [It is deemed expedient to reprint here the Appendix to Bishop Watson's + Sermon, which is animadverted on in the preceding Apology. G.] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Sermon which is now, for the first time, published, was written many + years ago; it may, perhaps, on that account be more worthy of the + attention of those for whose benefit it is designed. If it shall have any + effect in calming the perturbation which has been lately excited, and + which still subsists in the minds of the lower classes of the community, I + shall not be ashamed of having given to the world a composition in every + other light uninteresting. I will take this opportunity of adding, with + the same intention, a few reflections on the present circumstances of our + own and of a neighbouring country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With regard to France—I have no hesitation in declaring, that the + object which the French seemed to have in view at the commencement of + their revolution had my hearty approbation. The object was to free + themselves and their posterity from arbitrary power. I hope there is not a + man in Great Britain so little sensible of the blessings of that free + constitution under which he has the happiness to live, so entirely dead to + the interests of general humanity, as not to wish that a constitution + similar to our own might be established, not only in France, but in every + despotic state in Europe; not only in Europe, but in every quarter of the + globe. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is one thing to approve of an end, another to approve of the means by + which an end is accomplished. I did not approve of the means by which the + first revolution was effected in France. I thought that it would have been + a wiser measure to have abridged the oppressive privileges, and to have + lessened the enormous number of the nobility, than to have abolished the + order. I thought that the State ought not in justice to have seized any + part of the property of the Church, till it had reverted, as it were, to + the community, by the death of its immediate possessors. I thought that + the king was not only treated with unmerited indignity, but that too + little authority was left him to enable him, as the chief executive + magistrate, to be useful to the State. These were some of my reasons for + not approving the means by which the first revolution in France was + brought about. As to other evils which took place on the occasion, I + considered them certainly as evils of importance; but at the same time as + evils inseparable from a state of civil commotion, and which I conceived + would be more than compensated by the establishment of a limited monarchy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The French have abandoned the constitution they had at first established, + and have changed it for another. No one can reprobate with more truth than + I do both the means and the end of this change. The end has been the + establishment of a republic. Now a republic is a form of <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage25" id="Apage25"></a>{25}</span>government + which, of all others, I most dislike—and I dislike it for this + reason; because of all forms of government, scarcely excepting the most + despotic, I think a republic the most oppressive to the bulk of the + people: they are deceived in it with the show of liberty; but they live in + it under the most odious of all tyrannies, the tyranny of their equals. + With respect to the means by which this new republic has been erected in + France, they have been sanguinary, savage, more than brutal. They not + merely fill the heart of every individual with commiseration for the + unfortunate sufferers, but they exhibit to the eye of contemplation an + humiliating picture of human nature, when its passions are not regulated + by religion, or controlled by law. I fly with terror and abhorrence even + from the altar of Liberty, when I see it stained with the blood of the + aged, of the innocent, of the defenceless sex, of the ministers of + religion, and of the faithful adherents of a fallen monarch. My heart + sinks within me when I see it streaming with the blood of the monarch + himself. Merciful God! strike speedily, we beseech Thee, with deep + contrition and sincere remorse, the obdurate hearts of the relentless + perpetrators and projectors of these horrid deeds, lest they should + suddenly sink into eternal and extreme perdition, loaded with an + unutterable weight of unrepented and, except through the blood of Him + whose religion they reject, inexpiable sin. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The monarch, you will tell me, was guilty of perfidy and perjury. I know + not that he was guilty of either; but admitting that he has been guilty of + both, who, alas, of the sons of men is so confident in the strength of his + own virtue, so assured of his own integrity and intrepidity of character, + as to be certain that, under similar temptations, he would not have been + guilty of similar offences? Surely it would have been no diminution of the + sternness of new republican virtue, no disgrace to the magnanimity of a + great nation, if it had pardoned the perfidy which its own oppression had + occasioned, if it had remitted the punishment of the perjury of the king + to the tribunal of Him by whom <i>kings reign and princes decree justice</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And are there any men in this kingdom, except such as find their account + in public confusion, who would hazard the introduction of such scenes of + rapine, barbarity, and bloodshed, as have disgraced France and outraged + humanity, for the sake of obtaining—what?—Liberty and + Equality. I suspect that the meaning of these terms is not clearly and + generally understood: it may be of use to explain them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The liberty of a man in a state of nature consists in his being subject to + no law but the law of nature; and the liberty of a man in a state of + society consists in his being subject to no law but to the law enacted by + the general will of the society to which he belongs. And to what other law + is any man in Great Britain subject? The king, we are all justly + persuaded, has not the inclination, and we all know that if he had the + inclination, he has not the power, to substitute his will in the place of + the law. The House of Lords has no such power; the House of Commons has no + such power; the Church has no such power; the rich men of the country have + no such power. The poorest man amongst us, the beggar at our door, is + governed—not by the uncertain, passionate, arbitrary will of an + individual—not by the selfish insolence of an aristocratic faction—not + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage26" id="Apage26"></a>{26}</span>by the + madness of democratic violence—but by the fixed, impartial, + deliberate voice of law, enacted by the general suffrage of a free people. + Is your property injured? Law, indeed, does not give you property; but it + ascertains it. Property is acquired by industry and probity; by the + exercise of talents and ingenuity; and the possession of it is secured by + the laws of the community. Against whom think you is it secured? It is + secured against thieves and robbers; against idle and profligate men, who, + however low your condition may be, would be glad to deprive you of the + little you possess. It is secured, not only against such disturbers of the + public peace, but against the oppression of the noble, the rapacity of the + powerful, and the avarice of the rich. The courts of British justice are + impartial and incorrupt; they respect not the persons of men; the poor + man's lamb is, in their estimation, as sacred as the monarch's crown; with + inflexible integrity they adjudge to every man his own. Your property + under their protection is secure. If your personal liberty be unjustly + restrained, though but for an hour, and that by the highest servants of + the crown, the crown cannot screen them; the throne cannot hide them; the + law, with an undaunted arm, seizes them, and drags them with irresistible + might to the judgment of whom?—of your equals—of twelve of + your neighbours. In such a constitution as this, what is there to complain + of on the score of liberty? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The greatest freedom that can be enjoyed by man in a state of civil + society, the greatest security that can be given him with respect to the + protection of his character, property, personal liberty, limb, and life, + is afforded to every individual by our present constitution. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The equality of men in a state of nature does not consist in an equality + of bodily strength or intellectual ability, but in their being equally + free from the dominion of each other. The equality of men in a state of + civil society does not consist in an equality of wisdom, honesty, + ingenuity, industry, nor in an equality of property resulting from a due + exertion of these talents; but in being equally subject to, equally + protected by the same laws. And who knows not that every individual in + this great nation is, in this respect, equal to every other? There is not + one law for the nobles, another for the commons of the land—one for + the clergy, another for the laity—one for the rich, another for the + poor. The nobility, it is true, have some privileges annexed to their + birth; the judges, and other magistrates, have some annexed to their + office; and professional men have some annexed to their professions:—but + these privileges are neither injurious to the liberty or property of other + men. And you might as reasonably contend, that the bramble ought to be + equal to the oak, the lamb to the lion, as that no distinctions should + take place between the members of the same society. The burdens of the + State are distributed through the whole community, with as much + impartiality as the complex nature of taxation will admit; every man + sustains a part in proportion to his strength; no order is exempted from + the payment of taxes. Nor is any order of men exclusively entitled to the + enjoyment of the lucrative offices of the State. All cannot enjoy them, + but all enjoy a capacity of acquiring them. The son of the meanest man in + the nation may become a general or an admiral, a lord chancellor or an + archbishop. If any persons have <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage27" + id="Apage27"></a>{27}</span>been so simple as to suppose that even the + French ever intended, by the term equality, an equality of property, they + have been quite mistaken in their ideas. The French never understood by it + anything materially different from what we and our ancestors have been in + full possession of for many ages. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Other nations may deluge their land with blood in struggling for liberty + and equality; but let it never be forgotten by ourselves, and let us + impress the observation upon the hearts of our children, that we are in + possession of both, of as much of both as can be consistent with the end + for which civil society was introduced amongst mankind. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The provision which is made for the poor in this kingdom is so liberal, + as, in the opinion of some, to discourage industry. The rental of the + lands in England and Wales does not, I conjecture, amount to more than + eighteen millions a year; and the poor rates amount to two millions. The + poor then, at present, possess a ninth part of the landed rental of the + country; and, reckoning ten pounds for the annual maintenance of each + pauper, it may be inferred, that those who are maintained by the community + do not constitute a fortieth part of the people. An equal division of land + would be to the poor a great misfortune; they would possess far less than + by the laws of the land they are at present entitled to. When we add to + this consideration an account of the immense sums annually subscribed by + the rich for the support of hospitals, infirmaries, dispensaries—for + the relief of sufferers by fire, tempests, famine, loss of cattle, great + sickness, and other misfortunes, all of which charities must cease were + all men on a level, for all men would then be equally poor,—it + cannot but excite one's astonishment that so foolish a system should have + ever been so much as mentioned by any man of common sense. It is a system + not practicable; and was it practicable, it would not be useful; and was + it useful, it would not be just. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But some one may think, and, indeed, it has been studiously inculcated + into the minds of the multitude, that a monarchy, even a limited one, is a + far more expensive mode of civil government than a republic; that a + civil-list of a million a year is an enormous sum, which might be saved to + the nation. Supposing that every shilling of this sum could be saved, and + that every shilling of it was expended in supporting the dignity of the + crown—both which suppositions are entirely false—still should + I think the liberty, the prosperity, the tranquillity, the happiness of + this great nation cheaply purchased by such a sum; still should I think + that he would be a madman in politics who would, by a change of the + constitution, risk these blessings (and France supplies us with a proof + that infinite risk would be run) for a paltry saving of expense. I am not, + nor have ever been, the patron of corruption. So far as the civil-list has + a tendency to corrupt the judgment of any member of either house of + parliament, it has a bad tendency, which I wish it had not; but I cannot + wish to see the splendour of the crown reduced to nothing, lest its proper + weight in the scale of the constitution should be thereby destroyed. A + great portion of this million is expended in paying the salaries of the + judges, the interpreters of our law, the guardians of our lives and + properties; another portion is expended in maintaining ambassadors at + different courts, to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage28" id="Apage28"></a>{28}</span>protect + the general concerns of the nation from foreign aggression; another + portion is expended in pensions and donations to men of letters and + ingenuity; to men who have, by naval, military, or civil services, just + claims to the attention of their country; to persons of respectable + families and connections, who have been humbled and broken down by + misfortunes. I do not speak with accuracy, nor on such a subject is + accuracy requisite; but I am not far wide of truth in saying, that a fifth + part of the million is more than sufficient to defray the expenses of the + royal household. What a mighty matter is it to complain of, that each + individual contributes less than sixpence a year towards the support of + the monarchy! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That the constitution of this country is so perfect as neither to require + or admit of any improvement, is a proposition to which I never did or ever + can assent; but I think it far too excellent to be amended by peasants and + mechanics. I do not mean to speak of peasants and mechanics with any + degree of disrespect; I am not so ignorant of the importance, either of + the natural or social chain by which all the individuals of the human race + are connected together, as to think disrespectfully of any link of it. + Peasants and mechanics are as useful to the State as any other order of + men; but their utility consists in their discharging well the duties of + their respective stations; it ceases when they affect to become + legislators; when they intrude themselves into concerns for which their + education has not fitted them. The liberty of the press is a main support + of the liberty of the nation; it is a blessing which it is our duty to + transmit to posterity; but a bad use is sometimes made of it: and its use + is never more pernicious than when it is employed to infuse into the minds + of the lowest orders of the community disparaging ideas concerning the + constitution of their country. No danger need be apprehended from a candid + examination of our own constitution, or from a display of the advantages + of any other; it will bear to be contrasted with the best: but all men are + not qualified to make the comparison; and there are so many men, in every + community, who wish to have no government at all, that an appeal to them + on such a point ought never to be made. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are, probably, in every government upon earth, circumstances which a + man, accustomed to the abstract investigation of truth, may easily prove + to be deviations from the rigid rule of strict political justice; but + whilst these deviations are either generally not known, or, though known, + generally acquiesced in as matters of little moment to the general + felicity, I cannot think it to be the part, either of a good man or of a + good citizen, to be zealous in recommending such matters to the discussion + of ignorant and uneducated men. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am far from insinuating, that the science of politics is involved in + mystery; or that men of plain understandings should be debarred from + examining the principles of the government to which they yield obedience. + All that I contend for is this—that the foundations of our + government ought not to be overturned, nor the edifice erected thereon + tumbled into ruins, because an acute politician may pretend that he has + discovered a flaw in the building, or that he could have laid the + foundation after a better model. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What would you say to a stranger who should desire you to pull down <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage29" id="Apage29"></a>{29}</span>your house, + because, forsooth, he had built one in France or America, after what he + thought a better plan? You would say to him: No, sir—my ancestors + have lived in this mansion comfortably and honourably for many + generations; all its walls are strong, and all its timbers sound: if I + should observe a decay in any of its parts, I know how to make the + reparation without the assistance of strangers; and I know too that the + reparation, when made by myself, may be made without injury either to the + strength or beauty of the building. It has been buffeted, in the course of + ages, by a thousand storms; yet still it stands unshaken as a rock, the + wonder of all my neighbours, each of whom sighs for one of a similar + construction. Your house may be suited to your climate and temper, this is + suited to mine. Permit me, however, to observe to you, that you have not + yet lived long enough in your new house to be sensible of all the + inconveniences to which it may be liable, nor have you yet had any + experience of its strength; it has yet sustained no shocks; the first + whirlwind may scatter its component members in the air; the first + earthquake may shake its foundation; the first inundation may sweep the + superstructure from the surface of the earth. I hope no accident will + happen to your house, but I am satisfied with mine own. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Great calamities of every kind attend the breaking up of established + governments:—yet there are some forms of government, especially when + they happen to be badly administered, so exceedingly destructive of the + happiness of mankind, that a change of them is not improvidently purchased + at the expense of the mischief accompanying their subversion. Our + government is not of that kind; look round the globe, and see if you can + discover a single nation on all its surface so powerful, so rich, so + beneficent, so free and happy as our own. May Heaven avert from the minds + of my countrymen the slightest wish to abolish their constitution! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Kingdoms,' observes Mr. Locke, 'have been overturned by the pride, + ambition, and turbulency of private men; by the people's wantonness and + desire to cast off the lawful authority of their rulers, as well as by the + rulers' insolence, and endeavours to get and exercise an arbitrary power + over the people.' The recent danger to our constitution was in my opinion + small; for I considered its excellence to be so obvious to men even of the + most unimproved understandings, that I looked upon it as an idle and + fruitless effort, either in foreign or domestic incendiaries, to endeavour + to persuade the bulk of the people to consent to an alteration of it in + favour of a republic. I knew, indeed, that in every country the flagitious + dregs of a nation were always ripe for revolutions; but I was sensible, at + the same time, that it was the interest, not only of the opulent and + powerful, not only of the mercantile and middle classes of life, but even + of honest labourers and manufacturers, of every sober and industrious man, + to resist the licentious principles of such pestilent members, shall I + call them, or outcasts of society. Men better informed and wiser than + myself thought that the constitution was in great danger. Whether in fact + the danger was great or small, it is not necessary now to inquire; it may + be more useful to declare that, in my humble opinion, the danger, of + whatever magnitude it may have been, did not originate in any + encroachments of either the legislative or executive power on the + liberties or properties of the people; <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage30" id="Apage30"></a>{30}</span>but in the wild fancies and + turbulent tempers of discontented or ill-informed individuals. I sincerely + rejoice that, through the vigilance of administration, this turbulency has + received a check. The hopes of bad men have been disappointed, and the + understandings of mistaken men have been enlightened, by the general and + unequivocal judgment of a whole nation; a nation not more renowned for its + bravery and its humanity, though justly celebrated for both, than for its + loyalty to its princes, and, what is perfectly consistent with loyalty, + for its love of liberty and attachment to the constitution. Wise men have + formed it, brave men have bled for it; it is our part to preserve it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + R. LANDAFF. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>London, Jan. 25, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage31" id="Apage31"></a>{31}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="II_THE_CONVENTION_OF_CINTRA" id="II_THE_CONVENTION_OF_CINTRA"></a>II. + THE CONVENTION OF CINTRA 1809. + </h3> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage32" id="Apage32"></a>{32}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /><span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage33" id="Apage33"></a>{33}</span> + On the 'Convention of Cintra' see Preface in the present volume. G.<br /> + <br /> CONCERNING<br /> THE RELATIONS<br /> OF<br /> GREAT BRITAIN,<br /> + SPAIN, AND PORTUGAL,<br /> TO EACH OTHER, AND TO THE COMMON ENEMY,<br /> AT + THIS CRISIS;<br /> AND SPECIFICALLY AS AFFECTED BY<br /> THE<br /> CONVENTION + OF CINTRA:<br /> <i>The whole brought to the test of those Principles, by + which<br /> alone the Independence and Freedom of Nations<br /> can be + Preserved or Recovered</i>.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Qui didicit patriae quid debeat;————<br /></span> + <span>Quod sit conscripti, quod judicis officium; quae<br /></span> <span>Partes + in bellum missi ducis.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + London:<br /> PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME,<br /> + PATERNOSTER-ROW.<br /> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + 1809. + </div> + <p> + <br /><span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage34" id="Apage34"></a>{34}</span> + </p> + <p> + Bitter and earnest writing must not hastily be condemned; for men cannot + contend coldly, and without affection, about things which they hold dear + and precious. A politic man may write from his brain, without touch and + sense of his heart; as in a speculation that appertaineth not unto him;—but + a feeling Christian will express, in his words, a character of zeal or + love. <i>Lord Bacon</i>. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage35" id="Apage35"></a>{35}</span> + </p> + <h3> + ADVERTISEMENT + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following pages originated in the opposition which was made by his + Majesty's ministers to the expression, in public meetings and otherwise, + of the opinions and feelings of the people concerning the Convention of + Cintra. For the sake of immediate and general circulation, I determined + (when I had made a considerable progress in the manuscript) to print it in + different portions in one of the daily newspapers. Accordingly two + portions of it (extending to page 25) were printed, in the months of + December and January, in the <i>Courier</i>,—as being one of the + most impartial and extensively circulated journals of the time. The reader + is requested to bear in mind this previous publication: otherwise he will + be at a loss to account for the arrangement of the matter in one instance + in the earlier part of the work. An accidental loss of several sheets of + the manuscript delayed the continuance of the publication in that manner, + till the close of the Christmas holidays; and—the pressure of public + business rendering it then improbable that room could be found, in the + columns of the paper, regularly to insert matter extending to such a + length—this plan of publication was given up. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may be proper to state that, in the extracts which have been made from + the Spanish Proclamations, I have been obliged to content myself with the + translations which appeared in the public journals; having only in one + instance had access to the original. This is, in some cases, to be + regretted—where the language falls below the dignity of the matter: + but in general it is not so; and the feeling has suggested correspondent + expressions to the translators; hastily as, no doubt, they must have + performed their work. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I must entreat the reader to bear in mind that I began to write upon this + subject in November last; and have continued without bringing my work + earlier to a conclusion, partly from accident, and partly from a wish to + possess additional documents and facts. Passing occurrences have made + changes in the situation of certain objects spoken of; but I have not + thought it necessary to accommodate what I had previously written to these + changes: the whole stands without alteration; except where additions have + been made, or errors corrected. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As I have spoken without reserve of things (and of persons as far as it + was necessary to illustrate things, but no further); and as this has been + uniformly done according to the light of my conscience; I have deemed it + right to prefix my name to these pages, in order that this last testimony + of a sincere mind might not be wanting. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>May 20th</i>, 1809. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage37" id="Apage37"></a>{37}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="CONCERNING_THE_CONVENTION_OF_CINTRA" + id="CONCERNING_THE_CONVENTION_OF_CINTRA"></a>CONCERNING THE CONVENTION OF + CINTRA + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Convention, recently concluded by the Generals at the head of the + British army in Portugal, is one of the most important events of our time. + It would be deemed so in France, if the Ruler of that country could dare + to make it public with those merely of its known bearings and dependences + with which the English people are acquainted; it has been deemed so in + Spain and Portugal as far as the people of those countries have been + permitted to gain, or have gained, a knowledge of it; and what this nation + has felt and still feels upon the subject is sufficiently manifest. + Wherever the tidings were communicated, they carried agitation along with + them—a conflict of sensations in which, though sorrow was + predominant, yet, through force of scorn, impatience, hope, and + indignation, and through the universal participation in passions so + complex, and the sense of power which this necessarily included—the + whole partook of the energy and activity of congratulation and joy. Not a + street, not a public room, not a fire-side in the island which was not + disturbed as by a local or private trouble; men of all estates, + conditions, and tempers were affected apparently in equal degrees. Yet was + the event by none received as an open and measurable affliction: it had + indeed features bold and intelligible to every one; but there was an + under-expression which was strange, dark, and mysterious—and, + accordingly as different notions prevailed, or the object was looked at in + different points of view, we were astonished like men who are overwhelmed + without forewarning—fearful like men who feel themselves to be + helpless, and indignant and angry like men who are betrayed. In a word, it + would not be too much to say that the tidings of this event did not spread + with the commotion of a storm which sweeps visibly over our heads, but + like an earthquake which rocks the ground under our feet. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage38" id="Apage38"></a>{38}</span> + </p> + <p> + How was it possible that it could be otherwise? For that army had been + sent upon a service which appealed so strongly to all that was human in + the heart of this nation—that there was scarcely a gallant father of + a family who had not his moments of regret that he was not a soldier by + profession, which might have made it his duty to accompany it; every + high-minded youth grieved that his first impulses, which would have sent + him upon the same errand, were not to be yielded to, and that + after-thought did not sanction and confirm the instantaneous dictates or + the reiterated persuasions of an heroic spirit. The army took its + departure with prayers and blessings which were as widely spread as they + were fervent and intense. For it was not doubted that, on this occasion, + every person of which it was composed, from the General to the private + soldier, would carry both into his conflicts with the enemy in the field, + and into his relations of peaceful intercourse with the inhabitants, not + only the virtues which might be expected from him as a soldier, but the + antipathies and sympathies, the loves and hatreds of a citizen—of a + human being—acting, in a manner hitherto unprecedented under the + obligation of his human and social nature. If the conduct of the rapacious + and merciless adversary rendered it neither easy nor wise—made it, I + might say, impossible to give way to that unqualified admiration of + courage and skill, made it impossible in relation to him to be exalted by + those triumphs of the courteous affections, and to be purified by those + refinements of civility which do, more than any thing, reconcile a man of + thoughtful mind and humane dispositions to the horrors of ordinary war; it + was felt that for such loss the benign and accomplished soldier would upon + this mission be abundantly recompensed by the enthusiasm of fraternal love + with which his Ally, the oppressed people whom he was going to aid in + rescuing themselves, would receive him; and that this, and the virtues + which he would witness in them, would furnish his heart with never-failing + and far nobler objects of complacency and admiration. The discipline of + the army was well known; and as a machine, or a vital organized body, the + Nation was assured that it could not but be formidable; but thus to the + standing excellence of mechanic or organic power seemed to be superadded, + at this time, and for this service, the force of <i>inspiration</i>: could + any thing therefore be looked for, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage39" + id="Apage39"></a>{39}</span>but a glorious result? The army proved its + prowess in the field; and what has been the result is attested, and long + will be attested, by the downcast looks—the silence—the + passionate exclamations—the sighs and shame of every man who is + worthy to breathe the air or to look upon the green-fields of Liberty in + this blessed and highly-favoured Island which we inhabit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If I were speaking of things however weighty, that were long past and + dwindled in the memory, I should scarcely venture to use this language; + but the feelings are of yesterday—they are of to-day; the flower, a + melancholy flower it is! is still in blow, nor will, I trust, its leaves + be shed through months that are to come: for I repeat that the heart of + the nation is in this struggle. This just and necessary war, as we have + been accustomed to hear it styled from the beginning of the contest in the + year 1793, had, some time before the Treaty of Amiens, viz. after the + subjugation of Switzerland, and not till then, begun to be regarded by the + body of the people, as indeed both just and necessary; and this justice + and necessity were by none more clearly perceived, or more feelingly + bewailed, than by those who had most eagerly opposed the war in its + commencement, and who continued most bitterly to regret that this nation + had ever borne a part in it. Their conduct was herein consistent: they + proved that they kept their eyes steadily fixed upon principles; for, + though there was a shifting or transfer of hostility in their minds as far + as regarded persons, they only combated the same enemy opposed to them + under a different shape; and that enemy was the spirit of selfish tyranny + and lawless ambition. This spirit, the class of persons of whom I have + been speaking, (and I would now be understood, as associating them with an + immense majority of the people of Great Britain, whose affections, + notwithstanding all the delusions which had been practised upon them, + were, in the former part of the contest, for a long time on the side of + their nominal enemies,) this spirit, when it became undeniably embodied in + the French government, they wished, in spite of all dangers, should be + opposed by war; because peace was not to be procured without submission, + which could not but be followed by a communion, of which the word of + greeting would be, on the one part, insult,—and, on the other, + degradation. The people now wished for war, as their rulers <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage40" id="Apage40"></a>{40}</span>had done + before, because open war between nations is a defined and effectual + partition, and the sword, in the hands of the good and the virtuous, is + the most intelligible symbol of abhorrence. It was in order to be + preserved from spirit-breaking submissions—from the guilt of seeming + to approve that which they had not the power to prevent, and out of a + consciousness of the danger that such guilt would otherwise actually steal + upon them, and that thus, by evil communications and participations, would + be weakened and finally destroyed, those moral sensibilities and energies, + by virtue of which alone, their liberties, and even their lives, could be + preserved,—that the people of Great Britain determined to encounter + all perils which could follow in the train of open resistance.—There + were some, and those deservedly of high character in the country, who + exerted their utmost influence to counteract this resolution; nor did they + give to it so gentle a name as want of prudence, but they boldly termed it + blindness and obstinacy. Let them be judged with charity! But there are + promptings of wisdom from the penetralia of human nature, which a people + can hear, though the wisest of their practical Statesmen be deaf towards + them. This authentic voice, the people of England had heard and obeyed: + and, in opposition to French tyranny growing daily more insatiate and + implacable, they ranged themselves zealously under their Government; + though they neither forgot nor forgave its transgressions, in having first + involved them in a war with a people then struggling for its own liberties + under a twofold infliction—confounded by inbred faction, and + beleagured by a cruel and imperious external foe. But these remembrances + did not vent themselves in reproaches, nor hinder us from being reconciled + to our Rulers, when a change or rather a revolution in circumstances had + imposed new duties: and, in defiance of local and personal clamour, it may + be safely said, that the nation united heart and hand with the Government + in its resolve to meet the worst, rather than stoop its head to receive + that which, it was felt, would not be the garland but the yoke of peace. + Yet it was an afflicting alternative; and it is not to be denied, that the + effort, if it had the determination, wanted the cheerfulness of duty. Our + condition savoured too much of a grinding constraint—too much of the + vassalage of necessity;—it had too much of fear, and therefore of + selfishness, not to be <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage41" id="Apage41"></a>{41}</span>contemplated + in the main with rueful emotion. We desponded though we did not despair. + In fact a deliberate and preparatory fortitude—a sedate and stern + melancholy, which had no sunshine and was exhilarated only by the + lightnings of indignation—this was the highest and best state of + moral feeling to which the most noble-minded among us could attain. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, from the moment of the rising of the people of the Pyrenëan peninsula, + there was a mighty change; we were instantaneously animated; and, from + that moment, the contest assumed the dignity, which it is not in the power + of any thing but hope to bestow: and, if I may dare to transfer language, + prompted by a revelation of the state of being that admits not of decay or + change, to the concerns and interests of our transitory planet, from that + moment 'this corruptible put on incorruption, and this mortal put on + immortality.' This sudden elevation was on no account more welcome—was + by nothing more endeared, than by the returning sense which accompanied it + of inward liberty and choice, which gratified our moral yearnings, + inasmuch as it would give henceforward to our actions as a people, an + origination and direction unquestionably moral—as it was free—as + it was manifestly in sympathy with the species—as it admitted + therefore of fluctuations of generous feeling—of approbation and of + complacency. We were intellectualized also in proportion; we looked + backward upon the records of the human race with pride, and, instead of + being afraid, we delighted to look forward into futurity. It was imagined + that this new-born spirit of resistance, rising from the most sacred + feelings of the human heart, would diffuse itself through many countries; + and not merely for the distant future, but for the present, hopes were + entertained as bold as they were disinterested and generous. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Never, indeed, was the fellowship of our sentient nature more intimately + felt—never was the irresistible power of justice more gloriously + displayed than when the British and Spanish Nations, with an impulse like + that of two ancient heroes throwing down their weapons and reconciled in + the field, cast off at once their aversions and enmities, and mutually + embraced each other—to solemnize this conversion of love, not by the + festivities of peace, but by combating side by side through danger and + under affliction in the devotedness of perfect brotherhood. This was a<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage42" id="Apage42"></a>{42}</span> conjunction + which excited hope as fervent as it was rational. On the one side was a + nation which brought with it sanction and authority, inasmuch as it had + tried and approved the blessings for which the other had risen to contend: + the one was a people which, by the help of the surrounding ocean and its + own virtues, had preserved to itself through ages its liberty, pure and + inviolated by a foreign invader; the other a high-minded nation, which a + tyrant, presuming on its decrepitude, had, through the real decrepitude of + its Government, perfidiously enslaved. What could be more delightful than + to think of an intercourse beginning in this manner? On the part of the + Spaniards their love towards us was enthusiasm and adoration; the faults + of our national character were hidden from them by a veil of splendour; + they saw nothing around us but glory and light; and, on our side, we + estimated <i>their</i> character with partial and indulgent fondness;—thinking + on their past greatness, not as the undermined foundation of a magnificent + building, but as the root of a majestic tree recovered from a long + disease, and beginning again to flourish with promise of wider branches + and a deeper shade than it had boasted in the fulness of its strength. If + in the sensations with which the Spaniards prostrated themselves before + the religion of their country we did not keep pace with them—if even + their loyalty was such as, from our mixed constitution of government and + from other causes, we could not thoroughly sympathize with,—and if, + lastly, their devotion to the person of their Sovereign appeared to us to + have too much of the alloy of delusion,—in all these things we + judged them gently: and, taught by the reverses of the French revolution, + we looked upon these dispositions as more human—more social—and + therefore as wiser, and of better omen, than if they had stood forth the + zealots of abstract principles, drawn out of the laboratory of unfeeling + philosophists. Finally, in this reverence for the past and present, we + found an earnest that they were prepared to contend to the death for as + much liberty as their habits and their knowledge enabled them to receive. + To assist them and their neighbours the Portugueze in the attainment of + this end, we sent to them in love and in friendship a powerful army to aid—to + invigorate—and to chastise:—they landed; and the first proof + they afforded of their being worthy to be sent on such a service—the + first pledge of amity given by them was the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage43" id="Apage43"></a>{43}</span>victory of Vimiera; the second + pledge (and this was from the hand of their Generals,) was the Convention + of Cintra. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The reader will by this time have perceived, what thoughts were uppermost + in my mind, when I began with asserting, that this Convention is among the + most important events of our times:—an assertion, which was made + deliberately, and after due allowance for that infirmity which inclines us + to magnify things present and passing, at the expence of those which are + past. It is my aim to prove, wherein the real importance of this event + lies: and, as a necessary preparative for forming a right judgment upon + it, I have already given a representation of the sentiments, with which + the people of Great Britain and those of Spain looked upon each other. I + have indeed spoken rather of the Spaniards than of the Portugueze; but + what has been said, will be understood as applying in the main to the + whole Peninsula. The wrongs of the two nations have been equal, and their + cause is the same: they must stand or fall together. What their wrongs + have been, in what degree they considered themselves united, and what + their hopes and resolutions were, we have learned from public Papers + issued by themselves and by their enemies. These were read by the people + of this Country, at the time when they were severally published, with due + impression.—- Pity, that those impressions could not have been as + faithfully retained as they were at first received deeply! Doubtless, + there is not a man in these Islands, who is not convinced that the cause + of Spain is the most righteous cause in which, since the opposition of the + Greek Republics to the Persian Invader at Thermopylae and Marathon, sword + ever was drawn! But this is not enough. We are actors in the struggle; + and, in order that we may have steady PRINCIPLES to controul and direct + us, (without which we may do much harm, and can do no good,) we ought to + make it a duty to revive in the memory those words and facts, which first + carried the conviction to our hearts: that, as far as it is possible, we + may see as we then saw, and feel as we then felt. Let me therefore entreat + the Reader seriously to peruse once more such parts of those Declarations + as I shall extract from them. I feel indeed with sorrow, that events are + hurrying us forward, as down the Rapid of an American river, and that + there is too much danger <i>before</i>, to permit the mind easily to turn + back upon the course <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage44" id="Apage44"></a>{44}</span>which + is past. It is indeed difficult.—But I need not say, that to yield + to the difficulty, would be degrading to rational beings. Besides, if from + the retrospect, we can either gain strength by which we can overcome, or + learn prudence by which we may avoid, such submission is not only + degrading, but pernicious. I address these words to those who have + feeling, but whose judgment is overpowered by their feelings:—such + as have not, and who are mere slaves of curiosity, calling perpetually for + something new, and being able to create nothing new for themselves out of + old materials, may be left to wander about under the yoke of their own + unprofitable appetite.—Yet not so! Even these I would include in my + request: and conjure them, as they are men, not to be impatient, while I + place before their eyes, a composition made out of fragments of those + Declarations from various parts of the Peninsula, which, disposed as it + were in a tesselated pavement, shall set forth a story which may be easily + understood; which will move and teach, and be consolatory to him who looks + upon it. I say, consolatory: and let not the Reader shrink from the word. + I am well aware of the burthen which is to be supported, of the + discountenance from recent calamity under which every thing, which speaks + of hope for the Spanish people, and through <i>them</i> for mankind, will + be received. But this, far from deterring, ought to be an encouragement; + it makes the duty more imperious. Nevertheless, whatever confidence any + individual of meditative mind may have in these representations of the + principles and feelings of the people of Spain, both as to their sanctity + and truth, and as to their competence in ordinary circumstances to make + these acknowledged, it would be unjust to recall them to the public mind, + stricken as it is by present disaster, without attempting to mitigate the + bewildering terror which accompanies these events, and which is caused as + much by their nearness to the eye, as by any thing in their own nature. I + shall, however, at present confine myself to suggest a few considerations, + some of which will be developed hereafter, when I resume the subject. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It appears then, that the Spanish armies have sustained great defeats, and + have been compelled to abandon their positions, and that these reverses + have been effected by an army greatly superior to the Spanish forces in + number, and far excelling them in the art and practice of war. This is the + sum of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage45" id="Apage45"></a>{45}</span>those + tidings, which it was natural we should receive with sorrow, but which too + many have received with dismay and despair, though surely no events could + be more in the course of rational expectation. And what is the amount of + the evil?—It is manifest that, though a great army may easily defeat + or disperse another <i>army</i>, less or greater, yet it is not in a like + degree formidable to a determined <i>people</i>, nor efficient in a like + degree to subdue them, or to keep them in subjugation—much less if + this people, like those of Spain in the present instance, be numerous, + and, like them, inhabit a territory extensive and strong by nature. For a + great army, and even several great armies, cannot accomplish this by + marching about the country, unbroken, but each must split itself into many + portions, and the several detachments become weak accordingly, not merely + as they are small in size, but because the soldiery, acting thus, + necessarily relinquish much of that part of their superiority, which lies + in what may be called the enginery of war; and far more, because they + lose, in proportion as they are broken, the power of profiting by the + military skill of the Commanders, or by their own military habits. The + experienced soldier is thus brought down nearer to the plain ground of the + inexperienced, man to the level of man: and it is then, that the truly + brave man rises, the man of good hopes and purposes; and superiority in + moral brings with it superiority in physical power. Hence, if the Spanish + armies have been defeated, or even dispersed, it not only argues a want of + magnanimity, but of sense, to conclude that the cause <i>therefore</i> is + lost. Supposing that the spirit of the people is not crushed, the war is + now brought back to that plan of conducting it, which was recommended by + the Junta of Seville in that inestimable paper entitled 'PRECAUTIONS,' + which plan ought never to have been departed from, except by compulsion, + or with a moral certainty of success; and which the Spaniards will now be + constrained to re-adopt, with the advantage, that the lesson, which has + been received, will preclude the possibility of their ever committing the + same error. In this paper it is said, 'let the first object be to avoid + all general actions, and to convince ourselves of the very great hazards + without any advantage or the hope of it, to which they would expose us.' + The paper then gives directions, how the war ought to be conducted as a + war of partizans, and shews the peculiar fitness of the country for it.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage46" id="Apage46"></a>{46}</span> Yet, though + relying solely on this unambitious mode of warfare, the framers of the + paper, which is in every part of it distinguished by wisdom, speak with + confident thoughts of success. To this mode of warfare, then, after + experience of calamity from not having trusted in it; to this, and to the + people in whom the contest originated, and who are its proper depository, + that contest is now referred. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Secondly, if the spirits of the Spaniards be not broken by defeat, which + is impossible, if the sentiments that have been publicly expressed be + fairly characteristic of the nation, and do not belong only to particular + spots or to a few individuals of superior mind,—a doubt, which the + internal evidence of these publications, sanctioned by the resistance + already made, and corroborated by the universal consent with which certain + qualities have been attributed to the Spaniards in all ages, encourages us + to repel;—then are there mighty resources in the country which have + not yet been called forth. For all has hitherto been done by the + spontaneous efforts of the people, acting under little or no compulsion of + the Government, but with its advice and exhortation. It is an error to + suppose, that, in proportion as a people are strong, and act largely for + themselves, the Government must therefore be weak. This is not a necessary + consequence even in the heat of Revolution, but only when the people are + lawless from want of a steady and noble object among themselves for their + love, or in the presence of a foreign enemy for their hatred. In the early + part of the French Revolution, indeed as long as it was evident that the + end was the common safety, the National Assembly had the power to turn the + people into any course, to constrain them to any task, while their + voluntary efforts, as far as these could be exercised, were not abated in + consequence. That which the National Assembly did for France, the Spanish + Sovereign's authority acting through those whom the people themselves have + deputed to represent him, would, in their present enthusiasm of loyalty, + and condition of their general feelings, render practicable and easy for + Spain. The Spaniards, it is true, with a thoughtfulness most hopeful for + the cause which they have undertaken, have been loth to depart from + established laws, forms, and practices. This dignified feeling of + self-restraint they would do well to cherish so far as never to depart + from it without some reluctance;—but, when old and <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage47" id="Apage47"></a>{47}</span>familiar + means are not equal to the exigency, new ones must, without timidity, be + resorted to, though by many they may be found harsh and ungracious. + Nothing but good would result from such conduct. The well-disposed would + rely more confidently upon a Government which thus proved that it had + confidence in itself. Men, less zealous, and of less comprehensive minds, + would soon be reconciled to measures from which at first they had + revolted; the remiss and selfish might be made servants of their country, + through the influence of the same passions which had prepared them to + become slaves of the Invader; or, should this not be possible, they would + appear in their true character, and the main danger to be feared from them + would be prevented. The course which ought to be pursued is plain. Either + the cause has lost the people's love, or it has not. If it has, let the + struggle be abandoned. If it has not, let the Government, in whatever + shape it may exist, and however great may be the calamities under which it + may labour, act up to the full stretch of its rights, nor doubt that the + people will support it to the full extent of their power. If, therefore, + the Chiefs of the Spanish Nation be men of wise and strong minds, they + will bring both the forces, those of the Government and of the people, + into their utmost action; tempering them in such a manner that neither + shall impair or obstruct the other, but rather that they shall strengthen + and direct each other for all salutary purposes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thirdly, it was never dreamt by any thinking man, that the Spaniards were + to succeed by their army; if by their <i>army</i> be meant any thing but + the people. The whole people is their army, and their true army is the + people, and nothing else. Five hundred men, who in the early part of the + struggle had been taken prisoners,—I think it was at the battle of + Rio Seco—were returned by the French General under the title of + Galician Peasants, a title, which the Spanish General, Blake, rejected and + maintained in his answer that they were genuine soldiers, meaning regular + troops. The conduct of the Frenchman was politic, and that of the Spaniard + would have been more in the spirit of his cause and of his own noble + character, if, waiving on this occasion the plea of any subordinate and + formal commission which these men might have, he had rested their claim to + the title of soldiers on its true ground, and affirmed that this was no + other than the rights of the cause which they maintained, by <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage48" id="Apage48"></a>{48}</span>which rights + every Spaniard was a soldier who could appear in arms, and was authorized + to take that place, in which it was probable, to those under whom he + acted, and on many occasions to himself, that he could most annoy the + enemy. But these patriots of Galicia were not clothed alike, nor perhaps + armed alike, nor had the outward appearance of those bodies, which are + called regular troops; and the Frenchman availed himself of this pretext, + to apply to them that insolent language, which might, I think, have been + more nobly repelled on a more comprehensive principle. For thus are men of + the gravest minds imposed upon by the presumptuous; and through these + influences it comes, that the strength of a tyrant is in opinion—not + merely in the opinion of those who support him, but alas! even of those + who willingly resist, and who would resist effectually, if it were not + that their own understandings betray them, being already half enslaved by + shews and forms. The whole Spanish nation ought to be encouraged to deem + themselves an army, embodied under the authority of their country and of + human nature. A military spirit should be there, and a military action, + not confined like an ordinary river in one channel, but spreading like the + Nile over the whole face of the land. Is this possible? I believe it is: + if there be minds among them worthy to lead, and if those leading minds + cherish a <i>civic</i> spirit by all warrantable aids and appliances, and, + above all other means, by combining a reverential memory of their elder + ancestors with distinct hopes of solid advantage, from the privileges of + freedom, for themselves and their posterity—to which the history and + the past state of Spain furnish such enviable facilities; and if they + provide for the sustenance of this spirit, by organizing it in its primary + sources, not timidly jealous of a people, whose toils and sacrifices have + approved them worthy of all love and confidence, and whose failing of + excess, if such there exist, is assuredly on the side of loyalty to their + Sovereign, and predilection for all established institutions. We affirm, + then, that a universal military spirit may be produced; and not only this, + but that a much more rare and more admirable phenomenon may be realized—the + civic and military spirit united in one people, and in enduring harmony + with each other. The people of Spain, with arms in their hands, are + already in an elevated mood, to which they have been raised by the + indignant passions, and the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage49" + id="Apage49"></a>{49}</span>keen sense of insupportable wrong and insult + from the enemy, and its infamous instruments. But they must be taught, not + to trust too exclusively to the violent passions, which have already done + much of their peculiar task and service. They must seek additional aid + from affections, which less imperiously exclude all individual interests, + while at the same time they consecrate them to the public good.—But + the enemy is in the heart of their Land! We have not forgotten this. We + would encourage their military zeal, and all qualities especially + military, by all rewards of honourable ambition, and by rank and dignity + conferred on the truly worthy, whatever may be their birth or condition, + the elevating influence of which would extend from the individual + possessor to the class from which he may have sprung. For the necessity of + thus raising and upholding the military spirit, we plead: but yet the <i>professional</i> + excellencies of the soldier must be contemplated according to their due + place and relation. Nothing is done, or worse than nothing, unless + something higher be taught, <i>as</i> higher, something more fundamental, + <i>as</i> more fundamental. In the moral virtues and qualities of passion + which belong to a people, must the ultimate salvation of a people be + sought for. Moral qualities of a high order, and vehement passions, and + virtuous as vehement, the Spaniards have already displayed; nor is it to + be anticipated, that the conduct of their enemies will suffer the heat and + glow to remit and languish. These may be trusted to themselves, and to the + provocations of the merciless Invader. They must now be taught, that their + strength <i>chiefly</i> lies in moral qualities, more silent in their + operation, more permanent in their nature; in the virtues of perseverance, + constancy, fortitude, and watchfulness, in a long memory and a quick + feeling, to rise upon a favourable summons, a texture of life which, + though cut through (as hath been feigned of the bodies of the Angels) + unites again—these are the virtues and qualities on which the + Spanish People must be taught <i>mainly</i> to depend. These it is not in + the power of their Chiefs to create; but they may preserve and procure to + them opportunities of unfolding themselves, by guarding the Nation against + an intemperate reliance on other qualities and other modes of exertion, to + which it could never have resorted in the degree in which it appears to + have resorted to them without having been in contradiction to itself, + paying at the same time <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage50" + id="Apage50"></a>{50}</span>an indirect homage to its enemy. Yet, in + hazarding this conditional censure, we are still inclined to believe, + that, in spite of our deductions on the score of exaggeration, we have + still given too easy credit to the accounts furnished by the enemy, of the + rashness with which the Spaniards engaged in pitched battles, and of their + dismay after defeat. For the Spaniards have repeatedly proclaimed, and + they have inwardly felt, that their strength was from their cause—of + course, that it was moral. Why then should they abandon this, and + endeavour to prevail by means in which their opponents are confessedly so + much superior? Moral strength is their's; but physical power for the + purposes of immediate or rapid destruction is on the side of their + enemies. This is to them no disgrace, but, as soon as they understand + themselves, they will see that they are disgraced by mistrusting their + appropriate stay, and throwing themselves upon a power which for them must + be weak. Nor will it then appear to them a sufficient excuse, that they + were seduced into this by the splendid qualities of courage and + enthusiasm, which, being the frequent companions, and, in given + circumstances, the necessary agents of virtue, are too often themselves + hailed as virtues by their own title. But courage and enthusiasm have + equally characterized the best and the worst beings, a Satan, equally with + an ABDIEL—a BONAPARTE equally with a LEONIDAS. They are indeed + indispensible to the Spanish soldiery, in order that, man to man, they may + not be inferior to their enemies in the field of battle. But inferior they + are and long must be in warlike skill and coolness; inferior in assembled + numbers, and in blind mobility to the preconceived purposes of their + leader. If therefore the Spaniards are not superior in some superior + quality, their fall may be predicted with the certainty of a mathematical + calculation. Nay, it is right to acknowledge, however depressing to false + hope the thought may be, that from a people prone and disposed to war, as + the French are, through the very absence of those excellencies which give + a contra-distinguishing dignity to the Spanish character; that, from an + army of men presumptuous by nature, to whose presumption the experience of + constant success has given the confidence and stubborn strength of reason, + and who balance against the devotion of patriotism the superstition so + naturally attached by the sensual and disordinate to the strange fortunes + and continual felicity of their Emperor; that, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage51" id="Apage51"></a>{51}</span>from the armies of such a + people a more manageable enthusiasm, a courage less under the influence of + accidents, may be expected in the confusion of immediate conflict, than + from forces like the Spaniards, united indeed by devotion to a common + cause, but not equally united by an equal confidence in each other, + resulting from long fellowship and brotherhood in all conceivable + incidents of war and battle. Therefore, I do not hesitate to affirm, that + even the occasional flight of the Spanish levies, from sudden panic under + untried circumstances, would not be so injurious to the Spanish cause; no, + nor so dishonourable to the Spanish character, nor so ominous of ultimate + failure, as a paramount reliance on superior valour, instead of a + principled reposal on superior constancy and immutable resolve. Rather let + them have fled once and again, than direct their prime admiration to the + blaze and explosion of animal courage, in slight of the vital and + sustaining warmth of fortitude; in slight of that moral contempt of death + and privation, which does not need the stir and shout of battle to call it + forth or support it, which can smile in patience over the stiff and cold + wound, as well as rush forward regardless, because half senseless of the + fresh and bleeding one. Why did we give our hearts to the present cause of + Spain with a fervour and elevation unknown to us in the commencement of + the late Austrian or Prussian resistance to France? Because we attributed + to the former an heroic temperament which would render their transfer to + such domination an evil to human nature itself, and an affrightening + perplexity in the dispensations of Providence. But if in oblivion of the + prophetic wisdom of their own first leaders in the cause, they are + surprised beyond the power of rallying, utterly cast down and manacled by + fearful thoughts from the first thunder-storm of defeat in the field, + wherein do they differ from the Prussians and Austrians? Wherein are they + a People, and not a mere army or set of armies? If this be indeed so, what + have we to mourn over but our own honourable impetuosity, in hoping where + no just ground of hope existed? A nation, without the virtues necessary + for the attainment of independence, have failed to attain it. This is all. + For little has that man understood the majesty of true national freedom, + who believes that a population, like that of Spain, in a country like that + of Spain, may want the qualities needful to fight out their independence, + and yet possess the excellencies which render <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage52" id="Apage52"></a>{52}</span>men susceptible of true + liberty. The Dutch, the Americans, did possess the former; but it is, I + fear, more than doubtful whether the one ever did, or the other ever will, + evince the nobler morality indispensible to the latter. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was not my intention that the subject should at present have been + pursued so far. But I have been carried forward by a strong wish to be of + use in raising and steadying the minds of my countrymen, an end to which + every thing that I shall say hereafter (provided it be true) will + contribute. For all knowledge of human nature leads ultimately to repose; + and I shall write to little purpose if I do not assist some portion of my + readers to form an estimate of the grounds of hope and fear in the present + effort of liberty against oppression, in the present or any future + struggle which justice will have to maintain against might. In fact, this + is my main object, 'the sea-mark of my utmost sail:' in order that, + understanding the sources of strength and seats of weakness, both in the + tyrant and in those who would save or rescue themselves from his grasp, we + may act as becomes men who would guard their own liberties, and would draw + a good use from the desire which they feel, and the efforts which they are + making, to benefit the less favoured part of the family of mankind. With + these as my ultimate objects, I have undertaken to examine the Convention + of Cintra; and, as an indispensible preparative for forming a right + judgment of this event, I have already faithfully exhibited the feelings + of the people of Great Britain and of Spain towards each other, and have + shewn by what sacred bonds they were united. With the same view, I shall + next proceed to shew by what barrier of aversion, scarcely less sacred, + the people of the <i>Peninsula</i> were divided from their enemies,—their + feelings towards them, and their hopes for themselves; trusting, that I + have already mitigated the deadening influences of recent calamity, and + that the representation I shall frame, in the manner which has been + promised, will speak in its true colours and life to the eye and heart of + the spectator. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The government of Asturias, which was the first to rise against their + oppressors, thus expresses itself in the opening of its Address to the + People of that Province. 'Loyal Asturians! beloved Countrymen! your wishes + are already fulfilled. The Principality, discharging those duties which + are most sacred <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage53" id="Apage53"></a>{53}</span>to + men, has already declared war against France. You may perhaps dread this + vigorous resolution. But what other measure could or ought we to adopt? + Shall there be found one single man among us, who prefers the vile and + ignominious death of slaves, to the glory of dying on the field of honour, + with arms in his hand, defending our unfortunate monarch; our homes, our + children, and our wives? If, in the very moment when those bands of + banditti were receiving the kindest offices and favours from the + inhabitants of our Capital, they murdered in cold blood upwards of two + thousand people, for no other reason than their having defended their + insulted brethren, what could we expect from them, had we submitted to + their dominion? Their perfidious conduct towards our king and his whole + family, whom they deceived and decoyed into France under the promise of an + eternal armistice, in order to chain them all, has no precedent in + history. Their conduct towards the whole nation is more iniquitous, than + we had the right to expect from a horde of Hottentots. They have profaned + our temples; they have insulted our religion; they have assailed our + wives; in fine, they have broken all their promises, and there exists no + right which they have not violated. To arms, Asturians! to arms!' The + Supreme Junta of Government, sitting at Seville, introduces its + declaration of war in words to the same effect. 'France, under the + government of the emperor Napoleon the First, has violated towards Spain + the most sacred compacts—has arrested her monarchs—obliged + them to a forced and manifestly void abdication and renunciation; has + behaved with the same violence towards the Spanish Nobles whom he keeps in + his power—has declared that he will elect a king of Spain, the most + horrible attempt that is recorded in history—has sent his troops + into Spain, seized her fortresses and her Capital, and scattered his + troops throughout the country—has committed against Spain all sorts + of assassinations, robberies, and unheard-of cruelties; and this he has + done with the most enormous ingratitude to the services which the Spanish + nation has rendered France, to the friendship it has shewn her, thus + treating it with the most dreadful perfidy, fraud, and treachery, such as + was never committed against any nation or monarch by the most barbarous or + ambitious king or people. He has in fine declared, that he will trample + down our monarchy, our fundamental laws, and bring about the ruin <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage54" id="Apage54"></a>{54}</span>of our holy + catholic religion.—The only remedy therefore to such grievous ills, + which are so manifest to all Europe, is in war, which we declare against + him.' The injuries, done to the Portugueze Nation and Government, previous + to its declaration of war against the Emperor of the French, are stated at + length in the manifesto of the Court of Portugal, dated Rio Janeiro, May + 1st, 1808; and to that the reader may he referred: but upon this subject I + will beg leave to lay before him, the following extract from the Address + of the supreme Junta of Seville to the Portugueze nation, dated May 30th, + 1808. 'PORTUGUESE,—Your lot is, perhaps, the hardest ever endured by + any people on the earth. Your princes were compelled to fly from you, and + the events in Spain have furnished an irrefragable proof of the absolute + necessity of that measure.—You were ordered not to defend + yourselves, and you did not defend yourselves. Junot offered to make you + happy, and your happiness has consisted in being treated with greater + cruelty than the most ferocious conquerors inflict on the people whom they + have subdued by force of arms and after the most obstinate resistance. You + have been despoiled of your princes, your laws, your usages, your customs, + your property, your liberty, even your lives, and your holy religion, + which your enemies never have respected, however they may, according to + their custom, have promised to protect it, and however they may affect and + pretend to have any sense of it themselves. Your nobility has been + annihilated,—its property confiscated in punishment of its fidelity + and loyalty. You have been basely dragged to foreign countries, and + compelled to prostrate yourselves at the feet of the man who is the author + of all your calamities, and who, by the most horrible perfidy, has usurped + your government, and rules you with a sceptre of iron. Even now your + troops have left your borders, and are travelling in chains to die in the + defence of him who has oppressed you; by which means his deep malignity + may accomplish his purpose,—by destroying those who should + constitute your strength, and by rendering their lives subservient to his + triumphs, and to the savage glory to which he aspires.—Spain beheld + your slavery, and the horrible evils which followed it, with mingled + sensations of grief and despair. You are her brother, and she panted to + fly to your assistance. But certain Chiefs, and a Government either weak + or corrupt, kept her in chains, and were preparing <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage55" id="Apage55"></a>{55}</span>the means by which the ruin of + our king, our laws, our independence, our liberty, our lives, and even the + holy religion in which we are united, might accompany your's,—by + which a barbarous people might consummate their own triumph, and + accomplish the slavery of every nation in Europe:—our loyalty, our + honour, our justice, could not submit to such flagrant atrocity! We have + broken our chains,—let us then to action.' But the story of + Portugueze sufferings shall be told by Junot himself; who, in his + proclamation to the people of Portugal (dated Palace of Lisbon, June 26,) + thus speaks to them: 'You have earnestly entreated of him a king, who, + aided by the omnipotence of that great monarch, might raise up again your + unfortunate Country, and replace her in the rank which belongs to her. + Doubtless at this moment your new monarch is on the point of visiting you.—He + expects to find faithful Subjects—shall he find only rebels? I + expected to have delivered over to him a peaceable kingdom and flourishing + cities—shall I be obliged to shew him only ruins and heaps of ashes + and dead bodies?—Merit pardon by prompt submission, and a prompt + obedience to my orders; if not, think of the punishment which awaits you.—Every + city, town, or village, which shall take up arms against my forces, and + whose inhabitants shall rise upon the French troops, shall be delivered up + to pillage and totally destroyed, and the inhabitants shall be put to the + sword—every individual taken in arms shall be instantly shot.' That + these were not empty threats, we learn from the bulletins published by + authority of the same Junot, which at once shew his cruelty, and that of + the persons whom he employed, and the noble resistance of the Portugueze. + 'We entered Beia,' says one of those dismal chronicles, 'in the midst of + great carnage. The rebels left 1200 dead on the field of battle; all those + taken with arms in their hands were put to the sword, and all the houses + from which we had been fired upon were burned.' Again in another, 'The + spirit of insanity, which had led astray the inhabitants of Beia and + rendered necessary the terrible chastisement which they have received, has + likewise been exercised in the north of Portugal.' Describing another + engagement, it is said, 'the lines endeavoured to make a stand, but they + were forced; the massacre was terrible—more than a thousand dead + bodies remained on the field of battle, and General Loison, pur<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage56" id="Apage56"></a>{56}</span>suing the + remainder of these wretches, entered Guerda with fixed bayonets.' On + approaching Alpedrinha, they found the <i>rebels</i> posted in a kind of + redoubt—'it was forced, the town of Alpedrinha taken, and delivered + to the flames:' the whole of this tragedy is thus summed up—'In the + engagements fought in these different marches, we lost twenty men killed, + and 30 or 40 wounded. The insurgents have left at least 13000 dead in the + field, the melancholy consequence of a frenzy which nothing can justify, + which forces us to multiply victims, whom we lament and regret, but whom a + terrible necessity obliges us to sacrifice.' 'It is thus,' continues the + writer, 'that deluded men, ungrateful children as well as culpable + citizens, exchange all their claims to the benevolence and protection of + Government for misfortune and wretchedness; ruin their families; carry + into their habitations desolation, conflagrations, and death; change + flourishing cities into heaps of ashes—into vast tombs; and bring on + their whole country calamities which they deserve, and from which (feeble + victims!) they cannot escape. In fine, it is thus that, covering + themselves with opprobrium and ridicule at the same time that they + complete their destruction, they have no other resource but the pity of + those they have wished to assassinate—a pity which they never have + implored in vain, when acknowledging their crime, they have solicited + pardon from Frenchmen, who, incapable of departing from their noble + character, are ever as generous as they are brave.'—By order of + Monseigneur le duc d'Abrantés, Commander in chief.'—Compare + this with the Address of Massaredo to the Biscayans, in which there is the + like avowal that the Spaniards are to be treated as Rebels. He tells them, + that he is commanded by his master, Joseph Bonaparte, to assure them—'that, + in case they disapprove of the insurrection in the City of Bilboa, his + majesty will consign to oblivion the mistake and error of the Insurgents, + and that he will punish only the heads and beginners of the insurrection, + with regard to whom <i>the law must take its course</i>.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To be the victim of such bloody-mindedness is a doleful lot for a Nation; + and the anguish must have been rendered still more poignant by the scoffs + and insults, and by that heinous contempt of the most awful truths, with + which the Perpetrator of those cruelties has proclaimed them.—Merciless + ferocity is an evil familiar to our thoughts; but these combinations of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage57" id="Apage57"></a>{57}</span>malevolence + historians have not yet been called upon to record; and writers of + fiction, if they have ever ventured to create passions resembling them, + have confined, out of reverence for the acknowledged constitution of human + nature, those passions to reprobate Spirits. Such tyranny is, in the + strictest sense, intolerable; not because it aims at the extinction of + life, but of every thing which gives life its value—of virtue, of + reason, of repose in God, or in truth. With what heart may we suppose that + a genuine Spaniard would read the following impious address from the + Deputation, as they were falsely called, of his apostate countrymen at + Bayonne, seduced or compelled to assemble under the eye of the Tyrant, and + speaking as he dictated? 'Dear Spaniards, Beloved Countrymen!—Your + habitations, your cities, your power, and your property, are as dear to us + as ourselves; and we wish to keep all of you in our eye, that we may be + able to establish your security.—We, as well as yourselves, are + bound in allegiance to the old dynasty—to her, to whom an end has + been put by that God-like Providence which rules all thrones and sceptres. + We have seen the greatest states fall under the guidance of this rule, and + our land alone has hitherto escaped the same fate. An unavoidable destiny + has now overtaken our country, and brought us under the protection of the + invincible Emperor of France.—We know that you will regard our + present situation with the utmost consideration; and we have accordingly, + in this conviction, been uniformly conciliating the friendship to which we + are tied by so many obligations. With what admiration must we see the + benevolence and humanity of his imperial and royal Majesty outstep our + wishes—qualities which are even more to be admired than his great + power! He has desired nothing else, than that we should be indebted to him + for our welfare. Whenever he gives us a sovereign to reign over us in the + person of his magnanimous brother Joseph, he will consummate our + prosperity.—As he has been pleased to change our old system of laws, + it becomes us to obey, and to live in tranquillity: as he has also + promised to re-organize our financial system, we may hope that then our + naval and military power will become terrible to our enemies, &c.'—That + the Castilians were horror-stricken by the above blasphemies, which are + the habitual language of the French Senate and Ministers to their Emperor, + is apparent <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage58" id="Apage58"></a>{58}</span>from + an address dated Valladolid,—'He (Bonaparte) carries his audacity + the length of holding out to us offers of happiness and peace, while he is + laying waste our country, pulling down our churches, and slaughtering our + brethren. His pride, cherished by a band of villains who are constantly + anxious to offer incense on his shrine, and tolerated by numberless + victims who pine in his chains, has caused him to conceive the fantastical + idea of proclaiming himself Lord and Ruler of the whole world. There is no + atrocity which he does not commit to attain that end.... Shall these + outrages, these iniquities, remain unpunished while Spaniards—and + Castilian Spaniards—yet exist?' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many passages might be adduced to prove that carnage and devastation + spread over their land have not afflicted this noble people so deeply as + this more searching warfare against the conscience and the reason. They + groan less over the blood which has been shed, than over the arrogant + assumptions of beneficence made by him from whose order that blood has + flowed. Still to be talking of bestowing and conferring, and to be happy + in the sight of nothing but what he thinks he has bestowed or conferred, + this, in a man to whom the weakness of his fellows has given great power, + is a madness of pride more hideous than cruelty itself. We have heard of + Attila and Tamerlane who called themselves the scourges of God, and + rejoiced in personating the terrors of Providence; but such monsters do + less outrage to the reason than he who arrogates to himself the gentle and + gracious attributes of the Deity: for the one acts professedly from the + temperance of reason, the other avowedly in the gusts of passion. Through + the terrors of the Supreme Ruler of things, as set forth by works of + destruction and ruin, we see but darkly; we may reverence the + chastisement, may fear it with awe, but it is not natural to incline + towards it in love: moreover, devastation passes away—a perishing + power among things that perish: whereas to found, and to build, to create + and to institute, to bless through blessing, this has to do with objects + where we trust we can see clearly,—it reminds us of what we love,—it + aims at permanence,—and the sorrow is, (as in the present instance + the people of Spain feel) that it may last; that, if the giddy and + intoxicated Being who proclaims that he does these things with the eye and + through the might of Providence be not overthrown, it will last; that it + needs must last:—and therefore would they <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage59" id="Apage59"></a>{59}</span>hate and abhor him and his + pride, even if he were not cruel; if he were merely an image of mortal + presumption thrust in between them and the piety which is natural to the + heart of man; between them and that religious worship which, as + authoritatively as his reason forbids idolatry, that same reason commands. + Accordingly, labouring under these violations done to their moral nature, + they describe themselves, in the anguish of their souls, treated as a + people at once dastardly and <i>insensible</i>. In the same spirit they + make it even matter of complaint, as comparatively a far greater evil, + that they have not fallen by the brute violence of open war, but by deceit + and perfidy, by a subtle undermining, or contemptuous overthrow of those + principles of good faith, through prevalence of which, in some degree, or + under some modification or other, families, communities, a people, or any + frame of human society, even destroying armies themselves can exist. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But enough of their wrongs; let us now see what were their consolations, + their resolves, and their hopes. First, they neither murmur nor repine; + but with genuine religion and philosophy they recognize in these dreadful + visitations the ways of a benign Providence, and find in them cause for + thankfulness. The Council of Castile exhort the people of Madrid 'to cast + off their lethargy, and purify their manners, and to acknowledge the + calamities which the kingdom and that great capital had endured as a + punishment necessary to their correction.' General Morla in his address to + the citizens of Cadiz thus speaks to them:—'The commotion, more or + less violent, which has taken place in the whole peninsula of Spain, has + been of eminent service to rouse us from the state of lethargy in which we + indulged, and to make us acquainted with our rights, our glory, and the + inviolable duty which we owe to our holy religion and our monarch. We + wanted some electric stroke to rouse us from our paralytic state of + inactivity; we stood in need of a hurricane to clear the atmosphere of the + insalubrious vapours with which it was loaded.'—The unanimity with + which the whole people were affected they rightly deem, an indication of + wisdom, an authority, and a sanction,—and they refer it to its + highest source. 'The defence of our country and our king,' (says a + manifesto of the Junta of Seville) 'that of our laws, our religion, and of + all the rights of man, trodden down and violated in a manner <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage60" id="Apage60"></a>{60}</span>which is + without example, by the Emperor of the French, Napoleon I. and by his + troops in Spain, compelled the whole nation to take up arms, and choose + itself a form of government; and, in the difficulties and dangers into + which the French had plunged it, all, or nearly all the provinces, as it + were by the inspiration of heaven, and in a manner little short of + miraculous, created Supreme Juntas, delivered themselves up to their + guidance, and placed in their hands the rights and the ultimate fate of + Spain. The effects have hitherto most happily corresponded with the + designs of those who formed them.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With this general confidence, that the highest good may be brought out of + the worst calamities, they have combined a solace, which is vouchsafed + only to such nations as can recall to memory the illustrious deeds of + their ancestors. The names of Pelayo and The Cid are the watch-words of + the address to the people of León; and they are told that to these + two deliverers of their country, and to the sentiments of enthusiasm which + they excited in every breast, Spain owes the glory and happiness which she + has <i>so long</i> enjoyed. The Biscayans are called to cast their eyes + upon the ages which are past, and they will see their ancestors at one + time repulsing the Carthaginians, at another destroying the hordes of + Rome; at one period was granted to them the distinction of serving in the + van of the army; at another the privilege of citizens. 'Imitate,' says the + address, 'the glorious example of your worthy progenitors.' The Asturians, + the Gallicians, and the city of Cordova, are exhorted in the same manner. + And surely to a people thus united in their minds with the heroism of + years which have been long departed, and living under such obligation of + gratitude to their ancestors, it is not difficult, nay it is natural, to + take upon themselves the highest obligations of duty to their posterity; + to enjoy in the holiness of imagination the happiness of unborn ages to + which they shall have eminently contributed; and that each man, fortified + by these thoughts, should welcome despair for himself, because it is the + assured mother of hope for his country.—'Life or Death,' says a + proclamation affixed in the most public places of Seville, 'is in this + crisis indifferent;—ye who shall return shall receive the reward of + gratitude in the embraces of your country, which shall proclaim you her + deliverers;—ye whom heaven destines to seal with your blood the + independence of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage61" id="Apage61"></a>{61}</span>your + nation, the honour of your women, and the purity of the religion which ye + profess, do not dread the anguish of the last moments; remember in these + moments that there are in our hearts inexhaustible tears of tenderness to + shed over your graves, and fervent prayers, to which the Almighty Father + of mercies will lend an ear, to grant you a glory superior to that which + they who survive you shall enjoy.' And in fact it ought never to be + forgotten, that the Spaniards have not wilfully blinded themselves, but + have steadily fixed their eyes not only upon danger and upon death, but + upon a deplorable issue of the contest. They have contemplated their + subjugation as a thing possible. The next extract, from the paper entitled + Precautions, (and the same language is holden by many others) will show in + what manner alone they reconcile themselves to it. 'Therefore, it is + necessary to sacrifice our lives and property in defence of the king, and + of the country; and, though our lot (which we hope will never come to + pass) should destine us to become slaves, let us become so fighting and + dying like gallant men, not giving ourselves up basely to the yoke like + sheep, as the late infamous government would have done, and fixing upon + Spain and her slavery eternal ignominy and disgrace.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let us now hear them, as becomes men with such feelings, express more + cheering and bolder hopes rising from a confidence in the supremacy of + justice,—hopes which, however the Tyrant from the iron fortresses of + his policy may scoff at them and at those who entertained them, will + render their memory dear to all good men, when his name will be pronounced + with universal abhorrence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'All Europe,' says the Junta of Seville, 'will applaud our efforts and + hasten to our assistance: Italy, Germany, and the whole North, which + suffer under the despotism of the French nation, will eagerly avail + themselves of the favourable opportunity, held out to them by Spain, to + shake off the yoke and recover their liberty, their laws, their monarchs, + and all they have been robbed of by that nation. France herself will + hasten to erase the stain of infamy, which must cover the tools and + instruments of deeds so treacherous and heinous. She will not shed her + blood in so vile a cause. She has already suffered too much under the idle + pretext of peace and happiness, which never came, and can never be + attained, but under the empire of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage62" + id="Apage62"></a>{62}</span>reason, peace, religion, and laws, and in a + state where the rights of other nations are respected and preserved.' To + this may be added a hope, the fulfilment of which belongs more to + themselves, and lies more within their own power, namely, a hope that they + shall be able in their progress towards liberty, to inflict condign + punishment on their cruel and perfidious enemies. The Junta of Seville, in + an Address to the People of Madrid, express themselves thus: 'People of + Madrid! Seville has learned, with consternation and surprize, your + dreadful catastrophe of the second of May; the weakness of a government + which did nothing in our favour,—which ordered arms to be directed + against you; and your heroic sacrifices. Blessed be ye, and your memory + shall shine immortal in the annals of our nation!—She has seen with + horror that the author of all your misfortunes and of our's has published + a proclamation, in which he distorted every fact, and pretended that you + gave the first provocation, while it was he who provoked you. The + government was weak enough to sanction and order that proclamation to be + circulated; and saw, with perfect composure, numbers of you put to death + for a pretended violation of laws which did not exist. The French were + told in that proclamation, that French blood profusely shed was crying out + for vengeance! And the Spanish blood, does not <i>it</i> cry out for + vengeance? That Spanish blood, shed by an army which hesitated not to + attack a disarmed and defenceless people, living under their laws and + their king, and against whom cruelties were committed, which shake the + human frame with horror. We, all Spain, exclaim—the Spanish blood + shed in Madrid cries aloud for revenge! Comfort yourselves, we are your + brethren: we will fight like you, until we perish in defending our king + and country. Assist us with your good wishes, and your continual prayers + offered up to the Most High, whom we adore, and who cannot forsake us, + because he never forsakes a just cause.' Again, in the conclusion of their + address to the People of Portugal, quoted before, 'The universal cry of + Spain is, we will die in defence of our country, but we will take care + that those infamous enemies shall die with us. Come then, ye generous + Portugueze, and unite with us. You have among yourselves the objects of + your vengeance—obey not the authors of your misfortunes—attack + them—they are but a handful of miserable <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage63" id="Apage63"></a>{63}</span>panic-struck men, humiliated + and conquered already by the perfidy and cruelties which they have + committed, and which have covered them with disgrace in the eyes of Europe + and the world! Rise then in a body, but avoid staining your honourable + hands with crimes, for your design is to resist them and to destroy them—our + united efforts will do for this perfidious nation; and Portugal, Spain, + nay, all Europe, shall breathe or die free like men.'—Such are their + hopes; and again see, upon this subject, the paper entitled '<i>Precautions</i>;' + a contrast this to the impious mockery of Providence, exhibited by the + Tyrant in some passages heretofore quoted! 'Care shall be taken to explain + to the nation, and to convince them that, when free, as we trust to be, + from this civil war, to which the French have forced us, and when placed + in a state of tranquillity, our Lord and King, Ferdinand VII, being + restored to the throne of Spain, under him and by him, <i>the Cortes will + be assembled, abuses reformed</i>, and such laws shall be enacted, as the + circumstances of the time and experience may dictate for the public good + and happiness. Things which we Spaniards know how to do, which we have + done as well as other nations, without any necessity that the vile French + should come to instruct us, and, according to their custom, under the mask + of friendship, should deprive us of our liberty, our laws, &c. &c.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One extract more and I shall conclude. It is from a proclamation dated + Oviedo, July 17th. 'Yes—Spain with the energies of Liberty has to + contend with France debilitated by slavery. If she remain firm and + constant, Spain will triumph. A whole people is more powerful than + disciplined armies. Those, who unite to maintain the independence of their + country, must triumph over tyranny. Spain will inevitably conquer, in a + cause the most just that has ever raised the deadly weapon of war; for she + fights, not for the concerns of a day, but for the security and happiness + of ages; not for an insulated privilege, but for the rights of human + nature; not for temporal blessings, but for eternal happiness; not for the + benefit of one nation, but for all mankind, and even for France herself.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will now beg of my reader to pause a moment, and to review in his own + mind the whole of what has been laid before him. He has seen of what kind, + and how great have been the injuries endured by these two nations; what + they have suffered, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage64" id="Apage64"></a>{64}</span>and + what they have to fear; he has seen that they have felt with that + unanimity which nothing but the light of truth spread over the inmost + concerns of human nature can create; with that simultaneousness which has + led Philosophers upon like occasions to assert, that the voice of the + people is the voice of God. He has seen that they have submitted as far as + human nature could bear; and that at last these millions of suffering + people have risen almost like one man, with one hope; for whether they + look to triumph or defeat, to victory or death, they are full of hope—despair + comes not near them—they will die, they say—each individual + knows the danger, and, strong in the magnitude of it, grasps eagerly at + the thought that he himself is to perish; and more eagerly, and with + higher confidence, does he lay to his heart the faith that the nation will + survive and be victorious;—or, at the worst, let the contest + terminate how it may as to superiority of outward strength, that the + fortitude and the martyrdom, the justice and the blessing, are their's and + cannot be relinquished. And not only are they moved by these exalted + sentiments of universal morality, and of direct and universal concern to + mankind, which have impelled them to resist evil and to endeavour to + punish the evil-doer, but also they descend (for even this, great as in + itself it is, may be here considered as a descent) to express a rational + hope of reforming domestic abuses, and of re-constructing, out of the + materials of their ancient institutions, customs, and laws, a better frame + of civil government, the same in the great outlines of its architecture, + but exhibiting the knowledge, and genius, and the needs of the present + race, harmoniously blended with those of their forefathers. Woe, then, to + the unworthy who intrude with their help to maintain this most sacred + cause! It calls aloud, for the aid of intellect, knowledge, and love, and + rejects every other. It is in vain to send forth armies if these do not + inspire and direct them. The stream is as pure as it is mighty, fed by ten + thousand springs in the bounty of untainted nature; any augmentation from + the kennels and sewers of guilt and baseness may clog, but cannot + strengthen it.—It is not from any thought that I am communicating + new information, that I have dwelt thus long upon this subject, but to + recall to the reader his own knowledge, and to re-infuse into that + knowledge a breath and life of appropriate feeling; because the bare sense + of wisdom is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage65" id="Apage65"></a>{65}</span>nothing + without its powers, and it is only in these feelings that the powers of + wisdom exist. If then we do not forget that the Spanish and Portugueze + Nations stand upon the loftiest ground of principle and passion, and do + not suffer on our part those sympathies to languish which a few months + since were so strong, and do not negligently or timidly descend from those + heights of magnanimity to which as a Nation we were raised, when they + first represented to us their wrongs and entreated our assistance, and we + devoted ourselves sincerely and earnestly to their service, making with + them a common cause under a common hope; if we are true in all this to + them and to ourselves, we shall not be at a loss to conceive what actions + are entitled to our commendation as being in the spirit of a friendship so + nobly begun, and tending assuredly to promote the common welfare; and what + are abject, treacherous, and pernicious, and therefore to be condemned and + abhorred. Is then, I may now ask, the Convention of Cintra an act of this + latter kind? Have the Generals, who signed and ratified that agreement, + thereby proved themselves unworthy associates in such a cause? And has the + Ministry, by whose appointment these men were enabled to act in this + manner, and which sanctioned the Convention by permitting them to carry it + into execution, thereby taken to itself a weight of guilt, in which the + Nation must feel that it participates, until the transaction shall be + solemnly reprobated by the Government, and the remote and immediate + authors of it brought to merited punishment? An answer to each of these + questions will be implied in the proof which will be given that the + condemnation, which the People did with one voice pronounce upon this + Convention when it first became known, was just; that the nature of the + offence of those who signed it was such, and established by evidence of + such a kind, making so imperious an exception to the ordinary course of + action, that there was no need to wait here for the decision of a Court of + Judicature, but that the People were compelled by a necessity involved in + the very constitution of man as a moral Being to pass sentence upon them. + And this I shall prove by trying this act of their's by principles of + justice which are of universal obligation, and by a reference to those + moral sentiments which rise out of that retrospect of things which has + been given. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall now proceed to facts. The dispatches of Sir Arthur<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage66" id="Apage66"></a>{66}</span> Wellesley, + containing an account of his having defeated the enemy in two several + engagements, spread joy through the Nation. The latter action appeared to + have been decisive, and the result may be thus briefly reported, in a + never to be forgotten sentence of Sir Arthur's second letter. 'In this + action,' says he, 'in which the whole of the French force in Portugal was + employed, under the command of the DUC D'ABRANTES in person, in which the + enemy was certainly superior in cavalry and artillery, and in which not + more than half of the British army was actually engaged, he sustained a + signal defeat, and has lost thirteen pieces of cannon, &c. &c.' In + the official communication, made to the public of these dispatches, it was + added, that 'a General officer had arrived at the British head-quarters to + treat for terms.' This was joyful intelligence! First, an immediate, + effectual, and honourable deliverance of Portugal was confidently + expected: secondly, the humiliation and captivity of a large French army, + and just punishment, from the hands of the Portugueze government, of the + most atrocious offenders in that army and among those who, having held + civil offices under it, (especially if Portugueze) had, in contempt of all + law, civil and military, notoriously abused the power which they had + treasonably accepted: thirdly, in this presumed surrender of the army, a + diminution of the enemy's military force was looked to, which, after the + losses he had already sustained in Spain, would most sensibly weaken it: + and lastly, and far above this, there was an anticipation of a shock to + his power, where that power is strongest, in the imaginations of men, + which are sure to fall under the bondage of long-continued success. The + judicious part of the Nation fixed their attention chiefly on these + results, and they had good cause to rejoice. They also received with + pleasure this additional proof (which indeed with the unthinking many, as + after the victory of Maida, weighed too much,) of the superiority in + courage and discipline of the British soldiery over the French, and of the + certainty of success whenever our army was led on by men of even + respectable military talents against any equal or not too greatly + disproportionate number of the enemy. But the pleasure was damped in the + minds of reflecting persons by several causes. It occasioned regret and + perplexity, that they had not heard more of the Portugueze. They knew what + that People had suffered, and how they had risen;—remembered<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage67" id="Apage67"></a>{67}</span> the + language of the proclamation addressed to them, dated August the 4th, and + signed CHARLES COTTON and ARTHUR WELLESLEY, in which they (the Portugueze) + were told, that 'The British Army had been sent in consequence of ardent + supplications from all parts of Portugal; that the glorious struggle, in + which they are engaged, is for all that is dear to man; that the noble + struggle against the tyranny and usurpation of France will be <i>jointly</i> + maintained by Portugal, Spain, and England.' Why then, it was asked, do we + not hear more of those who are at least coequals with us, if not + principals, in this contest? They appeared to have had little share in + either engagement; (<i>See Appendix A</i>.) and, while the French were + abundantly praised, no word of commendation was found for <i>them</i>. Had + they deserved to be thus neglected? The body of the People by a general + rising had proved their zeal and courage, their animosity towards their + enemies, their hatred of them. It was therefore apprehended, from this + silence respecting the Portugueze, that their Chiefs might either be + distracted by factions, or blinded by selfish interests, or that they + mistrusted their Allies. Situated as Portugal then was, it would argue + gross ignorance of human nature to have expected that unanimity should + prevail among all the several authorities or leading persons, as to the <i>means</i> + to be employed: it was enough, that they looked with one feeling to the <i>end</i>, + namely, an honourable deliverance of their country and security for its + Independence in conjunction with the liberation and independence of Spain. + It was therefore absolutely necessary to make allowance for some division + in conduct from difference of opinion. Instead of acquiescing in the first + feelings of disappointment, our Commanders ought to have used the best + means to win the confidence of the Portugueze Chiefs, and to induce them + to regard the British as dispassionate arbiters; they ought to have + endeavoured to excite a genuine patriotic spirit where it appeared + wanting, and to assist in creating for it an organ by which it might act. + Were these things done? or, if such evils existed among the Portugueze, + was <i>any</i> remedy or alleviation attempted? Sir Arthur Wellesley has + told us, before the Board of Inquiry, that he made applications to the + Portugueze General, FRERE, for assistance, which were acceded to by + General FRERE upon such conditions only as made Sir Arthur deem it more + advisable to refuse than accept his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage68" + id="Apage68"></a>{68}</span>co-operation: and it is alleged that, in his + general expectations of assistance, he was greatly disappointed. We are + not disposed to deny, that such cause for complaint <i>might</i> exist; + but that it <i>did</i>, and upon no provocation on our part, requires + confirmation by other testimony. And surely, the Portugueze have a right + to be heard in answer to this accusation, before they are condemned. For + they have supplied no fact from their own hands, which tends to prove that + they were languid in the cause, or that they had unreasonable jealousies + of the British Army or Nation, or dispositions towards them which were + other than friendly. Now there is a fact, furnished by Sir Arthur + Wellesley himself, which may seem to render it in the highest degree + probable that, previously to any recorded or palpable act of disregard or + disrespect to the situation and feelings of the Portugueze, the general + tenour of his bearing towards them might have been such that they could + not look favourably upon him; that he was not a man framed to conciliate + them, to compose their differences, or to awaken or strengthen their zeal. + I allude to the passage in his letter above quoted, where, having occasion + to speak of the French General, he has found no name by which to designate + him but that of DUC D'ABRANTES—words necessarily implying, that + Bonaparte, who had taken upon himself to confer upon General Junot this + Portugueze title with Portugueze domains to support it, was lawful + Sovereign of that Country, and that consequently the Portugueze Nation + were rebels, and the British Army, and he himself at the head of it, + aiders and abettors of that rebellion. It would be absurd to suppose, that + Sir Arthur Wellesley, at the time when he used these words, was aware of + the meaning really involved in them: let them be deemed an oversight. But + the capability of such an oversight affords too strong suspicion of a + deadness to the moral interests of the cause in which he was engaged, and + of such a want of sympathy with the just feelings of his injured Ally as + could exist only in a mind narrowed by exclusive and overweening attention + to the <i>military</i> character, led astray by vanity, or hardened by + general habits of contemptuousness. These words, 'DUKE OF ABRANTES <i>in + person</i>,' were indeed words of bad omen: and thinking men trembled for + the consequences. They saw plainly, that, in the opinion of the exalted + Spaniards—of those assuredly who framed, and of all who had felt, + that affecting Proclamation <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage69" + id="Apage69"></a>{69}</span>addressed by the Junta of Seville to the + Portugueze people, he must appear utterly unworthy of the station in which + he had been placed. He had been sent as a deliverer—as an assertor + and avenger of the rights of human nature. But these words would carry + with them every where the conviction, that Portugal and Spain, yea, all + which was good in England, or iniquitous in France or in Frenchmen, was + forgotten, and his head full only of himself, miserably conceiting that he + swelled the importance of his conquered antagonist by sounding titles and + phrases, come from what quarter they might; and that, in proportion as + this was done, he magnified himself and his achievements. It was plain, + then, that here was a man, who, having not any fellow-feeling with the + people whom he had been commissioned to aid, could not know where their + strength lay, and therefore could not turn it to account, nor by his + example call it forth or cherish it; but that, if his future conduct + should be in the same spirit, he must be a blighting wind wherever his + influence was carried: for he had neither felt the wrongs of his Allies + nor been induced by common worldly prudence to affect to feel them, or at + least to disguise his insensibility; and therefore what could follow, but, + in despite of victory and outward demonstrations of joy, inward disgust + and depression? These reflections interrupted the satisfaction of many; + but more from fear of future consequences than for the immediate + enterprize, for here success seemed inevitable; and a happy and glorious + termination was confidently expected, yet not without that intermixture of + apprehension, which was at once an acknowledgment of the general condition + of humanity, and a proof of the deep interest attached to the impending + event. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir Arthur Wellesley's dispatches had appeared in the Gazette on the 2d of + September, and on the 16th of the same month suspence was put an end to by + the publication of Sir Hew Dalrymple's letter, accompanied with the + Armistice and Convention. The night before, by order of ministers, an + attempt had been made at rejoicing, and the Park and Tower guns had been + fired in sign of good news.—Heaven grant that the ears of that great + city may be preserved from such another outrage! As soon as the truth was + known, never was there such a burst of rage and indignation—such an + overwhelming of stupefaction and sorrow. But I will not, I cannot dwell + upon it—it is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage70" id="Apage70"></a>{70}</span>enough + to say, that Sir Hew Dalrymple and Sir Arthur Wellesley must he bold men + if they can think of what must have been reported to them, without awe and + trembling; the heart of their country was turned against them, and they + were execrated in bitterness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For they had changed all things into their contraries, hope into despair; + triumph into defeat; confidence into treachery, which left no place to + stand upon; justice into the keenest injury.—Whom had they delivered + but the Tyrant in captivity? Whose hands had they bound but those of their + Allies, who were able of themselves to have executed their own purposes? + Whom had they punished but the innocent sufferer? Whom rewarded but the + guiltiest of Oppressors? They had reversed every thing:—favour and + honour for their enemies—insult for their friends—and robbery + (they had both protected the person of the robber and secured to him his + booty) and opprobrium for themselves;—to those over whom they had + been masters, who had crouched to them by an open act of submission, they + had made themselves servants, turning the British Lion into a beast of + burthen, to carry a vanquished enemy, with his load of iniquities, when + and whither it had pleased him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such issue would have been a heavy calamity at any time; but now, when we + ought to have risen above ourselves, and if possible to have been foremost + in the strife of honour and magnanimity; now, when a new-born power had + been arrayed against the Tyrant, the only one which ever offered a glimpse + of hope to a sane mind, the power of popular resistance rising out of + universal reason, and from the heart of human nature,—and by a + peculiar providence disembarrassed from the imbecility, the cowardice, and + the intrigues of a worn-out government—that at this time we, the + most favoured Nation upon earth, should have acted as if it had been our + aim to level to the ground by one blow this long-wished-for spirit, whose + birth we had so joyfully hailed, and by which even our own glory, our + safety, our existence, were to be maintained; this was verily a surpassing + affliction to every man who had a feeling of life beyond his meanest + concerns! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As soon as men had recovered from the shock, and could bear to look + somewhat steadily at these documents, it was found that the gross body of + the transaction, considered as a military <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage71" id="Apage71"></a>{71}</span>transaction, was this; that the + Russian fleet, of nine sail of the line, which had been so long watched, + and could not have escaped, was to be delivered up to us; the ships to be + detained till six months after the end of the war, and the sailors sent + home by us, and to be by us protected in their voyage through the Swedish + fleet, and to be at liberty to fight immediately against our ally, the + king of Sweden. Secondly, that a French army of more than twenty thousand + men, already beaten, and no longer able to appear in the field, cut off + from all possibility of receiving reinforcements or supplies, and in the + midst of a hostile country loathing and abhorring it, was to be + transported with its arms, ammunition, and plunder, at the expence of + Great Britain, in British vessels, and landed within a few days march of + the Spanish frontier,—there to be at liberty to commence hostilities + immediately! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Omitting every characteristic which distinguishes the present contest from + others, and looking at this issue merely as an affair between two armies, + what stupidity of mind to provoke the accusation of not merely shrinking + from future toils and dangers, but of basely shifting the burthen to the + shoulders of an ally, already overpressed!—What infatuation, to + convey the imprisoned foe to the very spot, whither, if he had had wings, + he would have flown! This last was an absurdity as glaring as if, the + French having landed on our own island, we had taken them from Yorkshire + to be set on shore in Sussex; but ten thousand times worse! from a place + where without our interference they had been virtually blockaded, where + they were cut off, hopeless, useless, and disgraced, to become an + efficient part of a mighty host, carrying the strength of their numbers, + and alas! the strength of their glory, (not to mention the sight of their + plunder) to animate that host; while the British army, more numerous in + the proportion of three to two, with all the population and resources of + the peninsula to aid it, within ten days sail of it's own country, and the + sea covered with friendly shipping at it's back, was to make a long march + to encounter this same enemy, (the British forfeiting instead of gaining + by the treaty as to superiority of numbers, for that this would be the + case was clearly foreseen) to encounter, in a new condition of strength + and pride, those whom, by its deliberate act, it had exalted,—having + taken from itself, meanwhile, all which it had <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage72" id="Apage72"></a>{72}</span>conferred, and bearing into the + presence of its noble ally an infection of despondency and disgrace. The + motive assigned for all this, was the great importance of gaining time; + fear of an open beach and of equinoctial gales for the shipping; fear that + reinforcements could not be landed; fear of famine;—fear of every + thing but dishonour! (<i>See Appendix B</i>.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The nation had expected that the French would surrender immediately at + discretion; and, supposing that Sir Arthur Wellesley had told them the + whole truth, they had a right to form this expectation. It has since + appeared, from the evidence given before the Board of Inquiry, that Sir + Arthur Wellesley earnestly exhorted his successor in command (Sir Harry + Burrard) to pursue the defeated enemy at the battle of Vimiera; and that, + if this had been done, the affair, in Sir Arthur Wellesley's opinion, + would have had a much more satisfactory termination. But, waiving any + considerations of this advice, or of the fault which might be committed in + not following it; and taking up the matter from the time when Sir Hew + Dalrymple entered upon the command, and when the two adverse armies were + in that condition, relatively to each other, that none of the Generals has + pleaded any difference of opinion as to their ability to advance against + the enemy, I will ask what confirmation has appeared before the Board of + Inquiry, of the reasonableness of the causes, assigned by Sir Hew + Dalrymple in his letter, for deeming a Convention adviseable. A want of + cavalry, (for which they who occasioned it are heavily censurable,) has + indeed been proved; and certain failures of duty in the Commissariat + department with respect to horses, &c.; but these deficiencies, though + furnishing reasons against advancing upon the enemy in the open field, had + ceased to be of moment, when the business was to expel him from the forts + to which he might have the power of retreating. It is proved, that, though + there are difficulties in landing upon that coast, (and what military or + marine operation can be carried on without difficulty?) there was not the + slightest reason to apprehend that the army, which was then abundantly + supplied, would suffer hereafter from want of provisions; proved also that + heavy ordnance, for the purpose of attacking the forts, was ready on + ship-board, to be landed when and where it might be needed. Therefore, so + far from being exculpated by the facts which have been laid before the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage73" id="Apage73"></a>{73}</span> Board of + Inquiry, Sir Hew Dalrymple and the other Generals, who deemed <i>any</i> + Convention necessary or expedient upon the grounds stated in his letter, + are more deeply criminated. But grant, (for the sake of looking at a + different part of the subject,) grant a case infinitely stronger than Sir + Hew Dalrymple has even hinted at;—why was not the taste of some of + those evils, in apprehension so terrible, actually tried? It would not + have been the first time that Britons had faced hunger and tempests, had + endured the worst of such enmity, and upon a call, under an obligation, + how faint and feeble, compared with that which the brave men of that army + must have felt upon the present occasion! In the proclamation quoted + before, addressed to the Portugueze, and signed Charles Cotton and Arthur + Wellesley, they were told, that the objects, for which they contended, + 'could only be attained by distinguished examples of fortitude and + constancy.' Where were the fortitude and constancy of the teachers? When + Sir Hew Dalrymple had been so busy in taking the measure of his own + weakness, and feeding his own fears, how came it to escape him, that + General Junot must also have had <i>his</i> weaknesses and <i>his</i> + fears? Was it nothing to have been defeated in the open field, where he + himself had been the assailant? Was it nothing that so proud a man, the + servant of so proud a man, had stooped to send a General Officer to treat + concerning the evacuation of the country? Was the hatred and abhorrence of + the Portugueze and Spanish Nations nothing? the people of a large + metropolis under his eye—detesting him, and stung almost to madness, + nothing? The composition of his own army made up of men of different + nations and languages, and forced into the service,—was there no + cause of mistrust in this? And, finally, among the many unsound places + which, had his mind been as active in this sort of inquiry as Sir Hew + Dalrymple's was, he must have found in his constitution, could a bad cause + have been missed—a worse cause than ever confounded the mind of a + soldier when boldly pressed upon, or gave courage and animation to a + righteous assailant? But alas! in Sir Hew Dalrymple and his brethren, we + had Generals who had a power of sight only for the strength of their + enemies and their own weakness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let me not be misunderstood. While I am thus forced to repeat things, + which were uttered or thought of these men in <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage74" id="Apage74"></a>{74}</span>reference to their military + conduct, as heads of that army, it is needless to add, that their personal + courage is in no wise implicated in the charge brought against them. But, + in the name of my countrymen, I do repeat these accusations, and tax them + with an utter want of <i>intellectual</i> courage—of that higher + quality, which is never found without one or other of the three + accompaniments, talents, genius, or principle;—talents matured by + experience, without which it cannot exist at all; or the rapid insight of + peculiar genius, by which the fitness of an act may be instantly + determined, and which will supply higher motives than mere talents can + furnish for encountering difficulty and danger, and will suggest better + resources for diminishing or overcoming them. Thus, through the power of + genius, this quality of intellectual courage may exist in an eminent + degree, though the moral character be greatly perverted; as in those + personages, who are so conspicuous in history, conquerors and usurpers, + the Alexanders, the Caesars, and Cromwells; and in that other class still + more perverted, remorseless and energetic minds, the Catilines and + Borgias, whom poets have denominated 'bold, bad men.' But, though a course + of depravity will neither preclude nor destroy this quality, nay, in + certain circumstances will give it a peculiar promptness and hardihood of + decision, it is not on this account the less true, that, to <i>consummate</i> + this species of courage, and to render it equal to all occasions, + (especially when a man is not acting for himself, but has an additional + claim on his resolution from the circumstance of responsibility to a + superior) <i>Principle</i> is indispensibly requisite. I mean that fixed + and habitual principle, which implies the absence of all selfish + anticipations, whether of hope or fear, and the inward disavowal of any + tribunal higher and more dreaded than the mind's own judgment upon its own + act. The existence of such principle cannot but elevate the most + commanding genius, add rapidity to the quickest glance, a wider range to + the most ample comprehension; but, without this principle, the man of + ordinary powers must, in the trying hour, be found utterly wanting. + Neither, without it, can the man of excelling powers be trustworthy, or + have at all times a calm and confident repose in himself. But he, in whom + talents, genius, and principle are united, will have a firm mind, in + whatever embarrassment he may be placed; will look steadily at the most<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage75" id="Apage75"></a>{75}</span> undefined + shapes of difficulty and danger, of possible mistake or mischance; nor + will they appear to him more formidable than they really are. For HIS + attention is not distracted—he has but one business, and that is + with the object before him. Neither in general conduct nor in particular + emergencies, are HIS plans subservient to considerations of rewards, + estate, or title: these are not to have precedence in his thoughts, to + govern his actions, but to follow in the train of his duty. Such men, in + ancient times, were Phocion, Epaminondas, and Philopoemen; and such a man + was Sir Philip Sidney, of whom it has been said, that he first taught this + country <i>the majesty of honest dealing</i>. With these may be named, the + honour of our own age, Washington, the deliverer of the American + Continent; with these, though in many things unlike, Lord Nelson, whom we + have lately lost. Lord Peterborough, who fought in Spain a hundred years + ago, had the same excellence; with a sense of exalted honour, and a tinge + of romantic enthusiasm, well suited to the country which was the scene of + his exploits. Would that we had a man, like Peterborough or Nelson, at the + head of our army in Spain at this moment! I utter this wish with more + earnestness, because it is rumoured, that some of those, who have already + called forth such severe reprehension from their countrymen, are to resume + a command, which must entrust to them a portion of those sacred hopes in + which, not only we, and the people of Spain and Portugal, but the whole + human race are so deeply interested. (<i>See Appendix C</i>.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I maintain then that, merely from want of this intellectual courage, of + courage as generals or chiefs, (for I will not speak at present of the + want of other qualities equally needful upon this service,) grievous + errors were committed by Sir Hew Dalrymple and his colleagues in + estimating the relative state of the two armies. A precious moment, it is + most probable, had been lost after the battle of Vimiera; yet still the + inferiority of the enemy had been proved; they themselves had admitted it—not + merely by withdrawing from the field, but by proposing terms:—monstrous + terms! and how ought they to have been received? Repelled undoubtedly with + scorn, as an insult. If our Generals had been men capable of taking the + measure of their real strength, either as existing in their own army, or + in those principles of liberty and justice which they were <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage76" id="Apage76"></a>{76}</span>commissioned + to defend, they must of necessity have acted in this manner;—if they + had been men of common sagacity for business, they must have acted in this + manner;—nay, if they had been upon a level with an ordinary + bargain-maker in a Fair or a market, they could not have acted otherwise.—Strange + that they should so far forget the nature of their calling! They were + soldiers, and their business was to fight. Sir Arthur Wellesley had + fought, and gallantly; it was not becoming his high situation, or that of + his successors, to treat, that is, to beat down, to chaffer, or on their + part to propose: it does not become any general at the head of a + victorious army so to do.<a name="AFNanchor_19_19" id="AFNanchor_19_19"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + They were to <i>accept</i>,—and, if the terms offered were + flagrantly presumptuous, our commanders ought to have rejected them with + dignified scorn, and to have referred the proposer to the sword for a + lesson of decorum and humility. This is the general rule of all + high-minded men upon such occasions; and meaner minds copy them, doing in + prudence what they do from principle. But it has been urged, before the + Board of Inquiry, that the conduct of the French armies upon like + occasions, and their known character, rendered it probable that a + determined resistance would in the present instance be maintained. We need + not fear to say that this conclusion, from reasons which have been + adverted to, was erroneous. But, in the mind of him who had admitted it + upon whatever ground, whether false or true, surely the first thought + which followed, ought to have been, not that we should bend to the enemy, + but that, if they were resolute in defence, we should learn from that + example to be courageous in attack. The tender feelings, however, are + pleaded against this determination; and it is said, that one of the + motives for the cessation of hostilities was to prevent the further + effusion of human blood.—When, or how? The enemy was delivered over + to us; it was not to be hoped that, cut off from all assistance as they + were, these, or an equal number of men, could ever be reduced to such + straits as would ensure their destruction as an enemy, with so small a + sacrifice of life on their part, or on ours. What then was to be gained by + this tenderness? The shedding of a few drops of blood is not to be risked + in Portugal to-day, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage77" id="Apage77"></a>{77}</span>and + streams of blood must shortly flow from the same veins in the fields of + Spain! And, even if this had not been the assured consequence, let not the + consideration, though it be one which no humane man can ever lose sight + of, have more than its due weight. For national independence and liberty, + and <i>that</i> honour by which these and other blessings are to be + preserved, honour—which is no other than the most elevated and pure + conception of justice which can be formed, these are more precious than + life: else why have we already lost so many brave men in this struggle?—Why + not submit at once, and let the Tyrant mount upon his throne of universal + dominion, while the world lies prostrate at his feet in indifference and + apathy, which he will proclaim to it is peace and happiness? But peace and + happiness can exist only by knowledge and virtue; slavery has no enduring + connection with tranquillity or security—she cannot frame a league + with any thing which is desirable—she has no charter even for her + own ignoble ease and darling sloth. Yet to this abject condition, mankind, + betrayed by an ill-judging tenderness, would surely be led; and in the + face of an inevitable contradiction! For neither in this state of things + would the shedding of blood be prevented, nor would warfare cease. The + only difference would be, that, instead of wars like those which prevail + at this moment, presenting a spectacle of such character that, upon one + side at least, a superior Being might look down with favour and blessing, + there would follow endless commotions and quarrels without the presence of + justice any where,—in which the alternations of success would not + excite a wish or regret; in which a prayer could not be uttered for a + decision either this way or that;—wars from no impulse in either of + the combatants, but rival instigations of demoniacal passion. If, + therefore, by the faculty of reason we can prophecy concerning the shapes + which the future may put on,—if we are under any bond of duty to + succeeding generations, there is high cause to guard against a specious + sensibility, which may encourage the hoarding up of life for its own sake, + seducing us from those considerations by which we might learn when it + ought to be resigned. Moreover, disregarding future ages, and confining + ourselves to the present state of mankind, it may be safely affirmed that + he, who is the most watchful of the honour of his country, most determined + to preserve her fair name at all <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage78" + id="Apage78"></a>{78}</span>hazards, will be found, in any view of things + which looks beyond the passing hour, the best steward of the <i>lives</i> + of his countrymen. For, by proving that she is of a firm temper, that she + will only submit or yield to a point of her own fixing, and that all + beyond is immutable resolution, he will save her from being wantonly + attacked; and, if attacked, will awe the aggressor into a speedier + abandonment of an unjust and hopeless attempt. Thus will he preserve not + only that which gives life its value, but life itself; and not for his own + country merely, but for that of his enemies, to whom he will have offered + an example of magnanimity, which will ensure to them like benefits; an + example, the re-action of which will be felt by his own countrymen, and + will prevent them from becoming assailants unjustly or rashly. Nations + will thus be taught to respect each other, and mutually to abstain from + injuries. And hence, by a benign ordinance of our nature, genuine honour + is the hand-maid of humanity; the attendant and sustainer—both of + the sterner qualities which constitute the appropriate excellence of the + male character, and of the gentle and tender virtues which belong more + especially to motherliness and womanhood. These general laws, by which + mankind is purified and exalted, and by which Nations are preserved, + suggest likewise the best rules for the preservation of individual armies, + and for the accomplishment of all equitable service upon which they can be + sent. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Not therefore rashly and unfeelingly, but from the dictates of thoughtful + humanity, did I say that it was the business of our Generals to fight, and + to persevere in fighting; and that they did not bear this duty + sufficiently in mind; this, almost the sole duty which professional + soldiers, till our time, (happily for mankind) used to think of. But the + victories of the French have been attended every where by the subversion + of Governments; and their generals have accordingly united <i>political</i> + with military functions: and with what success this has been done by them, + the present state of Europe affords melancholy proof. But have they, on + this account, ever neglected to calculate upon the advantages which might + fairly be anticipated from future warfare? Or, in a treaty of to-day, have + they ever forgotten a victory of yesterday? Eager to grasp at the double + honour of captain and negociator, have they ever sacrificed the one to the + other; or, in the blind effort, lost both? Above all, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage79" id="Apage79"></a>{79}</span>in their readiness to flourish + with the pen, have they ever overlooked the sword, the symbol of their + power, and the appropriate instrument of their success and glory? I notice + this assumption of a double character on the part of the French, not to + lament over it and its consequences, but to render somewhat more + intelligible the conduct of our own Generals; and to explain how far men, + whom we have no reason to believe other than brave, have, through the + influence of such example, lost sight of their primary duties, apeing + instead of imitating, and following only to be misled. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is indeed deplorable, that our Generals, from this infirmity, or from + any other cause, did not assume that lofty deportment which the character + and relative strength of the two armies authorized them, and the nature of + the service upon which they were sent, enjoined them to assume;—that + they were in such haste to treat—that, with such an enemy (let me + say at once,) and in such circumstances, they should have treated at all. + Is it possible that they could ever have asked themselves who that enemy + was, how he came into that country, and what he had done there? From the + manifesto of the Portugueze government, issued at Rio Janeiro, and from + other official papers, they might have learned, what was notorious to all + Europe, that this body of men commissioned by Bonaparte, in the time of + profound peace, without a declaration of war, had invaded Portugal under + the command of Junot, who had perfidiously entered the country, as the + General of a friendly and allied Power, assuring the people, as he + advanced, that he came to protect their Sovereign against an invasion of + the English; and that, when in this manner he had entered a peaceable + kingdom, which offered no resistance, and had expelled its lawful + Sovereign, he wrung from it unheard-of contributions, ravaged it, cursed + it with domestic pillage and open sacrilege; and that, when this + unoffending people, unable to endure any longer, rose up against the + tyrant, he had given their towns and villages to the flames, and put the + whole country, thus resisting, under military execution.—Setting + aside all natural sympathy with the Portugueze and Spanish nations, and + all prudential considerations of regard or respect for <i>their feelings</i> + towards these men, and for <i>their expectations</i> concerning the manner + in which they ought to be dealt with, it is plain that the French had + forfeited by their <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage80" id="Apage80"></a>{80}</span>crimes + all right to those privileges, or to those modes of intercourse, which one + army may demand from another according to the laws of war. They were not + soldiers in any thing but the power of soldiers, and the outward frame of + an army. During their occupation of Portugal, the laws and customs of war + had never been referred to by them, but as a plea for some enormity, to + the aggravated oppression of that unhappy country! Pillage, sacrilege, and + murder—sweeping murder and individual assassination, had been proved + against them by voices from every quarter. They had outlawed themselves by + their offences from membership in the community of war, and from every + species of community acknowledged by reason. But even, should any one be + so insensible as to question this, he will not at all events deny, that + the French ought to have been dealt with as having put on a double + character. For surely they never considered themselves merely as an army. + They had dissolved the established authorities of Portugal, and had + usurped the civil power of the government; and it was in this compound + capacity, under this twofold monstrous shape, that they had exercised, + over the religion and property of the country, the most grievous + oppressions. What then remained to protect them but their power?—Right + they had none,—and power! it is a mortifying consideration, but I + will ask if Bonaparte, (nor do I mean in the question to imply any thing + to his honour,) had been in the place of Sir Hew Dalrymple, what would he + have thought of their power?—Yet before this shadow the solid + substance of <i>justice</i> melted away. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And this leads me from the contemplation of their errors in the estimate + and application of means, to the contemplation of their heavier errors and + worse blindness in regard to ends. The British Generals acted as if they + had no purpose but that the enemy should be removed from the country in + which they were, upon <i>any</i> terms. Now the evacuation of Portugal was + not the prime object, but the manner in which that event was to be brought + about; this ought to have been deemed first both in order and importance;—the + French were to be subdued, their ferocious warfare and heinous policy to + be confounded; and in this way, and no other, was the deliverance of that + country to be accomplished. It was not for the soil, or for the cities and + forts, that Portugal was valued, but for the human feeling <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage81" id="Apage81"></a>{81}</span>which was + there; for the rights of human nature which might be there conspicuously + asserted; for a triumph over injustice and oppression there to be + achieved, which could neither be concealed nor disguised, and which should + penetrate the darkest corner of the dark Continent of Europe by its + splendour. We combated for victory in the empire of reason, for + strongholds in the imagination. Lisbon and Portugal, as city and soil, + were chiefly prized by us as a <i>language</i>; but our Generals mistook + the counters of the game for the stake played for. The nation required + that the French should surrender at discretion;—grant that the + victory of Vimiera had excited some unreasonable impatience—we were + not so overweening as to demand that the enemy should surrender within a + given time, but that they should surrender. Every thing, short of this, + was felt to be below the duties of the occasion; not only no service, but + a grievous injury. Only as far as there was a prospect of forcing the + enemy to an unconditional submission, did the British Nation deem that + they had a right to interfere;—if that prospect failed, they + expected that their army would know that it became it to retire, and take + care of itself. But our Generals have told us, that the Convention would + not have been admitted, if they had not judged it right to effect, even + upon these terms, the evacuation of Portugal—as ministerial to their + future services in Spain. If this had been a common war between two + established governments measuring with each other their regular resources, + there might have been some appearance of force in this plea. But who does + not cry out at once, that the affections and opinions, that is, the souls + of the people of Spain and Portugal, must be the inspiration and the + power, if this labour is to be brought to a happy end? Therefore it was + worse than folly to think of supporting Spain by physical strength, at the + expence of moral. Besides, she was strong in men; she never earnestly + solicited troops from us; some of the Provinces had even refused them when + offered,—and all had been lukewarm in the acceptance of them. The + Spaniards could not <i>ultimately</i> be benefited but by Allies acting + under the same impulses of honour, roused by a sense of their wrongs, and + sharing their loves and hatreds—above all, their <i>passion</i> for + justice. They had themselves given an example, at Baylen, proclaiming to + all the world what ought to be aimed at by those who would uphold <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage82" id="Apage82"></a>{82}</span>their cause, + and be associated in arms with them. And was the law of justice, which + Spaniards, Spanish peasantry, I might almost say, would not relax in + favour of Dupont, to be relaxed by a British army in favour of Junot? Had + the French commander at Lisbon, or his army, proved themselves less + perfidious, less cruel, or less rapacious than the other? Nay, did not the + pride and crimes of Junot call for humiliation and punishment far more + importunately, inasmuch as his power to do harm, and therefore his will, + keeping pace with it, had been greater? Yet, in the noble letter of the + Governor of Cadiz to Dupont, he expressly tells him, that his conduct, and + that of his army, had been such, that they owed their lives only to that + honour which forbad the Spanish army to become executioners. The + Portugueze also, as appears from various letters produced before the Board + of Inquiry, have shewn to our Generals, as boldly as their respect for the + British Nation would permit them to do, what <i>they</i> expected. A + Portugueze General, who was also a member of the regency appointed by the + Prince Regent, says, in a protest addressed to Sir Hew Dalrymple, that he + had been able to drive the French out of the provinces of Algarve and + Alentejo; and therefore he could not be convinced, that such a Convention + was necessary. What was this but implying that it was dishonourable, and + that it would frustrate the efforts which his country was making, and + destroy the hopes which it had built upon its own power? Another letter + from a magistrate inveighs against the Convention, as leaving the crimes + of the French in Portugal unpunished; as giving no indemnification for all + the murders, robberies, and atrocities which had been committed by them. + But I feel that I shall be wanting in respect to my countrymen if I pursue + this argument further. I blush that it should be necessary to speak upon + the subject at all. And these are men and things, which we have been + reproved for condemning, because evidence was wanting both as to fact and + person! If there ever was a case, which could not, in any rational sense + of the word, be prejudged, this is one. As to the fact—it appears, + and sheds from its own body, like the sun in heaven, the light by which it + is seen; as to the person—each has written down with his own hand, + <i>I am the man</i>. Condemnation of actions and men like these is not, in + the minds of a people, (thanks to the divine Being and to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage83" id="Apage83"></a>{83}</span>human + nature!) a matter of choice; it is like a physical necessity, as the hand + must be burned which is thrust into the furnace—the body chilled + which stands naked in the freezing north-wind. I am entitled to make this + assertion here, when the <i>moral</i> depravity of the Convention, of + which I shall have to speak hereafter, has not even been touched upon. Nor + let it be blamed in any man, though his station be in private life, that + upon this occasion he speaks publicly, and gives a decisive opinion + concerning that part of this public event, and those measures, which are + more especially military. All have a right to speak, and to make their + voices heard, as far as they have power. For these are times, in which the + conduct of military men concerns us, perhaps, more intimately than that of + any other class; when the business of arms comes unhappily too near to the + fire-side; when the character and duties of a soldier ought to be + understood by every one who values his liberty, and bears in mind how soon + he may have to fight for it. Men will and ought to speak upon things in + which they are so deeply interested; how else are right notions to spread, + or is error to be destroyed? These are times also in which, if we may + judge from the proceedings and result of the Court of Inquiry, the heads + of the army, more than at any other period, stand in need of being taught + wisdom by the voice of the people. It is their own interest, both as men + and as soldiers, that the people should speak fervently and fearlessly of + their actions:—from no other quarter can they be so powerfully + reminded of the duties which they owe to themselves, to their country, and + to human nature. Let any one read the evidence given before that Court, + and he will there see, how much the intellectual and moral constitution of + many of our military officers, has suffered by a profession, which, if not + counteracted by admonitions willingly listened to, and by habits of + meditation, does, more than any other, denaturalize—and therefore + degrade the human being;—he will note with sorrow, how faint are + their sympathies with the best feelings, and how dim their apprehension of + some of the most awful truths, relating to the happiness and dignity of + man in society. But on this I do not mean to insist at present; it is too + weighty a subject to be treated incidentally: and my purpose is—not + to invalidate the authority of military men, <i>positively</i> considered, + upon a military question, but <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage84" + id="Apage84"></a>{84}</span><i>comparatively</i>;—to maintain that + there are military transactions upon which the people have a right to be + heard, and upon which their authority is entitled to far more respect than + any man or number of men can lay claim to, who speak merely with the + ordinary professional views of soldiership;—that there are such + military transactions;—and that <i>this</i> is one of them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The condemnation, which the people of these islands pronounced upon the + Convention of Cintra considered as to its main <i>military</i> results, + that is, as a treaty by which it was established that the Russian fleet + should be surrendered on the terms specified; and by which, not only the + obligation of forcing the French army to an unconditional surrender was + abandoned, but its restoration in freedom and triumph to its own country + was secured;—the condemnation, pronounced by the people upon a + treaty, by virtue of which these things were to be done, I have recorded—accounted + for—and thereby justified.—I will now proceed to another + division of the subject, on which I feel a still more earnest wish to + speak; because, though in itself of the highest importance, it has been + comparatively neglected;—mean the political injustice and moral + depravity which are stamped upon the front of this agreement, and pervade + every regulation which it contains. I shall shew that our Generals (and + with them our Ministers, as far as they might have either given directions + to this effect, or have countenanced what has been done)—when it was + their paramount duty to maintain at all hazards the noblest principles in + unsuspected integrity; because, upon the summons of these, and in defence + of them, their Allies had risen, and by these alone could stand—not + only did not perform this duty, but descended as far below the level of + ordinary principles as they ought to have mounted above it;—imitating + not the majesty of the oak with which it lifts its branches towards the + heavens, but the vigour with which, in the language of the poet, it + strikes its roots downwards towards hell:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Radice in Tartara tendit.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Armistice is the basis of the Convention; and in the first article we + find it agreed, 'That there shall be a suspension of hostilities between + the forces of his Britannic Majesty, and those of his Imperial and Royal + Majesty, Napoleon I.' I will ask if it be the practice of military + officers, in instruments of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage85" + id="Apage85"></a>{85}</span>this kind, to acknowledge, in the person of + the head of the government with which they are at war, titles which their + own government—for which they are acting—has not acknowledged. + If this be the practice, which I will not stop to determine, it is grossly + improper; and ought to be abolished. Our Generals, however, had entered + Portugal as Allies of a Government by which this title had been + acknowledged; and they might have pleaded this circumstance in mitigation + of their offence; but surely not in an instrument, where we not only look + in vain for the name of the Portugueze Sovereign, or of the Government + which he appointed, or of any heads or representatives of the Portugueze + armies or people as a party in the contract,—but where it is + stipulated (in the 4th article) that the British General shall engage to + include the Portugueze armies in this Convention. What an outrage!—We + enter the Portugueze territory as Allies; and, without their consent—or + even consulting them, we proceed to form the basis of an agreement, + relating—- not to the safety or interests of our own army—but + to Portugueze territory, Portugueze persons, liberties, and rights,—and + engage, out of our own will and power, to include the Portugueze army, + they or their Government willing or not, within the obligation of this + agreement. I place these things in contrast, viz. the acknowledgement of + Bonaparte as emperor and king, and the utter neglect of the Portugueze + Sovereign and Portugueze authorities, to shew in what spirit and temper + these agreements were entered upon. I will not here insist upon what was + our duty, on this occasion, to the Portugueze—as dictated by those + sublime precepts of justice which it has been proved that they and the + Spaniards had risen to defend,—and without feeling the force and + sanctity of which, they neither could have risen, nor can oppose to their + enemy resistance which has any hope in it; but I will ask, of any man who + is not dead to the common feelings of his social nature—and besotted + in understanding, if this be not a cruel mockery, and which must have been + felt, unless it were repelled with hatred and scorn, as a heart-breaking + insult. Moreover, this conduct acknowledges, by implication, that + principle which by his actions the enemy has for a long time covertly + maintained, and now openly and insolently avows in his words—that + power is the measure of right;—and it is in a steady adherence to + this abominable doctrine that his strength mainly lies.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage86" id="Apage86"></a>{86}</span> I do + maintain then that, as far as the conduct of our Generals in framing these + instruments tends to reconcile men to this course of action, and to + sanction this principle, they are virtually his Allies: their weapons may + be against him, but he will laugh at their weapons,—for he knows, + though they themselves do not, that their souls are for him. Look at the + preamble to the Armistice! In what is omitted and what is inserted, the + French Ruler could not have fashioned it more for his own purpose if he + had traced it with his own hand. We have then trampled upon a fundamental + principle of justice, and countenanced a prime maxim of iniquity; thus + adding, in an unexampled degree, the foolishness of impolicy to the + heinousness of guilt. A conduct thus grossly unjust and impolitic, without + having the hatred which it inspires neutralised by the contempt, is made + contemptible by utterly wanting that colour of right which authority and + power, put forth in defence of our Allies—in asserting their just + claims and avenging their injuries, might have given. But we, instead of + triumphantly displaying our power towards our enemies, have ostentatiously + exercised it upon our friends; reversing here, as every where, the + practice of sense and reason;—conciliatory even to abject submission + where we ought to have been haughty and commanding,—and repulsive + and tyrannical where we ought to have been gracious and kind. Even a + common law of good breeding would have served us here, had we known how to + apply it. We ought to have endeavoured to raise the Portugueze in their + own estimation by concealing our power in comparison with theirs; dealing + with them in the spirit of those mild and humane delusions, which spread + such a genial grace over the intercourse, and add so much to the influence + of love in the concerns of private life. It is a common saying, presume + that a man is dishonest, and that is the readiest way to make him so: in + like manner it may be said, presume that a nation is weak, and that is the + surest course to bring it to weakness,—if it be not rouzed to prove + its strength by applying it to the humiliation of your pride. The + Portugueze had been weak; and, in connection with their Allies the + Spaniards, they were prepared to become strong. It was, therefore, doubly + incumbent upon us to foster and encourage them—to look favourably + upon their efforts—generously to give them credit upon their + promises—to hope with them and for them; and, thus anticipating + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage87" id="Apage87"></a>{87}</span>and + foreseeing, we should, by a natural operation of love, have contributed to + create the merits which were anticipated and foreseen. I apply these + rules, taken from the intercourse between individuals, to the conduct of + large bodies of men, or of nations towards each other, because these are + nothing but aggregates of individuals; and because the maxims of all just + law, and the measures of all sane practice, are only an enlarged or + modified application of those dispositions of love and those principles of + reason, by which the welfare of individuals, in their connection with each + other, is promoted. There was also here a still more urgent call for these + courteous and humane principles as guides of conduct; because, in exact + proportion to the physical weakness of Governments, and to the distraction + and confusion which cannot but prevail, when a people is struggling for + independence and liberty, are the well-intentioned and the wise among them + remitted for their support to those benign elementary feelings of society, + for the preservation and cherishing of which, among other important + objects, government was from the beginning ordained. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Therefore, by the strongest obligations, we were bound to be studious of a + delicate and respectful bearing towards those ill-fated nations, our + Allies: and consequently, if the government of the Portugueze, though weak + in power, possessed their affections, and was strong in right, it was + incumbent upon us to turn our first thoughts to that government,—to + look for it if it were hidden—to call it forth,—and, by our + power combined with that of the people, to assert its rights. Or, if the + government were dissolved and had no existence, it was our duty, in such + an emergency, to have resorted to the nation, expressing its will through + the most respectable and conspicuous authority, through that which seemed + to have the best right to stand forth as its representative. In whatever + circumstances Portugal had been placed, the paramount right of the + Portugueze nation, or government, to appear not merely as a party but a + principal, ought to have been established as a primary position, without + the admission of which, all proposals to treat would be peremptorily + rejected. But the Portugueze <i>had</i> a government; they had a lawful + prince in Brazil; and a regency, appointed by him, at home; and generals, + at the head of considerable bodies of troops, appointed also by the + regency or the prince. Well then might one of those generals enter a + formal protest against the treaty, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage88" + id="Apage88"></a>{88}</span>on account of its being 'totally void of that + deference due to the prince regent, or the government that represents him; + as being hostile to the sovereign authority and independence of that + government; and as being against the honour, safety, and independence of + the nation.' I have already reminded the reader, of the benign and happy + influences which might have attended upon a different conduct; how much + good we might have added to that already in existence; how far we might + have assisted in strengthening, among our Allies, those powers, and in + developing those virtues, which were producing themselves by a natural + process, and to which these breathings of insult must have been a deadly + check and interruption. Nor would the evil be merely negative; for the + interference of professed friends, acting in this manner, must have + superinduced dispositions and passions, which were alien to the condition + of the Portugueze;—scattered weeds which could not have been found + upon the soil, if our ignorant hands had not sown them. Of this I will not + now speak, for I have already detained the reader too long at the + threshold;—but I have put the master key into his possession; and + every chamber which he opens will be found loathsome as the one which he + last quitted. Let us then proceed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By the first article of the Convention it is covenanted, that all the + places and forts in the kingdom of Portugal, occupied by the French + troops, shall be delivered to the British army. Articles IV. and XII. are + to the same effect—determining the surrender of Portugueze fortified + places, stores, and ships, to the English forces; but not a word of their + being to be holden in trust for the prince regent, or his government, to + whom they belonged! The same neglect or contempt of justice and decency is + shewn here, as in the preamble to these instruments. It was further shewn + afterwards, by the act of hoisting the British flag instead of the + Portugueze upon these forts, when they were first taken possession of by + the British forces. It is no excuse to say that this was not intended. + Such inattentions are among the most grievous faults which can be + committed; and are <i>impossible</i>, when the affections and + understandings of men are of that quality, and in that state, which are + required for a service in which there is any thing noble or virtuous. + Again, suppose that it was the purpose of the generals, who signed and + ratified a Convention containing the articles in question, that the forts + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage89" id="Apage89"></a>{89}</span>and + ships, &c. should be delivered immediately to the Portugueze + government,—would the delivering up of them wipe away the affront? + Would it not rather appear, after the omission to recognize the right, + that we had ostentatiously taken upon us to bestow—as a boon—- + that which they felt to be their own? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Passing by, as already deliberated and decided upon, those conditions, + (Articles II. and III.) by which it is stipulated, that the French army + shall not be considered as prisoners of war, shall be conveyed with arms, + &c. to some port between Rochefort and L'Orient, and be at liberty to + serve; I come to that memorable condition, (Article V.) 'that the French + army shall carry with it all its equipments, that is to say, its military + chests and carriages, attached to the field commissariat and field + hospitals, or shall be allowed to dispose of such part, as the Commander + in Chief may judge it unnecessary to embark. In like manner all + individuals of the army shall be at liberty to dispose of <i>their private + property</i> of <i>every</i> description, with full security hereafter for + the purchasers.' This is expressed still more pointedly in the Armistice,—though + the meaning, implied in the two articles, is precisely the same. For, in + the fifth article of the Armistice, it is agreed provisionally, 'that all + those, of whom the French army consists, shall be conveyed to France with + arms and baggage, <i>and</i> all their private property of every + description, no part of which shall be wrested from them.' In the + Convention it is only expressed, that they shall be at liberty to depart, + (Article II.) with arms and baggage, and (Article V.) to dispose of their + private property of every description. But, if they had a right to dispose + of it, <i>this</i> would include a right to carry it away—which was + undoubtedly understood by the French general. And in the Armistice it is + expressly said, that their private property of every description shall be + conveyed to France along with their persons. What then are we to + understand by the words, <i>their private property of every description</i>? + Equipments of the army in general, and baggage of individuals, had been + stipulated for before: now we all know that the lawful professional gains + and earnings of a soldier must be small; that he is not in the habit of + carrying about him, during actual warfare, any accumulation of these or + other property; and that the ordinary private property, which he can be + supposed to have a <i>just</i> title to, is included under the name of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage90" id="Apage90"></a>{90}</span>his <i>baggage</i>;—therefore + this was something more; and what it was—is apparent. No part of + their property, says the Armistice, shall be <i>wrested from them</i>. Who + does not see in these words the consciousness of guilt, an indirect + self-betraying admission that they had in their hands treasures which + might be lawfully taken from them, and an anxiety to prevent that act of + justice by a positive stipulation? Who does not see, on what sort of + property the Frenchman had his eye; that it was not property by right, but + their <i>possessions</i>—their plunder—every thing, by what + means soever acquired, that the French army, or any individual in it, was + possessed of? But it has been urged, that the monstrousness of such a + supposition precludes this interpretation, renders it impossible that it + could either be intended by the one party, or so understood by the other. + What right they who signed, and he who ratified this Convention, have to + shelter themselves under this plea—will appear from the 16th and + 17th articles. In these it is stipulated, 'that all subjects of France, or + of Powers in alliance with France, domiciliated in Portugal, or + accidentally in the country, shall have their property of every kind—moveable + and immoveable—guaranteed to them, with liberty of retaining or + disposing of it, and passing the produce into France:' the same is + stipulated, (Article XVII.) for such natives of Portugal as have sided + with the French, or occupied situations under <i>the French Government</i>. + Here then is a direct avowal, still more monstrous, that every Frenchman, + or native of a country in alliance with France, however obnoxious his + crimes may have made him, and every traitorous Portugueze, shall have his + property guaranteed to him (both previously to and after the reinstatement + of the Portugueze government) by the British army! Now let us ask, what + sense the word property must have had fastened to it in <i>these</i> + cases. Must it not necessarily have included all the rewards which the + Frenchman had received for his iniquity, and the traitorous Portugueze for + his treason? (for no man would bear a part in such oppressions, or would + be a traitor for nothing; and, moreover, all the rewards, which the French + could bestow, must have been taken from the Portugueze, extorted from the + honest and loyal, to be given to the wicked and disloyal.) These rewards + of iniquity must necessarily have been included; for, on our side, no + attempt is made at a distinction; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage91" + id="Apage91"></a>{91}</span>and, on the side of the French, the word <i>immoveable</i> + is manifestly intended to preclude such a distinction, where alone it + could have been effectual. Property, then, here means—possessions + thus infamously acquired; and, in the instance of the Portugueze, the + fundamental notion of the word is subverted; for a traitor can have no + property, till the government of his own country has remitted the + punishment due to his crimes. And these wages of guilt, which the master + by such exactions was enabled to pay, and which the servant thus earned, + are to be guaranteed to him by a British <i>army</i>! Where does there + exist a power on earth that could confer this right? If the Portugueze + government itself had acted in this manner, it would have been guilty of + wilful suicide; and the nation, if it had acted so, of high treason + against itself. Let it not, then, be said, that the monstrousness of + covenanting to convey, along with the persons of the French, their + plunder, secures the article from the interpretation which the people of + Great Britain gave, and which, I have now proved, they were bound to give + to it.—But, conceding for a moment, that it was not intended that + the words should bear this sense, and that, neither in a fair grammatical + construction, nor as illustrated by other passages or by the general + tenour of the document, they actually did bear it, had not unquestionable + voices proclaimed the cruelty and rapacity—the acts of sacrilege, + assassination, and robbery, by which these treasures had been amassed? Was + not the perfidy of the French army, and its contempt of moral obligation, + both as a body and as to the individuals which composed it, infamous + through Europe?—Therefore, the concession would signify nothing: for + our Generals, by allowing an army of this character to depart with its + equipments, waggons, military chest, and baggage, had provided abundant + means to enable it to carry off whatsoever it desired, and thus to elude + and frustrate any stipulations which might have been made for compelling + it to restore that which had been so iniquitously seized. And here are we + brought back to the fountain-head of all this baseness; to that apathy and + deadness to the principle of justice, through the influence of which, this + army, outlawed by its crimes, was suffered to depart from the Land, over + which it had so long tyrannized—other than as a band of disarmed + prisoners.—I maintain, therefore, that permission to carry off the + booty was distinctly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage92" id="Apage92"></a>{92}</span>expressed; + and, if it had not been so, that the principle of justice could not here + be preserved; as a violation of it must necessarily have followed from + other conditions of the treaty. Sir Hew Dalrymple himself, before the + Court of Inquiry, has told us, in two letters (to Generals Beresford and + Friere,) that 'such part of the plunder as was in money, it would be + difficult, if not impossible, to identify;' and, consequently, the French + could not be prevented from carrying it away with them. From the same + letters we learn, that 'the French were intending to carry off a + considerable part of their plunder, by calling it public money, and saying + that it belonged to the military chest; and that their evasions of the + article were most shameful, and evinced a want of probity and honour, + which was most disgraceful to them.' If the French had given no other + proofs of their want of such virtues, than those furnished by this + occasion, neither the Portugueze, nor Spanish, nor British nations would + condemn them, nor hate them as they now do; nor would this article of the + Convention have excited such indignation. For the French, by so acting, + could not deem themselves breaking an engagement; no doubt they looked + upon themselves as injured,—that the failure in good faith was on + the part of the British; and that it was in the lawlessness of power, and + by a mere quibble, that this construction was afterwards put upon the + article in question. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Widely different from the conduct of the British was that of the Spaniards + in a like case:—with high feeling did they, abating not a jot or a + tittle, enforce the principle of justice. 'How,' says the governor of + Cadiz to General Dupont in the same noble letter before alluded to, 'how,' + says he, after enumerating the afflictions which his army, and the tyrant + who had sent it, had unjustly brought upon the Spanish nation, (for of + these, in <i>their</i> dealings with the French, they never for a moment + lost sight,) 'how,' asks he, 'could you expect, that your army should + carry off from Spain the fruit of its rapacity, cruelty, and impiety? how + could you conceive this possible, or that we should be so stupid or + senseless?' And this conduct is as wise in reason as it is true to nature. + The Spanish people could have had no confidence in their government, if it + had not acted thus. These are the sympathies which, prove that a + government is paternal,—that it makes one family with the people:<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage93" id="Apage93"></a>{93}</span> besides, it + is only by such adherence to justice, that, in times of like commotion, + popular excesses can either be mitigated or prevented. If we would be + efficient allies of Spain, nay, if we would not run the risk of doing + infinite harm, these sentiments must not only be ours as a nation, but + they must pervade the hearts of our ministers and our generals—our + agents and our ambassadors. If it be not so, they, who are sent abroad, + must either be conscious how unworthy they are, and with what unworthy + commissions they appear, or not: if they do feel this, then they must hang + their heads, and blush for their country and themselves; if they do not, + the Spaniards must blush for them and revolt from them; or, what would be + ten thousand times more deplorable, they must purchase a reconcilement and + a communion by a sacrifice of all that is excellent in themselves. Spain + must either break down her lofty spirit, her animation and fiery courage, + to run side by side in the same trammels with Great Britain; or she must + start off from her intended yoke-fellow with contempt and aversion. This + is the alternative, and there is no avoiding it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have yet to speak of the influence of such concessions upon the French + Ruler and his army. With what Satanic pride must he have contemplated the + devotion of his servants and adherents to <i>their</i> law, the steadiness + and zeal of their perverse loyalty, and the faithfulness with which they + stand by him and each other! How must his heart have distended with false + glory, while he contrasted these qualities of his subjects with the + insensibility and slackness of his British enemies! This notice has, + however, no especial propriety in this place; for, as far as concerns + Bonaparte, his pride and depraved confidence may be equally fed by almost + all the conditions of this instrument. But, as to his army, it is plain + that the permission (whether it be considered as by an express article + formally granted, or only involved in the general conditions of the + treaty), to bear away in triumph the harvest of its crimes, must not only + have emboldened and exalted it with arrogance, and whetted its rapacity; + but that hereby every soldier, of which this army was composed, must, upon + his arrival in his own country, have been a seed which would give back + plenteously in its kind. The French are at present a needy people, without + commerce or manufactures,—unsettled in their minds and debased in + their <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage94" id="Apage94"></a>{94}</span>morals + by revolutionary practices and habits of warfare; and the youth of the + country are rendered desperate by oppression, which, leaving no choice in + their occupation, discharges them from all responsibility to their own + consciences. How powerful then must have been the action of such + incitements upon a people so circumstanced! The actual sight, and, far + more, the imaginary sight and handling of these treasures, magnified by + the romantic tales which must have been spread about them, would carry + into every town and village an antidote for the terrors of conscription; + and would rouze men, like the dreams imported from the new world when the + first discoverers and adventurers returned, with their ingots and their + gold dust—their stories and their promises, to inflame and madden + the avarice of the old. 'What an effect,' says the Governor of Cadiz, + 'must it have upon the people,' (he means the Spanish people,) 'to know + that a single soldier was carrying away 2580 livres tournois!' What an + effect, (he might have said also,) must it have upon the French!—I + direct the reader's attention to this, because it seems to have been + overlooked; and because some of the public journals, speaking of the + Convention, (and, no doubt, uttering the sentiments of several of their + readers,)—say 'that they are disgusted with the transaction, not + because the French have been permitted to carry off a few diamonds, or + some ingots of silver; but because we confessed, by consenting to the + treaty, that an army of 35,000 British troops, aided by the Portugueze + nation, was not able to compel 20,000 French to surrender at discretion.' + This is indeed the root of the evil, as hath been shewn; and it is the + curse of this treaty, that the several parts of it are of such enormity as + singly to occupy the attention and to destroy comparison and coexistence. + But the people of Great Britain are disgusted both with the one and the + other. They bewail the violation of the principle: if the value of the + things carried off had been in itself trifling, their grief and their + indignation would have been scarcely less. But it is manifest, from what + has been said, that it was not trifling; and that therefore, (upon that + account as well as upon others,) this permission was no less impolitic + than it was unjust and dishonourable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In illustrating these articles of the Armistice and Convention, by which + the French were both expressly permitted and indirectly enabled to carry + off their booty, we have already seen, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage95" id="Apage95"></a>{95}</span>that a concession was made + which is still more enormous; viz. that all subjects of France, or of + powers in alliance with France, domiciliated in Portugal or resident + there, and all natives of Portugal who have accepted situations under <i>the + French government</i>, &c., shall have their <i>property</i> of every + kind guaranteed to them by the British army. By articles 16th and 17th, + their <i>persons</i> are placed under the like protection. 'The French' + (Article XVI.) 'shall be at liberty either to accompany the French army, + or to remain in Portugal;' 'And the Portugueze' (Article XVII.) 'shall not + be rendered accountable for their political conduct during the period of + the occupation of the country by the French army: they all are placed + under the protection of the British commanders, and shall sustain no + injury in their property or persons.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have animadverted, heretofore, upon the unprofessional eagerness of our + Generals to appear in the character of negotiators when the sword would + have done them more service than the pen. But, if they had confined + themselves to mere military regulations, they might indeed with justice + have been grievously censured as injudicious commanders, whose notion of + the honour of armies was of a low pitch, and who had no conception of the + peculiar nature of the service in which they were engaged: but the censure + must have stopped here. Whereas, by these provisions, they have shewn that + they have never reflected upon the nature of military authority as + contra-distinguished from civil. French example had so far dazzled and + blinded them, that the French army is suffered to denominate itself '<i>the + French government</i>;' and, from the whole tenour of these instruments, + (from the preamble, and these articles especially,) it should seem that + our Generals fancied themselves and their army to be <i>the British + government</i>. For these regulations, emanating from a mere military + authority, are purely civil; but of such a kind, that no power on earth + could confer a right to establish them. And this trampling upon the most + sacred rights—this sacrifice of the consciousness of a + self-preserving principle, without which neither societies nor governments + can exist, is not made by our generals in relation to subjects of their + own sovereign, but to an independent nation, our ally, into whose + territories we could not have entered but from its confidence in our + friendship and good faith. Surely the persons, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage96" id="Apage96"></a>{96}</span>who (under the countenance of + too high authority) have talked so loudly of prejudging this question, + entirely overlooked or utterly forgot this part of it. What have these + monstrous provisions to do with the relative strength of the two armies, + or with any point admitting a doubt? What need here of a Court of + Judicature to settle who were the persons (their names are subscribed by + their own hands), and to determine the quality of the thing? Actions and + agents like these, exhibited in this connection with each other, must of + necessity be condemned the moment they are known: and to assert the + contrary, is to maintain that man is a being without understanding, and + that morality is an empty dream. And, if this condemnation must after this + manner follow, to utter it is less a duty than a further inevitable + consequence from the constitution of human nature. They, who hold that the + formal sanction of a Court of Judicature is in this case required before a + people has a right to pass sentence know not to what degree they are + enemies to that people and to mankind; to what degree selfishness, whether + arising from their peculiar situation or from other causes, has in them + prevailed over those faculties which are our common inheritance, and cut + them off from fellowship with the species. Most deplorable would be the + result, if it were possible that the injunctions of these men could be + obeyed, or their remonstrances acknowledged to be just. For, (not to + mention that, if it were not for such prompt decisions of the public + voice, misdemeanours of men high in office would rarely be accounted for + at all,) we must bear in mind, at this crisis, that the adversary of all + good is hourly and daily extending his ravages; and, according to such + notions of fitness, our indignation, our sorrow, our shame, our sense of + right and wrong, and all those moral affections, and powers of the + understanding, by which alone he can be effectually opposed, are to enter + upon a long vacation; their motion is to be suspended—a thing + impossible; if it could, it would be destroyed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us now see what language the Portugueze speak upon that part of the + treaty which has incited me to give vent to these feelings, and to assert + these truths. 'I protest,' says General Friere, 'against Article XVII., + one of the two now under examination, because it attempts to tie down the + government of this kingdom not to bring to justice and condign punishment + those <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage97" id="Apage97"></a>{97}</span>persons, + who have been notoriously and scandalously disloyal to their prince and + the country by joining and serving the French party: and, even if the + English army should be allowed to screen them from the punishment they + have deserved, still it should not prevent their expulsion—whereby + this country would no longer have to fear being again betrayed by the same + men.' Yet, while the partizans of the French are thus guarded, not a word + is said to protect the loyal Portugueze, whose fidelity to their country + and their prince must have rendered them obnoxious to the French army; and + who in Lisbon and the environs, were left at its mercy from the day when + the Convention was signed, till the departure of the French. Couple also + with this the first additional article, by which it is agreed, 'that the + individuals in the civil employment of the army,' (including all the + agitators, spies, informers, all the jackals of the ravenous lion,) 'made + prisoners either by the British troops or the Portugueze in any part of + Portugal, will be restored (<i>as is customary</i>) without exchange.' + That is, no stipulations being made for reciprocal conditions! In fact, + through the whole course of this strange interference of a military power + with the administration of civil justice in the country of an Ally, there + is only one article (the 15th) which bears the least shew of attention to + Portugueze interests. By this it is stipulated, 'That, from the date of + the ratification of the Convention, all arrears of contributions, + requisitions, or claims whatever of the French Government against subjects + of Portugal, or any other individuals residing in this country, founded on + the occupation of Portugal by the French troops in the month of December + 1807, which may not have been paid up, are cancelled: and all + sequestrations, laid upon their property moveable or immoveable, are + removed; and the free disposal of the same is restored to the proper + owners.' Which amounts to this. The French are called upon formally to + relinquish, in favour of the Portugueze, that to which they never had any + right; to abandon false claims, which they either had a power to enforce, + or they had not: if they departed immediately and had <i>not</i> power, + the article was nugatory; if they remained a day longer and <i>had</i> + power, there was no security that they would abide by it. Accordingly, + loud complaints were made that, after the date of the Convention, all + kinds of ravages were committed by the French upon Lisbon and its <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage98" id="Apage98"></a>{98}</span>neighbourhood: + and what did it matter whether these were upon the plea of old debts and + requisitions; or new debts were created more greedily than ever—from + the consciousness that the time for collecting them was so short? This + article, then, the only one which is even in shew favourable to the + Portugueze, is, in substance, nothing: inasmuch as, in what it is silent + upon, (viz. that the People of Lisbon and its neighbourhood shall not be + vexed and oppressed by the French, during their stay, with new claims and + robberies,) it is grossly cruel or negligent; and, in that for which it + actually stipulates, wholly delusive. It is in fact insulting; for the + very admission of a formal renunciation of these claims does to a certain + degree acknowledge their justice. The only decent manner of introducing + matter to this effect would have been by placing it as a bye clause of a + provision that secured the Portugueze from further molestations, and + merely alluding to it as a thing understood of course. Yet, from the place + which this specious article occupies, (preceding immediately the 16th and + 17th which we have been last considering,) it is clear that it must have + been intended by the French General as honey smeared upon the edge of the + cup—to make the poison, contained in those two, more palateable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus much for the Portugueze, and their particular interests. In one + instance, a concern of the Spanish Nation comes directly under notice; and + that Nation also is treated without delicacy or feeling. For by the 18th + article it is agreed, 'that the Spaniards, (4000 in number) who had been + disarmed, and were confined on ship-board in the port of Lisbon by the + French, should be liberated.' And upon what consideration? Not upon their + <i>right</i> to be free, as having been treacherously and cruelly dealt + with by men who were part of a Power that was labouring to subjugate their + country, and in this attempt had committed inhuman crimes against it;—not + even exchanged as soldiers against soldiers:—but the condition of + their emancipation is, that the British General engages 'to obtain of the + Spaniards to restore such French subjects, either military or civil, as + have been detained in Spain, without having been taken in battle or in + consequence of military operations, but on account of the <i>occurrences</i> + of the 29th of last May and the days immediately following. '<i>Occurrences</i>!' + I know not what are exactly the features of the face for which this word + serves as a veil: I have no <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage99" + id="Apage99"></a>{99}</span>register at hand to inform me what these + events precisely were: but there can be no doubt that it was a time of + triumph for liberty and humanity; and that the persons, for whom these + noble-minded Spaniards were to be exchanged, were no other than a horde + from among the most abject of the French Nation; probably those wretches, + who, having never faced either the dangers or the fatigues of war, had + been most busy in secret preparations or were most conspicuous in open + acts of massacre, when the streets of Madrid, a few weeks before, had been + drenched with the blood of two thousand of her bravest citizens. Yet the + liberation of these Spaniards, upon these terms, is recorded (in the + report of the Court of Enquiry) 'as one of the advantages which, in the + contemplation of the Generals, would result from the Convention!' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Finally, 'If there shall be any doubt (Article XIV.) as to the meaning of + any article, it shall be explained favourably to the French Army; and + Hostages (Article XX.) of the rank of Field Officers, on the part of the + British Army and Navy, shall be furnished for the guarantee of the present + Convention.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have now gone through the painful task of examining the most material + conditions of the CONVENTION of CINTRA:—the whole number of the + articles is twenty-two, with three additional ones—a long ladder + into a deep abyss of infamy!— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Need it be said that neglects—injuries—and insults—like + these which we have been contemplating, come from what quarter they may, + let them be exhibited towards whom they will, must produce not merely + mistrust and jealousy, but alienation and hatred. The passions and + feelings may be quieted or diverted for a short time; but, though out of + sight or seemingly asleep, they must exist; and the life which they have + received cannot, but by a long course of justice and kindness, be overcome + and destroyed. But why talk of a long course of justice and kindness, when + the immediate result must have been so deplorable? Relying upon our + humanity, our fellow-feeling, and our justice, upon these instant and + urgent claims, sanctioned by the more mild one of ancient alliance, the + Portugueze People by voices from every part of their land entreated our + succour; the arrival of a British Army upon their coasts was joyfully + hailed; and the people of the country zealously assisted in landing the + troops; without which help, as a British General has informed us, that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage100" id="Apage100"></a>{100}</span>landing + could not have been effected. And it is in this manner that they are + repaid! Scarcely have we set foot upon their country before we sting them + into self-reproaches, and act in every thing as if it were our wish to + make them ashamed of their generous confidence as of a foolish simplicity—proclaiming + to them that they have escaped from one thraldom only to fall into + another. If the French had any traitorous partizans in Portugal, (and we + have seen that such there were; and that nothing was left undone on our + part, which could be done, to keep them there, and to strengthen them) + what answer could have been given to one of these, if (with this treaty in + his hand) he had said, 'The French have dealt hardly with us, I allow; but + we have gained nothing: the change is not for the better, but for the + worse: for the appetite of their tyranny was palled; but this, being new + to its food, is keen and vigorous. If you have only a choice between two + masters, (such an advocate might have argued) chose always the stronger: + for he, after his evil passions have had their first harvest, confident in + his strength, will not torment you wantonly in order to prove it. Besides, + the property which he has in you he can maintain; and there will be no + risk of your being torn in pieces—the unsettled prey of two rival + claimants. You will thus have the advantage of a fixed and assured object + of your hatred: and your fear, being stripped of doubt, will lose its + motion and its edge: both passions will relax and grow mild; and, though + they may not turn into reconcilement and love, though you may not be + independent nor be free, yet you will at least exist in tranquillity,—and + possess, if not the activity of hope, the security of despair.' No + effectual answer, I say, could have been given to a man pleading thus in + such circumstances. So much for the choice of evils. But, for the hope of + good!—what is to become of the efforts and high resolutions of the + Portugueze and Spanish Nations, manifested by their own hand in the manner + which we have seen? They may live indeed and prosper; but not by us, but + in despite of us. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whatever may be the character of the Portugueze Nation; be it true or not, + that they had a becoming sense of the injuries which they had received + from the French Invader, and were rouzed to throw off oppression by a + universal effort, and to form a living barrier against it;—certain + it is that, betrayed and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage101" + id="Apage101"></a>{101}</span>trampled upon as they had been, they held + unprecedented claims upon humanity to secure them from further outrages.—Moreover, + our conduct towards them was grossly inconsistent. For we entered their + country upon the supposition that they had such sensibility and virtue; we + announced to them publickly and solemnly our belief in this: and indeed to + have landed a force in the Peninsula upon any other inducement would have + been the excess of folly and madness. But the Portugueze <i>are</i> a + brave people—a people of great courage and worth! Conclusions, drawn + from intercourse with certain classes of the depraved inhabitants of + Lisbon only, and which are true only with respect to them, have been + hastily extended to the whole Nation, which has thus unjustly suffered + both in our esteem and in that of all Europe. In common with their + neighbours the Spaniards, they <i>were</i> making a universal, zealous, + and fearless effort; and, whatever may be the final issue, the very act of + having risen under the pressure and in the face of the most tremendous + military power which the earth has ever seen—is itself evidence in + their favour, the strongest and most comprehensive which can be given; a + transcendent glory! which, let it be remembered, no subsequent failures in + duty on their part can forfeit. This they must have felt—that they + had furnished an illustrious example; and that nothing can abolish their + claim upon the good wishes and upon the gratitude of mankind, which is—and + will be through all ages their due. At such a time, then, injuries and + insults from any quarter would have been deplorable; but, proceeding from + us, the evil must have been aggravated beyond calculation. For we have, + throughout Europe, the character of a sage and meditative people. Our + history has been read by the degraded Nations of the Continent with + admiration, and some portions of it with awe; with a recognition of + superiority and distance, which was honourable to us—salutary for + those to whose hearts, in their depressed state, it could find entrance—and + promising for the future condition of the human race. We have been looked + up to as a people who have acted nobly; whom their constitution of + government has enabled to speak and write freely, and who therefore have + thought comprehensively; as a people among whom philosophers and poets, by + their surpassing genius—their wisdom—and knowledge of human + nature, have circulated—and made familiar—divinely-tempered + sentiments and the purest <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage102" + id="Apage102"></a>{102}</span>notions concerning the duties and true + dignity of individual and social man in all situations and under all + trials. By so readily acceding to the prayers with which the Spaniards and + Portugueze entreated our assistance, we had proved to them that we were + not wanting in fellow-feeling. Therefore might we be admitted to be judges + between them and their enemies—unexceptionable judges—more + competent even than a dispassionate posterity, which, from the very want + comparatively of interest and passion, might be in its examination remiss + and negligent, and therefore in its decision erroneous. We, their + contemporaries, were drawn towards them as suffering beings; but still + their sufferings were not ours, nor could be; and we seemed to stand at + that due point of distance from which right and wrong might be fairly + looked at and seen in their just proportions. Every thing conspired to + prepossess the Spaniards and Portugueze in our favour, and to give the + judgment of the British Nation authority in their eyes. Strange, then, + would be their first sensations, when, upon further trial, instead of a + growing sympathy, they met with demonstrations of a state of sentiment and + opinion abhorrent from their own. A shock must have followed upon this + discovery, a shock to their confidence—not perhaps at first in us, + but in themselves: for, like all men under the agitation of extreme + passion, no doubt they had before experienced occasional misgivings that + they were subject to error and distraction from afflictions pressing too + violently upon them. These flying apprehensions would now take a fixed + place; and that moment would be most painful. If they continued to respect + our opinion, so far must they have mistrusted themselves: fatal mistrust + at such a crisis! Their passion of just vengeance, their indignation, + their aspiring hopes, everything that elevated and cheared, must have + departed from them. But this bad influence, the <i>excess</i> of the + outrage would mitigate or prevent; and we may be assured that they rather + recoiled from Allies who had thus by their actions discountenanced and + condemned efforts, which the most solemn testimony of conscience had + avouched to them were just;—that they recoiled from us with that + loathing and contempt which unexpected, determined, and absolute + hostility, upon points of dearest interest will for ever create. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Again: independence and liberty were the blessings for which the people of + the Peninsula were contending—immediate <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage103" id="Apage103"></a>{103}</span>independence, which was not + to be gained but by modes of exertion from which liberty must ensue. Now, + liberty—healthy, matured, time-honoured liberty—this is the + growth and peculiar boast of Britain; and Nature herself, by encircling + with the ocean the country which we inhabit, has proclaimed that this + mighty Nation is for ever to be her own ruler, and that the land is set + apart for the home of immortal independence. Judging then from these first + fruits of British Friendship, what bewildering and depressing and hollow + thoughts must the Spaniards and Portugueze have entertained concerning the + real value of these blessings, if the people who have possessed them + longest, and who ought to understand them best, could send forth an army + capable of enacting the oppression and baseness of the Convention of + Cintra; if the government of that people could sanction this treaty; and + if, lastly, this distinguished and favoured people themselves could suffer + it to be held forth to the eyes of men as expressing the sense of their + hearts—as an image of their understandings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it did not speak their sense—it was not endured—it was not + submitted to in their hearts. Bitter was the sorrow of the people of Great + Britain when the tidings first came to their ears, when they first fixed + their eyes upon this covenant—overwhelming was their astonishment, + tormenting their shame; their indignation was tumultuous; and the burthen + of the past would have been insupportable, if it had not involved in its + very nature a sustaining hope for the future. Among many alleviations, + there was one, which, (not wisely, but overcome by circumstances) all were + willing to admit;—that the event was so strange and uncouth, + exhibiting such discordant characteristics of innocent fatuity and + enormous guilt, that it could not without violence be thought of as + indicative of a general constitution of things, either in the country or + the government; but that it was a kind of <i>lusus naturae</i>, in the + moral world—a solitary straggler out of the circumference of + Nature's law—a monster which could not propagate, and had no + birth-right in futurity. Accordingly, the first expectation was that the + government would deem itself under the necessity of disanulling the + Convention; a necessity which, though in itself a great evil, appeared + small in the eyes of judicious men, compared with the consequences of + admitting that such a contract <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage104" + id="Apage104"></a>{104}</span>could be binding. For they, who had signed + and ratified it, had not only glaringly exceeded all power which could be + supposed to be vested in them as holding a military office; but, in the + exercise of political functions, they had framed ordinances which neither + the government, nor the Nation, nor any Power on earth, could confer upon + them a right to frame: therefore the contract was self-destroying from the + beginning. It is a wretched oversight, or a wilful abuse of terms still + more wretched, to speak of the good faith of a Nation as being pledged to + an act which was not a shattering of the edifice of justice, but a + subversion of its foundations. One man cannot sign away the faculty of + reason in another; much less can one or two individuals do this for a + whole people. Therefore the contract was void, both from its injustice and + its absurdity; and the party, with whom it was made, must have known it to + be so. It could not then but be expected by many that the government would + reject it. Moreover, extraordinary outrages against reason and virtue + demand that extraordinary sacrifices of atonement should be made upon + their altars; and some were encouraged to think that a government might + upon this impulse rise above itself, and turn an exceeding disgrace into + true glory, by a public profession of shame and repentance for having + appointed such unworthy instruments; that, this being acknowledged, it + would clear itself from all imputation of having any further connection + with what had been done, and would provide that the Nation should as + speedily as possible, be purified from all suspicion of looking upon it + with other feelings than those of abhorrence. The people knew what had + been their own wishes when the army was sent in aid of their Allies; and + they clung to the faith, that their wishes and the aims of the Government + must have been in unison; and that the guilt would soon be judicially + fastened upon those who stood forth as principals, and who (it was hoped) + would be found to have fulfilled only their own will and pleasure,—to + have had no explicit commission or implied encouragement for what they had + done,—no accessaries in their crime. The punishment of these persons + was anticipated, not to satisfy any cravings of vindictive justice (for + these, if they could have existed in such a case, had been thoroughly + appeased already: for what punishment could be greater than to have + brought upon themselves the sentence <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage105" id="Apage105"></a>{105}</span>passed upon them by the + voice of their countrymen?); but for this reason—that a judicial + condemnation of the men, who were openly the proximate cause, and who were + forgetfully considered as the single and sole originating source, would + make our detestation of the effect more signally manifest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These thoughts, if not welcomed without scruple and relied upon without + fear, were at least encouraged; till it was recollected that the persons + at the head of government had ordered that the event should be + communicated to the inhabitants of the metropolis with signs of national + rejoicing. No wonder if, when these rejoicings were called to mind, it was + impossible to entertain the faith which would have been most consolatory. + The evil appeared no longer as the forlorn monster which I have described. + It put on another shape and was endued with a more formidable life—with + power to generate and transmit after its kind. A new and alarming import + was added to the event by this open testimony of gladness and approbation; + which intimated—which declared—that the spirit, which swayed + the individuals who were the ostensible and immediate authors of the + Convention, was not confined to them; but that it was widely prevalent: + else it could not have been found in the very council-seat; there, where + if wisdom and virtue have not some influence, what is to become of the + Nation in these times of peril? rather say, into what an abyss is it + already fallen! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + His Majesty's ministers, by this mode of communicating the tidings, + indiscreet as it was unfeeling, had committed themselves. Yet still they + might have recovered from the lapse, have awakened after a little time. + And accordingly, notwithstanding an annunciation so ominous, it was matter + of surprise and sorrow to many, that the ministry appeared to deem the + Convention binding, and that its terms were to be fulfilled. There had + indeed been only a choice of evils: but, of the two the worse—ten + thousand times the worse—was fixed upon. The ministers, having thus + officially applauded the treaty,—and, by suffering it to be carried + into execution, made themselves a party to the transaction,—drew + upon themselves those suspicions which will ever pursue the steps of + public men who abandon the direct road which leads to the welfare of their + country. It was suspected that they had taken this part against the + dictates of conscience, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage106" + id="Apage106"></a>{106}</span>and from selfishness and cowardice; that, + from the first, they reasoned thus within themselves:—'If the act be + indeed so criminal as there is cause to believe that the public will + pronounce it to be; and if it shall continue to be regarded as such; great + odium must sooner or later fall upon those who have appointed the agents: + and this odium, which will be from the first considerable, in spite of the + astonishment and indignation of which the framers of the Convention may be + the immediate object, will, when the astonishment has relaxed, and the + angry passions have died away, settle (for many causes) more heavily upon + those who, by placing such men in the command, are the original source of + the guilt and the dishonour. How then is this most effectually to be + prevented? By endeavouring to prevent or to destroy, as far as may be, the + odium attached to the act itself.' For which purpose it was suspected that + the rejoicings had been ordered; and that afterwards (when the people had + declared themselves so loudly),—partly upon the plea of the good + faith of the Nation being pledged, and partly from a false estimate of the + comparative force of the two obligations,—the Convention, in the + same selfish spirit, was carried into effect: and that the ministry took + upon itself a final responsibility, with a vain hope that, by so doing and + incorporating its own credit with the transaction, it might bear down the + censures of the people, and overrule their judgment to the super-inducing + of a belief, that the treaty was not so unjust and inexpedient: and thus + would be included—in one sweeping exculpation—the misdeeds of + the servant and the master. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But,—whether these suspicions were reasonable or not, whatever + motives produced a determination that the Convention should be acted upon,—there + can be no doubt of the manner in which the ministry wished that the people + should appreciate it; when the same persons, who had ordered that it + should at first be received with rejoicing, availed themselves of his + Majesty's high authority to give a harsh reproof to the City of London for + having prayed 'that an enquiry might be instituted into this dishonourable + and unprecedented transaction.' In their petition they styled it also 'an + afflicting event—humiliating and degrading to the country, and + injurious to his Majesty's Allies.' And for this, to the astonishment and + grief of all sound minds, the petitioners were severely reprimanded; and + told, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage107" id="Apage107"></a>{107}</span>among + other admonitions, 'that it was inconsistent with the principles of + British jurisprudence to pronounce judgement without previous + investigation.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon this charge, as re-echoed in its general import by persons who have + been over-awed or deceived, and by others who have been wilful deceivers, + I have already incidentally animadverted; and repelled it, I trust, with + becoming, indignation. I shall now meet the charge for the last time + formally and directly; on account of considerations applicable to all + times; and because the whole course of domestic proceedings relating to + the Convention of Cintra, combined with menaces which have been recently + thrown out in the lower House of Parliament, renders it too probable that + a league has been framed for the purpose of laying further restraints upon + freedom of speech and of the press; and that the reprimand to the City of + London was devised by ministers as a preparatory overt act of this scheme; + to the great abuse of the Sovereign's Authority, and in contempt of the + rights of the Nation. In meeting this charge, I shall shew to what + desperate issues men are brought, and in what woeful labyrinths they are + entangled, when, under the pretext of defending instituted law, they + violate the laws of reason and nature for their own unhallowed purposes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If the persons, who signed this petition, acted inconsistently with the + principles of British jurisprudence; the offence must have been committed + by giving an answer, before adequate and lawful evidence had entitled them + so to do, to one or other of these questions:—'What is the act? and + who is the agent?'—or to both conjointly. Now the petition gives no + opinion upon the agent; it pronounces only upon the act, and that some one + must be guilty; but <i>who</i>—it does not take upon itself to say. + It condemns the act; and calls for punishment upon the authors, whosoever + they may be found to be; and does no more. After the analysis which has + been made of the Convention, I may ask if there be any thing in this which + deserves reproof; and reproof from an authority which ought to be most + enlightened and most dispassionate,—as it is, next to the + legislative, the most solemn authority in the Land. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is known to every one that the privilege of complaint and petition, in + cases where the Nation feels itself aggrieved, <i>itself</i> being the + judge, (and who else ought to be, or can be?)—a <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage108" id="Apage108"></a>{108}</span>privilege, the exercise of + which implies condemnation of something complained of, followed by a + prayer for its removal or correction—not only is established by the + most grave and authentic charters of Englishmen, who have been taught by + their wisest statesmen and legislators to be jealous over its + preservation, and to call it into practice upon every reasonable occasion; + but also that this privilege is an indispensable condition of all civil + liberty. Nay, of such paramount interest is it to mankind, existing under + any frame of Government whatsoever; that, either by law or custom, it has + universally prevailed under all governments—from the Grecian and + Swiss Democracies to the Despotisms of Imperial Rome, of Turkey, and of + France under her present ruler. It must then be a high principle which + could exact obeisance from governments at the two extremes of polity, and + from all modes of government inclusively; from the best and from the + worst; from magistrates acting under obedience to the stedfast law which + expresses the general will; and from depraved and licentious tyrants, + whose habit it is—to express, and to act upon, their own individual + will. Tyrants have seemed to feel that, if this principle were + acknowledged, the subject ought to be reconciled to any thing; that, by + permitting the free exercise of this right alone, an adequate price was + paid down for all abuses; that a standing pardon was included in it for + the past, and a daily renewed indulgence for every future enormity. It is + then melancholy to think that the time is come when an attempt has been + made to tear, out of the venerable crown of the Sovereign of Great + Britain, a gem which is in the very front of the turban of the Emperor of + Morocco.—(<i>See Appendix D</i>.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To enter upon this argument is indeed both astounding and humiliating: for + the adversary in the present case is bound to contend that we cannot + pronounce upon evil or good, either in the actions of our own or in past + times, unless the decision of a Court of Judicature has empowered us so to + do. Why then have historians written? and why do we yield to the impulses + of our nature, hating or loving—approving or condemning according to + the appearances which their records present to our eyes? But the doctrine + is as nefarious as it is absurd. For those public events in which men are + most interested, namely, the crimes of rulers and of persons in high + authority, for the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage109" id="Apage109"></a>{109}</span>most + part are such as either have never been brought before tribunals at all, + or before unjust ones: for, though offenders may be in hostility with each + other, yet the kingdom of guilt is not wholly divided against itself; its + subjects are united by a general interest to elude or overcome that law + which would bring them to condign punishment. Therefore to make a verdict + of a Court of Judicature a necessary condition for enabling men to + determine the quality of an act, when the 'head and front'—the life + and soul of the offence may have been, that it eludes or rises above the + reach of all judicature, is a contradiction which would be too gross to + merit notice, were it not that men willingly suffer their understandings + to stagnate. And hence this rotten bog, rotten and unstable as the crude + consistence of Milton's Chaos, 'smitten' (for I will continue to use the + language of the poet) 'by the petrific mace—and bound with Gorgonian + rigour by the look'—of despotism, is transmuted; and becomes a + high-way of adamant for the sorrowful steps of generation after + generation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Again: in cases where judicial inquiries can be and are instituted, and + are equitably conducted, this suspension of judgment, with respect to act + or agent, is only supposed necessarily to exist in the Court itself; not + in the witnesses, the plaintiffs or accusers, or in the minds even of the + people who may be present. If the contrary supposition were realized, how + could the arraigned person ever have been brought into Court? What would + become of the indignation, the hope, the sorrow, or the sense of justice, + by which the prosecutors, or the people of the country who pursued or + apprehended the presumed criminal, or they who appear in evidence against + him, are actuated? If then this suspension of judgment, by a law of human + nature and a requisite of society, is not supposed <i>necessarily</i> to + exist—except in the minds of the Court; if this be undeniable in + cases where the eye and ear-witnesses are few;—how much more so in a + case like the present; where all, that constitutes the essence of the act, + is avowed by the agents themselves, and lies bare to the notice of the + whole world?—Now it was in the character of complainants and + denunciators, that the petitioners of the City of London appeared before + his Majesty's throne; and they have been reproached by his Majesty's + ministers under the cover of a sophism, which, if our anxiety to interpret + favourably <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage110" id="Apage110"></a>{110}</span>words + sanctioned by the First Magistrate—makes us unwilling to think it a + deliberate artifice meant for the delusion of the people, must however (on + the most charitable comment) be pronounced an evidence of no little + heedlessness and self-delusion on the part of those who framed it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To sum up the matter—the right of petition (which, we have shewn as + a general proposition, supposes a right to condemn, and is in itself an + act of qualified condemnation) may in too many instances take the ground + of absolute condemnation, both with respect to the crime and the criminal. + It was confined, in this case, to the crime; but, if the City of London + had proceeded farther, they would have been justifiable; because the + delinquents had set their hands to their own delinquency. The petitioners, + then, are not only clear of all blame; but are entitled to high praise: + and we have seen whither the doctrines lead, upon which they were + condemned.—And now, mark the discord which will ever be found in the + actions of men, where there is no inward harmony of reason or virtue to + regulate the outward conduct. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Those ministers, who advised their Sovereign to reprove the City of London + for uttering prematurely, upon a measure, an opinion in which they were + supported by the unanimous voice of the nation, had themselves before + publickly prejudged the question by ordering that the tidings should be + communicated with rejoicings. One of their body has since attempted to + wipe away this stigma by representing that these orders were given out of + a just tenderness for the reputation of the generals, who would otherwise + have appeared to be condemned without trial. But did these rejoicings + leave the matter indifferent? Was not the <i>positive</i> fact of thus + expressing an opinion (above all in a case like this, in which surely no + man could ever dream that there were any features of splendour) far + stronger language of approbation, than the <i>negative</i> fact could be + of disapprobation? For these same ministers who had called upon the people + of Great Britain to rejoice over the Armistice and Convention, and who + reproved and discountenanced and suppressed to the utmost of their power + every attempt at petitioning for redress of the injury caused by those + treaties, have now made publick a document from which it appears that, + 'when the instruments were first laid before his Majesty, the king felt + himself compelled <i>at once</i>'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage111" + id="Apage111"></a>{111}</span> (i.e. previously to all investigation) 'to + express his disapprobation of those articles, in which stipulations were + made directly affecting the interests or feelings of the Spanish and + Portugueze nations.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And was it possible that a Sovereign of a free country could be otherwise + affected? It is indeed to be regretted that his Majesty's censure was not, + upon this occasion, radical—and pronounced in a sterner tone; that a + Council was not in existence sufficiently intelligent and virtuous to + advise the king to give full expression to the sentiments of his own mind; + which, we may reasonably conclude, were in sympathy with those of a brave + and loyal people. Never surely was there a public event more fitted to + reduce men, in all ranks of society, under the supremacy of their common + nature; to impress upon them one belief; to infuse into them one spirit. + For it was not done in a remote corner by persons of obscure rank; but in + the eyes of Europe and of all mankind; by the leading authorities, + military and civil, of a mighty empire. It did not relate to a petty + immunity, or a local and insulated privilege—but to the highest + feelings of honour to which a Nation may either be calmly and gradually + raised by a long course of independence, liberty, and glory; or to the + level of which it may be lifted up at once, from a fallen state, by a + sudden and extreme pressure of violence and tyranny. It not only related + to these high feelings of honour; but to the fundamental principles of + justice, by which life and property, that is the means of living, are + secured. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A people, whose government had been dissolved by foreign tyranny, and + which had been left to work out its salvation by its own virtues, prayed + for our help. And whence were we to learn how that help could be most + effectually given, how they were even to be preserved from receiving + injuries instead of benefits at our hands,—whence were we to learn + this but from their language and from our own hearts? They had spoken of + unrelenting and inhuman wrongs; of patience wearied out; of the agonizing + yoke cast off; of the blessed service of freedom chosen; of heroic + aspirations; of constancy, and fortitude, and perseverance; of resolution + even to the death; of gladness in the embrace of death; of weeping over + the graves of the slain, by those who had not been so happy as to die; of + resignation under the worst final doom; of glory, and triumph, and + punishment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage112" id="Apage112"></a>{112}</span> + This was the language which we heard—this was the devout hymn that + was chaunted; and the responses, with which our country bore a part in the + solemn service, were from her soul and from the depths of her soul. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + O sorrow! O misery for England, the Land of liberty and courage and peace; + the Land trustworthy and long approved; the home of lofty example and + benign precept; the central orb to which, as to a fountain, the nations of + the earth 'ought to repair, and in their golden urns draw light;'—O + sorrow and shame for our country; for the grass which is upon her fields, + and the dust which is in her graves;—for her good men who now look + upon the day;—and her long train of deliverers and defenders, her + Alfred, her Sidneys, and her Milton; whose voice yet speaketh for our + reproach; and whose actions survive in memory to confound us, or to + redeem! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For what hath been done? look at it: we have looked at it: we have handled + it: we have pondered it steadily: we have tried it by the principles of + absolute and eternal justice; by the sentiments of high-minded honour, + both with reference to their general nature, and to their especial + exaltation under present circumstances; by the rules of expedience; by the + maxims of prudence, civil and military: we have weighed it in the balance + of all these, and found it wanting; in that, which is most excellent, most + wanting. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Our country placed herself by the side of Spain, and her fellow Nation; + she sent an honourable portion of her sons to aid a suffering people to + subjugate or destroy an army—but I degrade the word—a banded + multitude of perfidious oppressors, of robbers and assassins, who had + outlawed themselves from society in the wantonness of power; who were + abominable for their own crimes, and on account of the crimes of him whom + they served—to subjugate or destroy these; not exacting that it + should be done within a limited time; admitting even that they might + effect their purpose or not; she could have borne either issue, she was + prepared for either; but she was not prepared for such a deliverance as + hath been accomplished; not a deliverance of Portugal from French + oppression, but of the oppressor from the anger and power (at least from + the animating efforts) of the Peninsula: she was not prepared to stand + between her Allies, and their worthiest hopes: that, when chastisement + could not <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage113" id="Apage113"></a>{113}</span>be + inflicted, honour—as much as bad men could receive—should be + conferred: that them, whom her own hands had humbled, the same hands and + no other should exalt: that finally the sovereign of this horde of + devastators, himself the destroyer of the hopes of good men, should have + to say, through the mouth of his minister, and for the hearing of all + Europe, that his army of Portugal had 'DICTATED THE TERMS OF ITS GLORIOUS + RETREAT.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have to defend my countrymen: and, if their feelings deserve reverence, + if there be any stirrings of wisdom in the motions of their souls, my task + is accomplished. For here were no factions to blind; no dissolution of + established authorities to confound; no ferments to distemper; no narrow + selfish interests to delude. The object was at a distance; and it + rebounded upon us, as with force collected from a mighty distance; we were + calm till the very moment of transition; and all the people were moved—and + felt as with one heart, and spake as with one voice. Every human being in + these islands was unsettled; the most slavish broke loose as from fetters; + and there was not an individual—it need not be said of heroic + virtue, but of ingenuous life and sound discretion—who, if his + father, his son, or his brother, or if the flower of his house had been in + that army, would not rather that they had perished, and the whole body of + their countrymen, their companions in arms, had perished to a man, than + that a treaty should have been submitted to upon such conditions. This was + the feeling of the people; an awful feeling: and it is from these oracles + that rulers are to learn wisdom. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For, when the people speaks loudly, it is from being strongly possessed + either by the Godhead or the Demon; and he, who cannot discover the true + spirit from the false, hath no ear for profitable communion. But in all + that regarded the destinies of Spain, and her own as connected with them, + the voice of Britain had the unquestionable sound of inspiration. If the + gentle passions of pity, love, and gratitude, be porches of the temple; if + the sentiments of admiration and rivalry be pillars upon which the + structure is sustained; if, lastly, hatred, and anger, and vengeance, be + steps which, by a mystery of nature, lead to the House of Sanctity;—then + was it manifest to what power the edifice was consecrated; and that the + voice within was of Holiness and Truth.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage114" id="Apage114"></a>{114}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Spain had risen not merely to be delivered and saved;—deliverance + and safety were but intermediate objects;—regeneration and liberty + were the end, and the means by which this end was to be attained; had + their own high value; were determined and precious; and could no more + admit of being departed from, than the end of being forgotten.—She + had risen—not merely to be free; but, in the act and process of + acquiring that freedom, to recompense herself, as it were in a moment, for + all which she had suffered through ages; to levy, upon the false fame of a + cruel Tyrant, large contributions of true glory; to lift herself, by the + conflict, as high in honour—as the disgrace was deep to which her + own weakness and vices, and the violence and perfidy of her enemies, had + subjected her. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us suppose that our own Land had been so outraged; could we have been + content that the enemy should be wafted from our shores as lightly as he + came,—much less that he should depart illustrated in his own eyes + and glorified, singing songs of savage triumph and wicked gaiety?—No.—Should + we not have felt that a high trespass—a grievous offence had been + committed; and that to demand satisfaction was our first and indispensable + duty? Would we not have rendered their bodies back upon our guardian ocean + which had borne them hither; or have insisted that their haughty weapons + should submissively kiss the soil which they had polluted? We should have + been resolute in a defence that would strike awe and terror: this for our + dignity:—moreover, if safety and deliverance are to be so fondly + prized for their own sakes, what security otherwise could they have? Would + it not be certain that the work, which had been so ill done to-day, we + should be called upon to execute still more imperfectly and ingloriously + to-morrow; that we should be summoned to an attempt that would be vain? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In like manner were the wise and heroic Spaniards moved. If an Angel from + heaven had come with power to take the enemy from their grasp (I do not + fear to say this, in spite of the dominion which is now re-extended over + so large a portion of their Land), they would have been sad; they would + have looked round them; their souls would have turned inward; and they + would have stood like men defrauded and betrayed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For not presumptuously had they taken upon themselves the work of + chastisement. They did not wander madly about <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage115" id="Apage115"></a>{115}</span>the world—like the + Tamerlanes, or the Chengiz Khans, or the present barbarian Ravager of + Europe—under a mock title of Delegates of the Almighty, acting upon + self-assumed authority. Their commission had been thrust upon them. They + had been trampled upon, tormented, wronged—bitterly, wantonly + wronged, if ever a people on the earth was wronged. And this it was which + legitimately incorporated their law with the supreme conscience, and gave + to them the deep faith which they have expressed—that their power + was favoured and assisted by the Almighty.—These words are not + uttered without a due sense of their awful import: but the Spirit of evil + is strong: and the subject requires the highest mode of thinking and + feeling of which human nature is capable.—Nor in this can they be + deceived; for, whatever be the immediate issue for themselves, the final + issue for their Country and Mankind must be good;—they are + instruments of benefit and glory for the human race; and the Deity + therefore is with them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From these impulses, then, our brethren of the Peninsula had risen; they + could have risen from no other. By these energies, and by such others as + (under judicious encouragement) would naturally grow out of and unite with + these, the multitudes, who have risen, stand; and, if they desert them, + must fall.—Riddance, mere riddance—safety, mere safety—are + objects far too defined, too inert and passive in their own nature, to + have ability either to rouze or to sustain. They win not the mind by any + attraction of grandeur or sublime delight, either in effort or in + endurance: for the mind gains consciousness of its strength to undergo + only by exercise among materials which admit the impression of its power,—which + grow under it, which bend under it,—which resist,—which change + under its influence,—which alter either through its might or in its + presence, by it or before it. These, during times of tranquillity, are the + objects with which, in the studious walks of sequestered life, Genius most + loves to hold intercourse; by which it is reared and supported;—these + are the qualities in action and in object, in image, in thought, and in + feeling, from communion with which proceeds originally all that is + creative in art and science, and all that is magnanimous in virtue.—Despair + thinks of <i>safety</i>, and hath no purpose; fear thinks of safety; + despondency looks the same way:—but these passions <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage116" id="Apage116"></a>{116}</span>are far + too selfish, and therefore too blind, to reach the thing at which they + aim; even when there is in them sufficient dignity to have an aim.—All + courage is a projection from ourselves; however short-lived, it is a + motion of hope. But these thoughts bind too closely to something inward,—to + the present and to the past,—that is, to the self which is or has + been. Whereas the vigour of the human soul is from without and from + futurity,—in breaking down limit, and losing and forgetting herself + in the sensation and image of Country and of the human race; and, when she + returns and is most restricted and confined, her dignity consists in the + contemplation of a better and more exalted being, which, though proceeding + from herself, she loves and is devoted to as to another. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In following the stream of these thoughts, I have not wandered from my + course: I have drawn out to open day the truth from its recesses in the + minds of my countrymen.—Something more perhaps may have been done: a + shape hath perhaps been given to that which was before a stirring spirit. + I have shewn in what manner it was their wish that the struggle with the + adversary of all that is good should be maintained—by pure passions + and high actions. They forbid that their noble aim should be frustrated by + measuring against each other things which are incommensurate—mechanic + against moral power—body against soul. They will not suffer, without + expressing their sorrow, that purblind calculation should wither the + purest hopes in the face of all-seeing justice. These are times of strong + appeal—of deep-searching visitation; when the best abstractions of + the prudential understanding give way, and are included and absorbed in a + supreme comprehensiveness of intellect and passion; which is the + perfection and the very being of humanity. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How base! how puny! how inefficient for all good purposes are the tools + and implements of policy, compared with these mighty engines of Nature!—There + is no middle course: two masters cannot be served:—Justice must + either be enthroned above might, and the moral law take place of the + edicts of selfish passion; or the heart of the people, which alone can + sustain the efforts of the people, will languish: their desires will not + spread beyond the plough and the loom, the field and the fire-side: the + sword will appear to them an emblem of no promise; an instrument of no + hope; an object of indifference, of disgust, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage117" id="Apage117"></a>{117}</span>or fear. Was there ever—since + the earliest actions of men which have been transmitted by affectionate + tradition or recorded by faithful history, or sung to the impassioned harp + of poetry—was there ever a people who presented themselves to the + reason and the imagination, as under more holy influences than the + dwellers upon the Southern Peninsula; as rouzed more instantaneously from + a deadly sleep to a more hopeful wakefulness; as a mass fluctuating with + one motion under the breath of a mightier wind; as breaking themselves up, + and settling into several bodies, in more harmonious order; as reunited + and embattled under a standard which was reared to the sun with more + authentic assurance of final victory?—The superstition (I do not + dread the word), which prevailed in these nations, may have checked many + of my countrymen who would otherwise have exultingly accompanied me in the + challenge which, under the shape of a question, I have been confidently + uttering; as I know that this stain (so the same persons termed it) did, + from the beginning, discourage their hopes for the cause. Short-sighted + despondency! Whatever mixture of superstition there might be in the + religious faith or devotional practices of the Spaniards; this must have + necessarily been transmuted by that triumphant power, wherever that power + was felt, which grows out of intense moral suffering—from the moment + in which it coalesces with fervent hope. The chains of bigotry, which + enthralled the mind, must have been turned into armour to defend and + weapons to annoy. Wherever the heaving and effort of freedom was spread, + purification must have followed it. And the types and ancient instruments + of error, where emancipated men shewed their foreheads to the day, must + have become a language and a ceremony of imagination; expressing, + consecrating, and invigorating, the most pure deductions of Reason and the + holiest feelings of universal Nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When the Boy of Saragossa (as we have been told), too immature in growth + and unconfirmed in strength to be admitted by his Fellow-citizens into + their ranks, too tender of age for them to bear the sight of him in arms—when + this Boy, forgetful or unmindful of the restrictions which had been put + upon him, rushed into the field where his Countrymen were engaged in + battle, and, fighting with the sinew and courage of an unripe Hero, won a + standard from the enemy, and bore his acquisition <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage118" id="Apage118"></a>{118}</span>to the Church, and laid it + with his own hands upon the Altar of the Virgin;—surely there was + not less to be hoped for his Country from this act, than if the banner, + taken from his grasp, had, without any such intermediation, been hung up + in the place of worship—a direct offering to the incorporeal and + supreme Being. Surely there is here an object which the most meditative + and most elevated minds may contemplate with absolute delight; a + well-adapted outlet for the dearest sentiments; an organ by which they may + act; a function by which they may be sustained.—Who does not + recognise in this presentation a visible affinity with deliverance, with + patriotism, with hatred of oppression, and with human means put forth to + the height for accomplishing, under divine countenance, the worthiest + ends? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such is the burst and growth of power and virtue which may rise out of + excessive national afflictions from tyranny and oppression;—such is + the hallowing influence, and thus mighty is the sway, of the spirit of + moral justice in the heart of the individual and over the wide world of + humanity. Even the very faith in present miraculous interposition, which + is so dire a weakness and cause of weakness in tranquil times when the + listless Being turns to it as a cheap and ready substitute upon every + occasion, where the man sleeps, and the Saint, or the image of the Saint, + is to perform his work, and to give effect to his wishes;—even this + infirm faith, in a state of incitement from extreme passion sanctioned by + a paramount sense of moral justice; having for its object a power which is + no longer sole nor principal, but secondary and ministerial; a power added + to a power; a breeze which springs up unthought-of to assist the strenuous + oarsman;—even this faith is subjugated in order to be exalted; and—instead + of operating as a temptation to relax or to be remiss, as an encouragement + to indolence or cowardice; instead of being a false stay, a necessary and + definite dependence which may fail—it passes into a habit of obscure + and infinite confidence of the mind in its own energies, in the cause from + its own sanctity, and in the ever-present invisible aid or momentary + conspicuous approbation of the supreme Disposer of things. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let the fire, which is never wholly to be extinguished, break out afresh; + let but the human creature be rouzed; whether he have lain heedless and + torpid in religious or civil slavery—have <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage119" id="Apage119"></a>{119}</span>languished under a thraldom, + domestic or foreign, or under both these alternately—or have drifted + about a helpless member of a clan of disjointed and feeble barbarians; let + him rise and act;—and his domineering imagination, by which from + childhood he has been betrayed, and the debasing affections, which it has + imposed upon him, will from that moment participate the dignity of the + newly ennobled being whom they will now acknowledge for their master; and + will further him in his progress, whatever be the object at which he aims. + Still more inevitable and momentous are the results, when the individual + knows that the fire, which is reanimated in him, is not less lively in the + breasts of his associates; and sees the signs and testimonies of his own + power, incorporated with those of a growing multitude and not to be + distinguished from them, accompany him wherever he moves.—Hence + those marvellous achievements which were performed by the first + enthusiastic followers of Mohammed; and by other conquerors, who with + their armies have swept large portions of the earth like a transitory + wind, or have founded new religions or empires.—But, if the object + contended for be worthy and truly great (as, in the instance of the + Spaniards, we have seen that it is); if cruelties have been committed upon + an ancient and venerable people, which 'shake the human frame with + horror;' if not alone the life which is sustained by the bread of the + mouth, but that—without which there is no life—the life in the + soul, has been directly and mortally warred against; if reason has had + abominations to endure in her inmost sanctuary;—then does intense + passion, consecrated by a sudden revelation of justice, give birth to + those higher and better wonders which I have described; and exhibit true + miracles to the eyes of men, and the noblest which can be seen. It may be + added that,—as this union brings back to the right road the faculty + of imagination, where it is prone to err, and has gone farthest astray; as + it corrects those qualities which (being in their essence indifferent), + and cleanses those affections which (not being inherent in the + constitution of man, nor necessarily determined to their object) are more + immediately dependent upon the imagination, and which may have received + from it a thorough taint of dishonour;—so the domestic loves and + sanctities which are in their nature less liable to be stained,—so + these, wherever they have flowed with a pure and placid stream, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage120" id="Apage120"></a>{120}</span>do + instantly, under the same influence, put forth their strength as in a + flood; and, without being sullied or polluted, pursue—exultingly and + with song—a course which leads the contemplative reason to the ocean + of eternal love. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I feel that I have been speaking in a strain which it is difficult to + harmonize with the petty irritations, the doubts and fears, and the + familiar (and therefore frequently undignified) exterior of present and + passing events. But the theme is justice: and my voice is raised for + mankind; for us who are alive, and for all posterity:—justice and + passion; clear-sighted aspiring justice, and passion sacred as vehement. + These, like twin-born Deities delighting in each other's presence, have + wrought marvels in the inward mind through the whole region of the Pyrenëan + Peninsula. I have shewn by what process these united powers sublimated the + objects of outward sense in such rites—practices—and + ordinances of Religion—as deviate from simplicity and wholesome + piety; how they converted them to instruments of nobler use; and raised + them to a conformity with things truly divine. The same reasoning might + have been carried into the customs of civil life and their accompanying + imagery, wherever these also were inconsistent with the dignity of man; + and like effects of exaltation and purification have been shewn. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But a more urgent service calls me to point to further works of these + united powers, more obvious and obtrusive—works and appearances, + such as were hailed by the citizen of Seville when returning from Madrid;—'where' + (to use the words of his own public declaration) 'he had left his + countrymen groaning in the chains which perfidy had thrown round them, and + doomed at every step to the insult of being eyed with the disdain of the + conqueror to the conquered; from Madrid threatened, harrassed, and vexed; + where mistrust reigned in every heart, and the smallest noise made the + citizens tremble in the bosom of their families; where the enemy, from + time to time, ran to arms to sustain the impression of terror by which the + inhabitants had been stricken through the recent massacre; from Madrid a + prison, where the gaolers took pleasure in terrifying the prisoners by + alarms to keep them quiet; from Madrid thus tortured and troubled by a + relentless Tyrant, to fit it for the slow and interminable evils of + Slavery;'—when he returned, and was able to compare the oppressed + and degraded state of the inhabitants of <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage121" id="Apage121"></a>{121}</span>that metropolis with the + noble attitude of defence in which Andalusia stood. 'A month ago,' says + he, 'the Spaniards had lost their country;—Seville has restored it + to life more glorious than ever; and those fields, which for so many years + have seen no steel but that of the plough-share, are going amid the + splendour of arms to prove the new cradle of their adored country.'—'I + could not,' he adds, 'refrain from tears of joy on viewing the city in + which I first drew breath—and to see it in a situation so glorious!' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We might have trusted, but for late disgraces, that there is not a man in + these islands whose heart would not, at such a spectacle, have beat in + sympathy with that of this fervent Patriot—whose voice would not be + in true accord with his in the prayer (which, if he has not already + perished for the service of his dear country, he is perhaps uttering at + this moment) that Andalusia and the city of Seville may preserve the noble + attitude in which they then stood, and are yet standing; or, if they be + doomed to fall, that their dying efforts may not be unworthy of their + first promises; that the evening—the closing hour of their freedom + may display a brightness not less splendid, though more aweful, than the + dawn; so that the names of Seville and Andalusia may be consecrated among + men, and be words of life to endless generations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Saragossa!—She also has given bond, by her past actions, that she + cannot forget her duty and will not shrink from it.<a + name="AFNanchor_20_20" id="AFNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#AFootnote_20_20" + class="fnanchor">[20]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Valencia is under the seal of the same obligation. The multitudes of men + who were arrayed in the fields of Baylen, and upon the mountains of the + North; the peasants of Asturias, and the students of Salamanca; and many a + solitary and untold-of hand, which, quitting for a moment the plough or + the spade, has discharged a more pressing debt to the country by levelling + with the dust at least one insolent and murderous Invader;—these + have attested the efficacy of the passions which we have been + contemplating—that the will of good men is not a vain impulse, + heroic desires a delusive prop;—have proved that the condition of + human affairs is not so forlorn and desperate, but that there are golden + opportunities when the dictates of justice may be unrelentingly enforced, + and the beauty of the inner mind substantiated in the outward act;—for + a visible standard to look <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage122" + id="Apage122"></a>{122}</span>back upon; for a point of realized + excellence at which to aspire; a monument to record;—for a charter + to fasten down; and, as far as it is possible, to preserve. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yes! there was an annunciation which the good received with gladness; a + bright appearance which emboldened the wise to say—We trust that + Regeneration is at hand; these are works of recovered innocence and + wisdom: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Magnus ab integro seclorum nascitur ordo;<br /></span> <span><i>Jam</i> + redit et Virgo, redeunt Saturnia regna;<br /></span> <span><i>Jam</i> + nova progenies coelo demittitur alto.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The spirits of the generous, of the brave, of the meditative, of the + youthful and undefiled—who, upon the strongest wing of human nature, + have accompanied me in this journey into a fair region—must descend: + and, sorrowful to think! it is at the name and remembrance of Britain that + we are to stoop from the balmy air of this pure element. Our country did + not create, but there was created for her, one of those golden + opportunities over which we have been rejoicing: an invitation was offered—a + summons sent to her ear, as if from heaven, to go forth also and exhibit + on her part, in entire coincidence and perfect harmony, the beneficent + action with the benevolent will; to advance in the career of renovation + upon which the Spaniards had so gloriously entered; and to solemnize yet + another marriage between Victory and Justice. How she acquitted herself of + this duty, we have already seen and lamented: yet on this—and on + this duty only—ought the mind of that army and of the government to + have been fixed. Every thing was smoothed before their feet;—Providence, + it might almost be said, held forth to the men of authority in this + country a gracious temptation to deceive them into the path of the new + virtues which were stirring;—the enemy was delivered over to them; + and they were unable to close their infantine fingers upon the gift.—The + helplessness of infancy was their's—oh! could I but add, the + innocence of infancy! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Reflect upon what was the temper and condition of the Southern Peninsula + of Europe—the noble temper of the people of this mighty island + sovereigns of the all-embracing ocean; think also of the condition of so + vast a region in the Western, continent and its islands; and we shall have + cause to fear that ages may pass away before a conjunction of things, so + marvellously adapted to ensure prosperity to virtue, shall present itself + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage123" id="Apage123"></a>{123}</span>again. + It could scarcely be spoken of as being to the wishes of men,—it was + so far beyond their hopes.—The government which had been exercised + under the name of the old Monarchy of Spain—this government, + imbecile even to dotage, whose very selfishness was destitute of vigour, + had been removed; taken laboriously and foolishly by the plotting Corsican + to his own bosom; in order that the world might see, more triumphantly set + forth than since the beginning of things had ever been seen before, to + what degree a man of bad principles is despicable—though of great + power—working blindly against his own purposes. It was a high + satisfaction to behold demonstrated, in this manner, to what a narrow + domain of knowledge the intellect of a Tyrant must be confined; that if + the gate by which wisdom enters has never been opened, that of policy will + surely find moments when it will shut itself against its pretended master + imperiously and obstinately. To the eyes of the very peasant in the field, + this sublime truth was laid open—not only that a Tyrant's domain of + knowledge is narrow, but melancholy as narrow; inasmuch as—from all + that is lovely, dignified, or exhilarating in the prospect of human nature—he + is inexorably cut off; and therefore he is inwardly helpless and forlorn. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Was not their hope in this—twofold hope; from the weakness of him + who had thus counteracted himself; and a hope, still more cheering, from + the strength of those who had been disburthened of a cleaving curse by an + ordinance of Providence—employing their most wilful and determined + enemy to perform for them the best service which man could perform? The + work of liberation was virtually accomplished—we might almost say, + established. The interests of the people were taken from a government + whose sole aim it had been to prop up the last remains of its own + decrepitude by betraying those whom it was its duty to protect;—withdrawn + from such hands, to be committed to those of the people; at a time when + the double affliction which Spain had endured, and the return of + affliction with which she was threatened, made it impossible that the + emancipated Nation could abuse its new-born strength to any substantial + injury to itself.—Infinitely less favourable to all good ends was + the condition of the French people when, a few years past, a Revolution + made them, for a season, their own masters,—rid them from the + incumbrance of superannuated institutions—the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage124" id="Apage124"></a>{124}</span>galling pressure of so many + unjust laws—and the tyranny of bad customs. The Spaniards became + their own masters: and the blessing lay in this, that they became so at + once: there had not been time for them to court their power: their fancies + had not been fed to wantonness by ever-changing temptations: obstinacy in + them would not have leagued itself with trivial opinions: petty hatreds + had not accumulated to masses of strength conflicting perniciously with + each other: vanity with them had not found leisure to flourish—nor + presumption: they did not assume their authority,—it was given them,—it + was thrust upon them. The perfidy and tyranny of Napoleon '<i>compelled</i>,' + says the Junta of Seville in words before quoted, 'the whole Nation to + take up arms and <i>to choose itself a form of government</i>; and, in the + difficulties and dangers into which the French had plunged it, all—or + nearly all—the provinces, as it were <i>by the inspiration of Heaven</i> + and <i>in a manner little short of miraculous</i>, created Supreme Juntas—delivered + themselves up to their guidance—and placed in their hands the rights + and the ultimate fate of Spain.'—Governments, thus newly issued from + the people, could not but act from the spirit of the people—be + organs of their life. And, though misery (by which I mean pain of mind not + without some consciousness of guilt) naturally disorders the understanding + and perverts the moral sense,—calamity (that is suffering, + individual or national, when it has been inflicted by one to whom no + injury has been done or provocation given) ever brings wisdom along with + it; and, whatever outward agitation it may cause, does inwardly rectify + the will. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But more was required; not merely judicious desires; not alone an eye from + which the scales had dropped off—which could see widely and clearly; + but a mighty hand was wanting. The government had been formed; and it + could not but recollect that the condition of Spain did not exact from her + children, as a <i>first</i> requisite, virtues like those due and familiar + impulses of Spring-time by which things are revived and carried forward in + accustomed health according to established order—not power so much + for a renewal as for a birth—labour by throes and violence;—a + chaos was to be conquered—a work of creation begun and consummated;—and + afterwards the seasons were to advance, and continue their gracious + revolutions. The powers, which were needful for the people to enter upon + and assist in this work, had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage125" + id="Apage125"></a>{125}</span>been given; we have seen that they had been + bountifully conferred. The Nation had been thrown into—rather, + lifted up to—that state when conscience, for the body of the people, + is not merely an infallible monitor (which may be heard and disregarded); + but, by combining—with the attributes of insight to perceive, and of + inevitable presence to admonish and enjoin—the attribute of passion + to enforce, it was truly an all-powerful deity in the soul. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Oh! let but any man, who has a care for the progressive happiness of the + species, peruse merely that epitome of Spanish wisdom and benevolence and + 'amplitude of mind for highest deeds' which, in the former part of this + investigation, I have laid before the reader: let him listen to the + reports—which they, who really have had means of knowledge, and who + are worthy to speak upon the subject, will give to him—of the things + done or endured in every corner of Spain; and he will see what + emancipation had there been effected in the mind;—how far the + perceptions—the impulses—and the actions also—had + outstripped the habit and the character, and consequently were in a + process of permanently elevating both; and how much farther (alas! by + infinite degrees) the principles and practice of a people, with great + objects before them to concentrate their love and their hatred, transcend + the principles and practice of governments; not excepting those which, in + their constitution and ordinary conduct, furnish the least matter for + complaint. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Then it was—when the people of Spain were thus rouzed; after this + manner released from the natal burthen of that government which had bowed + them to the ground; in the free use of their understandings, and in the + play and 'noble rage' of their passions; while yet the new authorities, + which they had generated, were truly living members of their body, and (as + I have said) organs of their life: when that numerous people were in a + stage of their journey which could not be accomplished without the spirit + which was then prevalent in them, and which (as might be feared) would too + soon abate of itself;—then it was that we—not we, but the + heads of the British army and Nation—when, if they could not breathe + a favouring breath, they ought at least to have stood at an awful distance—stepped + in with their forms, their impediments, their rotten customs and + precedents, their narrow desires, their busy and purblind <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage126" id="Apage126"></a>{126}</span>fears; + and called out to these aspiring travellers to halt—'For ye are in a + dream;' confounded them (for it was the voice of a seeming friend that + spoke); and spell-bound them, as far as was possible, by an instrument + framed 'in the eclipse' and sealed 'with curses dark.'—In a word, we + had the power to act up to the most sacred letter of justice—and + this at a time when the mandates of justice were of an affecting + obligation such as had never before been witnessed; and we plunged into + the lowest depths of injustice:—We had power to give a brotherly aid + to our Allies in supporting the mighty world which their shoulders had + undertaken to uphold; and, while they were expecting from us this aid, we + undermined—without forewarning them—the ground upon which they + stood. The evil is incalculable; and the stain will cleave to the British + name as long as the story of this island shall endure. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Did we not (if, from this comprehensive feeling of sorrow, I may for a + moment descend to particulars)—did we not send forth a general, one + whom, since his return, Court, and Parliament, and Army, have been at + strife with each other which shall most caress and applaud—a + general, who, in defending the armistice which he himself had signed, said + in open Court that he deemed that the French army was <i>entitled</i> to + such terms. The people of Spain had, through the Supreme Junta of Seville, + thus spoken of this same army: 'Ye have, among yourselves, the objects of + your vengeance;—attack them;—they are but a handful of + miserable panic-struck men, humiliated and conquered already by their + perfidy and cruelties;—resist and destroy them: our united efforts + will extirpate this perfidious nation.' The same Spaniards had said + (speaking officially of the state of the whole Peninsula, and no doubt + with their eye especially upon this army in Portugal)—'Our enemies + have taken up exactly those positions in which they may most easily be + destroyed'—Where then did the British General find this right and + title of the French army in Portugal? 'Because,' says he in military + language, 'it was not broken.'—Of the MAN, and of the understanding + and heart of the man—of the CITIZEN, who could think and feel after + this manner in such circumstances, it is needless to speak; but to the + GENERAL I will say, This is most pitiable pedantry. If the instinctive + wisdom of your Ally could not be understood, you might at least have <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage127" id="Apage127"></a>{127}</span>remembered + the resolute policy of your enemy. The French army was not broken? Break + it then—wither it—pursue it with unrelenting warfare—hunt + it out of its holds;—if impetuosity be not justifiable, have + recourse to patience—to watchfulness—to obstinacy: at all + events, never for a moment forget who the foe is—and that he is in + your power. This is the example which the French Ruler and his Generals + have given you at Ulm—at Lubeck—in Switzerland—over the + whole plain of Prussia—every where;—and this for the worst + deeds of darkness; while your's was the noblest service of light. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This remonstrance has been forced from me by indignation:—let me + explain in what sense I propose, with calmer thought, that the example of + our enemy should be imitated.—The laws and customs of war, and the + maxims of policy, have all had their foundation in reason and humanity; + and their object has been the attainment or security of some real or + supposed—some positive or relative—good. They are established + among men as ready guides for the understanding, and authorities to which + the passions are taught to pay deference. But the relations of things to + each other are perpetually changing; and in course of time many of these + leaders and masters, by losing part of their power to do service and + sometimes the whole, forfeit in proportion their right to obedience. + Accordingly they are disregarded in some instances, and sink insensibly + into neglect with the general improvement of society. But they often + survive when they have become an oppression and a hindrance which cannot + be cast off decisively, but by an impulse—rising either from the + absolute knowledge of good and great men,—or from the partial + insight which is given to superior minds, though of a vitiated moral + constitution,—or lastly from that blind energy and those habits of + daring which are often found in men who, checked by no restraint of + morality, suffer their evil passions to gain extraordinary strength in + extraordinary circumstances. By any of these forces may the tyranny be + broken through. We have seen, in the conduct of our Countrymen, to what + degree it tempts to weak actions,—and furnishes excuse for them, + admitted by those who sit as judges. I wish then that we could so far + imitate our enemies as, like them, to shake off these bonds; but not, like + them, from the worst—but from the worthiest impulse. If this were + done, we should have learned how much of their practice would <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage128" id="Apage128"></a>{128}</span>harmonize + with justice; have learned to distinguish between those rules which ought + to be wholly abandoned, and those which deserve to be retained; and should + have known when, and to what point, they ought to be trusted.—But + how is this to be? Power of mind is wanting, where there is power of + place. Even we cannot, as a beginning of a new journey, force or win our + way into the current of success, the flattering motion of which would + awaken intellectual courage—the only substitute which is able to + perform any arduous part of the secondary work of 'heroic wisdom;'—I + mean, execute happily any of its prudential regulations. In the person of + our enemy and his chieftains we have living example how wicked men of + ordinary talents are emboldened by success. There is a kindliness, as they + feel, in the nature of advancement; and prosperity is their Genius. But + let us know and remember that this prosperity, with all the terrible + features which it has gradually assumed, is a child of noble parents—Liberty + and Philanthropic Love. Perverted as the creature is which it has grown up + to (rather, into which it has passed),—from no inferior stock could + it have issued. It is the Fallen Spirit, triumphant in misdeeds, which was + formerly a blessed Angel. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If then (to return to ourselves) there be such strong obstacles in the way + of our drawing benefit either from the maxims of policy or the principles + of justice: what hope remains that the British Nation should repair, by + its future conduct, the injury which has been done?—We cannot + advance a step towards a rational answer to this question—without + previously adverting to the original sources of our miscarriages; which + are these:—First; a want, in the minds of the members of government + and public functionaries, of knowledge indispensible for this service; + and, secondly, a want of power, in the same persons acting in their + corporate capacities, to give effect to the knowledge which individually + they possess.—Of the latter source of weakness,—this inability + as caused by decay in the machine of government, and by illegitimate + forces which are checking and controuling its constitutional motions,—I + have not spoken, nor shall I now speak: for I have judged it best to + suspend my task for a while: and this subject, being in its nature + delicate, ought not to be lightly or transiently touched. Besides, no <i>immediate</i> + effect can be expected from the soundest and most unexceptionable <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage129" id="Apage129"></a>{129}</span>doctrines + which might be laid down for the correcting of this evil.—The former + source of weakness,—namely, the want of appropriate and + indispensible knowledge,—has, in the past investigation, been + reached, and shall be further laid open; not without a hope of some result + of <i>immediate</i> good by a direct application to the mind; and in full + confidence that the best and surest way to render operative that knowledge + which is already possessed—is to increase the stock of knowledge. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here let me avow that I undertook this present labour as a serious duty; + rather, that it was forced (and has been unremittingly pressed) upon me by + a perception of justice united with strength of feeling;—in a word, + by that power of conscience, calm or impassioned, to which throughout I + have done reverence as the animating spirit of the cause. My work was + begun and prosecuted under this controul:—and with the accompanying + satisfaction that no charge of presumption could, by a thinking mind, be + brought against me: though I had taken upon myself to offer instruction to + men who, if they possess not talents and acquirements, have no title to + the high stations which they hold; who also, by holding those stations, + are understood to obtain certain benefit of experience and of knowledge + not otherwise to be gained; and who have a further claim to deference—founded + upon reputation, even when it is spurious (as much of the reputation of + men high in power must necessarily be; their errors being veiled and + palliated by the authority attached to their office; while that same + authority gives more than due weight and effect to their wiser opinions). + Yet, notwithstanding all this, I did not fear the censure of having + unbecomingly obtruded counsels or remonstrances. For there can be no + presumption, upon a call so affecting as the present, in an attempt to + assert the sanctity and to display the efficacy of principles and passions + which are the natural birth-right of man; to some share of which all are + born; but an inheritance which may be alienated or consumed; and by none + more readily and assuredly than by those who are most eager for the praise + of policy, of prudence, of sagacity, and of all those qualities which are + the darling virtues of the worldly-wise. Moreover; the evidence to which I + have made appeal, in order to establish the truth, is not locked up in + cabinets; but is accessible to all; as it exists in the bosoms of men—in + the appearances and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage130" id="Apage130"></a>{130}</span>intercourse + of daily life—in the details of passing events—and in general + history. And more especially is its right import within the reach of him + who—taking no part in public measures, and having no concern in the + changes of things but as they affect what is most precious in his country + and humanity—will doubtless be more alive to those genuine + sensations which are the materials of sound judgment. Nor is it to be + overlooked that such a man may have more leisure (and probably will have a + stronger inclination) to communicate with the records of past ages. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Deeming myself justified then in what has been said,—I will continue + to lay open (and, in some degree, to account for) those privations in the + materials of judgment, and those delusions of opinion, and infirmities of + mind, to which practical Statesmen, and particularly such as are high in + office, are more than other men subject;—as containing an answer to + that question, so interesting at this juncture,—How far is it in our + power to make amends for the harm done? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After the view of things which has been taken,—we may confidently + affirm that nothing but a knowledge of human nature directing the + operations of our government, can give it a right to an intimate + association with a cause which is that of human nature. I say, an intimate + association founded on the right of thorough knowledge;—to + contradistinguish this best mode of exertion from another which might + found <i>its</i> right upon a vast and commanding military power put forth + with manifestation of sincere intentions to benefit our Allies—from + a conviction merely of policy that their liberty, independence, and + honour, are our genuine gain;—to distinguish the pure brotherly + connection from this other (in its appearance at least more magisterial) + which such a power, guided by such intention uniformly displayed, might + authorize. But of the former connection (which supposes the main military + effort to be made, even at present, by the people of the Peninsula on whom + the moral interest more closely presses), and of the knowledge which it + demands, I have hitherto spoken—and have further to speak. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is plain <i>à priori</i> that the minds of Statesmen and + Courtiers are unfavourable to the growth of this knowledge. For they are + in a situation exclusive and artificial; which has the further + disadvantage, that it does not separate men from men <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage131" id="Apage131"></a>{131}</span>by collateral partitions + which leave, along with difference, a sense of equality—that they, + who are divided, are yet upon the same level; but by a degree of + superiority which can scarcely fail to be accompanied with more or less of + pride. This situation therefore must be eminently unfavourable for the + reception and establishment of that knowledge which is founded not upon + things but upon sensations;—sensations which are general, and under + general influences (and this it is which makes them what they are, and + gives them their importance);—not upon things which may be <i>brought</i>; + but upon sensations which must be <i>met</i>. Passing by the kindred and + usually accompanying influence of birth in a certain rank—and, where + education has been pre-defined from childhood for the express purpose of + future political power, the tendency of such education to warp (and + therefore weaken) the intellect;—we may join at once, with the + privation which I have been noticing, a delusion equally common. It is + this: that practical Statesmen assume too much credit to themselves for + their ability to see into the motives and manage the selfish passions of + their immediate agents and dependants; and for the skill with which they + baffle or resist the aims of their opponents. A promptness in looking + through the most superficial part of the characters of those men—who, + by the very circumstance of their contending ambitiously for the rewards + and honours of government, are separated from the mass of the society to + which they belong—is mistaken for a knowledge of human kind. Hence, + where higher knowledge is a prime requisite, they not only are + unfurnished, but, being unconscious that they are so, they look down + contemptuously upon those who endeavour to supply (in some degree) their + want.—The instincts of natural and social man; the deeper emotions; + the simpler feelings; the spacious range of the disinterested imagination; + the pride in country for country's sake, when to serve has not been a + formal profession—and the mind is therefore left in a state of + dignity only to be surpassed by having served nobly and generously; the + instantaneous accomplishment in which they start up who, upon a searching + call, stir for the Land which they love—not from personal motives, + but for a reward which is undefined and cannot be missed; the solemn + fraternity which a great Nation composes—gathered together, in a + stormy season, under the shade of ancestral feeling; <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage132" id="Apage132"></a>{132}</span>the delicacy of moral honour + which pervades the minds of a people, when despair has been suddenly + thrown off and expectations are lofty; the apprehensiveness to a touch + unkindly or irreverent, where sympathy is at once exacted as a tribute and + welcomed as a gift; the power of injustice and inordinate calamity to + transmute, to invigorate, and to govern—to sweep away the barriers + of opinion—to reduce under submission passions purely evil—to + exalt the nature of indifferent qualities, and to render them fit + companions for the absolute virtues with which they are summoned to + associate—to consecrate passions which, if not bad in themselves, + are of such temper that, in the calm of ordinary life, they are rightly + deemed so—to correct and embody these passions—and, without + weakening them (nay, with tenfold addition to their strength), to make + them worthy of taking their place as the advanced guard of hope, when a + sublime movement of deliverance is to be originated;—these + arrangements and resources of nature, these ways and means of society, + have so little connection with those others upon which a ruling minister + of a long-established government is accustomed to depend; these—elements + as it were of a universe, functions of a living body—are so + opposite, in their mode of action, to the formal machine which it has been + his pride to manage;—that he has but a faint perception of their + immediate efficacy; knows not the facility with which they assimilate with + other powers; nor the property by which such of them—as, from + necessity of nature, must change or pass away—will, under wise and + fearless management, surely generate lawful successors to fill their place + when their appropriate work is performed. Nay, of the majority of men, who + are usually found in high stations under old governments, it may without + injustice be said; that, when they look about them in times (alas! too + rare) which present the glorious product of such agency to their eyes, + they have not a right, to say—with a dejected man in the midst of + the woods, the rivers, the mountains, the sunshine, and shadows of some + transcendant landscape— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'I see, not feel, how beautiful they are:' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These spectators neither see nor feel. And it is from the blindness and + insensibility of these, and the train whom they draw along with them, that + the throes of nations have been so ill recompensed by the births which + have followed; and that <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage133" + id="Apage133"></a>{133}</span>revolutions, after passing from crime to + crime and from sorrow to sorrow, have often ended in throwing back such + heavy reproaches of delusiveness upon their first promises. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am satisfied that no enlightened Patriot will impute to me a wish to + disparage the characters of men high in authority, or to detract from the + estimation which is fairly due to them. My purpose is to guard against + unreasonable expectations. That specific knowledge,—the paramount + importance of which, in the present condition of Europe, I am insisting + upon,—they, who usually fill places of high trust in old + governments, neither do—nor, for the most part, can—possess: + nor is it necessary, for the administration of affairs in ordinary + circumstances, that they should.—The progress of their own country, + and of the other nations of the world, in civilization, in true + refinement, in science, in religion, in morals, and in all the real wealth + of humanity, might indeed be quicker, and might correspond more happily + with the wishes of the benevolent,—if Governors better understood + the rudiments of nature as studied in the walks of common life; if they + were men who had themselves felt every strong emotion 'inspired by nature + and by fortune taught;' and could calculate upon the force of the grander + passions. Yet, at the same time, there is temptation in this. To know may + seduce; and to have been agitated may compel. Arduous cares are attractive + for their own sakes. Great talents are naturally driven towards hazard and + difficulty; as it is there that they are most sure to find their exercise, + and their evidence, and joy in anticipated triumph—the liveliest of + all sensations. Moreover; magnificent desires, when least under the bias + of personal feeling, dispose the mind—more than itself is conscious + of—to regard commotion with complacency, and to watch the + aggravations of distress with welcoming; from an immoderate confidence + that, when the appointed day shall come, it will be in the power of + intellect to relieve. There is danger in being a zealot in any cause—not + excepting that of humanity. Nor is it to be forgotten that the incapacity + and ignorance of the regular agents of long-established governments do not + prevent some progress in the dearest concerns of men; and that society may + owe to these very deficiencies, and to the tame and unenterprizing course + which they necessitate, much security and tranquil enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nor, on the other hand, (for reasons which may be added to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage134" id="Apage134"></a>{134}</span>those + already given) is it so desirable as might at first sight be imagined, + much less is it desirable as an absolute good, that men of comprehensive + sensibility and tutored genius—either for the interests of mankind + or for their own—should, in ordinary times, have vested in them + political power. The Empire, which they hold, is more independent: its + constituent parts are sustained by a stricter connection: the dominion is + purer and of higher origin; as mind is more excellent than body—the + search of truth an employment more inherently dignified than the + application of force—the determinations of nature more venerable + than the accidents of human institution. Chance and disorder, vexation and + disappointment, malignity and perverseness within or without the mind, are + a sad exchange for the steady and genial processes of reason. Moreover; + worldly distinctions and offices of command do not lie in the path—nor + are they any part of the appropriate retinue—of Philosophy and + Virtue. Nothing, but a strong spirit of love, can counteract the + consciousness of pre-eminence which ever attends pre-eminent intellectual + power with correspondent attainments: and this spirit of love is best + encouraged by humility and simplicity in mind, manners, and conduct of + life; virtues, to which wisdom leads. But,—though these be virtues + in a Man, a Citizen, or a Sage,—they cannot be recommended to the + especial culture of the Political or Military Functionary; and still less + of the Civil Magistrate. Him, in the exercise of his functions, it will + often become to carry himself highly and with state; in order that evil + may be suppressed, and authority respected by those who have not + understanding. The power also of office, whether the duties be discharged + well or ill, will ensure a never-failing supply of flattery and praise: + and of these—a man (becoming at once double-dealer and dupe) may, + without impeachment of his modesty, receive as much as his weakness + inclines him to; under the shew that the homage is not offered up to + himself, but to that portion of the public dignity which is lodged in his + person. But, whatever may be the cause, the fact is certain—that + there is an unconquerable tendency in all power, save that of knowledge + acting by and through knowledge, to injure the mind of him who exercises + that power; so much so, that best natures cannot escape the evil of such + alliance. Nor is it less certain that things of soundest quality, issuing + through a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage135" id="Apage135"></a>{135}</span>medium + to which they have only an arbitrary relation, are vitiated: and it is + inevitable that there should be a reäscent of unkindly influence to + the heart of him from whom the gift, thus unfairly dealt with, proceeded.—In + illustration of these remarks, as connected with the management of States, + we need only refer to the Empire of China—where superior endowments + of mind and acquisitions of learning are the sole acknowledged title to + offices of great trust; and yet in no country is the government more + bigotted or intolerant, or society less progressive. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To prevent misconception; and to silence (at least to throw discredit + upon) the clamours of ignorance;—I have thought proper thus, in some + sort, to strike a balance between the claims of men of routine—and + men of original and accomplished minds—to the management of State + affairs in ordinary circumstances. But ours is not an age of this + character: and,—after having seen such a long series of misconduct, + so many unjustifiable attempts made and sometimes carried into effect, + good endeavours frustrated, disinterested wishes thwarted, and benevolent + hopes disappointed,—it is reasonable that we should endeavour to + ascertain to what cause these evils are to be ascribed. I have directed + the attention of the Reader to one primary cause: and can he doubt of its + existence, and of the operation which I have attributed to it? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the course of the last thirty years we have seen two wars waged against + Liberty—the American war, and the war against the French People in + the early stages of their Revolution. In the latter instance the Emigrants + and the Continental Powers and the British did, in all their expectations + and in every movement of their efforts, manifest a common ignorance—originating + in the same source. And, for what more especially belongs to ourselves at + this time, we may affirm—that the same presumptuous irreverence of + the principles of justice, and blank insensibility to the affections of + human nature, which determined the conduct of our government in those two + wars <i>against</i> liberty, have continued to accompany its exertions in + the present struggle <i>for</i> liberty,—and have rendered them + fruitless. The British government deems (no doubt), on its own part, that + its intentions are good. It must not deceive itself: nor must we deceive + ourselves. Intentions—thoroughly good—could not mingle with + the unblessed actions which we have witnessed. A <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage136" id="Apage136"></a>{136}</span>disinterested and pure + intention is a light that guides as well as cheers, and renders desperate + lapses impossible. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Our duty is—our aim ought to be—to employ the true means of + liberty and virtue for the ends of liberty and virtue. In such policy, + thoroughly understood, there is fitness and concord and rational + subordination; it deserves a higher name—organization, health, and + grandeur. Contrast, in a single instance, the two processes; and the + qualifications which they require. The ministers of that period found it + an easy task to hire a band of Hessians, and to send it across the + Atlantic, that they might assist <i>in bringing the Americans</i> + (according to the phrase then prevalent) <i>to reason</i>. The force, with + which these troops would attack, was gross,—tangible,—and + might be calculated; but the spirit of resistance, which their presence + would create, was subtle—ethereal—mighty—and + incalculable. Accordingly, from the moment when these foreigners landed—men + who had no interest, no business, in the quarrel, but what the wages of + their master bound him to, and he imposed upon his miserable slaves;—nay, + from the first rumour of their destination, the success of the British was + (as hath since been affirmed by judicious Americans) impossible. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The British government of the present day have been seduced, as we have + seen, by the same commonplace facilities on the one side; and have been + equally blind on the other. A physical auxiliar force of thirty-five + thousand men is to be added to the army of Spain: but the moral energy, + which thereby <i>might</i> be taken away from the principal, is overlooked + or slighted; the material being too fine for their calculation. What does + it avail to graft a bough upon a tree; if this be done so ignorantly and + rashly that the trunk, which can alone supply the sap by which the whole + must flourish, receives a deadly wound? Palpable effects of the Convention + of Cintra, and self-contradicting consequences even in the matter + especially aimed at, may be seen in the necessity which it entailed of + leaving 8,000 British troops to protect Portugueze traitors from + punishment by the laws of their country. A still more serious and fatal + contradiction lies in this—that the English army was made an + instrument of injustice, and was dishonoured, in order that it might be + hurried forward to uphold a cause which could have no life but by justice + and honour. The Nation knows how that army <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage137" id="Apage137"></a>{137}</span>languished in the heart of + Spain: that it accomplished nothing except its retreat, is sure: what + great service it might have performed, if it had moved from a different + impulse, we have shewn. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It surely then behoves those who are in authority—to look to the + state of their own minds. There is indeed an inherent impossibility that + they should be equal to the arduous duties which have devolved upon them: + but it is not unreasonable to hope that something higher might be aimed + at; and that the People might see, upon great occasions,—in the + practice of its Rulers—a more adequate reflection of its own wisdom + and virtue. Our Rulers, I repeat, must begin with their own minds. This is + a precept of immediate urgency; and, if attended to, might be productive + of immediate good. I will follow it with further conclusions directly + referring to future conduct. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will not suppose that any ministry of this country can be so abject, so + insensible, and unwise, as to abandon the Spaniards and Portugueze while + there is a Patriot in arms; or, if the people should for a time be + subjugated, to deny them assistance the moment they rise to require it + again. I cannot think so unfavourably of my country as to suppose this + possible. Let men in power, however, take care (and let the nation be + equally careful) not to receive any reports from our army—of the + disposition of the Spanish people—without mistrust. The British + generals, who were in Portugal (the whole body of them,<a + name="AFNanchor_21_21" id="AFNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#AFootnote_21_21" + class="fnanchor">[21]</a> according to the statement of Sir Hew + Dalrymple), approved of the Convention of Cintra; and have thereby shewn + that <i>their</i> communications are not to be relied upon in this case. + And indeed there is not any information, which we can receive upon this + subject, that is so little trustworthy as that which comes from our army—or + from any part of it. The opportunities of notice, afforded to soldiers in + actual service, must necessarily be very limited; and a thousand things + stand in the way of their power to make a right use of these. But a + retreating army, in the country of an Ally;—harrassed and + dissatisfied; willing to find a reason for its failures in any thing but + itself, and actually not without much solid ground for complaint; <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage138" id="Apage138"></a>{138}</span>retreating; + sometimes, perhaps, fugitive; and, in its disorder, tempted (and even + forced) to commit offences upon the people of the district through which + it passes; while they, in their turn, are filled with fear and + inconsiderate anger;—an army, in such a condition, must needs be + incapable of seeing objects as they really are; and, at the same time, all + things must change in its presence, and put on their most unfavourable + appearances. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Deeming it then not to be doubted that the British government will + continue its endeavours to support its Allies; one or other of two maxims + of policy follows obviously from the painful truths which we have been + considering:—Either, first, that we should put forth to the utmost + our strength as a military power—strain it to the very last point, + and prepare (no erect mind will start at the proposition) to pour into the + Peninsula a force of two hundred thousand men or more,—and make + ourselves for a time, upon Spanish ground, principals in the contest; or, + secondly, that we should direct our attention to giving support rather in + <i>Things</i> than in Men. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The former plan, though requiring a great effort and many sacrifices, is + (I have no doubt) practicable: its difficulties would yield to a bold and + energetic Ministry, in despite of the present constitution of Parliament. + The Militia, if they had been called upon at the beginning of the rising + in the Peninsula, would (I believe)—almost to a man—have + offered their services: so would many of the Volunteers in their + individual capacity. They would do so still. The advantages of this plan + would be—that the power, which would attend it, must (if judiciously + directed) insure unity of effort; taming down, by its dignity, the + discords which usually prevail among allied armies; and subordinating to + itself the affections of the Spanish and Portugueze by the palpable + service which it was rendering to their Country. A further encouragement + for adopting this plan he will find, who perceives that the military power + of our Enemy is not in substance so formidable, by many—many degrees + of terror, as outwardly it appears to be. The last campaign has not been + wholly without advantage: since it has proved that the French troops are + indebted, for their victories, to the imbecility of their opponents far + more than to their own discipline or courage—or even to the skill + and talents of their Generals. There is a superstition hanging over us + which the efforts of our army (not to <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage139" id="Apage139"></a>{139}</span>speak of the Spaniards) + have, I hope, removed.—But their mighty numbers!—In that is a + delusion of another kind. In the former instance, year after year we + imagined things to be what they were not: and in this, by a more fatal and + more common delusion, the thought of what things really are—precludes + the thought of what in a moment they may become: the mind, overlaid by the + present, cannot lift itself to attain a glimpse of the future. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All—which is comparatively inherent, or can lay claim to any degree + of permanence, in the tyranny which the French Nation maintains over + Europe—rests upon two foundations:—First; Upon the despotic + rule which has been established in France over a powerful People who have + lately passed from a state of revolution, in which they supported a + struggle begun for domestic liberty, and long continued for liberty and + national independence:—and, secondly, upon the personal character of + the Man by whom that rule is exercised. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to the former; every one knows that Despotism, in a general sense, is + but another word for weakness. Let one generation disappear; and a people + over whom such rule has been extended, if it have not virtue to free + itself, is condemned to embarrassment in the operations of its government, + and to perpetual languor; with no better hope than that which may spring + from the diseased activity of some particular Prince on whom the authority + may happen to devolve. This, if it takes a regular hereditary course: but,—if + the succession be interrupted, and the supreme power frequently usurped or + given by election,—worse evils follow. Science and Art must dwindle, + whether the power be hereditary or not: and the virtues of a Trajan or an + Antonine are a hollow support for the feeling of contentment and happiness + in the hearts of their subjects: such virtues are even a painful mockery;—something + that is, and may vanish in a moment, and leave the monstrous crimes of a + Caracalla or a Domitian in its place,—men, who are probably leaders + of a long procession of their kind. The feebleness of despotic power we + have had before our eyes in the late condition of Spain and Prussia; and + in that of France before the Revolution; and in the present condition of + Austria and Russia. But, in a <i>new-born</i> arbitrary and military + Government (especially if, like that of France, it have been immediately + preceded <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage140" id="Apage140"></a>{140}</span>by + a popular Constitution), not only this weakness is not found; but it + possesses, for the purposes of external annoyance, a preternatural vigour. + Many causes contribute to this: we need only mention that, fitness—real + or supposed—being necessarily the chief (and almost sole) + recommendation to offices of trust, it is clear that such offices will in + general be ably filled; and their duties, comparatively, well executed: + and that, from the conjunction of absolute civil and military authority in + a single Person, there naturally follows promptness of decision; + concentration of effort; rapidity of motion; and confidence that the + movements made will be regularly supported. This is all which need now be + said upon the subject of this first basis of French Tyranny. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For the second—namely, the personal character of the Chief; I shall + at present content myself with noting (to prevent misconception) that this + basis is not laid in any superiority of talents in him, but in his utter + rejection of the restraints of morality—in wickedness which + acknowledges no limit but the extent of its own power. Let any one reflect + a moment; and he will feel that a new world of forces is opened to a Being + who has made this desperate leap. It is a tremendous principle to be + adopted, and steadily adhered to, by a man in the station which Buonaparte + occupies; and he has taken the full benefit of it. What there is in this + principle of weak, perilous, and self-destructive—I may find a + grateful employment in endeavouring to shew upon some future occasion. But + it is a duty which we owe to the present moment to proclaim—in + vindication of the dignity of human nature, and for an admonition to men + of prostrate spirit—that the dominion, which this Enemy of mankind + holds, has neither been acquired nor is sustained by endowments of + intellect which are rarely bestowed, or by uncommon accumulations of + knowledge; but that it has risen from circumstances over which he had no + influence; circumstances which, with the power they conferred, have + stimulated passions whose natural food hath been and is ignorance; from + the barbarian impotence and insolence of a mind—originally of + ordinary constitution—lagging, in moral sentiment and knowledge, + three hundred years behind the age in which it acts. In such manner did + the power originate; and, by the forces which I have described, is it + maintained. This should be declared:<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage141" id="Apage141"></a>{141}</span> and it should be added—that + the crimes of Buonaparte are more to be abhorred than those of other + denaturalized creatures whose actions are painted in History; because the + Author of those crimes is guilty with less temptation, and sins in the + presence of a clearer light. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + No doubt in the command of almost the whole military force of Europe (the + subject which called upon me to make these distinctions) he has, <i>at + this moment</i>, a third source of power which may be added to these two. + He himself rates this last so high—either is, or affects to be, so + persuaded of its pre-eminence—that he boldly announces to the world + that it is madness, and even impiety, to resist him. And sorry may we be + to remember that there are British Senators, who (if a judgement may be + formed from the language which they speak) are inclined to accompany him + far in this opinion. But the enormity of this power has in it nothing <i>inherent</i> + or <i>permanent</i>. Two signal overthrows in pitched battles would, I + believe, go far to destroy it. Germans, Dutch, Italians, Swiss, Poles, + would desert the army of Buonaparte, and flock to the standard of his + Adversaries, from the moment they could look towards it with that + confidence which one or two conspicuous victories would inspire. A + regiment of 900 Swiss joined the British army in Portugal; and, if the + French had been compelled to surrender as Prisoners of War, we should have + seen that all those troops, who were not native Frenchmen, would (if + encouragement had been given) have joined the British: and the opportunity + that was lost of demonstrating this fact—was not among the least of + the mischiefs which attended the termination of the campaign.—In a + word; the vastness of Buonaparte's military power is formidable—not + because it is impossible to break it; but because it has not yet been + penetrated. In this respect it may not inaptly be compared to a huge + pine-forest (such as are found in the Northern parts of this Island), + whose ability to resist the storms is in its skirts: let but the blast + once make an inroad; and it levels the forest, and sweeps it away at + pleasure. A hundred thousand men, such as fought at Vimiera and Corunna, + would accomplish three such victories as I have been anticipating. This + Nation <i>might</i> command a military force which would drive the French + out of the Peninsula: I do not say that we could sustain there a military + force which would prevent <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage142" + id="Apage142"></a>{142}</span>their re-entering; but that we could + transplant thither, by a great effort, one which would expel them:—<i>This</i> + I maintain: and it is matter of thought in which infirm minds may find + both reproach and instruction. The Spaniards could then take possession of + their own fortresses; and have leisure to give themselves a blended civil + and military organization, complete and animated by liberty; which, if + once accomplished, they would be able to protect themselves. The oppressed + Continental Powers also, seeing such unquestionable proof that Great + Britain was sincere and earnest, would lift their heads again; and, by so + doing, would lighten the burthen of war which might remain for the + Spaniards. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In treating of this plan—I have presumed that a General might be + placed at the head of this great military power who would not sign a + Treaty like that of the Convention of Cintra, and say (look at the + proceedings of the Board of Inquiry) that he was determined to this by + 'British interests;' or frame <i>any</i> Treaty in the country of an Ally + (save one purely military for the honourable preservation, if necessary, + of his own army or part of it) to which the sole, or even the main, + inducement was—our interests contra-distinguished from those of that + Ally;—a General and a Ministry whose policy would be comprehensive + enough to perceive that the true welfare of Britain is best promoted by + the independence, freedom, and honour of other Nations; and that it is + only by the diffusion and prevalence of these virtues that French Tyranny + can be ultimately reduced; or the influence of France over the rest of + Europe brought within its natural and reasonable limits. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If this attempt be 'above the strain and temper' of the country, there + remains only a plan laid down upon the other principles; namely, service + (as far as is required) in <i>things</i> rather than in men; that is, men + being secondary to things. It is not, I fear, possible that the moral + sentiments of the British Army or Government should accord with those of + Spain in her present condition. Commanding power indeed (as hath been + said), put forth in the repulse of the common enemy, would tend, more + effectually than any thing save the prevalence of true wisdom, to prevent + disagreement, and to obviate any temporary injury which the moral spirit + of the Spaniards might receive from us: at all events—such power, + should there ensue any <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage143" + id="Apage143"></a>{143}</span>injury, would bring a solid compensation. + But from a middle course—an association sufficiently intimate and + wide to scatter every where unkindly passions, and yet unable to attain + the salutary point of decisive power—no good is to be expected. + Great would be the evil, at this momentous period, if the hatred of the + Spaniards should look two ways. Let it be as steadily fixed upon the + French, as the Pilot's eye upon his mark. Military stores and arms should + be furnished with unfailing liberality: let Troops also be supplied; but + let these act separately,—taking strong positions upon the coast, if + such can be found, to employ twice their numbers of the Enemy; and, above + all, let there be floating Armies—keeping the Enemy in constant + uncertainty where he is to be attacked. The peninsula frame of Spain and + Portugal lays that region open to the full shock of British warfare. Our + Fleet and Army should act, wherever it is possible, as parts of one body—a + right hand and a left; and the Enemy ought to be made to feel the force of + both. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But—whatever plans be adopted—there can be no success, unless + the execution be entrusted to Generals of competent judgement. That the + British Army swarms with those who are incompetent—is too plain from + successive proofs in the transactions at Buenos Ayres, at Cintra, and in + the result of the Board of Inquiry.—Nor must we see a General + appointed to command—and required, at the same time, to frame his + operations according to the opinion of an inferior Officer: an injunction + (for a recommendation, from such a quarter, amounts to an injunction) + implying that a man had been appointed to a high station—of which + the very persons, who had appointed him, deemed him unworthy; else they + must have known that he would endeavour to profit by the experience of any + of his inferior officers, from the suggestions of his own understanding: + at the same time—by denying to the General-in-Chief the free use of + his own judgement, and by the act of announcing this presumption of his + incompetence to the man himself—such an indignity is put upon him, + that his passions must of necessity be rouzed; so as to leave it scarcely + possible that he could draw any benefit, which he might otherwise have + drawn, from the local knowledge or talents of the individual to whom he + was referred: and, lastly, this injunction virtually involves a subversion + of all military subordination. In the better times of the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage144" id="Apage144"></a>{144}</span> House of + Commons—a minister, who had presumed to write such a letter as that + to which I allude, would have been impeached. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Debates in Parliament, and measures of Government, every day furnish + new Proofs of the truths which I have been attempting to establish—of + the utter want of general principles;—new and lamentable proofs! + This moment (while I am drawing towards a conclusion) I learn, from the + newspaper reports, that the House of Commons has refused to declare that + the Convention of Centra <i>disappointed the hopes and expectations of the + Nation</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The motion, according to the letter of it, was ill-framed; for the + Convention might have been a very good one, and still have disappointed + the hopes and expectations of the Nation—as those might have been + unwise: at all events, the words ought to have stood—the <i>just</i> + and <i>reasonable</i> hopes of the Nation. But the hacknied phrase of '<i>disappointed + hopes and expectations</i>'—should not have been used at all: it is + a centre round which much delusion has gathered. The Convention not only + did not satisfy the Nation's hopes of good; but sunk it into a pitfall of + unimagined and unimaginable evil. The hearts and understandings of the + People tell them that the language of a proposed parliamentary resolution, + upon this occasion, ought—not only to have been different in the + letter—but also widely different in the spirit: and the reader of + these pages will have deduced, that no terms of reprobation could in + severity exceed the offences involved in—and connected with—that + instrument. But, while the grand keep of the castle of iniquity was to be + stormed, we have seen nothing but a puny assault upon heaps of the + scattered rubbish of the fortress; nay, for the most part, on some + accidental mole-hills at its base. I do not speak thus in disrespect to + the Right Hon. Gentleman who headed this attack. His mind, left to itself, + would (I doubt not) have prompted something worthier and higher: but he + moves in the phalanx of Party;—a spiritual Body; in which (by + strange inconsistency) the hampering, weakening, and destroying, of every + individual mind of which it is composed—is the law which must + constitute the strength of the whole. The question was—whether + principles, affecting the very existence of Society, had not been + violated; and an arm lifted, and let fall, which struck <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage145" id="Apage145"></a>{145}</span>at the + root of Honour; with the aggravation of the crime having been committed at + this momentous period. But what relation is there between these principles + and actions, and being in Place or out of it? If the People would + constitutionally and resolutely assert their rights, their Representatives + would be taught another lesson; and for their own profit. Their + understandings would be enriched accordingly: for it is there—there + where least suspected—that the want, from which this country + suffers, chiefly lies. They err, who suppose that venality and corruption + (though now spreading more and more) are the master-evils of this day: + neither these nor immoderate craving for power are so much to be + deprecated, as the non-existence of a widely-ranging intellect; of an + intellect which, if not efficacious to infuse truth as a vital fluid into + the heart, might at least make it a powerful tool in the hand. Outward + profession,—which, for practical purposes, is an act of most + desirable subservience,—would then wait upon those objects to which + inward reverence, though not felt, was known to be due. Schemes of ample + reach and true benefit would also promise best to insure the rewards + coveted by personal ambition: and men of baser passions, finding it their + interest, would naturally combine to perform useful service under the + direction of strong minds: while men of good intentions would have their + own pure satisfaction; and would exert themselves with more upright—I + mean, more hopeful—cheerfulness, and more successfully. It is not + therefore inordinate desire of wealth or power which is so injurious—as + the means which are and must be employed, in the present intellectual + condition of the Legislature, to sustain and secure that power: these are + at once an effect of barrenness, and a cause; acting, and mutually + re-acting, incessantly. An enlightened Friend has, in conversation, + observed to the Author of these pages—that formerly the principles + of men wore better than they who held them; but that now (a far worse + evil!) men are better than their principles. I believe it:—of the + deplorable quality and state of principles, the public proceedings in our + Country furnish daily new proof. It is however some consolation, at this + present crisis, to find—that, of the thoughts and feelings uttered + during the two debates which led me to these painful declarations, such—as + approach towards truth which has any dignity in it—come from the + side of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage146" id="Apage146"></a>{146}</span> + Majesty's Ministers.—But note again those contradictions to which I + have so often been obliged to advert. The Ministers advise his Majesty + publicly to express sentiments of disapprobation upon the Convention of + Cintra; and, when the question of the merits or demerits of this + instrument comes before them in Parliament, the same persons—who, as + advisers of the crown, lately condemned the treaty—now, in their + character of representatives of the people, by the manner in which they + received this motion, have pronounced an encomium upon it. For, though (as + I have said) the motion was inaccurately and inadequately worded, it was + not set aside upon this ground. And the Parliament has therefore persisted + in withholding, from the insulted and injured People and from their + Allies, the only reparation which perhaps it may be in its power to grant; + has refused to signify its repentance and sorrow for what hath been done; + without which, as a previous step, there can be no proof—no + gratifying intimation, even to this Country or to its Allies, that the + future efforts of the British Parliament are in a sincere spirit. The + guilt of the transaction therefore being neither repented of, nor atoned + for; the course of evil is, by necessity, persevered in.—But let us + turn to a brighter region. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The events of the last year, gloriously destroying many frail fears, have + placed—in the rank of serene and immortal truths—a proposition + which, as an object of belief, hath in all ages been fondly cherished; + namely—That a numerous Nation, determined to be free, may effect its + purpose in despite of the mightiest power which a foreign Invader can + bring against it. These events also have pointed out how, in the ways of + Nature and under the guidance of Society, this happy end is to be + attained: in other words, they have shewn that the cause of the People, in + dangers and difficulties issuing from this quarter of oppression, is safe + while it remains not only in the bosom but in the hands of the People; or + (what amounts to the same thing) in those of a government which, being + truly <i>from</i> the People, is faithfully <i>for</i> them. While the + power remained with the provincial Juntas, that is, with the body natural + of the community (for those authorities, newly generated in such + adversity, were truly living members of that body); every thing prospered + in Spain. Hopes of the best kind were opened out and encouraged; liberal + opinions countenanced; and wise measures <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage147" id="Apage147"></a>{147}</span>arranged: and last, and + (except as proceeding from these) least of all,—victories in the + field, in the streets of the city, and upon the walls of the fortress. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have heretofore styled it a blessing that the Spanish People became + their own masters at once. It <i>was</i> a blessing; but not without much + alloy: as the same disinterested generous passions, which preserved (and + would for a season still have preserved) them from a bad exercise of their + power, impelled them to part with it too soon; before labours, hitherto + neither tried nor thought of, had created throughout the country the minor + excellences indispensible for the performance of those labours; before + powerful minds, not hitherto of general note, had found time to shew + themselves; and before men, who were previously known, had undergone the + proof of new situations. Much therefore was wanting to direct the general + judgement in the choice of persons, when the second delegation took place; + which was a removal (the first, we have seen, had not been so) of the + power from the People. But, when a common centre became absolutely + necessary, the power ought to have passed from the provincial Assemblies + into the hands of the Cortes; and into none else. A pernicious Oligarchy + crept into the place of this comprehensive—this constitutional—this + saving and majestic Assembly. Far be it from me to speak of the Supreme + Junta with ill-advised condemnation: every man must feel for the + distressful trials to which that Body has been exposed. But eighty men or + a hundred, with a king at their head veiled under a cloud of fiction (we + might say, with reference to the difficulties of this moment, begotten + upon a cloud of fiction), could not be an image of a Nation like that of + Spain, or an adequate instrument of their power for their ends. The + Assembly, from the smallness of its numbers, must have wanted breadth of + wing to extend itself and brood over Spain with a quickening touch of + warmth every where. If also, as hath been mentioned, there was a want of + experience to determine the judgment in choice of persons; this same + smallness of numbers must have unnecessarily increased the evil—by + excluding many men of worth and talents which were so far known and + allowed as that they would surely have been deputed to an Assembly upon a + larger scale. Gratitude, habit, and numerous other causes must have given + an undue preponderance to birth, station, rank, and <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage148" id="Apage148"></a>{148}</span>fortune; and have fixed the + election, more than was reasonable, upon those who were most conspicuous + for these distinctions;—men whose very virtue would incline them + superstitiously to respect established things, and to mistrust the People—towards + whom not only a frank confidence but a forward generosity was the first of + duties. I speak not of the vices to which such men would be liable, + brought up under the discipline of a government administered like the old + Monarchy of Spain: the matter is both ungracious and too obvious. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I began with hope; and hope has inwardly accompanied me to the end. + The whole course of the campaign, rightly interpreted, has justified my + hope. In Madrid, in Ferrol, in Corunna, in every considerable place, and + in every part of the country over which the French have re-extended their + dominion,—we learn, from their own reports, that the body of the + People have shewed against them, to the last, the most determined + hostility. Hence it is clear that the lure, which the invading Usurper + found himself constrained lately to hold out to the inferior orders of + society in the shape of various immunities, has totally failed: and + therefore he turns for support to another quarter, and now attempts to + cajole the wealthy and the privileged. But this class has been taught, by + late Decrees, what it has to expect from him; and how far he is to be + confided-in for its especial interests. Many individuals, no doubt, he + will seduce; but the bulk of the class, even if they could be insensible + to more liberal feelings, cannot but be his enemies. This change, + therefore, is not merely shifting ground; but retiring to a position which + he himself has previously undermined. Here is confusion; and a power + warring against itself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + So will it ever fare with foreign Tyrants when (in spite of domestic + abuses) a People, which has lived long, feels that it has a Country to + love; and where the heart of that People is sound. Between the native + inhabitants of France and Spain there has existed from the earliest + period, and still does exist, an universal and utter dissimilitude in + laws, actions, deportment, gait, manners, customs: join with this the + difference in the language, and the barrier of the Pyrenees; a separation + and an opposition in great things, and an antipathy in small. Ignorant + then must he be of history and of the reports of travellers and residents + in the two countries, or strangely inattentive to the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage149" id="Apage149"></a>{149}</span>constitution of human + nature, who (this being true) can admit the belief that the Spaniards, + numerous and powerful as they are, will live under Frenchmen as their + lords and masters. Let there be added to this inherent mutual + repulsiveness—those recent indignities and horrible outrages; and we + need not fear to say that such reconcilement is impossible; even without + that further insuperable obstacle which we hope will exist, an + establishment of a free Constitution in Spain.—The intoxicated + setter-up of Kings may fill his diary with pompous stories of the + acclamations with which his solemn puppets are received; he may stuff + their mouths with impious asseverations; and hire knees to bend before + them, and lips to answer with honied greetings of gratitude and love: + these cannot remove the old heart, and put a new one into the bosom of the + spectators. The whole is a pageant seen for a day among men in its passage + to that 'Limbo large and broad' whither, as to their proper home, fleet + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>All the unaccomplish'd works of Nature's hand,<br /></span> <span>Abortive, + monstrous, or unkindly mix'd,<br /></span> <span><i>Dissolv'd on earth</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Talk not of the perishable nature of enthusiasm; and rise above a craving + for perpetual manifestations of things. He is to be pitied whose eye can + only be pierced by the light of a meridian sun, whose frame can only be + warmed by the heat of midsummer. Let us hear no more of the little + dependence to be had in war upon voluntary service. The things, with which + we are primarily and mainly concerned, are inward passions; and not + outward arrangements. These latter may be given at any time; when the + parts, to be put together, are in readiness. Hatred and love, and each in + its intensity, and pride (passions which, existing in the heart of a + Nation, are inseparable from hope)—these elements being in constant + preparation—enthusiasm will break out from them, or coalesce with + them, upon the summons of a moment. And these passions are scarcely less + than inextinguishable. The truth of this is recorded in the manners and + hearts of North and South Britons, of Englishmen and Welshmen, on either + border of the Tweed and of the Esk, on both sides of the Severn and the + Dee; an inscription legible, and in strong characters, which the tread of + many and great blessings, continued through hundreds of years, has been + unable to efface. The Sicilian Vespers are to this <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage150" id="Apage150"></a>{150}</span>day a familiar game among + the boys of the villages on the sides of Mount Etna, and through every + corner of the Island; and 'Exterminate the French!' is the action in their + arms, and the word of triumph upon their tongues. He then is a sorry + Statist, who desponds or despairs (nor is he less so who is too much + elevated) from any considerations connected with the quality of + enthusiasm. Nothing is so easy as to sustain it by partial and gradual + changes of its object; and by placing it in the way of receiving new + interpositions according to the need. The difficulty lies—not in + kindling, feeding, or fanning the flame; but in continuing so to regulate + the relations of things—that the fanning breeze and the feeding fuel + shall come from no unworthy quarter, and shall neither of them be wanting + in appropriate consecration. The Spaniards have as great helps towards + ensuring this, as ever were vouchsafed to a People. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What then is to be desired? Nothing but that the Government and the higher + orders of society should deal sincerely towards the middle class and the + lower: I mean, that the general temper should be sincere.—It is not + required that every one should be disinterested, or zealous, or of one + mind with his fellows. Selfishness or slackness in individuals, and in + certain bodies of men also (and at time's perhaps in all), have their use: + else why should they exist? Due circumspection and necessary activity, in + those who are sound, could not otherwise maintain themselves. The + deficiencies in one quarter are more than made up by consequent + overflowings in another. 'If my Neighbour fails,' says the true Patriot, + 'more devolves upon me.' Discord and even treason are not, in a country + situated as Spain is, the pure evils which, upon a superficial view, they + appear to be. Never are a people so livelily admonished of the love they + bear their country, and of the pride which they have in their common + parent, as when they hear of some parricidal attempt of a false brother. + For this cause chiefly, in times of national danger, are their fancies so + busy in suspicion; which under such shape, though oftentimes producing + dire and pitiable effects, is notwithstanding in its general character no + other than that habit which has grown out of the instinct of + self-preservation—elevated into a wakeful and affectionate + apprehension for the whole, and ennobling its private and baser ways by + the generous use to which they are converted. Nor ever has a good and + loyal man <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage151" id="Apage151"></a>{151}</span>such + a swell of mind, such a clear insight into the constitution of virtue, and + such a sublime sense of its power, as at the first tidings of some + atrocious act of perfidy; when, having taken the alarm for human nature, a + second thought recovers him; and his faith returns—gladsome from + what has been revealed within himself, and awful from participation of the + secrets in the profaner grove of humanity which that momentary blast laid + open to his view. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of the ultimate independence of the Spanish Nation there is no reason to + doubt: and for the immediate furtherance of the good cause, and a + throwing-off of the yoke upon the first favourable opportunity by the + different tracts of the country upon which it has been re-imposed, nothing + is wanting but sincerity on the part of the government towards the + provinces which are yet free. The first end to be secured by Spain is + riddance of the enemy: the second, permanent independence: and the third, + a free constitution of government; which will give their main (though far + from sole) value to the other two; and without which little more than a + formal independence, and perhaps scarcely that, can be secured. Humanity + and honour, and justice, and all the sacred feelings connected with + atonement, retribution, and satisfaction; shame that will not sleep, and + the sting of unperformed duty; and all the powers of the mind, the memory + that broods over the dead and turns to the living, the understanding, the + imagination, and the reason;—demand and enjoin that the wanton + oppressor should be driven, with confusion and dismay, from the country + which he has so heinously abused. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This cannot be accomplished (scarcely can it be aimed at) without an + accompanying and an inseparable resolution, in the souls of the Spaniards, + to be and remain their own masters; that is, to preserve themselves in the + rank of Men; and not become as the Brute that is driven to the pasture, + and cares not who owns him. It is a common saying among those who profess + to be lovers of civil liberty, and give themselves some credit for + understanding it,—that, if a Nation be not free, it is mere dust in + the balance whether the slavery be bred at home, or comes from abroad; be + of their own suffering, or of a stranger's imposing. They see little of + the under-ground part of the tree of liberty, and know less of the nature + of man, who can think thus. Where indeed there is an indisputable and + immeasurable <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage152" id="Apage152"></a>{152}</span>superiority + in one nation over another; to be conquered may, in course of time, be a + benefit to the inferior nation: and, upon this principle, some of the + conquests of the Greeks and Romans may be justified. But in what of really + useful or honourable are the French superior to their Neighbours? Never + far advanced, and, now barbarizing apace, they may carry—amongst the + sober and dignified Nations which surround them—much to be avoided, + but little to be imitated. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is yet another case in which a People may be benefited by + resignation or forfeiture of their rights as a separate independent State; + I mean, where—of two contiguous or neighbouring countries, both + included by nature under one conspicuously defined limit—the weaker + is united with, or absorbed into, the more powerful; and one and the same + Government is extended over both. This, with clue patience and foresight, + may (for the most part) be amicably effected, without the intervention of + conquest; but—even should a violent course have been resorted to, + and have proved successful—the result will be matter of + congratulation rather than of regret, if the countries have been + incorporated with an equitable participation of natural advantages and + civil privileges. Who does not rejoice that former partitions have + disappeared,—and that England, Scotland, and Wales, are under one + legislative and executive authority; and that Ireland (would that she had + been more justly dealt with!) follows the same destiny? The large and + numerous Fiefs, which interfered injuriously with the grand demarcation + assigned by nature to France, have long since been united and + consolidated. The several independent Sovereignties of Italy (a country, + the boundary of which is still more expressly traced out by nature; and + which has no less the further definition and cement of country which + Language prepares) have yet this good to aim at: and it will be a happy + day for Europe, when the natives of Italy and the natives of Germany + (whose duty is, in like manner, indicated to them) shall each dissolve the + pernicious barriers which divide them, and form themselves into a mighty + People. But Spain, excepting a free union with Portugal, has no benefit of + this kind to look for: she has long since attained it. The Pyrenees on the + one side, and the Sea on every other; the vast extent and great resources + of the territory; a population numerous enough to defend itself against + the whole <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage153" id="Apage153"></a>{153}</span>world, + and capable of great increase; language; and long duration of + independence;—point out and command that the two nations of the + Peninsula should be united in friendship and strict alliance; and, as soon + as it may be effected without injustice, form one independent and + indissoluble sovereignty. The Peninsula cannot be protected but by itself: + it is too large a tree to be framed by nature for a station among + underwoods; it must have power to toss its branches in the wind, and lift + a bold forehead to the sun. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Allowing that the 'regni novitas' should either compel or tempt the + Usurper to do away some ancient abuses, and to accord certain + insignificant privileges to the People upon the purlieus of the forest of + Freedom (for assuredly he will never suffer them to enter the body of it); + allowing this, and much more; that the mass of the Population would be + placed in a condition outwardly more thriving—would be <i>better off</i> + (as the phrase in conversation is); it is still true that—in the act + and consciousness of submission to an imposed lord and master, to a will + not growing out of themselves, to the edicts of another People their + triumphant enemy—there would be the loss of a sensation within for + which nothing external, even though it should come close to the garden and + the field—to the door and the fire-side, can make amends. The + Artisan and the Merchant (men of classes perhaps least attached to their + native soil) would not be insensible to this loss; and the Mariner, in his + thoughtful mood, would sadden under it upon the wide ocean. The central or + cardinal feeling of these thoughts may, at a future time, furnish fit + matter for the genius of some patriotic Spaniard to express in his own + noble language—as an inscription for the Sword of Francis the First; + if that Sword, which was so ingloriously and perfidiously surrendered, + should ever, by the energies of Liberty, be recovered, and deposited in + its ancient habitation in the Escurial. The Patriot will recollect that,—if + the memorial, then given up by the hand of the Government, had also been + abandoned by the heart of the People, and that indignity patiently + subscribed to,—his country would have been lost for ever. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are multitudes by whom, I know, these sentiments will not be + languidly received at this day; and sure I am—that, a hundred and + fifty years ago, they would have been ardently welcomed by all. But, in + many parts of Europe (and especially <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage154" id="Apage154"></a>{154}</span>in our own country), men + have been pressing forward, for some time, in a path which has betrayed by + its fruitfulness; furnishing them constant employment for picking up + things about their feet, when thoughts were perishing in their minds. + While Mechanic Arts, Manufactures, Agriculture, Commerce, and all those + products of knowledge which are confined to gross—definite—and + tangible objects, have, with the aid of Experimental Philosophy, been + every day putting on more brilliant colours; the splendour of the + Imagination has been fading: Sensibility, which was formerly a generous + nursling of rude Nature, has been chased from its ancient range in the + wide domain of patriotism and religion with the weapons of derision by a + shadow calling itself Good Sense: calculations of presumptuous Expediency—groping + its way among partial and temporary consequences—have been + substituted for the dictates of paramount and infallible Conscience, the + supreme embracer of consequences: lifeless and circumspect Decencies have + banished the graceful negligence and unsuspicious dignity of Virtue. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The progress of these arts also, by furnishing such attractive stores of + outward accommodation, has misled the higher orders of society in their + more disinterested exertions for the service of the lower. Animal comforts + have been rejoiced over, as if they were the end of being. A neater and + more fertile garden; a greener field; implements and utensils more apt; a + dwelling more commodious and better furnished;—let these be + attained, say the actively benevolent, and we are sure not only of being + in the right road, but of having successfully terminated our journey. Now + a country may advance, for some time, in this course with apparent profit: + these accommodations, by zealous encouragement, may be attained: and still + the Peasant or Artisan, their master, be a slave in mind; a slave rendered + even more abject by the very tenure under which these possessions are + held: and—if they veil from us this fact, or reconcile us to it—they + are worse than worthless. The springs of emotion may be relaxed or + destroyed within him; he may have little thought of the past, and less + interest in the future.—The great end and difficulty of life for men + of all classes, and especially difficult for those who live by manual + labour, is a union of peace with innocent and laudable animation. Not by + bread alone is the life of Man sustained; not by raiment alone is he + warmed;—but by <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage155" id="Apage155"></a>{155}</span>the + genial and vernal inmate of the breast, which at once pushes forth and + cherishes; by self-support and self-sufficing endeavours; by + anticipations, apprehensions, and active remembrances; by elasticity under + insult, and firm resistance to injury; by joy, and by love; by pride which + his imagination gathers in from afar; by patience, because life wants not + promises; by admiration; by gratitude which—debasing him not when + his fellow-being is its object—habitually expands itself, for his + elevation, in complacency towards his Creator. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now, to the existence of these blessings, national independence is + indispensible; and many of them it will itself produce and maintain. For + it is some consolation to those who look back upon the history of the + world to know—that, even without civil liberty, society may possess—diffused + through its inner recesses in the minds even of its humblest members—something + of dignified enjoyment. But, without national independence, this is + impossible. The difference, between inbred oppression and that which is + from without, is <i>essential</i>; inasmuch as the former does not + exclude, from the minds of a people, the feeling of being self-governed; + does not imply (as the latter does, when patiently submitted to) an + abandonment of the first duty imposed by the faculty of reason. In + reality: where this feeling has no place, a people are not a society, but + a herd; man being indeed distinguished among them from the brute; but only + to his disgrace. I am aware that there are too many who think that, to the + bulk of the community, this independence is of no value; that it is a + refinement with which they feel they have no concern; inasmuch as, under + the best frame of Government, there is an inevitable dependence of the + pool upon the rich—of the many upon the few—so unrelenting and + imperious as to reduce this other, by comparison, into a force which has + small influence, and is entitled to no regard. Superadd civil liberty to + national independence; and this position is overthrown at once: for there + is no more certain mark of a sound frame of polity than this; that, in all + individual instances (and it is upon these generalized that this position + is laid down), the dependence is in reality far more strict on the side of + the wealthy; and the labouring man leans less upon others than any man in + the community.—But the case before us is of a country not internally + free, yet supposed capable of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage156" + id="Apage156"></a>{156}</span>repelling an external enemy who attempts its + subjugation. If a country have put on chains of its own forging; in the + name of virtue, let it be conscious that to itself it is accountable: let + it not have cause to look beyond its own limits for reproof: and,—in + the name of humanity,—if it be self-depressed, let it have its pride + and some hope within itself. The poorest Peasant, in an unsubdued land, + feels this pride. I do not appeal to the example of Britain or of + Switzerland, for the one is free, and the other lately was free (and, I + trust, will ere long be so again): but talk with the Swede; and you will + see the joy he finds in these sensations. With him animal courage (the + substitute for many and the friend of all the manly virtues) has space to + move in; and is at once elevated by his imagination, and softened by his + affections: it is invigorated also; for the whole courage of his Country + is in his breast. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In fact: the Peasant, and he who lives by the fair reward of his manual + labour, has ordinarily a larger proportion of his gratifications dependent + upon these thoughts—than, for the most part, men in other classes + have. For he is in his person attached, by stronger roots, to the soil of + which he is the growth: his intellectual notices are generally confined + within narrower bounds: in him no partial or antipatriotic interests + counteract the force of those nobler sympathies and antipathies which he + has in right of his Country; and lastly the belt or girdle of his mind has + never been stretched to utter relaxation by false philosophy, under a + conceit of making it sit more easily and gracefully. These sensations are + a social inheritance to him: more important, as he is precluded from + luxurious—and those which are usually called refined—enjoyments. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Love and admiration must push themselves out towards some quarter: + otherwise the moral man is killed. Collaterally they advance with great + vigour to a certain extent—and they are checked: in that direction, + limits hard to pass are perpetually encountered: but upwards and + downwards, to ancestry and to posterity, they meet with gladsome help and + no obstacles; the tract is interminable.—Perdition to the Tyrant who + would wantonly cut off an independent Nation from its inheritance in past + ages; turning the tombs and burial-places of the Forefathers into dreaded + objects of sorrow, or of shame and reproach, for the Children! Look upon + Scotland and Wales: though, by <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage157" + id="Apage157"></a>{157}</span>the union of these with England under the + same Government (which was effected without conquest in one instance), + ferocious and desolating wars, and more injurious intrigues, and sapping + and disgraceful corruptions, have been prevented; and tranquillity, + security, and prosperity, and a thousand interchanges of amity, not + otherwise attainable, have followed;—yet the flashing eye, and the + agitated voice, and all the tender recollections, with which the names of + Prince Llewellin and William Wallace are to this day pronounced by the + fire-side and on the public road, attest that these substantial blessings + have not been purchased without the relinquishment of something most + salutary to the moral nature of Man: else the remembrances would not + cleave so faithfully to their abiding-place in the human heart. But, if + these affections be of general interest, they are of especial interest to + Spain; whose history, written and traditional, is pre-eminently stored + with the sustaining food of such affections: and in no country are they + more justly and generally prized, or more feelingly cherished. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the conduct of this argument I am not speaking <i>to</i> the humbler + ranks of society: it is unnecessary: <i>they</i> trust in nature, and are + safe. The People of Madrid, and Corunna, and Ferrol, resisted to the last; + from an impulse which, in their hearts, was its own justification. The + failure was with those who stood higher in the scale. In fact; the + universal rising of the Peninsula, under the pressure and in the face of + the most tremendous military power which ever existed, is evidence which + cannot be too much insisted upon; and is decisive upon this subject, as + involving a question of virtue and moral sentiment. All ranks were + penetrated with one feeling: instantaneous and universal was the + acknowledgement. If there have been since individual fallings-off; those + have been caused by that kind of after-thoughts which are the bastard + offspring of selfishness. The matter was brought home to Spain; and no + Spaniard has offended herein with a still conscience.—It is to the + worldlings of our own country, and to those who think without carrying + their thoughts far enough, that I address myself. Let them know, there is + no true wisdom without imagination; no genuine sense;—that the man, + who in this age feels no regret for the ruined honour of other Nations, + must be poor in sympathy for the honour of his own Country; and that, if + he be wanting here towards that <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage158" + id="Apage158"></a>{158}</span>which circumscribes the whole, he neither + has—nor can have—social regard for the lesser communities + which Country includes. Contract the circle, and bring him to his family; + such a man cannot protect <i>that</i> with dignified loves. Reduce his + thoughts to his own person; he may defend himself,—what <i>he</i> + deems his honour; but it is the <i>action</i> of a brave man from the + impulse of the brute, or the motive of a coward. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it is time to recollect that this vindication of human feeling began + from an <i>hypothesis</i>,—that the <i>outward</i> state of the mass + of the Spanish people would be improved by the French usurpation. To this + I now give an unqualified denial. Let me also observe to those men, for + whose infirmity this hypothesis was tolerated,—that the true point + of comparison does not lie between what the Spaniards have been under a + government of their own, and what they may become under French domination; + but between what the Spaniards may do (and, in all likelihood, will do) + for themselves, and what Frenchmen would do for them. But,—waiving + this,—the sweeping away of the most splendid monuments of art, and + rifling of the public treasuries in the conquered countries, are an apt + prologue to the tragedy which is to ensue. Strange that there are men who + can be so besotted as to see, in the decrees of the Usurper concerning + feudal tenures and a worn-out Inquisition, any other evidence than that of + insidiousness and of a constrained acknowledgement of the strength which + he felt he had to overcome. What avail the lessons of history, if men can + be duped thus? Boons and promises of this kind rank, in trustworthiness, + many degrees lower than amnesties after expelled kings have recovered + their thrones. The fate of subjugated Spain may be expressed in these + words,—pillage—depression—and helotism—for the + supposed aggrandizement of the imaginary freeman its master. There would + indeed be attempts at encouragement, that there might be a supply of + something to pillage: studied depression there would be, that there might + arise no power of resistance: and lastly helotism;—but of what kind? + that a vain and impious Nation might have slaves, worthier than itself, + for work which its own hands would reject with scorn. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What good can the present arbitrary power confer upon France itself? Let + that point be first settled by those who are inclined to look farther. The + earlier proceedings of the French<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage159" + id="Apage159"></a>{159}</span> Revolution no doubt infused health into the + country; something of which survives to this day: but let not the + now-existing Tyranny have the credit of it. France neither owes, nor can + owe, to this any rational obligation. She has seen decrees without end for + the increase of commerce and manufactures; pompous stories without number + of harbours, canals, warehouses, and bridges: but there is no worse sign + in the management of affairs than when that, which ought to follow as an + effect, goes before under a vain notion that it will be a cause.—Let + us attend to the springs of action, and we shall not be deceived. The + works of peace cannot flourish in a country governed by an intoxicated + Despot; the motions of whose distorted benevolence must be still more + pernicious than those of his cruelty. '<i>I have bestowed; I have created; + I have regenerated; I have been pleased to organize</i>;'—this is + the language perpetually upon his lips, when his ill-fated activities turn + that way. Now commerce, manufactures, agriculture, and all the peaceful + arts, are of the nature of virtues or intellectual powers: they cannot be + given; they cannot be stuck in here and there; they must spring up; they + must grow of themselves: they may be encouraged; they thrive better with + encouragement, and delight in it; but the obligation must have bounds + nicely defined; for they are delicate, proud, and independent. But a + Tyrant has no joy in any thing which is endued with such excellence: he + sickens at the sight of it: he turns away from it, as an insult to his own + attributes. We have seen the present ruler of France publicly addressed as + a Providence upon earth; styled, among innumerable other blasphemies, the + supreme Ruler of things; and heard him say, in his answers, that he + approved of the language of those who thus saluted him. (<i>See Appendix E</i>.)—Oh + folly to think that plans of reason can prosper under such countenance! If + this be the doom of France, what a monster would be the double-headed + tyranny of Spain! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is immutably ordained that power, taken and exercised in contempt of + right, never can bring forth good. Wicked actions indeed have oftentimes + happy issues: the benevolent economy of nature counter-working and + diverting evil; and educing finally benefits from injuries, and turning + curses to blessings. But I am speaking of good in a direct course. All + good in this order—all moral good—begins and ends in <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage160" id="Apage160"></a>{160}</span>reverence + of right. The whole Spanish People are to be treated not as a mighty + multitude with feeling, will, and judgment; not as rational creatures;—but + as objects without reason; in the language of human law, insuperably laid + down not as Persons but as Things. Can good come from this beginning; + which, in matter of civil government, is the fountain-head and the main + feeder of all the pure evil upon earth? Look at the past history of our + sister Island for the quality of foreign oppression: turn where you will, + it is miserable at best; but, in the case of Spain!—it might be + said, engraven upon the rocks of her own Pyrenees, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Per me si va nella città dolente;<br /></span> <span>Per me + si va nell' eterno dolore;<br /></span> <span>Per me si va tra la perduta + gente.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + So much I have thought it necessary to speak upon this subject; with a + desire to enlarge the views of the short-sighted, to cheer the desponding, + and stimulate the remiss. I have been treating of duties which the People + of Spain feel to be solemn and imperious; and have referred to springs of + action (in the sensations of love and hatred, of hope and fear),—for + promoting the fulfilment of these duties,—which cannot fail. The + People of Spain, thus animated, will move now; and will be prepared to + move, upon a favourable summons, for ages. And it is consolatory to think + that,—even if many of the leading persons of that country, in their + resistance to France, should not look beyond the two first objects (viz. + riddance of the enemy, and security of national independence);—it + is, I say, consolatory to think that the conduct, which can alone secure + either of these ends, leads directly to a free internal Government. We + have therefore both the passions and the reason of these men on our side + in two stages of the common journey: and, when this is the case, surely we + are justified in expecting some further companionship and support from + their reason—acting independent of their partial interests, or in + opposition to them. It is obvious that, to the narrow policy of this class + (men loyal to the Nation and to the King, yet jealous of the People), the + most dangerous failures, which have hitherto taken place, are to be + attributed: for, though from acts of open treason Spain may suffer and has + suffered much, these (as I have proved) can never affect the vitals of the + cause. But the march of Liberty has begun; and they, who will not lead, + may be borne along.—At all events, the road <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage161" id="Apage161"></a>{161}</span>is plain. Let members for + the Cortes be assembled from those Provinces which are not in the + possession of the Invader: or at least (if circumstances render this + impossible at present) let it be announced that such is the intention, to + be realized the first moment when it shall become possible. In the mean + while speak boldly to the People: and let the People write and speak + boldly. Let the expectation be familiar to them of open and manly + institutions of law and liberty according to knowledge. Let them be + universally trained to military exercises, and accustomed to military + discipline: let them be drawn together in civic and religious assemblies; + and a general communication of those assemblies with each other be + established through the country: so that there may be one zeal and one + life in every part of it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With great profit might the Chiefs of the Spanish Nation look back upon + the earlier part of the French Revolution. Much, in the outward manner, + might there be found worthy of qualified imitation: and, where there is a + difference in the inner spirit (and there is a mighty difference!), the + advantage is wholly on the side of the Spaniards.—Why should the + People of Spain be dreaded by their leaders? I do not mean the profligate + and flagitious leaders; but those who are well-intentioned, yet timid. + That there are numbers of this class who have excellent intentions, and + are willing to make large personal sacrifices, is clear; for they have put + every thing to risk—all their privileges, their honours, and + possessions—by their resistance to the Invader. Why then should they + have fears from a quarter—whence their safety must come, if it come + at all?—Spain has nothing to dread from Jacobinism. Manufactures and + Commerce have there in far less degree than elsewhere—by unnaturally + clustering the people together—enfeebled their bodies, inflamed + their passions by intemperance, vitiated from childhood their moral + affections, and destroyed their imaginations. Madrid is no enormous city, + like Paris; over-grown, and disproportionate; sickening and bowing down, + by its corrupt humours, the frame of the body politic. Nor has the + pestilential philosophism of France made any progress in Spain. No flight + of infidel harpies has alighted upon their ground. A Spanish understanding + is a hold too strong to give way to the meagre tactics of the 'Système + de la Nature;' or to the pellets of logic which Condillac has cast in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage162" id="Apage162"></a>{162}</span>the + foundry of national vanity, and tosses about at hap-hazard—self-persuaded + that he is proceeding according to art. The Spaniards are a people with + imagination: and the paradoxical reveries of Rousseau, and the flippancies + of Voltaire, are plants which will not naturalise in the country of + Calderon and Cervantes. Though bigotry among the Spaniards leaves much to + be lamented; I have proved that the religious habits of the nation must, + in a contest of this kind, be of inestimable service. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yet further: contrasting the present condition of Spain with that of + France at the commencement of her revolution, we must not overlook one + characteristic; the Spaniards have no division among themselves by and + through themselves; no numerous Priesthood—no Nobility—no + large body of powerful Burghers—from passion, interest, and + conscience—opposing the end which is known and felt to be the duty + and only honest and true interest of all. Hostility, wherever it is found, + must proceed from the seductions of the Invader: and these depend solely + upon his power: let that be shattered; and they vanish. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And this once again leads us directly to that immense military force which + the Spaniards have to combat; and which, many think, more than + counterbalances every internal advantage. It is indeed formidable: as + revolutionary appetites and energies must needs be; when, among a people + numerous as the people of France, they have ceased to spend themselves in + conflicting factions within the country for objects perpetually changing + shape; and are carried out of it under the strong controul of an absolute + despotism, as opportunity invites, for a definite object—plunder and + conquest. It is, I allow, a frightful spectacle—to see the prime of + a vast nation propelled out of their territory with the rapid sweep of a + horde of Tartars; moving from the impulse of like savage instincts; and + furnished, at the same time, with those implements of physical destruction + which have been produced by science and civilization. Such are the motions + of the French armies; unchecked by any thought which philosophy and the + spirit of society, progressively humanizing, have called forth—to + determine or regulate the application of the murderous and desolating + apparatus with which by philosophy and science they have been provided. + With a like perversion of things, and the same mischievous reconcilement + of forces in their nature adverse, these revolutionary impulses and <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage163" id="Apage163"></a>{163}</span>these + appetites of barbarous (nay, what is far worse, of barbarized) men are + embodied in a new frame of polity; which possesses the consistency of an + ancient Government, without its embarrassments and weaknesses. And at the + head of all is the mind of one man who acts avowedly upon the principle + that everything, which can be done safely by the supreme power of a State, + may be done (<i>See Appendix F</i>.); and who has, at his command, the + greatest part of the continent of Europe—to fulfil what yet remains + unaccomplished of his nefarious purposes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now it must be obvious to a reflecting mind that every thing which is + desperately immoral, being in its constitution monstrous, is of itself + perishable: decay it cannot escape; and, further, it is liable to sudden + dissolution: time would evince this in the instance before us; though not, + perhaps, until infinite and irreparable harm had been done. But, even at + present, each of the sources of this preternatural strength (as far as it + is formidable to Europe) has its corresponding seat of weakness; which, + were it fairly touched, would manifest itself immediately.—The power + is indeed a Colossus: but, if the trunk be of molten-brass, the members + are of clay; and would fall to pieces upon a shock which need not be + violent. Great Britain, if her energies were properly called forth and + directed, might (as we have already maintained) give this shock. 'Magna + parvis obscurantur' was the appropriate motto (the device a Sun Eclipsed) + when Lord Peterborough, with a handful of men opposed to fortified cities + and large armies, brought a great part of Spain to acknowledge a sovereign + of the House of Austria. We have <i>now</i> a vast military force; and,—even + without a Peterborough or a Marlborough,—at this precious + opportunity (when, as is daily more probable, a large portion of the + French force must march northwards to combat Austria) we might easily, by + expelling the French from the Peninsula, secure an immediate footing there + for liberty; and the Pyrenees would then be shut against them for ever. + The disciplined troops of Great Britain might overthrow the enemy in the + field; while the Patriots of Spain, under wise management, would be able + to consume him slowly but surely. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For present annoyance his power is, no doubt, mighty: but liberty—in + which it originated, and of which it is a depravation—is far + mightier; and the good in human nature is <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage164" id="Apage164"></a>{164}</span>stronger than the evil. The + events of our age indeed have brought this truth into doubt with some + persons: and scrupulous observers have been astonished and have repined at + the sight of enthusiasm, courage, perseverance, and fidelity, put forth + seemingly to their height,—and all engaged in the furtherance of + wrong. But the minds of men are not always devoted to this bad service as + strenuously as they appear to be. I have personal knowledge that, when the + attack was made which ended in the subjugation of Switzerland, the + injustice of the undertaking was grievously oppressive to many officers of + the French army; and damped their exertions. Besides, were it otherwise, + there is no just cause for despondency in the perverted alliance of these + qualities with oppression. The intrinsic superiority of virtue and + liberty, even for politic ends, is not affected by it. If the tide of + success were, by any effort, fairly turned;—not only a general + desertion, as we have the best reason to believe, would follow among the + troops of the enslaved nations; but a moral change would also take place + in the minds of the native French soldiery. Occasion would be given for + the discontented to break out; and, above all, for the triumph of human + nature. It would <i>then</i> be seen whether men fighting in a bad cause,—men + without magnanimity, honour, or justice,—could recover; and stand up + against champions who by these virtues were carried forward in good + fortune, as by these virtues in adversity they had been sustained. As long + as guilty actions thrive, guilt is strong: it has a giddiness and + transport of its own; a hardihood not without superstition, as if + Providence were a party to its success. But there is no independent spring + at the heart of the machine which can be relied upon for a support of + these motions in a change of circumstances. Disaster opens the eyes of + conscience; and, in the minds of men who have been employed in bad + actions, defeat and a feeling of punishment are inseparable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On the other hand; the power of an unblemished heart and a brave spirit is + shewn, in the events of war, not only among unpractised citizens and + peasants; but among troops in the most perfect discipline. Large bodies of + the British army have been several times broken—that is, technically + vanquished—in Egypt, and elsewhere. Yet they, who were conquered as + formal soldiers, stood their ground and became conquerors as <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage165" id="Apage165"></a>{165}</span>men. This + paramount efficacy of moral causes is not willingly admitted by persons + high in the profession of arms; because it seems to diminish their value + in society—by taking from the importance of their art: but the truth + is indisputable: and those Generals are as blind to their own interests as + to the interests of their country, who, by submitting to inglorious + treaties or by other misconduct, hazard the breaking down of those + personal virtues in the men under their command—to which they + themselves, as leaders, are mainly indebted for the fame which they + acquire. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Combine, with this moral superiority inherent in the cause of Freedom, the + endless resources open to a nation which shews constancy in defensive war; + resources which, after a lapse of time, leave the strongest invading army + comparatively helpless. Before six cities, resisting as Saragossa hath + resisted during her two sieges, the whole of the military power of the + adversary would melt away. Without any advantages of natural situation; + without fortifications; without even a ditch to protect them; with nothing + better than a mud wall; with not more than two hundred regular troops; + with a slender stock of arms and ammunition; with a leader inexperienced + in war;—the Citizens of Saragossa began the contest. Enough of what + was needful—was produced and created; and—by courage, + fortitude, and skill rapidly matured—they baffled for sixty days, + and finally repulsed, a large French army with all its equipments. In the + first siege the natural and moral victory were both on their side; nor + less so virtually (though the termination was different) in the second. + For, after another resistance of nearly three months, they have given the + enemy cause feelingly to say, with Pyrrhus of old,—'A little more of + such conquest, and I am destroyed.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If evidence were wanting of the efficacy of the principles which + throughout this Treatise have been maintained,—it has been furnished + in overflowing measure. A private individual, I had written; and knew not + in what manner tens of thousands were enacting, day after day, the truths + which, in the solitude of a peaceful vale, I was meditating. Most + gloriously have the Citizens of Saragossa proved that the true army of + Spain, in a contest of this nature, is the whole people. The same city has + also exemplified a melancholy—yea a dismal truth; yet <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage166" id="Apage166"></a>{166}</span>consolatory, + and full of joy; that,—when a people are called suddenly to fight + for their liberty, and are sorely pressed upon,—their best field of + battle is the floors upon which their children have played; the chambers + where the family of each man has slept (his own or his neighbours'); upon + or under the roofs by which they have been sheltered; in the gardens of + their recreation; in the street, or in the market-place; before the Altars + of their Temples; and among their congregated dwellings—blazing, or + up-rooted. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Government of Spain must never forget Saragossa for a moment. Nothing + is wanting, to produce the same effects every where, but a leading mind + such as that city was blessed with. In the latter contest this has been + proved; for Saragossa contained, at that time, bodies of men from almost + all parts of Spain. The narrative of those two sieges should be the manual + of every Spaniard: he may add to it the ancient stories of Numantia and + Saguntum: let him sleep upon the book as a pillow; and, if he be a devout + adherent to the religion of his country, let him wear it in his bosom for + his crucifix to rest upon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Beginning from these invincible feelings, and the principles of justice + which are involved in them; let nothing be neglected, which policy and + prudence dictate, for rendering subservient to the same end those + qualities in human nature which are indifferent or even morally bad; and + for making the selfish propensities contribute to the support of wise + arrangements, civil and military.—Perhaps there never appeared in + the field more steady soldiers—troops which it would have been more + difficult to conquer with such knowledge of the art of war as then existed—than + those commanded by Fairfax and Cromwell: let us see from what root these + armies grew. 'Cromwell,' says Sir Philip Warwick, 'made use of the zeal + and credulity of these persons' (that is—such of the people as had, + in the author's language, the fanatic humour); 'teaching them (as they too + readily taught themselves) that they engaged for God, when he led them + against his vicegerent the King. And, where this opinion met with a + natural courage, it made them bolder—and too often crueller; and, + where natural courage wanted, zeal supplied its place. And at first they + chose rather to die than flee; and custom removed fear of danger: and + afterwards—finding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage167" + id="Apage167"></a>{167}</span> the sweet of good pay, and of opulent + plunder, and of preferment suitable to activity and merit—the + lucrative part made gain seem to them a natural member of godliness. And I + cannot here omit' (continues the author) 'a character of this army which + General Fairfax gave unto myself; when, complimenting him with the + regularity and temperance of his army, he told me, The best common + soldiers he had—came out of our army and from the garrisons he had + taken in. So (says he) I found you had made them good soldiers; and I have + made them good men. But, upon this whole matter, it may appear' (concludes + the author) 'that the spirit of discipline of war may beget that spirit of + discipline which even Solomon describes as the spirit of wisdom and + obedience.' Apply this process to the growth and maturity of an armed + force in Spain. In making a comparison of the two cases; to the sense of + the insults and injuries which, as Spaniards and as human Beings, they + have received and have to dread,—and to the sanctity which an + honourable resistance has already conferred upon their misfortunes,—add + the devotion of that people to their religion as Catholics;—and it + will not be doubted that the superiority of the radical feeling is, on + their side, immeasurable. There is (I cannot refrain from observing) in + the Catholic religion, and in the character of its Priesthood especially, + a source of animation and fortitude in desperate struggles—which may + be relied upon as one of the best hopes of the cause. The narrative of the + first siege of Zaragoza, lately published in this country, and which I + earnestly recommend to the reader's perusal, informs us that,—'In + every part of the town where the danger was most imminent, and the French + the most numerous,—was Padre St. Iago Sass, curate of a parish in + Zaragoza. As General Palafox made his rounds through the city, he often + beheld Sass alternately playing the part of a Priest and a Soldier; + sometimes administering the sacrament to the dying; and, at others, + fighting in the most determined manner against the enemies of his country.—He + was found so serviceable in inspiring the people with religious + sentiments, and in leading them on to danger, that the General has placed + him in a situation where both his piety and courage may continue to be as + useful as before; and he is now both Captain in the army, and Chaplain to + the commander-in-chief.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage168" + id="Apage168"></a>{168}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The reader will have been reminded, by the passage above cited from Sir + Philip Warwick's memoirs, of the details given, in the earlier part of + this tract, concerning the course which (as it appeared to me) might with + advantage be pursued in Spain: I must request him to combine those details + with such others as have since been given: the whole would have been + further illustrated, if I could sooner have returned to the subject; but + it was first necessary to examine the grounds of hope in the grand and + disinterested passions, and in the laws of universal morality. My + attention has therefore been chiefly directed to these laws and passions; + in order to elevate, in some degree, the conceptions of my readers; and + with a wish to rectify and fix, in this fundamental point, their + judgements. The truth of the general reasoning will, I have no doubt, be + acknowledged by men of uncorrupted natures and practised understandings; + and the conclusion, which I have repeatedly drawn, will be acceded to; + namely, that no resistance can be prosperous which does not look, for its + chief support, to these principles and feelings. If, however, there should + be men who still fear (as I have been speaking of things under + combinations which are transitory) that the action of these powers cannot + be sustained; to such I answer that,—if there be a necessity that it + should be sustained at the point to which it first ascended, or should + recover that height if there have been a fall,—Nature will provide + for that necessity. The cause is in Tyranny: and that will again call + forth the effect out of its holy retirements. Oppression, its own blind + and predestined enemy, has poured this of blessedness upon Spain,—that + the enormity of the outrages, of which she has been the victim, has + created an object of love and of hatred—of apprehensions and of + wishes—adequate (if that be possible) to the utmost demands of the + human spirit. The heart that serves in this cause, if it languish, must + languish from its own constitutional weakness; and not through want of + nourishment from without. But it is a belief propagated in books, and + which passes currently among talking men as part of their familiar wisdom, + that the hearts of the many <i>are</i> constitutionally weak; that they <i>do</i> + languish; and are slow to answer to the requisitions of things. I entreat + those, who are in this delusion, to look behind them and about them for + the evidence of experience. Now this, rightly understood, not <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage169" id="Apage169"></a>{169}</span>only + gives no support to any such belief; but proves that the truth is in + direct opposition to it. The history of all ages; tumults after tumults; + wars, foreign or civil, with short or with no breathing-spaces, from + generation to generation; wars—why and wherefore? yet with courage, + with perseverance, with self-sacrifice, with enthusiasm—with cruelty + driving forward the cruel man from its own terrible nakedness, and + attracting the more benign by the accompaniment of some shadow which seems + to sanctify it; the senseless weaving and interweaving of factions—vanishing + and reviving and piercing each other like the Northern Lights; public + commotions, and those in the bosom of the individual; the long calenture + to which the Lover is subject; the blast, like the blast of the desart, + which sweeps perennially through a frightful solitude of its own making in + the mind of the Gamester; the slowly quickening but ever quickening + descent of appetite down which the Miser is propelled; the agony and + cleaving oppression of grief; the ghost-like hauntings of shame; the + incubus of revenge; the life-distemper of ambition;—these inward + existences, and the visible and familiar occurrences of daily life in + every town and village; the patient curiosity and contagious acclamations + of the multitude in the streets of the city and within the walls of the + theatre; a procession, or a rural dance; a hunting, or a horse-race; a + flood, or a fire; rejoicing and ringing of bells for an unexpected gift of + good fortune, or the coming of a foolish heir to his estate;—these + demonstrate incontestibly that the passions of men (I mean, the soul of + sensibility in the heart of man)—in all quarrels, in all contests, + in all quests, in all delights, in all employments which are either sought + by men or thrust upon them—do immeasurably transcend their objects. + The true sorrow of humanity consists in this;—not that the mind of + man fails; but that the course and demands of action and of life so rarely + correspond with the dignity and intensity of human desires: and hence + that, which is slow to languish, is too easily turned aside and abused. + But—with the remembrance of what has been done, and in the face of + the interminable evils which are threatened—a Spaniard can never + have cause to complain of this, while a follower of the tyrant remains in + arms upon the Peninsula. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here then they, with whom I <i>hope</i>, take their stand. There <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage170" id="Apage170"></a>{170}</span>is a + spiritual community binding together the living and the dead; the good, + the brave, and the wise, of all ages. We would not be rejected from this + community: and therefore do we hope. We look forward with erect mind, + thinking and feeling: it is an obligation of duty: take away the sense of + it, and the moral being would die within us.—Among the most + illustrious of that fraternity, whose encouragement we participate, is an + Englishman who sacrificed his life in devotion to a cause bearing a + stronger likeness to this than any recorded in history. It is the elder + Sidney—a deliverer and defender, whose name I have before uttered + with reverence; who, treating of the war in the Netherlands against Philip + the Second, thus writes: 'If her Majesty,' says he, 'were the fountain; I + wold fear, considering what I daily find, that we shold wax dry. But she + is but a means whom God useth. And I know not whether I am deceaved; but I + am fully persuaded, that, if she shold withdraw herself, other springs + wold rise to help this action. For, methinks, I see the great work indeed + in hand against the abuses of the world; wherein it is no greater fault to + have confidence in man's power, than it is too hastily to despair of God's + work.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The pen, which I am guiding, has stopped in my hand; and I have scarcely + power to proceed.—I will lay down one principle; and then shall + contentedly withdraw from the sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When wickedness acknowledges no limit but the extent of her power, and + advances with aggravated impatience like a devouring fire; the only worthy + or adequate opposition is—that of virtue submitting to no + circumscription of her endeavours save that of her rights, and aspiring + from the impulse of her own ethereal zeal. The Christian exhortation for + the individual is here the precept for nations—'Be ye therefore + perfect; even as your Father, which is in Heaven, is perfect.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon a future occasion (if what has been now said meets with attention) I + shall point out the steps by which the practice of life may be lifted up + towards these high precepts. I shall have to speak of the child as well as + the man; for with the child, or the youth, may we begin with more hope: + but I am not in despair even for the man; and chiefly from the inordinate + evils of our time. There are (as I shall attempt to shew) tender and + subtile ties by which these principles, that love to soar in the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage171" id="Apage171"></a>{171}</span>pure + region, are connected with the ground-nest in which they were fostered and + from which they take their flight. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The outermost and all-embracing circle of benevolence has inward + concentric circles which, like those of the spider's web, are bound + together by links, and rest upon each other; making one frame, and capable + of one tremor; circles narrower and narrower, closer and closer, as they + lie more near to the centre of self from which they proceeded, and which + sustains the whole. The order of life does not require that the sublime + and disinterested feelings should have to trust long to their own + unassisted power. Nor would the attempt consist either with their dignity + or their humility. They condescend, and they adopt: they know the time of + their repose; and the qualities which are worthy of being admitted into + their service—of being their inmates, their companions, or their + substitutes. I shall strive to shew that these principles and movements of + wisdom—so far from towering above the support of prudence, or + rejecting the rules of experience, for the better conduct of those + multifarious actions which are alike necessary to the attainment of ends + good or bad—do instinctively prompt the sole prudence which cannot + fail. The higher mode of being does not exclude, but necessarily includes, + the lower; the intellectual does not exclude, but necessarily includes, + the sentient; the sentient, the animal; and the animal, the vital—to + its lowest degrees. Wisdom is the hidden root which thrusts forth the + stalk of prudence; and these uniting feed and uphold 'the bright + consummate flower'—National Happiness—the end, the conspicuous + crown, and ornament of the whole. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have announced the feelings of those who hope: yet one word more to + those who despond. And first; <i>he</i> stands upon a hideous precipice + (and it will be the same with all who may succeed to him and his iron + sceptre)—he who has outlawed himself from society by proclaiming, + with act and deed, that he acknowledges no mastery but power. This truth + must be evident to all who breathe—from the dawn of childhood, till + the last gleam of twilight is lost in the darkness of dotage. But take the + tyrant as he is, in the plenitude of his supposed strength. The vast + country of Germany, in spite of the rusty but too strong fetters of + corrupt princedoms and degenerate nobility,—Germany—with its + citizens, its peasants, and its <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage172" + id="Apage172"></a>{172}</span>philosophers—will not lie quiet under + the weight of injuries which has been heaped upon it. There is a sleep, + but no death, among the mountains of Switzerland. Florence, and Venice, + and Genoa, and Rome,—have their own poignant recollections, and a + majestic train of glory in past ages. The stir of emancipation may again + be felt at the mouths as well as at the sources of the Rhine. Poland + perhaps will not be insensible; Kosciusko and his compeers may not have + bled in vain. Nor is Hungarian loyalty to be overlooked. And, for Spain + itself, the territory is wide: let it be overrun: the torrent will weaken + as the water spreads. And, should all resistance disappear, be not + daunted: extremes meet: and how often do hope and despair almost touch + each other—though unconscious of their neighbourhood, because their + faces are turned different ways! yet, in a moment, the one shall vanish; + and the other begin a career in the fulness of her joy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But we may turn from these thoughts: for the present juncture is most + auspicious. Upon liberty, and upon liberty alone, can there be permanent + dependence; but a temporary relief will be given by the share which + Austria is about to take in the war. Now is the time for a great and + decisive effort; and, if Britain does not avail herself of it, her + disgrace will be indelible, and the loss infinite. If there be ground of + hope in the crimes and errors of the enemy, he has furnished enough of + both: but imbecility in his opponents (above all, the imbecility of the + British) has hitherto preserved him from the natural consequences of his + ignorance, his meanness of mind, his transports of infirm fancy, and his + guilt. Let us hasten to redeem ourselves. The field is open for a + commanding British military force to clear the Peninsula of the enemy, + while the better half of his power is occupied with Austria. For the South + of Spain, where the first effort of regeneration was made, is yet free. + Saragossa (which, by a truly efficient British army, might have been + relieved) has indeed fallen; but leaves little to regret; for consummate + have been her fortitude and valour. The citizens and soldiers of Saragossa + are to be envied: for they have completed the circle of their duty; they + have done all that could be wished—all that could be prayed for. + And, though the cowardly malice of the enemy gives too much reason to fear + that their leader Palafox (with the fate of Toussaint) will soon be among + the dead, it is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage173" id="Apage173"></a>{173}</span>the + high privilege of men who have performed what he has performed—that + they cannot be missed; and, in moments of weakness only, can they be + lamented: their actions represent them every where and for ever. Palafox + has taken his place as parent and ancestor of innumerable heroes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Oh! that the surviving chiefs of the Spanish people may prove worthy of + their situation! With such materials,—their labour would be + pleasant, and their success certain. But—though heads of a nation + venerable for antiquity, and having good cause to preserve with reverence + the institutions of their elder forefathers—they must not be + indiscriminately afraid of new things. It is their duty to restore the + good which has fallen into disuse; and also to create, and to adopt. Young + scions of polity must be engrafted on the time-worn trunk: a new fortress + must be reared upon the ancient and living rock of justice. Then would it + be seen, while the superstructure stands inwardly immoveable, in how short + a space of time the ivy and wild plant would climb up from the base, and + clasp the naked walls; the storms, which could not shake, would + weather-stain; and the edifice, in the day of its youth, would appear to + be one with the rock upon which it was planted, and to grow out of it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let us look to ourselves. Our offences are unexpiated: and, wanting + light, we want strength. With reference to this guilt and to this + deficiency, and to my own humble efforts towards removing both, I shall + conclude with the words of a man of disciplined spirit, who withdrew from + the too busy world—not out of indifference to its welfare, or to + forget its concerns—- but retired for wider compass of eye-sight, + that he might comprehend and see in just proportions and relations; + knowing above all that he, who hath not first made himself master of the + horizon of his own mind, must look beyond it only to be deceived. It is + Petrarch who thus writes: 'Haec dicerem, et quicquid in rem praesentem et + indignatio dolorque dictarent; nisi obtorpuisse animos, actumque de rebus + nostris, crederem. Nempe, qui aliis iter rectum ostendere solebamus, nunc + (quod exitio proximum est) coeci coecis ducibus per abrupta rapimur; + alienoque circumvolvimur exemplo; quid velimus, nescii. Nam (ut coeptum + exequar) totum hoc malum, seu nostrum proprium seu potius omnium gentium + commune, IGNORATIO FINIS facit.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage174" + id="Apage174"></a>{174}</span> Nesciunt inconsulti homines quid agant: + ideo quicquid agunt, mox ut coeperint, vergit in nauseam. Hinc ille + discursus sine termino; hinc, medio calle, discordiae; et, ante exitum, + DAMNATA PRINCIPIA; et expletè nihil.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As an act of respect to the English reader—I shall add, to the same + purpose, the words of our own Milton; who, contemplating our ancestors in + his day, thus speaks of them and their errors:—'Valiant, indeed, and + prosperous to win a field; but, to know the end and reason of winning, + injudicious and unwise. Hence did their victories prove as fruitless, as + their losses dangerous; and left them still languishing under the same + grievances that men suffer conquered. Which was indeed unlikely to go + otherwise; unless men more than vulgar bred up in the knowledge of ancient + and illustrious deeds, invincible against many and vain titles, impartial + to friendships and relations, had conducted their affairs.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + THE END. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage175" id="Apage175"></a>{175}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="APPENDIX175" id="APPENDIX175"></a>APPENDIX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A (<a href="#Apage67"><i>page</i> 67</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When this passage was written, there had appeared only unauthorized + accounts of the Board of Inquiry's proceedings. Neither from these + however, nor from the official report of the Board (which has been since + published), is any satisfactory explanation to be gained on this question—or + indeed on any other question of importance. All, which is to be collected + from them, is this: the Portugueze General, it appears, offered to unite + his whole force with the British on the single condition that they should + be provisioned from the British stores; and, accordingly, rests his excuse + for not co-operating on the refusal of Sir Arthur Wellesley to comply with + this condition. Sir A.W. denies the validity of his excuse; and, more than + once, calls it a <i>pretence</i>; declaring that, in his belief, Gen. + Freire's real motive for not joining was—a mistrust in the + competence of the British to appear in the field against the French. This + however is mere surmise; and therefore cannot have much weight with those + who sincerely sought for satisfaction on this point: moreover, it is a + surmise of the individual whose justification rests on making it appear + that the difficulty did not arise with himself; and it is right to add, + that the only <i>fact</i> produced goes to discredit this surmise; viz. + that Gen. Friere did, without any delay, furnish the whole number of + troops which Sir Arthur engaged to feed. However the Board exhibited so + little anxiety to be satisfied on this point, that no positive information + was gained. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A reference being here first made to the official report of the Board of + Inquiry; I shall make use of the opportunity which it offers to lay before + the reader an outline of that Board's proceedings; from which it will + appear how far the opinion—pronounced, by the national voice, upon + the transactions in Portugal—ought, in sound logic, to be modified + by any part of those proceedings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We find in the warrant under which the Board of Inquiry was to act, and + which defined its powers, that an inquiry was to be made into the + conditions of the 'armistice and convention; and into all the causes and + circumstances, whether arising from the operations of the British army, or + otherwise, which led to them.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whether answers to the charges of the people of England were made possible + by the provisions of this warrant—and, secondly, whether even these + provisions have been satisfied by the Board of Inquiry—will best + appear by involving those charges in four questions, according to the + following scale, which supposes a series of concessions impossible to + those who think the nation justified in the language held on the + transactions in Portugal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage176" + id="Apage176"></a>{176}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1. Considering the perfidy with which the French army had entered + Portugal; the enormities committed by it during its occupation of that + country; the vast military power of which that army was a part, and the + use made of that power by its master; the then existing spirit of the + Spanish, Portugueze, and British nations; in a word, considering the + especial nature of the service, and the individual character of this war;—was + it lawful for the British army, under any conceivable circumstances, so + long as it had the liberty of re-embarking, to make <i>any conceivable</i> + convention? i.e. Was the negative evil of a total failure in every object + for which it had been sent to Portugal of worse tendency than the positive + evil of acknowledging in the French army a fair title to the privileges of + an honourable enemy by consenting to a mode of treaty which (in its very + name, implying a reciprocation of concession and respect) must be under + any limitations as much more indulgent than an ordinary capitulation, as + that again must (in its severest form) be more indulgent than the only + favour which the French marauders could presume upon obtaining—viz. + permission to surrender at discretion? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To this question the reader need not be told that these pages give a naked + unqualified denial; and that to establish the reasonableness of that + denial is one of their main purposes: but, for the benefit of the men + accused, let it be supposed granted; and then the second question will be + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 2. Was it lawful for the English army, in the case of its being reduced to + the supposed dilemma of either re-embarking or making <i>some</i> + convention, to make <i>that specifical</i> convention which it did make at + Cintra? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is of necessity and <i>à fortiori</i> denied; and it has been + proved that neither to this, nor any other army, could it be lawful to + make such a convention—not merely under the actual but under any + conceivable circumstances; let however this too, on behalf of the parties + accused, be granted; and then the third question will be + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 3. Was the English Army reduced to that dilemma? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 4. Finally, this also being conceded (which not even the Generals have + dared to say), it remains to ask by whose and by what misconduct did an + army—confessedly the arbiter of its own movements and plans at the + opening of the campaign—forfeit that free agency—either to the + extent of the extremity supposed, or of any approximation to that + extremity? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now of these four possible questions in the minds of all those who condemn + the convention of Cintra, it is obvious that the King's warrant supposes + only the three latter to exist (since, though it allows inquiry to be made + into the individual convention, it no where questions the tolerability of + a convention <i>in genere</i>); and it is no less obvious that the Board, + acting under that warrant, has noticed only the last—i.e. by what + series of military movements the army was brought into a state of + difficulty which justified <i>a</i> convention (the Board taking for + granted throughout—1st, That such a state could exist; 2ndly, That + it actually did exist; and 3rdly, That—if it existed, and + accordingly justified <i>some imaginable</i> convention—it must + therefore of necessity justify <i>this</i> convention). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having thus shewn that it is on the last question only that the nation + could, in deference to the Board of Inquiry, surrender or qualify any + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage177" id="Apage177"></a>{177}</span>opinion + which, it had previously given—let us ask what answer is gained, + from the proceedings of that Board, to the charge involved even in this + last question (premising however—first—that this charge was + never explicitly made by the public, or at least was enunciated only in + the form of a conjecture—and 2ndly that the answer to it is + collected chiefly from the depositions of the parties accused)? Now the + whole sum of their answer amounts to no more than this—that, in the + opinion of some part of the English staff, an opportunity was lost on the + 21st of exchanging the comparatively slow process of reducing the French + army by siege for the brilliant and summary one of a <i>coup-de-main</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This opportunity, be it observed, was offered only by Gen. Junot's + presumption in quitting his defensive positions, and coming out to meet + the English army in the field; so that it was an advantage so much over + and above what might fairly have been calculated upon: at any rate, if <i>this</i> + might have been looked for, still the accident of battle, by which a large + part of the French army was left in a situation to be cut off, (to the + loss of which advantage Sir A. Wellesley ascribes the necessity of a + convention) could surely never have been anticipated; and therefore the + British army was, even after that loss, in as prosperous a state as it had + from the first any right to expect. Hence it is to be inferred, that Sir + A.W. must have entered on this campaign with a predetermination to grant a + convention in any case, excepting in one single case which he knew to be + in the gift of only very extraordinary good fortune. With respect to him, + therefore, the charges—pronounced by the national voice—are + not only confirmed, but greatly aggravated. Further, with respect to the + General who superseded him, all those—who think that such an + opportunity of terminating the campaign was really offered, and, through + his refusal to take advantage of it, lost—are compelled to suspect + in him a want of military skill, or a wilful sacrifice of his duty to the + influence of personal rivalry, accordingly as they shall interpret his + motives. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The whole which we gain therefore from the Board of Inquiry is—that + what we barely suspected is ripened into certainty—and that on all, + which we assuredly knew and declared without needing that any tribunal + should lend us its sanction, no effort has been made at denial, or + disguise, or palliation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus much for the proceedings of the Board of Inquiry, upon which their + decision was to be grounded. As to the decision itself, it declares that + no further military proceedings are necessary; 'because' (say the members + of the Board). 'however some of us may differ in our sentiments respecting + the fitness of the convention in the relative situation of the two armies, + it is our unanimous declaration that unquestionable zeal and firmness + appear throughout to have been exhibited by Generals Sir H. Dalrymple, Sir + H. Burrard, and Sir A. Wellesley.' In consequence of this decision, the + Commander-in-Chief addressed a letter to the Board—reminding them + that, though the words of his Majesty's warrant expressly enjoin that the + <i>conditions</i> of the Armistice and Convention should be strictly + examined and reported upon, they have altogether neglected to give any + opinion upon those conditions. They were therefore called upon then to + declare their opinion, whether an armistice was adviseable; and<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage178" id="Apage178"></a>{178}</span> (if so) + whether the terms of <i>that</i> armistice were such as ought to be agreed + upon;—and to declare, in like manner, whether a convention was + adviseable; and (if so) whether the terms of <i>that</i> convention were + such as ought to have been agreed upon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To two of these questions—viz. those which relate to the particular + armistice and convention made by the British Generals—the members of + the Board (still persevering in their blindness to the other two which + express doubt as to the lawfulness of <i>any</i> armistice or convention) + severally return answers which convey an approbation of the armistice and + convention by four members, a disapprobation of the convention by the + remaining three, and further a disapprobation of the armistice by one of + those three. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now it may be observed—first—that, even if the investigation + had not been a public one, it might have reasonably been concluded, from + the circumstance of the Board having omitted to report any opinion + concerning the terms of the armistice and the convention, that those terms + had not occupied enough of its attention to justify the Board in giving + any opinion upon them—whether of approbation or disapprobation; and, + secondly,—this conclusion, which might have been made <i>à + priori</i>, is confirmed by the actual fact that no examination or inquiry + of this kind appears throughout the report of its proceedings: and + therefore any opinion subsequently given, in consequence of the + requisition of the Commander-in-Chief, can lay claim to no more authority + upon these points—than the opinion of the same men, if they had + never sat in a public Court upon this question. In this condition are all + the members, whether they approve or disapprove of the convention. And + with respect to the three who disapprove of the convention,—over and + above the general impropriety of having, under these circumstances, + pronounced a verdict at all in the character of members of that Board—they + are subject to an especial charge of inconsistency in having given such an + opinion, in their second report, as renders nugatory that which they first + pronounced. For the reason—assigned, in their first report, for + deeming no further military proceedings necessary—is because it + appears that unquestionable <i>zeal and firmness</i> were exhibited + throughout by the several General Officers; and the reason—assigned + by those three who condemn the convention—is that the Generals did + not insist upon the terms to which they were entitled; that is (in direct + opposition to their former opinions), the Generals shewed a want of + firmness and zeal. If then the Generals were acquitted, in the first case, + solely upon the ground of having displayed firmness and zeal; a confessed + want of firmness and zeal, in the second case, implies conversely a ground + of censure—rendering (in the opinions of these three members) + further military proceedings absolutely necessary. They,—who are + most aware of the unconstitutional frame of this Court or Board, and of + the perplexing situation in which its members must have found themselves + placed,—will have the least difficulty in excusing this + inconsistency: it is however to be regretted; particularly in the instance + of the Earl of Moira;—who, disapproving both of the Convention and + Armistice, has assigned for that disapprobation unanswerable reasons drawn—not + from hidden sources, unapproachable except by judicial investigation—but + from facts known to all the world.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage179" + id="Apage179"></a>{179}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + —The reader will excuse this long note; to which however I must add + one word:—Is it not strange that, in the general decision of the + Board, zeal and firmness—nakedly considered, and without question of + their union with judgment and such other qualities as can alone give them + any value—should be assumed as sufficient grounds on which to rest + the acquittal of men lying under a charge of military delinquency? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + B (<a href="#Apage72"><i>page</i> 72</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary to add, that one of these fears was removed by the + actual landing of ten thousand men, under Sir J. Moore, pending the + negotiation: and yet no change in the terms took place in consequence. + This was an important circumstance; and, of itself, determined two of the + members of the Board of Inquiry to disapprove of the convention: such an + accession entitling Sir H. Dalrymple (and, of course, making it his duty) + to insist on more favourable terms. But the argument is complete without + it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + C (<a href="#Apage75"><i>page</i> 75</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was unwilling to interrupt the reader upon a slight occasion; but I + cannot refrain from adding here a word or two by way of comment.—I + have said at page 71, speaking of Junot's army, that the British were to + encounter the same men, &c. Sir Arthur Wellesley, before the Board of + Inquiry, disallowed this supposition; affirming that Junot's army had not + then reached Spain, nor could be there for some time. Grant this: was it + not stipulated that a messenger should be sent off, immediately after the + conclusion of the treaty, to Buonaparte—apprising him of its terms, + and when he might expect his troops; and would not this enable him to + hurry forward forces to the Spanish frontiers, and to bring them into + action—knowing that these troops of Junot's would be ready to + support him? What did it matter whether the British were again to measure + swords with these identical men; whether these men were even to appear + again upon Spanish ground? It was enough, that, if these did not, others + would—who could not have been brought to that service, but that + these had been released and were doing elsewhere some other service for + their master; enough that every thing was provided by the British to land + them as near the Spanish frontier (and as speedily) as they could desire. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + D (<a href="#Apage108"><i>page</i> 108</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This attempt, the reader will recollect, is not new to our country;—it + was accomplished, at one aera of our history, in that memorable act of an + English Parliament, which made it unlawful for any man to ask his + neighbour to join him in a petition for redress of grievances: and which + thus denied the people 'the benefit of tears and prayers to their own + infamous deputies!' For the deplorable state of England and Scotland at + that time—see the annals of Charles the Second, and his successor.—We + must not forget however that to this state of things, as the cause of + those measures which the nation afterwards resorted to, we are originally + indebted for the blessing of the Bill of Rights.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage180" id="Apage180"></a>{180}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + E (<a href="#Apage159"><i>page</i> 159</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I allude here more especially to an address presented to Buonaparte + (October 27th, 1808) by the deputies of the new departments of the kingdom + of Italy; from which address, as given in the English journals, the + following passages are extracted:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'In the necessity, in which you are to overthrow—to destroy—to + disperse your enemies as the wind dissipates the dust, you are not an + exterminating angel; but you are the being that extends his thoughts—that + measures the face of the earth—to re-establish universal happiness + upon better and surer bases.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'We are the interpreters of a million of souls at the extremity of your + kingdom of Italy.'—'Deign, <i>Sovereign Master of all Things</i>, + to hear (as we doubt not you will)' &c. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The answer begins thus:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I <i>applaud</i> the sentiments you express in the name of my people of + Musora, Metauro, and Tronto.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + F (<a href="#Apage163"><i>page</i> 163</a>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This principle, involved in so many of his actions, Buonaparte has of late + explicitly avowed: the instances are numerous: it will be sufficient, in + this place, to allege one—furnished by his answer to the address + cited in the last note:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'I am particularly attached to your Archbishop of Urbino: that prelate, + animated with the true faith, repelled with indignation the advice—and + braved the menaces—of those who wished to confound the affairs of + Heaven, which never change, with the affairs of this world, which are + modified according to circumstances <i>of force</i> and policy.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + SUSPENSION OF ARMS + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>Agreed upon between Lieutenant-General</i> SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, K.B. + <i>on the one part, and the General-of-Division</i> KELLERMANN <i>on the + other part; each having powers from the respective Generals of the French + and English Armies</i>.<br /> <i>Head-Quarters of the English Army</i>, + August 22, 1808. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ARTICLE I. There shall be, from this date, a Suspension of Arms between + the armies of his Britannic Majesty, and his Imperial and Royal Majesty, + Napoleon I. for the purpose of negociating a Convention for the evacuation + of Portugal by the French army. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. II. The Generals-in-Chief of the two armies, and the + Commander-in-Chief of the British fleet at the entrance of the Tagus, will + appoint a day to assemble, on such part of the coast as shall be judged + convenient, to negociate and conclude the said Convention. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. III. The river of Sirandre shall form the line of demarcation to be + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage181" id="Apage181"></a>{181}</span>established + between the two armies; Torres Vedras shall not be occupied by either. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. IV. The General-in-Chief of the English army undertakes to include + the Portugueze armies in this suspension of arms; and for them the line of + demarkation shall be established from Leyria to Thomar. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. V. It is agreed provisionally that the French army shall not, in any + case, be considered as prisoners of war; that all the individuals who + compose it shall be transported to France with their arms and baggage, and + the whole of their private property, from which nothing shall be exempted. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. VI. No individual, whether Portugueze, or of a nation allied to + France, or French, shall be called to account for his political conduct; + their respective property shall be protected; and they shall be at liberty + to withdraw from Portugal, within a limited time, with their property. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. VII. The neutrality of the port of Lisbon shall be recognised for the + Russian fleet: that is to say, that, when the English army or fleet shall + be in possession of the city and port, the said Russian fleet shall not be + disturbed during its stay; nor stopped when it wishes to sail; nor + pursued, when it shall sail, until after the time fixed by the maritime + law. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. VIII. All the artillery of French calibre, and also the horses of the + cavalry, shall be transported to France. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. IX. This suspension of arms shall not be broken without forty-eight + hours' previous notice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Done and agreed upon between the above-named Generals, the day and year + above-mentioned. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. KELLERMANN, + General-of-Division.</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>Additional Article</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The garrisons of the places occupied by the French army shall be included + in the present Convention, if they have not capitulated before the 25th + instant. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY. KELLERMANN, + General-of-Division.</span> + <p> + (A true Copy.) + </p> + <p> + A.J. DALRYMPLE, Captain, Military Secretary. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + DEFINITIVE CONVENTION FOR THE EVACUATION OF PORTUGAL BY THE FRENCH ARMY. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Generals commanding in chief the British and French armies in + Portugal, having determined to negociate and conclude a treaty for the + evacuation of Portugal by the French troops, on the basis of the agreement + entered into on the 22d instant for a suspension of hostilities, have + appointed the under-mentioned officers to negociate the same in their + names; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage182" id="Apage182"></a>{182}</span>viz.—on + the part of the General-in-Chief of the British army, Lieutenant-Colonel + MURRAY, Quarter-Master-General; and, on the part of the General-in-Chief + of the French army, Monsieur KELLERMANN, General-of-Division; to whom they + have given authority to negociate and conclude a Convention to that + effect, subject to their ratification respectively, and to that of the + Admiral commanding the British fleet at the entrance of the Tagus. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Those two officers, after exchanging their full powers, have agreed upon + the articles which follow: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ARTICLE I. All the places and forts in the kingdom of Portugal, occupied + by the French troops, shall be delivered up to the British army in the + state in which they are at the period of the signature of the present + Convention. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. II. The French troops shall evacuate Portugal with their arms and + baggage; they shall not be considered as prisoners of war; and, on their + arrival in France, they shall be at liberty to serve. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. III. The English Government shall furnish the means of conveyance for + the French army; which shall be disembarked in any of the ports of France + between Rochefort and L'Orient, inclusively. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. IV. The French army shall carry with it all its artillery, of French + calibre, with the horses belonging to it, and the tumbrils supplied with + sixty rounds per gun. All other artillery, arms, and ammunition, as also + the military and naval arsenals, shall be given up to the British army and + navy in the state in which they may be at the period of the ratification + of the Convention. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. V. The French army shall carry with it all its equipments, and all + that is comprehended under the name of property of the army; that is to + say, its military chest, and carriages attached to the Field Commissariat + and Field Hospitals; or shall be allowed to dispose of such part of the + same, on its account, as the Commander-in-Chief may judge it unnecessary + to embark. In like manner, all individuals of the army shall be at liberty + to dispose of their private property of every description; with full + security hereafter for the purchasers. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. VI. The cavalry are to embark their horses; as also the Generals and + other officers of all ranks. It is, however, fully understood, that the + means of conveyance for horses, at the disposal of the British Commanders, + are very limited; some additional conveyance may be procured in the port + of Lisbon; the number of horses to be embarked by the troops shall not + exceed six hundred; and the number embarked by the Staff shall not exceed + two hundred. At all events every facility will be given to the French army + to dispose of the horses, belonging to it, which cannot be embarked. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. VII. In order to facilitate the embarkation, it shall take place in + three divisions; the last of which will be principally composed of the + garrisons of the places, of the cavalry, the artillery, the sick, and the + equipment of the army. The first division shall embark within seven days + of the date of the ratification; or sooner, if possible. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. VIII. The garrison of Elvas and its forts, and of Peniche and + Palmela, will be embarked at Lisbon; that of Almaida at Oporto, or the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage183" id="Apage183"></a>{183}</span>nearest + harbour. They will be accompanied, on their march by British Commissaries, + charged with providing for their subsistence and accommodation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. IX. All the sick and wounded, who cannot be embarked with the troops, + are entrusted to the British army. They are to be taken care of, whilst + they remain in this country, at the expence of the British Government; + under the condition of the same being reimbursed by France when the final + evacuation is effected. The English government will provide for their + return to France; which shall take place by detachments of about one + hundred and fifty (or two hundred) men at a time. A sufficient number of + French medical officers shall be left behind to attend them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. X. As soon as the vessels employed to carry the army to France shall + have disembarked it in the harbours specified, or in any other of the + ports of France to which stress of weather may force them, every facility + shall be given them to return to England without delay; and security + against capture until their arrival in a friendly port. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XI. The French army shall be concentrated in Lisbon, and within a + distance of about two leagues from it. The English army will approach + within three leagues of the capital; and will be so placed as to leave + about one league between the two armies. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XII. The forts of St. Julien, the Bugio, and Cascais, shall be + occupied by the British troops on the ratification of the Convention. + Lisbon and its citadel, together with the forts and batteries, as far as + the Lazaretto or Tarfuria on one side, and fort St. Joseph on the other, + inclusively, shall be given up on the embarkation of the second division; + as shall also the harbour; and all armed vessels in it of every + description, with their rigging, sails, stores, and ammunition. The + fortresses of Elvas, Almaida, Peniche, and Palmela, shall be given up as + soon as the British troops can arrive to occupy them. In the mean time, + the General-in-Chief of the British army will give notice of the present + Convention to the garrisons of those places, as also to the troops before + them, in order to put a stop to all further hostilities. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XIII. Commissioners shall be named, on both sides, to regulate and + accelerate the execution of the arrangements agreed upon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XIV. Should there arise doubts as to the meaning of any article, it + will be explained favourably to the French army. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XV. From the date of the ratification of the present Convention, all + arrears of contributions, requisitions, or claims whatever, of the French + Government, against the subjects of Portugal, or any other individuals + residing in this country, founded on the occupation of Portugal by the + French troops in the mouth of December 1807, which may not have been paid + up, are cancelled; and all sequestrations laid upon their property, + moveable or immoveable, are removed; and the free disposal of the same is + restored to the proper owners. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XVI. All subjects of France, or of powers in friendship or alliance + with France, domiciliated in Portugal, or accidentally in this country, + shall be protected: their property of every kind, moveable and immoveable, + shall <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage184" id="Apage184"></a>{184}</span>be + respected: and they shall be at liberty either to accompany the French + army, or to remain in Portugal. In either case their property is + guaranteed to them; with the liberty of retaining or of disposing of it, + and passing the produce of the sale thereof into France, or any other + country where they may fix their residence; the space of one year being + allowed them for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is fully understood, that the shipping is excepted from this + arrangement; only, however, in so far as regards leaving the Port; and + that none of the stipulations above-mentioned can be made the pretext of + any commercial speculation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XVII. No native of Portugal shall be rendered accountable for his + political conduct during the period of the occupation of this country by + the French army; and all those who have continued in the exercise of their + employments, or who have accepted situations under the French Government, + are placed under the protection of the British Commanders: they shall + sustain no injury in their persons or property; it not having been at + their option to be obedient, or not, to the French Government: they are + also at liberty to avail themselves of the stipulations of the 16th + Article. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XVIII. The Spanish troops detained on board ship in the Port of + Lisbon shall be given up to the Commander-in-Chief of the British army; + who engages to obtain of the Spaniards to restore such French subjects, + either military or civil, as may have been detained in Spain, without + being taken in battle, or in consequence of military operations, but on + occasion of the occurrences of the 29th of last May, and the days + immediately following. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XIX. There shall be an immediate exchange established for all ranks + of prisoners made in Portugal since the commencement of the present + hostilities. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XX. Hostages of the rank of field-officers shall be mutually + furnished on the part of the British army and navy, and on that of the + French army, for the reciprocal guarantee of the present Convention. The + officer of the British army shall be restored on the completion of the + articles which concern the army; and the officer of the navy on the + disembarkation of the French troops in their own country. The like is to + take place on the part of the French army. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XXI. It shall be allowed to the General-in-Chief of the French army + to send an officer to France with intelligence of the present Convention. + A vessel will be furnished by the British Admiral to convey him to + Bourdeaux or Rochefort. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. XXII. The British Admiral will be invited to accommodate His + Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, and the other principal officers of the + French army, on board of ships of war. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Done and concluded at Lisbon this 30th day of August, 1808. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">(Signed) GEORGE MURRAY, Quarter-Master-General.<br /> + KELLERMANN, Le Général de Division.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We, the Duke of Abrantes, General-in-Chief of the French army, have <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage185" id="Apage185"></a>{185}</span>ratified + and do ratify the present Definitive Convention in all its articles, to be + executed according to its form and tenor. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14"> (Signed) The Duke of ABRANTES.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Head-Quarters—Lisbon</i>, 30 <i>th August</i>, 1808. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Additional Articles to the Convention of the 30th of August</i>, 1808. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. I. The individuals in the civil employment of the army made + prisoners, either by the British troops, or by the Portugueze, in any part + of Portugal, will be restored, as is customary, without exchange. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. II. The French army shall be subsisted from its own magazines up to + the day of embarkation; the garrisons up to the day of the evacuation of + the fortresses. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The remainder of the magazines shall be delivered over, in the usual form, + to the British Government; which charges itself with the subsistence of + the men and horses of the army from the above-mentioned periods till they + arrive in France; under the condition of their being reimbursed by the + French Government for the excess of the expense beyond the estimates, to + be made by both parties, of the value of the magazines delivered up to the + British army. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The provisions on board the ships of war, in possession of the French + army, will be taken in account by the British Government in like manner + with the magazines in the fortresses. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. III. The General commanding the British troops will take the + necessary measures for re-establishing the free circulation of the means + of subsistence between the country and the capital. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Done and concluded at Lisbon this 30th day of August, 1808. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">(Signed) GEORGE MURRAY, Quarter-Master-General. + KELLERMANN, Le Général de Division.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We, Duke of Abrantes, General-in-Chief of the French army, have ratified + and do ratify the additional articles of the Convention, to be executed + according to their form and tenor. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">The Duke of ABRANTES.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (A true Copy.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A.J. DALRYMPLE, Captain, Military Secretary. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>Articles of a Convention entered into between Vice-Admiral</i> + SENIAVIN, <i>Knight of the Order of St. Alexander and other Russian + Orders, and Admiral Sir</i> CHARLES COTTON, <i>Bart. for the Surrender of + the Russian Fleet, now anchored in the River Tagus</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. I. The ships of war of the Emperor of Russia, now in the Tagus (as + specified in the annexed list), shall be delivered up to Admiral Sir + Charles Cotton, immediately, with all their stores as they now are; to be + sent to England, and there held as a deposit by his Britannic Majesty, to + be restored to His Imperial Majesty within six months after the conclusion + of a peace between His Britannic Majesty and His Imperial Majesty the + Emperor of all the Russias.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage186" + id="Apage186"></a>{186}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ART. II. Vice-Admiral Seniavin, with the officers, sailors, and marines, + under his command, to return to Russia, without any condition or + stipulation respecting their future services; to be conveyed thither in + men of war, or proper vessels, at the expence of His Britannic Majesty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Done and concluded on board the ship Twerday, in the Tagus, and on board + His Britannic Majesty's ship Hibernia, off the mouth of that river, the 3d + day of September 1808. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">(Signed) DE SENIAVIN.</span> <span class="i14"> + (Signed) CHARLES COTTON.</span> <span class="i10"> (Counter-signed) By + command of the Admiral,</span> <span class="i14">L. SASS, Assesseur de + Collège.</span> <span class="i10"> (Counter-signed) By command of + the Admiral,</span> <span class="i14"> JAMES KENNEDY, Secretary.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + POSTSCRIPT + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + ON SIR JOHN MOORE'S LETTERS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whilst the latter sheets of this work were passing through the press, + there was laid before Parliament a series of correspondence between the + English Government and its servants in Spain; amongst which were the + letters of Sir John Moore. That these letters, even with minds the least + vigilant to detect contradictions and to make a commentary from the past + actions of the Spaniards, should have had power to alienate them from the + Spanish cause—could never have been looked for; except indeed by + those who saw, in the party spirit on this question, a promise that more + than ordinary pains would be taken to misrepresent their contents and to + abuse the public judgment. But however it was at any rate to have been + expected—both from the place which Sir J. Moore held in the Nation's + esteem previously to his Spanish campaign, and also especially from that + which (by his death in battle) he had so lately taken in its affections—that + they would weigh a good deal in depressing the general sympathy with + Spain: and therefore the Author of this work was desirous that all which + these letters themselves, or other sources of information, furnished to + mitigate and contradict Sir J.M.'s opinions—should be laid before + the public: but—being himself at a great distance from London, and + not having within his reach all the documents necessary for this purpose—he + has honoured the friend, who corrects the press errors, by making over + that task to him; and the reader is therefore apprised, that the Author is + not responsible for any thing which follows. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Those, who have not examined these letters for themselves, will have + collected enough of their general import, from conversation and the public + prints, to know that they pronounce an opinion unfavourable to the + Spaniards. They will perhaps have yet to learn that this opinion is not + supported by any body of <i>facts</i> (for of facts only three are given; + and those, as we shall see, misrepresented); but solely by the weight of + Sir John Moore's personal authority. This being the case, it becomes the + more important to assign the value of that authority, by making such + deductions <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage187" id="Apage187"></a>{187}</span>from + the present public estimate of it, as are either fairly to be presumed + from his profession and office, or directly inferred from the letters + under consideration. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As reasons for questioning <i>à priori</i> the impartiality of + these letters,—it might be suggested (in reference to what they + would be likely to <i>omit</i>)—first—that they are the + letters of a <i>soldier</i>; that is, of a man trained (by the prejudices + of his profession) to despise, or at least to rate as secondary, those + resources which for Spain must be looked to as supreme;—and, + secondly, that they are the letters of a <i>general</i>; that is, of a + soldier removed by his rank from the possibility of any extensive + intercourse with the lower classes; concerning whom the question chiefly + was. But it is more important to remark (in reference to what they would + be likely to <i>mis-state</i>)—thirdly—that they are the + letters of a <i>commander-in-chief</i>; standing—from the very day + when he took the field—in a dilemma which compelled him to risk the + safety of his army by advancing, or its honour by retreating; and having + to make out an apology, for either issue, to the very persons who had + imposed this dilemma upon him.—The reader is requested to attend to + this. Sir John Moore found himself in León with a force 'which, if + united,' (to quote his own words) 'would not exceed 26,000 men.' Such a + force, after the defeat of the advanced armies,—he was sure—could + effect nothing; the best result he could anticipate was an inglorious + retreat. That he should be in this situation at the very opening of the + campaign, he saw, would declare to all Europe that somewhere there must be + blame: but where? with himself he knew that there was none: the English + Government (with whom he must have seen that at least a part of the blame + lay—for sending him so late, and with a force so lamentably + incommensurate to the demands of the service) it was not for him—holding + the situation that he did—openly to accuse (though, by implication, + he often does accuse them); and therefore it became his business to look + to the Spaniards; and, in their conduct, to search for palliations of that + inefficiency on his part—which else the persons, to whom he was + writing, would understand as charged upon themselves. Writing with such a + purpose—and under a double fettering of his faculties; first from + anxious forebodings of calamity or dishonour; and secondly from the pain + he must have felt at not being free to censure those with whom he could + not but be aware that the embarrassments of his situation had, at least in + part, originated—we might expect that it would not be difficult for + him to find, in the early events of the campaign, all which he sought; and + to deceive himself into a belief, that, in stating these events without + any commentary or even hints as to the relative circumstances under which + they took place (which only could give to the naked facts their value and + due meaning), he was making no misrepresentations,—and doing the + Spaniards no injustice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These suggestions are made with the greater earnestness, as it is probable + that the honourable death of Sir John Moore will have given so much more + weight to his opinion on any subject—as, if these suggestions be + warranted, it is entitled on this subject to less weight—than the + opinion of any other individual equally intelligent, and not liable (from + high office and perplexity of situation) to the same influences of disgust + or prejudice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That these letters <i>were</i> written under some such influences, is + plain <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage188" id="Apage188"></a>{188}</span>throughout: + we find, in them, reports of the four first events in the campaign; and, + in justice to the Spaniards, it must be said that all are virtually + mis-statements. Take two instances: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1. The main strength and efforts of the French were, at the opening of the + campaign, directed against the army of Gen. Blake. The issue is thus given + by Sir J.M.:—'Gen. Blake's army in Biscay has been defeated—dispersed; + and its officers and men are flying in every direction.' Could it be + supposed that the army, whose matchless exertions and endurances are all + merged in this over-charged (and almost insulting) statement of their + result, was, 'mere peasantry' (Sir J.M.'s own words) and opposed to + greatly superior numbers of veteran troops? Confront with this account the + description given by an eye-witness (Major-Gen. Leith) of their constancy + and the trials of their constancy; remembering that, for ten successive + days, they were engaged (under the pressure of similar hardships, with the + addition of one not mentioned here, viz.—a want of clothing) in + continued actions with the French:—'Here I shall take occasion to + state another instance of the patience (and, I will add, the chearfulness) + of the Spanish soldiers under the greatest privations.—After the + action of Soronosa on the 31st ult., it was deemed expedient by Gen. + Blake, for the purpose of forming a junction with the second division and + the army of Asturias, that the army should make long, rapid, and continued + marches through a country at any time incapable of feeding so numerous an + army, and at present almost totally drained of provisions. From the 30th + of October to the present day (Nov. 6), with the exception of a small and + partial issue of bread at Bilboa on the morning of the 1st of November, + this army has been totally destitute of bread, wine, or spirits; and has + literally lived on the scanty supply of beef and sheep which those + mountains afford. Yet never was there a symptom of complaint or murmur; + the soldiers' minds appearing to be entirely occupied with the idea of + being led against the enemy at Bilboa.'—'It is impossible for me to + do justice to the gallantry and energy of the divisions engaged this day. + The army are loud in expressing their desires to be led against the enemy + at Bilboa; the universal exclamation is—The bayonet! the bayonet! + lead us back to Soronosa.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 2. On the 10th of November the Estramaduran advanced guard, of about + 12,000 men, was defeated at Burgos by a division of the French army <i>selected</i> + for the service—and having a vast superiority in cavalry and + artillery. This event, with the same neglect of circumstances as in the + former instance, Sir J.M. thus reports:—'The French, after beating + the army of Estramadura, are advanced at Burgos.' Now surely to any + unprejudiced mind the bare fact of 12,000 men (chiefly raw levies) having + gone forward to meet and to find out the main French army—under all + the oppression which, to the ignorant of the upper and lower classes + throughout Europe, there is in the name of Bonaparte—must appear, + under any issue, a title to the highest admiration, such as would have + made this slight and incidental mention of it impossible. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The two next events—viz. the forcing of the pass at Somosierra by + the Polish horse, and the partial defeat of Castanos—are, as might + be shewn even from the French bulletins, no less misrepresented. With + respect to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage189" id="Apage189"></a>{189}</span>the + first,—Sir J. Moore, over-looking the whole drama of that noble + defence, gives only the catastrophe; and his account of the second will + appear, from any report, to be an exaggeration. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may be objected that—since Sir J.M. no where alleges these events + as proving any thing against the Spaniards, but simply as accounting for + his own plans (in which view, howsoever effected, whether with or without + due resistance, they were entitled to the same value)—it is unfair + to say that, by giving them uncircumstantially, he has misrepresented + them. But it must be answered, that, in letters containing elsewhere + (though not immediately in connexion with these statements) opinions + unfavourable to the Spaniards, to omit any thing making <i>for</i> them—<i>is</i> + to misrepresent in effect. And, further, it shall now be shewn that even + those three charges—which Sir J.M. <i>does</i> allege in proof of + his opinions—are as glaringly mis-stated. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first of these charges is the most important: I give it to the reader + in the words of Sir John Moore:—'The French cavalry from Burgos, in + small detachments, are over-running the province of León; raising + contributions; to which the inhabitants submit without the least + resistance.' Now here it cannot be meant that no efforts at resistance + were made by individuals or small parties; because this would not only + contradict the universal laws of human nature,—but would also be at + utter variance with Sir J.M.'s repeated complaints that he could gain no + information of what was passing in his neighbourhood. It is meant + therefore that there was no regular organised resistance; no resistance + such as might be made the subject of an official report. Now we all know + that the Spaniards have every where suffered deplorably from a want of + cavalry; and, in the absence of that, hear from a military man (Major-Gen. + Brodrick) <i>why</i> there was no resistance: '—At that time I was + not aware how remarkably the plains of León and Castille differ + from any other I have seen; nor how strongly the circumstances, which + constitute that difference, enforce the opinion I venture to express.' (He + means the necessity of cavalry reinforcements from England.) 'My road from + Astorga lay through a vast open space, extending from 5 to 20 or more + miles on every side; without a single accident of ground which could + enable a body of infantry to check a pursuing enemy, or to cover its own + retreat. In such ground, any corps of infantry might be insulted, to the + very gates of the town it occupied, by cavalry far inferior in numbers; <i>contributions + raised under their eyes</i>, and the whole neighbourhood exhausted of its + resources, <i>without the possibility of their opposing any resistance to + such incursions</i>.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The second charge is made on the retreat to Corunna: 'the Gallicians, + though armed,' Sir J.M. says, 'made no attempt to stop the passage of the + French through the mountains.' That they were armed—is a proof that + they had an <i>intention</i> to do so (as one of our journals observed): + but what encouragement had they in that intention from the sight of a + regular force—more than 30,000 strong—abandoning, without a + struggle, passes where (as an English general asserts) 'a body of a + thousand men might stop an army of twenty times the number?' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The third charge relates to the same Province: it is a complaint that 'the + people run away; the villages are deserted;' and again, in his last <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage190" id="Apage190"></a>{190}</span>letter,—'They + abandoned their dwellings at our approach; drove away their carts, oxen, + and every thing which could be of the smallest aid to the army.' To this + charge, in so far as it may be thought to criminate the Spaniards, a full + answer is furnished by their accuser himself in the following memorable + sentence in another part of the very same letter:—'I am sorry to say + that the army, whose conduct I had such reason to extol in its march + through Portugal and on its arrival in Spain, has totally changed its + character since it began to retreat.' What do we collect from this + passage? Assuredly that the army ill-treated the Gallicians; for there is + no other way in which an army, as a body, can offend—excepting by an + indisposition to fight; and that interpretation (besides that we are all + sure that no English army could <i>so</i> offend) Sir J. Moore expressly + guards against in the next sentence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The English army then treated its Ally as an enemy: and,—though + there are alleviations of its conduct in its great sufferings,—yet + it must be remembered that these sufferings were due—not to the + Gallicians—but to circumstances over which they had no controul—to + the precipitancy of the retreat, the inclemency of the weather, and the + poverty of the country; and that (knowing this) they must have had a + double sense of injustice in any outrages of an English army, from, + contrasting them with the professed objects of that army in entering + Spain.—It is to be observed that the answer to the second charge + would singly have been some answer to this; and, reciprocally, that the + answer to this is a full answer to the second. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having thus shewn that, in Sir J. Moore's very inaccurate statements of + facts, we have some further reasons for a previous distrust of any opinion + which is supported by those statements,—it is now time to make the + reader acquainted with the real terms and extent of that opinion. For it + is far less to be feared that, from his just respect for him who gave it, + he should allow it an undue weight in his judgment—than that, + reposing on the faithfulness of the abstracts and reports of these + letters, he should really be still ignorant of its exact tenor. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The whole amount then of what Sir John Moore has alleged against the + Spaniards, in any place but one, is comprised in this sentence:—'The + enthusiasm, of which we have heard so much, no where appears; whatever + good-will there is (and I believe amongst the lower orders there is a + great deal) is taken no advantage of.' It is true that, in that one place + (viz. in his last letter written at Corunna), he charges the Spaniards + with 'apathy and indifference:' but, as this cannot be reconciled with his + concession of <i>a great deal of good-will</i>, we are bound to take that + as his real and deliberate opinion which he gave under circumstances that + allowed him most coolness and freedom of judgment.—The Spaniards + then were wanting in enthusiasm. Now what is meant by enthusiasm? Does it + mean want of ardour and zeal in battle? This Sir J. Moore no where + asserts; and, even without a direct acknowledgement of their good conduct + in the field (of which he had indeed no better means of judging than we in + England), there is involved in his statement of the relative numbers of + the French and Spaniards—combined with our knowledge of the time + during which they maintained their struggle—a sufficient testimony + to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage191" id="Apage191"></a>{191}</span>that; + even if the events of the first campaign had not made it superfluous. Does + it mean then a want of good-will to the cause? So far from this, we have + seen that Sir J.M. admits that there was, in that class where it was most + wanted, 'a great deal' of good-will. And, in the present condition of + Spain, let it be recollected what it is that this implies. We see, in the + intercepted letter to Marshal Soult (transmitted by Sir J.M.), that the + French keep accurate registers of the behaviour of the different towns; + and this was, no doubt, well known throughout Spain. Therefore to shew any + signs of good-will—much more to give a kind welcome to the English + (as had been done at Badajoz and Salamanca)—was, they knew, a pledge + of certain punishment on any visit from the French. So that good-will, + manifested in these circumstances, was nothing less than a testimony of + devotion to the cause. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here then, the reader will say, I find granted—in the courage and + the good-will of the Spaniards—all the elements of an enthusiastic + resistance; and cannot therefore imagine what more could be sought for + except the throwing out and making palpable of their enthusiasm to the + careless eye in some signal outward manifestations. In this accordingly we + learn what interpretation we are to give to Sir J.M.'s charge:—there + were no tumults on his entrance into Spain; no insurrections; they did + not, as he says, 'rally round' the English army. But, to determine how far + this disappointment of his expectations tells against the Spaniards, we + must first know how far those expectations were reasonable. Let the reader + consider, then, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + First; what army was this round which the Spaniards were to rally? If it + was known by the victory of Vimiera, it was known also to many by the + Convention of Cintra; for, though the government had never ventured to + communicate that affair officially to the nation, dark and perplexing + whispers were however circulated about it throughout Spain. Moreover, it + must surely demand some superstition in behalf of regular troops—to + see, in an army of 20,000 men, a dignity adequate to the office here + claimed for it of awakening a new vigour and enthusiasm in such a nation + as Spain; not to mention that an English army, however numerous, had no + right to consider itself as other than a tributary force—as itself + tending to a centre—and attracted rather than attracting. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Secondly; it appears that Sir J.M. has overlooked one most important + circumstance;—viz. that the harvest, in these provinces, had been + already reaped; the English army could be viewed only as gleaners. Thus, + as we have already seen, Estramadura had furnished an army which had + marched before his arrival; from Salamanca also—the very place in + which he makes his complaint—there had gone out a battalion to + Biscay which Gen. Blake had held up, for its romantic gallantly, to the + admiration of his whole army. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yet, thirdly, it is not meant by any means to assert that Spain has put + forth an energy adequate to the service—or in any tolerable + proportion to her own strength. Far from it! But upon whom does the blame + rest? Not surely upon the people—who, as long as they continued to + have confidence in their rulers, could not be expected (after the early + fervours of their revolution had subsided) much to overstep the measure of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage192" id="Apage192"></a>{192}</span>exertion + prescribed to them—but solely upon the government. Up to the time + when Sir J.M. died, the Supreme Junta had adopted no one grand and + comprehensive measure for calling out the strength of the nation;—scarcely + any of such ordinary vigour as, in some countries, would have been adopted + to meet local disturbances among the people. From their jealousy of + popular feeling,—they had never taken any steps, by books or civic + assemblies, to make the general enthusiasm in the cause available by + bringing it within the general consciousness; and thus to create the + nation into an organic whole. Sir J.M. was fully aware of this:—'The + Spanish Government,' he says, 'do not seem ever to have contemplated the + possibility of a second attack:' and accordingly, whenever he is at + leisure to make distinctions, he does the people the justice to say—that + the failure was with those who should have 'taken advantage' of their good + will. With the people therefore will for ever remain the glory of having + resisted heroically with means utterly inadequate; and with the government + the whole burthen of the disgrace that the means were thus inadequate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, further,—even though it should still be thought that, in the + three Provinces which Sir J. Moore saw, there may have been some failures + with the people,—it is to be remembered that these were the very + three which had never been the theatre of French outrages; which therefore + had neither such a vivid sense of the evils which they had to fear, nor so + strong an animation in the recollection of past triumphs: we might + accordingly have predicted that, if any provinces should prove slack in + their exertions, it would be these three. So that, after all, (a candid + inquirer into this matter will say) admitting Sir J.M.'s description to be + faithful with respect to what he saw, I can never allow that the conduct + of these three provinces shall be held forth as an exponent of the general + temper and condition of Spain. For that therefore I must look to other + authorities. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such an inquirer we might then refer to the testimonies of Gen. Leith and + of Capt. Pasley for Biscay and Asturias; of Mr. Vaughan (as cited by Lord + Castlereagh) for the whole East and South; of Lord Cochrane (himself a + most gallant man, and giving <i>his</i> testimony under a trying + comparison of the Spaniards with English Sailors) for Catalonia in + particular; of Lord W. Bentinck for the central provinces; and, for all + Spain, we might appeal even to the Spanish military reports—which, + by the discrimination of their praises (sometimes giving severe rebukes to + particular regiments, &c.), authenticate themselves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, finally, we are entitled—after the <i>actions</i> of the + Spaniards—to dispense with such appeals. Spain might justly deem it + a high injury and affront, to suppose that (after her deeds performed + under the condition of her means) she could require any other testimony to + justify her before nil posterity. What those deeds have been, it cannot + surely now be necessary to inform the reader: and therefore the remainder + of this note shall be employed in placing before him the present posture + of Spain—under two aspects which may possibly have escaped his + notice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + First, Let him look to that part of Spain which is now in the possession + of the enemy;—let him bear in mind that the present campaign opened + at the latter end of last October; that the French were then <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage193" id="Apage193"></a>{193}</span>masters + of the country up to the Ebro; that the contest has since lain between a + veteran army (rated, on the lowest estimate, at 113,000 men—with a + prodigious superiority in cavalry, artillery, &c.) opposed (as to all + <i>regular</i> opposition) by unpractised Spaniards, split into three + distinct armies, having no communication with each other, making a total + of not more than 80,000 men;—and then let him inquire what progress, + in this time and with these advantages, the French have been able to make + (comparing it, at the same time, with that heretofore made in Prussia, and + elsewhere): the answer shall be given from the <i>Times</i> newspaper of + April 8th—'It appears that, at the date of our last accounts from + France as well as Spain, about one half of the Peninsula was still + unsubdued by the French arms. The Provinces, which retain their + independence, form a sort of irregular or broken crescent; of which one + horn consists in parts of Catalonia and Valencia, and the other horn + includes Asturias (perhaps we may soon add Gallicia). The broader surface + contains the four kingdoms of Andalusia (Seville, Grenada, Cordova, and + Murcia), and considerable parts of Estramadura, and La Mancha; besides + Portugal.'—The writer might have added that even the Provinces, + occupied by the French, cannot yet be counted substantially as conquests: + since they have a military representation in the south; large proportions + of the defeated armies having retreated thither. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Secondly. Let him look to that part of Spain which yet remains unsubdued.—It + was thought no slight proof of heroism in the people of Madrid, that they + prepared for their defence—not as the foremost champions of Spain + (in which character they might have gained an adventitious support from + the splendour of their post; and, at any rate, would have been free from + the depression of preceding disasters)—but under a full knowledge of + recent and successive overthrows; their advanced armies had been defeated; + and their last stay, at Somosierra, had been driven in upon them. But the + Provinces in the South have many more causes for dejection: they have + heard, since these disasters, that this heroic city of Madrid has fallen; + that their forts in Catalonia have been wrested from them; that an English + army just moved upon the horizon of Spain—to draw upon itself the + gaze and expectations of the people, and then to vanish like an + apparition; and, finally, they have heard of the desolation of Saragossa. + Under all this accumulation of calamity, what has been their conduct? In + Valencia redoubled preparations of defence; in Seville a decree for such + energetic retaliation on the enemy,—as places its authors, in the + event of his success, beyond the hopes of mercy; in Cadiz—on a + suspicion that a compromise was concerted with their enemy—tumults + and clamours of the people for instant vengeance; every where, in their + uttermost distress, the same stern and unfaultering attitude of defiance + as at the glorious birth of their resistance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this statement, then, of the past efforts of Spain—and of her + present preparations for further efforts—will be found a full answer + to all the charges alleged, by Sir John Moore in his letters, against the + people of Spain, even if we did not find sufficient ground for rejecting + them in an examination of these letters themselves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage194" id="Apage194"></a>{194}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Author of the above note—having, in justice to the Spaniards, + spoken with great plainness and freedom—feels it necessary to add a + few words, that it may not thence be concluded that he is insensible to + Sir J. Moore's claims upon his respect. Perhaps—if Sir J.M. could + himself have given us his commentary upon these letters, and have + restricted the extension of such passages as (from want of vigilance in + making distinctions or laxity of language) are at variance with + concessions made elsewhere—they would have been found not more to + differ from the reports of other intelligent and less prejudiced + observers, than we might have expected from the circumstances under which + they were written. Sir J.M. has himself told us (in a letter published + since the above note was written) that he thinks the Spaniards 'a fine + people;' and that acknowledgement, from a soldier, cannot be supposed to + exclude courage; nor, from a Briton, some zeal for national independence. + We are therefore to conclude that, when Sir J.M. pronounces opinions on + 'the Spaniards' not to be reconciled with this and other passages, he + speaks—not of the Spanish people—but of the Spanish + government. And, even for what may still remain charged uncandidly upon + the people, the writer does not forget that there are infinite apologies + to be found in Sir J. Moore's situation: the earliest of these letters + were written under great anxiety and disturbance of mind from the + anticipation of calamity;—and the latter (which are the most severe) + under the actual pressure of calamity; and calamity of that sort which + would be the most painful to the feelings of a gallant soldier, and most + likely to vitiate his judgment with respect to those who had in part + (however innocently) occasioned it. There may be pleaded also for him—that + want of leisure which would make it difficult to compare the different + accounts he received, and to draw the right inferences from them. But then + these apologies for his want of fidelity—are also reasons + before-hand for suspecting it: and there are now (May 18th) to be added to + these reasons, and their confirmations in the letters themselves, fresh + proofs in the present state of Gallicia, as manifested by the late + re-capture of Vigo, and the movements of the Marquis de la Romana; all + which, from Sir J. Moore's account of the temper in that province, we + might have confidently pronounced impossible. We must therefore remember + that what in him were simply mis-statements—are now, when repeated + with our better information, calumnies; and calumnies so much the less to + be excused in us, as we have already (in our conduct towards Spain) given + her other and no light matter of complaint against ourselves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + END OF THE APPENDIX. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage195" id="Apage195"></a>{195}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="III_VINDICATION_OF_OPINIONS_IN_THE_TREATISE_ON_THE_CONVENTION_OF" + id="III_VINDICATION_OF_OPINIONS_IN_THE_TREATISE_ON_THE_CONVENTION_OF"></a>III. + VINDICATION OF OPINIONS IN THE TREATISE ON THE 'CONVENTION OF CINTRA' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <b>VIZ</b>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + (<i>a</i>) LETTER TO MAJOR-GENERAL SIR CHARLES W. <a name="PASLEY" + id="PASLEY"></a>PASLEY, K.C.B., ON HIS 'MILITARY POLICY AND INSTITUTIONS + OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE,' 1811. + </h5> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage196" id="Apage196"></a>{196}</span> + </p> + <h5> + (<i>b</i>) LETTER ENCLOSING THE PRECEDING TO A FRIEND UN-NAMED. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> These two Letters—the latter for the first time printed—form + a fitting sequel to the 'Convention of Cintra.' See Preface in the present + volume for more on them. G. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage197" id="Apage197"></a>{197}</span> + </p> + <h4> + TO CAPTAIN PASLEY, ROYAL ENGINEERS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14"> Grasmere, March 28, 1811.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I address this to the publishers of your 'Essay,' not knowing where to + find you. Before I speak of the instruction and pleasure which I have + derived from your work, let me say a word or two in apology for my own + apparent <i>neglect</i> of the letter with which you honoured me some time + ago. In fact, I was thoroughly sensible of the value of your + correspondence, and of your kindness in writing to me, and took up the pen + to tell you so. I wrote half of a pretty long letter to you, but I was so + disgusted with the imperfect and feeble expression which I had given to + some not uninteresting ideas, that I threw away the unfinished sheet, and + could not find resolution to resume what had been so inauspiciously begun. + I am ashamed to say, that I write so few letters, and employ my pen so + little in any way, that I feel both a lack of words (such words I mean as + I wish for) and of mechanical skill, extremely discouraging to me. I do + not plead these disabilities on my part as an excuse, but I wish you to + know that they have been the sole cause of my silence, and not a want of + sense of the honour done me by your correspondence, or an ignorance of + what good breeding required of me. But enough of my trespasses! Let me + only add, that I addressed a letter of some length to you when you were + lying ill at Middleburgh; this probably you never received. Now for your + book. I had expected it with great impatience, and desired a friend to + send it down to me immediately on its appearance, which he neglected to + do. On this account, I did not see it till a few days ago. I have read it + through twice, with great care, and many parts three or four times over. + From this, you will conclude that I must have been much interested; and I + assure you that I deem myself also in a high degree instructed. It would + be a most pleasing employment to me to dwell, in this letter, upon those + points in which I agree with you, and to acknowledge my <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage198" id="Apage198"></a>{198}</span>obligations + for the clearer views you have given of truths which I before perceived, + though not with that distinctness in which they now stand before my eyes. + But I could wish this letter to be of some use to you; and that end is + more likely to be attained if I advert to those points in which I think + you are mistaken. These are chiefly such as though very material in + themselves, are not at all so to the main object you have in view, viz. + that of proving that the military power of France may by us be + successfully resisted, and even overthrown. In the first place, then, I + think that there are great errors in the survey of the comparative + strength of the two empires, with which you begin your book, and on which + the first 160 pages are chiefly employed. You seem to wish to frighten the + people into exertion; and in your ardour to attain your object, that of + rousing our countrymen by any means, I think you have caught far too + eagerly at every circumstance with respect to revenue, navy, &c. that + appears to make for the French. This I think was unnecessary. The people + are convinced that the power of France is dangerous, and that it is our + duty to resist it to the utmost. I think you might have commenced from + this acknowledged fact; and, at all events, I cannot help saying, that the + first 100 pages or so of your book, contrasted with the brilliant + prospects towards the conclusion, have impressed me with a notion that you + have written too much under the influence of feelings similar to those of + a poet or novelist, who deepens the distress in the earlier part of his + work, in order that the happy catastrophe which he has prepared for his + hero and heroine may be more keenly relished. Your object is to conduct us + to Elysium, and, lest we should not be able to enjoy that pure air and + purpurial sunshine, you have taken a peep at Tartarus on the road. Now I + am of your mind, that we ought not to make peace with France, on any + account, till she is humiliated, and her power brought within reasonable + bounds. It is our duty and our interest to be at war with her; but I do + not think with you, that a state of peace would give to France that + superiority which you seem so clearly to foresee. In estimating the + resources of the two empires, as to revenue, you appear to make little or + no allowance for what I deem of prime and paramount importance, the + characters of the two nations, and of the two governments. Was there ever + an instance, since the world began, of the peaceful arts thriving under a + despotism <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage199" id="Apage199"></a>{199}</span>so + oppressive as that of France is and must continue to be, and among a + people so unsettled, so depraved, and so undisciplined in civil arts and + habits as the French nation must now be? It is difficult to come at the + real revenue of the French empire; but it appears to me certain, + absolutely certain, that it must diminish rapidly every year. The armies + have hitherto been maintained chiefly from the contributions raised upon + the conquered countries, and from the plunder which the soldiers have been + able to find. But that harvest is over. Austria, and particularly Hungary, + may have yet something to supply; but the French Ruler will scarcely + quarrel with them for a few years at least. But from Denmark, and Sweden, + and Russia, there is not much to be gained. In the mean while, wherever + his iron yoke is fixed, the spirits of the people are broken; and it is in + vain to attempt to extort money which they do not possess, and cannot + procure. Their bodies he may command, but their bodies he cannot move + without the inspiration of <i>wealth</i>, somewhere or other; by wealth I + mean superfluous produce, something arising from the labour of the + inhabitants of countries beyond what is necessary to their support. What + will avail him the command of the whole population of the Continent, + unless there be a security for capital somewhere existing, so that the + mechanic arts and inventions may thereby be applied in such a manner as + that an overplus may arise from the labour of the country which shall find + its way into the pocket of the State for the purpose of supporting its + military and civil establishments? Now, when I look at the condition of + our country, and compare it with that of France, and reflect upon the + length of the time, and the infinite combination of favourable + circumstances which have been necessary to produce the laws, the + regulations, the customs, the moral character, and the physical enginery + of all sorts, through means, and by aid of which, labour is carried on in + this happy Land; and when I think of the wealth and population + (concentrated too in so small a space) which we must have at command for + military purposes, I confess I have not much dread, looking either at war + or peace, of any power which France, with respect to us, is likely to + attain for years, I may say for generations. Whatever may be the form of a + government, its spirit, at least, must be mild and free before + agriculture, trade, commerce, and manufactures can thrive under it; and if + these do not prosper in a State, it <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage200" id="Apage200"></a>{200}</span>may extend its empire to + right and to left, and it will only carry poverty and desolation along + with it, without being itself permanently enriched. You seem to take for + granted, that because the French revenue amounts to so much at present it + must continue to keep up to that height. This, I conceive impossible, + unless the spirit of the government alters, which is not likely for many + years. How comes it that we are enabled to keep, by sea and land, so many + men in arms? Not by our foreign commerce, but by our domestic ingenuity, + by our home labour, which, with the aid of capital and the mechanic arts + and establishments, has enabled a few to produce so much as will maintain + themselves, and the hundreds of thousands of their countrymen whom they + support in arms. If our foreign trade were utterly destroyed, I am told, + that not more than one-sixth of our trade would perish. The spirit of + Buonaparte's government is, and must continue to be, like that of the + first conquerors of the New World who went raving about for gold—gold! + and for whose rapacious appetites the slow but mighty and sure returns of + any other produce could have no charms. I cannot but think that + generations must pass away before France, or any of the countries under + its thraldom, can attain those habits, and that character, and those + establishments which must be attained before it can wield its population + in a manner that will ensure our overthrow. This (if we conduct the war + upon principles of common sense) seems to me impossible, while we continue + at war; and should a peace take place (which, however, I passionately + deprecate), France will long be compelled to pay tribute to us, on account + of our being so far before her in the race of genuine practical philosophy + and true liberty. I mean that the <i>mind</i> of this country is so far + before that of France, and that <i>that</i> mind has empowered the <i>hands</i> + of the country to raise so much national wealth, that France must + condescend to accept from us what she will be unable herself to produce. + Is it likely that any of our manufacturing capitalists, in case of a + peace, would trust themselves to an arbitrary government like that of + France, which, without a moment's warning, might go to war with us and + seize their persons and their property; nay, if they should be so foolish + as to trust themselves to its discretion, would be base enough to pick a + quarrel with us for the very purpose of a pretext to strip them of all + they possessed? Or is it likely, if <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage201" id="Apage201"></a>{201}</span>the native French + manufacturers and traders were capable of rivalling us in point of skill, + that any Frenchman would venture upon that ostentatious display of wealth + which a large cotton-mill, for instance, requires, when he knows that by + so doing he would only draw upon himself a glance of the greedy eye of + government, soon to be followed by a squeeze from its rapacious hand? But + I have dwelt too long upon this. The sum of what I think, by conversation, + I could convince you of is, that your comparative estimate is erroneous, + and materially so, inasmuch as it makes no allowance for the increasing + superiority which a State, supposed to be independent and equitable in its + dealings to its subjects, must have over an oppressive government; and + none for the time which is necessary to give prosperity to peaceful arts, + even if the government should improve. Our country has a mighty and daily + growing forest of this sort of wealth; whereas, in France, the trees are + not yet put into the ground. For my own part, I do not think it possible + that France, with all her command of territory and coast, can outstrip us + in naval power, unless she could previously, by her land power, cut us off + from timber and naval stores, necessary for the building and equipment of + our fleet. In that intellectual superiority which, as I have mentioned, we + possess over her, we should find means to build as many ships as she could + build, and also could procure sailors to man them. The same energy would + furnish means for maintaining the men; and if they could be fed and + maintained, they would surely be produced. Why then am I for <i>war</i> + with France? 1st. Because I think our naval superiority may be more + cheaply maintained, and more easily, by war than by peace; and because I + think, that if the war were conducted upon those principles of martial + policy which you so admirably and nobly enforce, united with (or rather + bottomed upon) those notions of justice and right, and that knowledge of + and reverence for the moral sentiments of mankind, which, in my Tract, I + attempted to portray and illustrate, the tide of military success would + immediately turn in our favour; and we should find no more difficulty in + reducing the French power than Gustavus Adolphus did in reducing that of + the German Empire in his day. And here let me express my zealous thanks + for the spirit and beauty with which you have pursued, through all its + details, the course of martial <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage202" + id="Apage202"></a>{202}</span>policy which you recommend. Too much praise + cannot be given to this which is the great body of your work. I hope that + it will not be lost upon your countrymen. But (as I said before) I rather + wish to dwell upon those points in which I am dissatisfied with your + 'Essay.' Let me then come at once to a fundamental principle. You + maintain, that as the military power of France is in progress, ours must + be so also, or we must perish. In this I agree with you. Yet you contend + also, that this increase or progress can only be brought about by + conquests permanently established upon the Continent; and, calling in the + doctrines of the writers upon the Law of Nations to your aid, you are for + beginning with the conquest of Sicily, and so on, through Italy, + Switzerland, &c. &c. Now it does not appear to me, though I should + rejoice heartily to see a British army march from Calabria, triumphantly, + to the heart of the Alps, and from Holland to the centre of Germany,—yet + it does not appear to me that the conquest and permanent possession of + these countries is necessary either to produce those resources of men or + money which the security and prosperity of our country requires. All that + is absolutely needful, for either the one or the other, is a large, + experienced, and seasoned <i>army</i>, which we cannot possess without a + field to fight in, and that field must be somewhere upon the Continent. + Therefore, as far as concerns ourselves and our security, I do not think + that so wide a space of conquered country is desirable; and, as a patriot, + I have no wish for it. If I desire it, it is not for our sakes directly, + but for the benefit of those unhappy nations whom we should rescue, and + whose prosperity would be reflected back upon ourselves. Holding these + notions, it is natural, highly as I rate the importance of military power, + and deeply as I feel its necessity for the protection of every excellence + and virtue, that I should rest my hopes with respect to the emancipation + of Europe more upon moral influence, and the wishes and opinions of the + people of the respective nations, than you appear to do. As I have written + in my pamphlet, 'on the moral qualities of a people must its salvation + ultimately depend. Something higher than military excellence must be + taught <i>as</i> higher; something more fundamental, <i>as</i> more + fundamental.' Adopting the opinion of the writers upon the laws of + Nations, you treat of <i>conquest</i> as if <i>conquest</i> could in + itself, nakedly and abstractedly considered, confer rights. If <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage203" id="Apage203"></a>{203}</span>we once + admit this proposition, all morality is driven out of the world. We + conquer Italy—that is, we raise the British standard in Italy,—and, + by the aid of the inhabitants, we expel the French from the country, and + have a right to keep it for ourselves. This, if I am not mistaken, is not + only implied, but explicitly maintained in your book. Undoubtedly, if it + be clear that the possession of Italy is necessary for our security, we + have a right to keep possession of it, if we should ever be able to master + it by the sword. But not because we have gained it by conquest, therefore + may we keep it; no; the sword, as the sword, can give no rights; but + because a great and noble Nation, like ours, cannot prosper or exist + without such possession. If the fact <i>were</i> so, we should then have a + right to keep possession of what by our valour we had acquired—not + otherwise. If these things were matter of mere speculation, they would not + be worth talking about; but they are not so. The spirit of conquest, and + the ambition of the sword, never can confer true glory and happiness upon + a nation that has attained power sufficient to protect itself. Your + favourites, the Romans, though no doubt having the fear of the + Carthaginians before their eyes, yet were impelled to carry their arms out + of Italy by ambition far more than by a rational apprehension of the + danger of their condition. And how did they enter upon their career? By an + act of atrocious injustice. You are too well read in history for me to + remind you what that act was. The same disregard of morality followed too + closely their steps everywhere. Their ruling passion, and sole steady + guide, was the glory of the Roman name, and the wish to spread the Roman + power. No wonder, then, if their armies and military leaders, as soon as + they had destroyed all foreign enemies from whom anything was to be + dreaded, turned their swords upon each other. The ferocious cruelties of + Sylla and Marius, of Catiline, and of Antony and Octavius, and the + despotism of the empire, were the necessary consequences of a long course + of action pursued upon such blind and selfish principles. Therefore, + admiring as I do your scheme of martial policy, and agreeing with you that + a British military power may, and that the <i>present</i> state of the + world requires that it <i>ought</i> to be, predominant in Italy, and + Germany, and Spain; yet still, I am afraid that you look with too much + complacency upon conquest by British arms, and upon British military + influence upon <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage204" id="Apage204"></a>{204}</span>the + Continent, for <i>its own sake</i>. Accordingly, you seem to regard Italy + with more satisfaction than Spain. I mean you contemplate our possible + exertions in Italy with more pleasure, merely because its dismembered + state would probably keep it more under our sway—in other words, + more at our mercy. Now, I think there is nothing more unfortunate for + Europe than the condition of Germany and Italy in these respects. Could + the barriers be dissolved which have divided the one nation into + Neapolitans, Tuscans, Venetians, &c., and the other into Prussians, + Hanoverians, &c., and could they once be taught to feel their + strength, the French would be driven back into their own Land immediately. + I wish to see Spain, Italy, France, Germany, formed into independent + nations; nor have I any desire to reduce the power of France further than + may be necessary for that end. Woe be to that country whose military power + is irresistible! I deprecate such an event for Great Britain scarcely less + than for any other Land. Scipio foresaw the evils with which Rome would be + visited when no Carthage should be in existence for her to contend with. + If a nation have nothing to oppose or to fear without, it cannot escape + decay and concussion within. Universal triumph and absolute security soon + betray a State into abandonment of that discipline, civil and military, by + which its victories were secured. If the time should ever come when this + island shall have no more formidable enemies by land than it has at this + moment by sea, the extinction of all that it previously contained of good + and great would soon follow. Indefinite progress, undoubtedly, there ought + to be somewhere; but let that be in knowledge, in science, in + civilization, in the increase of the numbers of the people, and in the + augmentation of their virtue and happiness. But progress in conquest + cannot be indefinite; and for that very reason, if for no other, it cannot + be a fit object for the exertions of a people, I mean beyond certain + limits, which, of course, will vary with circumstances. My prayer, as a + patriot, is, that we may always have, somewhere or other, enemies capable + of resisting us, and keeping us at arm's length. Do I, then, object that + our arms shall be carried into every part of the Continent? No: such is + the present condition of Europe, that I earnestly pray for what I deem + would be a mighty blessing. France has already destroyed, in almost every + part of the Continent, the detestable governments with which the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage205" id="Apage205"></a>{205}</span>nations + have been afflicted; she has extinguished one sort of tyranny, but only to + substitute another. Thus, then, have the countries of Europe been taught, + that domestic oppression, if not manfully and zealously repelled, must + sooner or later be succeeded by subjugation from without; they have tasted + the bitterness of both cups, have drunk deeply of both. Their spirits are + prepared for resistance to the foreign tyrant, and with our help I think + they may shake him off, and, under our countenance, and following (as far + as they are capable) our example, they may fashion to themselves, making + use of what is best in their own ancient laws and institutions, new forms + of government, which may secure posterity from a repetition of such + calamities as the present age has brought forth. The materials of a new + balance of power exist in the language, and name, and territory of Spain, + in those of France, and those of Italy, Germany, Russia, and the British + Isles. The smaller States must disappear, and merge in the large nations + and wide-spread languages. The possibility of this remodelling of Europe I + see clearly; earnestly do I pray for it; and I have in my mind a strong + conviction that your invaluable work will be a powerful instrument in + preparing the way for that happy issue. Yet, still, we must go deeper than + the nature of your labour requires you to penetrate. Military policy + merely will not perform all that is needful, nor mere military virtues. If + the Roman State was saved from overthrow, by the attack of the slaves and + of the gladiators, through the excellence of its armies, yet this was not + without great difficulty;<a name="AFNanchor_22_22" id="AFNanchor_22_22"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> and Rome would have been + destroyed by Carthage, had she not been preserved by a civic fortitude in + which she surpassed all the nations of the earth. The reception which the + Senate gave to Terentius Varro, after the battle of Cannae, is the + sublimest event in human history. What a contrast to the wretched conduct + of the Austrian government after the battle at Wagram! England requires, + as you have shown so eloquently and ably, a new system of martial policy; + but England, as well as the rest of Europe, requires what is more + difficult to give it,—a new course of education, a higher tone of + moral feeling, more of the grandeur of the imaginative faculties, and less + of the petty processes of the unfeeling and purblind <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage206" id="Apage206"></a>{206}</span>understanding, that would + manage the concerns of nations in the same calculating spirit with which + it would set about building a house. Now a State ought to be governed (at + least in these times), the labours of the statesman ought to advance, upon + calculations and from impulses similar to those which give motion to the + hand of a great artist when he is preparing a picture, or of a mighty poet + when he is determining the proportions and march of a poem;—much is + to be done by rule; the great outline is previously to be conceived in + distinctness, but the consummation of the work must be trusted to + resources that are not tangible, though known to exist. Much as I admire + the political sagacity displayed in your work, I respect you still more + for the lofty spirit that supports it; for the animation and courage with + which it is replete; for the contempt, in a just cause, of death and + danger by which it is ennobled; for its heroic confidence in the valour of + your countrymen; and the absolute determination which it everywhere + expresses to maintain in all points the honour of the soldier's + profession, and that of the noble Nation of which you are a member—of + the Land in which you were born. No insults, no indignities, no vile + stooping, will your politics admit of; and therefore, more than for any + other cause, do I congratulate my country on the appearance of a book + which, resting in this point our national safety upon the purity of our + national character, will, I trust, lead naturally to make us, at the same + time, a more powerful and a high-minded nation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10"> Affectionately yours,</span> <span class="i14">W. + WORDSWORTH.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <a name="AFNanchor_23_23" id="AFNanchor_23_23"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Letter enclosing the <a name="Preceding_to_a_Friend_unnamed" + id="Preceding_to_a_Friend_unnamed"></a>Preceding to a Friend unnamed</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have taken the Liberty of addressing the enclosed to you, with a wish + that you would be so kind as to send it by the twopenny Post. The Letter, + though to a personal Acquaintance and to some degree a friend, is upon a + kind of Public occasion, and consists of Comments upon Captain Pasley's + lately published Essay on the Military Policy of Great Britain; a work + which if you have not seen I earnestly recommend to your <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage207" id="Apage207"></a>{207}</span>careful + Perusal. I have sent my Letter unsealed in order that if you think it + worth while you may read it, which would oblige me. You may begin with + those words in the 1st Page, 'Now for your Book:' which you will see are + legible, being transcribed by a Friend. The rest, in my own hand, is only + an Apology for not writing sooner; save that there are two Sonnets which + if you like you may glance your eye over. Do not forget to put a wafer on + the Letter after you have done with it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Will you excuse me if I find myself unable to forbear saying, upon this + occasion, a few words concerning the conduct pursued with respect to + foreign affairs by the Party with whom you act? I learn from a private + quarter of unquestionable Authority, that it was Lord Grenville's + intention, had he come into power as he lately expected, to have recalled + the army from Portugal. In the name of my Country, of our virtuous and + suffering Allies, and of Human Nature itself, I give thanks to Providence + who has restored the King's health so far as to prevent this intention + being put into practice hitherto. The transgressions of the present + ministry are grievous; but excepting only a deliberate and direct attack + upon the civil liberty of our own Country, there cannot be any thing in a + Minister worse than a desponding spirit and the lack of confidence in a + good cause. If Lord G. and Mr. Ponsonby think that the privilege allowed + to opposition-manoeuvering justifies them in speaking as they do, they are + sadly mistaken and do not discern what is becoming the times; but if they + sincerely believe in the omnipotence of Buonaparte upon the Continent, + they are the dupes of their own fears and the slaves of their own + ignorance. Do not deem me presumptuous when I say that it is pitiable to + hear Lord Grenville talking as he did in the late debate of the inability + of Great Britain to take a commanding station as a military Power, and + maintaining that our efforts must be essentially, he means exclusively, + naval. We have destroyed our enemies upon the Sea, and are equally capable + of destroying him upon land. Rich in soldiers and revenues as we are, we + are capable, availing ourselves of the present disposition of the + Continent, to erect there under our countenance, and by a wise application + of our resources, a military Power, which the tyrannical and immoral + Government of Buonaparte could not prevail against, and if he could not + overthrow it, he must himself perish. Lord G. grudges two <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage208" id="Apage208"></a>{208}</span>millions + in aid of Portugal, which has eighty thousand men in arms, and what they + can perform has been proved. Yet Lord G. does not object to our granting + aid to a great Military Power on the Continent if such could he found, nay + he begs of us to wait till that fortunate period arrives. Whence does Lord + G., from what quarter does he expect it? from Austria, from the Prussian + monarchy, brought to life again, from Russia, or lastly from the + Confederacy of the Rhine turning against their Creator and Fashioner? Is + the expectation of the Jews for their Messiah or of the Portugueze for St. + Sebastian more extravagant? But Lord G. ought to know that such a military + POWER does already exist upon the Peninsula, formless indeed compared with + what under our plastic hands it may become, yet which has proved itself + capable of its giving employment during the course of three years to at + least five hundred thousand of the enemy's best troops. An important fact + has been proved, that the enemy cannot <i>drive</i> us from the Peninsula. + We have the point to stand upon which Archimedes wished for, and we may + move the Continent if we persevere. Let us prepare to exercise in Spain a + military influence like that which we already possess in Portugal, and our + affairs must improve daily and rapidly. Whatever money we advance for + Portugal and Spain, we can direct the management of it, an inestimable + advantage which, with relation to Prussia, Russia or Austria, we never + possessed. Besides, how could we govern the purposes of those States, when + that inherent imbecility and cowardice leave them no purpose or aim to + which they can steadily adhere of themselves for six weeks together? + Military Powers! So these States have been called. A strange Misnomer! + they are Weaknesses—a true though ill-sounding Title!—and not + Powers! Polybius tells us that Hannibal entered into Italy with twenty + thousand men, and that the aggregate forces of Italy at that time amounted + to seven hundred and sixty thousand foot and horse, with the Roman + discipline and power to head that mighty force. Gustavus Adolphus invaded + Germany with thirteen thousand men; the Emperor at that time having + between two and three hundred thousand warlike and experienced Troops + commanded by able Generals, to oppose to him. Let these facts and numerous + others which history supplies of the same kind, be thought of; and let us + hear no more of the impossibility of Great Britain <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage209" id="Apage209"></a>{209}</span>girt round and defended by + the Sea and an invincible Navy, becoming a military Power; Great Britain + whose troops surpass in valour those of all the world, and who has an army + and a militia of upwards of three hundred thousand men! Do reflect my dear + Sir, upon the materials which are now in preparation upon the Continent. + Hannibal expected to be joined by a parcel of the contented barbarian + Gauls in the north of Italy. Gustavus stood forth as the Champion of the + Protestant interest: how feeble and limited each of these auxiliary + sentiments and powers, compared with what the state of knowledge, the + oppressions of their domestic governments, and the insults and injuries + and hostile cruelties inflicted by the French upon the continental + nations, must have exerted to second our arms whenever we shall appear in + that Force which we can assume, and with that boldness which would become + us, and which justice and human nature and Patriotism call upon us to put + forth. Farewell, most truly yours, + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage210" id="Apage210"></a>{210}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">W. WORDSWORTH.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Shall we see you this Summer? I hope so. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage211" id="Apage211"></a>{211}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="IV_TWO_ADDRESSES_TO_THE_FREEHOLDERS_OF_WESTMORELAND" + id="IV_TWO_ADDRESSES_TO_THE_FREEHOLDERS_OF_WESTMORELAND"></a>IV. TWO + ADDRESSES TO THE FREEHOLDERS OF WESTMORELAND. 1818. + </h3> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage212" id="Apage212"></a>{212}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> On the occasion of these 'Two Addresses,' and other related + matters, see Preface in the present volume. G. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage213" id="Apage213"></a>{213}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + Kendal:<br /> PRINTED BY AIREY AND BELLINGHAM.<br /> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + 1818. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage214" id="Apage214"></a>{214}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + ADVERTISEMENT + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 10%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + The Author thinks it proper to advise his Reader, that he alone is + responsible for the sentiments and opinions expressed in these sheets. + Gladly would he have availed himself of the judgment of others, if that + benefit could have been had without subjecting the Persons consulted to + the possibility of blame, for having sanctioned any view of the topics + under consideration, which, either from its erroneousness might deserve, + or from Party feelings or other causes might incur, censure. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + The matter comprised in these pages was intended to compose a succession + of Addresses to be printed in the <i>Kendal Chronicle</i>, and a part of + the first was published through that channel. The intention was dropped + for reasons well known. It is now mentioned in order to account for the + disproportion in the length of the two Addresses, and an arrangement of + matter, in some places, different from what would otherwise have been + chosen. A portion also has appeared in the <i>Carlisle Patriot</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + It is of little importance to add, that this Publication has been delayed + by unavoidable engagements of the Printer. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>March</i> 26, 1818. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + TO THE READER. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + The new Candidate has appeared amongst us, and concluded, for the present, + his labours in the County. They require no further notice here than an + expression of thanks for the success with which he has co-operated with + the Author of these pages to demonstrate, by the whole of his itinerant + proceedings, that the vital principle of the Opposition ostensibly headed + by him, is at enmity with the bonds by which society is held together, and + Government maintained. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>April</i> 4, 1818. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage215" id="Apage215"></a>{215}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO THE FREEHOLDERS, &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + GENTLEMEN, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Two Months have elapsed since warning was given of an intention to oppose + the present Representatives of the County of Westmoreland, at the ensuing + Election; yet, till so late a period as the 26th of January, no avowal of + such intention appeared from any quarter entitling it to consideration. + For, as to the Body of Men, calling itself the London Committee, there is + not, up to this hour I believe, any public evidence even of its existence, + except certain notices signed by two obscure individuals. But, in the + minds of those naturally interested in the welfare of the County, a + ferment was excited by various devices; inflammatory addresses were busily + circulated; men, laying claim to the flattering character of Reformers of + abuses, became active; and, as this stir did not die away, they who + foresaw its bearings and tendencies, were desirous that, if there were any + just grounds for discontent, the same should be openly declared, by + persons whose characters and situations in life would be a pledge for + their having proceeded upon mature deliberation. At length, a set of + resolutions have appeared, from a Meeting of dissatisfied Freeholders, + holden in a Town, which, if not the principal in point of rank, is the + most populous, opulent, and weighty, in the County. Among those who + composed this Meeting, the first visible authentic Body which the + Opposition has produced, are to be found persons answering to the + description above given—men from whom might have been expected, in + the exposition of their complaints, sound sense as to the nature of the + grievances, and rational views as to the mode of removing them—Have + such expectations, if entertained, been fulfilled? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first Resolution unanimously agreed upon by this Meeting, is couched + in these words: 'It is impossible for us, as Freeholders, to submit any + longer to a single Family, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage216" + id="Apage216"></a>{216}</span>however respectable, naming both Members for + the County.' What if this leading article had been thus expressed? 'That + it is injurious to the interests, and derogatory to the dignity, of the + County of Westmoreland, that both its Representatives should be brought + into Parliament, by the influence of one Family.' Words to this effect + would surely have given the sense of the Resolution, as proceeding from + men of cool reflection; and offered nakedly to the consideration of minds + which, it was desired, should be kept in a similar state. But we cannot '<i>submit</i> + any longer'—if the intention was to mislead and irritate, such + language was well adapted for the purpose; but it ill accords with the + spirit of the next Resolution, which affirms, that the Meeting is wholly + unconnected with any political Party; and, thus disclaiming indirectly + those passions and prejudices that are apt to fasten upon political + partisans, implicitly promises, that the opinions of the Meeting shall be + conveyed in terms suitable to such disavowal. Did the persons in question + imagine themselves in a state of degradation? On their own word we must + believe they did; and no one could object to their employing, among each + other, such language as gave vent to feelings proceeding from that + impression, in a way that gratified themselves. But, by <i>publishing</i> + their Resolutions, they shew that they are not communing for the sake of + mutual sympathy, but to induce others to participate a sentiment which + probably they are strangers to. We <i>submit</i> to the law, and to those + who are placed in authority over us, while in the legitimate exercise of + their functions—we <i>submit</i> to the decrees of Providence, + because they are not to be resisted—a coward <i>submits</i> to be + insulted—a pusillanimous wretch to be despised—and a knave, if + detected, must submit to be scouted—a slave submits to his + Taskmaster; but, the Freeholders of Westmoreland, cannot, <i>in reason</i>, + be said to submit to the House of Lowther naming their Representatives, + unless it can be proved that those Representatives have been thrust upon + them by an unjustifiable agency; and that they owe their seats, not to the + free suffrages and frank consent of their Constituents, but to unfair + means, whether in the shape of seduction or threat. If there be an + indignity on one side, there must have been a wrong done on the other; + and, to make out this point, it ought to have been shewn, that some other + Person, qualified by his property, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage217" + id="Apage217"></a>{217}</span>his education, his rank, and character, had + stood forth and offered himself to represent you, Freeholders of + Westmoreland, in Parliament; and that, in this attempt, he had been + crushed by the power of a single Family, careless of the mode in which + that power was exercised. I appeal to those who have had an opportunity of + being acquainted with the Noble Lord who is at the head of that Family, + whether they are of opinion, that any consideration of his own interest or + importance in the State, would have induced him to oppose <i>such</i> a + Candidate, provided there was reason for believing that the unabused sense + of the County was with him. If indeed a Candidate supposed to be so + favoured by the County, had declared himself an enemy to the general + measures of Administration for some years past, those measures have + depended on principles of conduct of such vast importance, that the Noble + Lord must needs have endeavoured, as far as prudence authorised, to + frustrate an attempt, which, in conscience, he could not approve. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I affirm, then, that, as there was no wrong, there is no indignity—the + present Members owe their high situation to circumstances, local and + national. They are there <i>because no one else has presented himself</i>, + or, for some years back, has been likely to present himself, with + pretensions, the reasonableness of which could enter into competition with + their's. This is, in some points of view, a misfortune, but it is the + fact; and no class of men regret it more than the independent and + judicious adherents of the House of Lowther: Men who are happy and proud + to rally round the Nobleman who is the head of that House, in defence of + rational liberty: Men who know that he has proved himself a faithful + guardian to the several orders of the State—that he is a tried enemy + to dangerous innovations—a condemner of fantastic theories—one + who understands mankind, and knows the heights and levels of human nature, + by which the course of the streams of social action is determined—a + Lover of the People, but one who despises, as far as relates to his own + practice; and deplores, in respect to that of others, the shows, and + pretences, and all the false arts by which the plaudits of the multitude + are won, and the people flattered to the common ruin of themselves and + their deceivers. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But after all, let us soberly enquire to what extent it is really an evil + that two persons, so nearly connected in blood, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage218" id="Apage218"></a>{218}</span>should represent this + County. And first looking at the matter <i>locally</i>, what <i>is</i> + that portion of England known by the name of the County of Westmoreland? A + County which indeed the natives of it love, and are justly proud of; a + region famous for the production of shrewd, intelligent, brave, active, + honest, enterprising men:—but it covers no very large space on the + map; the soil is in general barren, the country poor accordingly, and of + necessity thinly inhabited. There are in England single Towns, even of a + third or fourth rate importance, that contain a larger population than is + included within the limits of Westmoreland, from the foot of Wrynose to + the sides of Stainmoor, and from the banks of the Kent to those of the + Emont. Is it, then, to be wondered at, considering the antiquity of the + House of Lowther, that circumstances should have raised it to the + elevation which it holds in a district so thinly peopled, neither rich in + the products of Agriculture, nor in the materials of Commerce, and where + it is impossible that any considerable number of Country Gentlemen of + large, or as our ancestors expressed themselves of notable estate, can + co-exist. It must unavoidably happen therefore that, at all times, there + will be few persons, in such a County, furnished with the stable + requisites of property, rank, family, and personal fitness, that shall + point them out for such an office, and <i>dispose them to covet it</i>, by + insuring that degree of public confidence which will make them + independent, comfortable, and happy, in discharging the duties which it + imposes. This small number will, at particular periods, be liable to be + reduced; that this <i>has</i> been the case is apparent upon retrospect; + and that the number is not large at present, may be inferred from the + difficulty with which a third Candidate has been found; and from the + insignificant station which the Individual, who has at length obeyed the + call of the discontented, holds in the County. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With these local circumstances <i>general</i> considerations have + powerfully co-operated, to place the representation of Westmoreland where + it now is; and to this second division of the subject I particularly + request your attention, Gentlemen, as reflecting Patriots. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Looking up to the government with respectful attachment, we all + acknowledge that power must be controlled and checked, or it will be + abused; hence the desirableness of a vigorous <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage219" id="Apage219"></a>{219}</span>opposition in the House of + Commons; and hence a wish, grounded upon a conviction of general + expediency, that the opposition to ministry, whose head and chief seat of + action are in Parliament, should be efficaciously diffused through all + parts of the Country. On this principle the two grand divisions of Party, + under our free government, are founded. Conscience regulated by + expediency, is the basis; honour, binding men to each other in spite of + temptation, is the corner-stone; and the superstructure is friendship, + protecting kindness, gratitude, and all the moral sentiments by which + self-interest is liberalized. Such is Party, looked at on the favourable + side. Cogent <i>moral</i> inducements, therefore, exist for the prevalence + of two powerful bodies in the practice of the State, spreading their + influence and interests throughout the country; and, on <i>political</i> + considerations, it is desirable that the strength of each should bear such + proportion to that of the other, that, while Ministry are able to carry + into effect measures not palpably injurious, the vigilance of Opposition + may turn to account, being backed by power at all times sufficient to awe, + but never, (were that possible) except when supported by manifest reason, + to intimidate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such apportioning of the strength of the two Parties <i>has</i> existed; + such a degree of power the Opposition formerly possessed; and if they have + lost that salutary power, if they are dwindled and divided, they must + ascribe it to their own errors. They are weak because they have been + unwise: they are brought low, because when they had solid and high ground + to stand upon, they took a flight into the air. To have hoped too ardently + of human nature, as they did at the commencement of the French Revolution, + was no dishonour to them as men; but <i>politicians</i> cannot be allowed + to plead temptations of fancy, or impulses of feeling, in exculpation of + mistakes in judgement. Grant, however, to the enthusiasm of Philanthropy + as much indulgence as it may call for, it is still extraordinary that, in + the minds of English Statesmen and Legislators, the naked absurdity of the + means did not raise a doubt as to the attainableness of the end. Mr. Fox, + captivated by the vanities of a system founded upon abstract rights, + chaunted his expectations in the House of Parliament; and too many of his + Friends partook of the illusion. The most sagacious Politician of his age + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage220" id="Apage220"></a>{220}</span>broke + out in an opposite strain. Time has verified his predictions; the books + remain in which his principles of foreknowledge were laid down; but, as + the Author became afterwards a Pensioner of State, thousands, in this + country of free opinions, persist in asserting that his divination was + guess-work, and that conscience had no part in urging him to speak. That + warning voice proved vain; the Party from whom he separated, proceeded—confiding + in splendid oratorical talents and ardent feelings rashly wedded to novel + expectations, when common sense, uninquisitive experience, and a modest + reliance on old habits of judgement, when either these, or a philosophic + penetration, were the only qualities that could have served them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How many private Individuals, at that period, were kept in a rational + course by circumstances, supplying restraints which their own + understandings would not have furnished! Through what fatality it happens, + that Bodies of Men are so slow to profit, in a similar way, by + circumstances affecting their prosperity, the Opposition seem never to + have enquired. They could not avoid observing, that the Holders of + Property throughout the country, being mostly panic-stricken by the + proceedings in France, turned instinctively against the admirers of the + new system;—and, as security for property is the very basis of civil + society, how was it possible but that reflecting men, who perceived this + truth, should mistrust those Representatives of the People, who could not + have acted less prudently, had they been utterly unconscious of it! But + they had committed themselves and did not retract; either from unabating + devotion to their cause, or from false honour, and that self-injuring + consistency, the favourite sister of obstinacy, which the mixed conscience + of mankind is but too apt to produce. Meanwhile the tactics of Parliament + must continue in exercise on some system or other; their adversaries were + to be annoyed at any rate; and so intent were they upon this, that, in + proportion as the entrenchments of Ministry strengthened, the assaults of + Opposition became more careless and desperate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + While the war of words and opinions was going forward in this country, + Europe was deluged with blood. They in whose hands power was vested among + us, in course of time, lost ground in public opinion, through the failure + of their efforts. Parties were broken and re-composed; but Men who are + brought together <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage221" id="Apage221"></a>{221}</span>less + by principle than by events, cannot cordially co-operate, or remain long + united. The opponents of the war, in this middle stage and desponding + state of it, were not popular; and afterwards, when the success of the + enemy made the majority of the Nation feel, that Peace dictated by him + could not be lasting, and they were bent on persevering in the struggle, + the Party of Opposition persisted in a course of action which, as their + countenance of the doctrine of the rights of man, had brought their + understandings into disrepute, cast suspicion on the soundness of their + patriotic affections. Their passions made them blind to the differences + between a state of peace and war, (above all such a war!) as prescribing + rules for their own conduct. They were ignorant, or never bore in mind, + that a species of hostility which, had there been no foreign enemy to + resist, might have proved useful and honourable, became equally pernicious + and disgraceful, when a formidable foe threatened us with destruction. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I appeal to impartial recollection, whether, during the course of the late + awful struggle, and in the latter stages of it especially, the antagonists + of Ministers, in the two Houses of Parliament, did not, for the most part, + conduct themselves more like allies to a military despot, who was + attempting to enslave the world, and to whom their own country was an + object of paramount hatred, than like honest Englishmen, who had breathed + the air of liberty from their cradles. If any state of things could supply + them with motives for acting in that manner, they must abide by the + consequences. They must reconcile themselves as well as they can to + dislike and to disesteem, the unavoidable results of behaviour so + unnatural. Peace has indeed come; but do they who deprecated the + continuance of the war, and clamoured for its close, on any terms, rejoice + heartily in a triumph by which their prophecies were belied? Did they lend + their voices to swell the hymn of transport, that resounded through our + Land, when the arch-enemy was overthrown? Are they pleased that + inheritances have been restored, and that legitimate governments have been + re-established, on the Continent? And do they grieve when those + re-established governments act unworthily of the favour which Providence + has shown them? Do not too many rather secretly congratulate themselves on + every proof of imbecility or misconduct there exhibited; and endeavour + that attention shall be exclusively fixed on those <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage222" id="Apage222"></a>{222}</span>melancholy facts, as if they + were the only fruits of a triumph, to which we Britons owe, that we are a + fearless, undishonoured, and rapidly improving people, and the nations of + the Continent owe their very existence as self-governed communities? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Party of Opposition, or what remains of it, has much to repent of; + many humiliating reflections must pass through the minds of those who + compose it, and they must learn the hard lesson to be thankful for them as + a discipline indispensible to their amendment. Thus only can they furnish + a sufficient nucleus for the formation of a new Body; nor can there be any + hope of such Body being adequate to its appropriate service, and of its + possessing that portion of good opinion which shall entitle it to the + respect of its antagonists, unless it live and act, for a length of time, + under a distinct conception of the kind and degree of hostility to the + executive government, which is fairly warrantable. The Party must cease + indiscriminately to court the discontented, and to league itself with Men + who are athirst for innovation, to a point which leaves it doubtful, + whether an Opposition, that is willing to co-operate with such Agitators, + loves as it ought to do, and becomingly venerates, the happy and glorious + Constitution, in Church and State, which we have inherited from our + Ancestors. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Till not a doubt can be left that this indispensible change has been + effected, Freeholders of Westmoreland! you will remain—but to <i>exhort</i> + is not my present business—I was retracing the history of the + influence of one Family, and have shewn that much of it depends upon that + steady support given by them to government, during a long and arduous + struggle, and upon the general course of their public conduct, which has + secured your approbation and won for them your confidence. Let us now + candidly ask what practical evil has arisen from this preponderance. Is it + not obvious, that it is justified by the causes that have produced it? As + far as it concerns the general well-being of the Kingdom, it would be easy + to shew, that if the democratic activities of the great Towns and of the + manufacturing Districts, were not counteracted by the sedentary power of + large estates, continued from generation to generation in particular + families, it would be scarcely possible that the Laws and Constitution of + the Country could sustain the shocks which they would be subject to. And + as to our own County, <i>that</i> Man must be <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage223" id="Apage223"></a>{223}</span>strangely prejudiced, who + does not perceive how desireable it is, that some powerful Individual + should he attached to it; who, by his influence with Government, may + facilitate the execution of any plan tending, with due concern for <i>general</i> + welfare, to the especial benefit of Westmoreland. The influence of the + House of Lowther is, we acknowledge, great; but has a case been made out, + that this influence has been abused? The voice of gratitude is not loud, + out of delicacy to the Benefactor; but, if all who know were at liberty to + speak, to the measure of their wishes, the services which have been + rendered by the House of Lowther to Westmoreland, its Natives, and + Inhabitants, would be proclaimed in a manner that would confound + detraction.—Yet the Kendal Committee of the 26th of January—without + troubling themselves to inquire how far this preponderance is a reasonable + thing, and what have been its real and practical effects—are + indignant; their blood is roused; 'and they are determined to address + their Brother Freeholders, and call upon them to recover the exercise of + the elective Franchise, which has been withheld from them for half a + century.'—<i>Withheld</i> from them! Suppose these Champions, in + this their first declaration of hostility, had said, 'to recover the + elective Franchise <i>which we have suffered to lie dormant</i>.' But no!—Who + would take blame to himself, when, by so doing, he is likely to break the + force of the indignation, which, whether deserved or not, he hopes to heap + upon his adversary? This is politic—but does it become professing + men? Does it suit those who set forward with a proclamation, that they are + select spirits, free from Party ties; and, of course, superior to those + artifices and misrepresentations—to those groundless or immoderate + aversions—which men who act in parties find it so difficult to keep + clear of? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What degree of discernment and consistency, an assembly of persons, who + begin their labours with such professions and publish such intentions, + have shewn, by making choice of the Individual whom they have recommended, + as eminently entitled to their confidence and qualified to assist them in + attaining their end, may become the fit subject of a future enquiry.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage224" id="Apage224"></a>{224}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + SECOND ADDRESS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + GENTLEMEN, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Much of my former Address, originated in deference to that sense of right, + which is inseparable from the minds of enlightened Patriots. Passing from + local considerations, I wrote under a belief that, whatever personal or + family leanings might prevail among you, you would be moved by a wish to + see the supporters of his Majesty's Ministers and their opponents—possessed, + relatively to each other, of that degree of strength which might render + both parties, in their several capacities, most serviceable to the State. + I noticed, that this just proportion of strength no longer remained; and + shewed, that the Opposition had caused it to be destroyed by holding, from + the beginning of the French Revolution, such a course as introduced in + Parliament, discord among themselves; deprived them, in that House and + elsewhere, of the respect which from their Adversaries they had been + accustomed to command; turned indifferent persons into enemies; and + alienated, throughout the Island, the affections of thousands who had been + proud to unite with them. This weakness and degradation, deplored by all + true Friends of the Commonweal, was sufficiently accounted for, without + even adverting to the fact that—when the disasters of the war had + induced the Country to forgive, and, in some degree, to forget, the + alarming attachment of that Party to French theories: and power, + heightened by the popularity of hope and expectation, was thrown into + their hands—they disgusted even bigotted adherents, by the rapacious + use they made of that power;—stooping to so many offensive + compromises, and committing so many faults in every department, that, a + Government of Talents, if such be the fruits of talent, was proved to be + the most mischievous sort of government which England had ever been + troubled with. So that, whether in or out of place, an evil genius seemed + to attend them! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How could all this happen? For the fundamental reason, that neither the + religion, the laws, the morals, the manners, nor the literature of the + country, especially as contrasted with those of France, were prized by the + Leaders of the Party as they deserved. It is a notorious fact that, among + their personal Friends, was scarcely to be found a single Clergyman of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage225" id="Apage225"></a>{225}</span>distinction;—so + that, how to dispose of their ecclesiastical patronage in a manner that + might do them credit, they were almost as ignorant as strangers landed, + for the first time, in a foreign Country. This is not to be accounted for + on any supposition (since the education of men of rank naturally devolves + on those members of our Universities, who choose the Church for their + profession) but that of a repugnance on their part to associate with + persons of grave character and decorous manners. Is the distracted remnant + of the Party, now surviving, improved in that respect? The dazzling + talents with which it was once distinguished have passed away; pleasure + and dissipation are no longer, in that quarter, exhibited to the world in + such reconcilement with business as excited dispositions to forgive what + could not be approved, and a species of wonder, not sufficiently kept + apart from envy, at the extraordinary gifts and powers by which the union + was accomplished. This injurious conjunction no longer exists, so as to + attract the eyes of the Nation. But we look in vain for signs that the + opinions, habits, and feelings of the Party are tending towards a + restoration of that genuine English character, by which alone the + confidence of the sound part of the People can be recovered. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The public life of the Candidate who now, for the first time, solicits + your suffrages, my Brother Freeholders, cannot, however, without injustice + to that Party, be deemed a fair exponent of its political opinions. It + has, indeed, been too tolerant with Mr. Brougham, while he was labouring + to ingraft certain sour cuttings from the wild wood of ultra reform on the + reverend, though somewhat decayed, stock of that tree of Whiggism, which + flourished proudly under the cultivation of our Ancestors. This + indulgence, and others like it, will embolden him to aim at passing + himself off as the Delegate of Opposition, and the authorized pleader of + their cause. But Time, that Judge from whom none but triflers appeal to + conjecture, has decided upon leading principles and main events, and given + the verdict against his clients. While, with a ready tongue, the Advocate + of a disappointed party is filling one scale, do you, with a clear memory + and apt judgment, silently throw in what of right belongs to the other; + and the result will be, that no sensible man among you, who has supported + the present Members on account of their steady adherence to Ministers, can + be induced to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage226" id="Apage226"></a>{226}</span>change + his conduct, or be persuaded that the hour is either come, or approaching, + when, for the sake of bringing the power of Opposition in this County + nearer to an equality with that of Ministers, it will be his duty to vote + against those Representatives in whom he has hitherto confided. No, if Mr. + Brougham had not individually passed far beyond the line of that Party—if + his conduct had been such that even they themselves would admit that he + truly belonged to them—the exception would still lie against the + general rule; and will remain till the character of men and measures + materially changes, for the better, assuredly, on the one side, if not for + the worse on the other. Remember what England might have been with an + Administration countenancing French Doctrines at the dawn of the French + Revolution, and suffering them, as it advanced, to be sown with every wind + that came across the Channel! Think what was the state of Europe before + the French Emperor, the apparent, and in too many respects the real, Idol + of Opposition, was overthrown! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Numbers, I am aware, do not cease vehemently to maintain, that the late + war was neither just nor necessary; that the ostensible and real causes of + it were widely different; that it was not begun, and persisted in, for the + purpose of withstanding foreign aggression, and in defence of social + order: but from unprincipled ambition in the Powers of Europe, eager to + seize that opportunity of augmenting their territories at the expence of + distracted and enfeebled France.—Events ever-to-be-lamented do, I + grant, give too much colour to those affirmations. But this was a war upon + a large scale, wherein many Belligerents took part; and no one who + distinctly remembers the state of Europe at its commencement will be + inclined any more to question that the alleged motives had a solid + foundation, because then, or afterwards, others might mix with them, than + he would doubt that the maintenance of Christianity and the reduction of + the power of the Infidels were the principal motives of the Crusades, + because roving Adventurers, joining in those expeditions, turned them to + their own profit. Traders and hypocrites may make part of a Caravan bound + to Mecca; but it does not follow that a religious observance is not the + prime object of the Pilgrimage. The political fanaticism (it deserves no + milder name) that pervaded the Manifesto issued by the Duke of Brunswick, + on his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage227" id="Apage227"></a>{227}</span>entry + into France, proves, that he and the Power whose organ he was, were swayed + on their march by an ambition very different from that of territorial + aggrandizement;—at least, if such ambition existed, it is plain that + feelings of another kind blinded them to the means of gratifying it. + Nevertheless, we must acknowledge the passion soon manifested itself, and + in a quarter where it was least excusable. The seizure of Valenciennes, in + the name of the Emperor of Germany, was an act of such glaring rapacity, + and gave the lie so unfeelingly to all that had been professed, that the + then Ministers of Great Britain, doubtless, opposed the intention with a + strong remonstrance. But the dictates of magnanimity (which in such cases + is but another word for high and sage policy) would have been—'this + unjust act must either be abandoned, or Great Britain shall retire from a + contest which, if such principles are to govern, or interfere with, the + conduct of it, cannot but be calamitous.' A threat to this purpose was + either not given or not acted upon. <i>Hinc illae clades</i>! From that + moment the alliance of the French Loyalists with the coalesced Powers + seemed to have no ground of rational patriotism to stand upon. Their + professed helpers became their worst enemies; and numbers among them not + only began to wish for the defeat of their false friends, but joined + themselves to their fellow-countrymen, of all parties, who were labouring + to effect it.—But the military successes of the French, arising + mainly from this want of principle in the Confederate Powers, in course of + time placed the policy and justice of the war upon a new footing. However + men might differ about the necessity or reasonableness of resorting to + arms in the first instance, things were brought to such a state that, + among the disinterested and dispassionate, there could be but one opinion + (even if nothing higher than security was aimed at) on the demand for the + utmost strength of the nation being put forth in the prosecution of the + war, till it should assume a more hopeful aspect.—And now it was + that Ministers made ample amends for past subserviency to selfish + coadjutors, and proved themselves worthy of being entrusted with the fate + of Europe. While the Opposition were taking counsel from their fears, and + recommending despair—while they continued to magnify without scruple + the strength of the Enemy, and to expose, misrepresent, and therefore + increase the weaknesses of their country, his<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage228" id="Apage228"></a>{228}</span> Majesty's Ministers were + not daunted, though often discouraged: they struggled up against adversity + with fortitude, and persevered heroically; throwing themselves upon the + honour and wisdom of the Country, and trusting for the issue to the + decrees of a just PROVIDENCE:—and for this determination everlasting + gratitude will attend them! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From the internal situation of France, produced by the Revolution, War + with the contiguous Powers was inevitable; sooner or later the evil must + have been encountered; and it was of little importance whether England + took a share in it somewhat earlier than, by fallible judgments, might be + deemed necessary, or not. The frankness with which the faults that were + committed have been acknowledged entitles the writer to some regard, when, + speaking from an intimate knowledge of the internal state of France at + that time, he affirms, that the war waged against her was, in a liberal + interpretation of the words, <i>just and necessary</i>. At all events our + Nation viewed it in this light. A large majority of the Inhabitants of + Great Britain called for the war; and they who <i>will</i> the end <i>will</i> + the means: the war being deemed necessary, taxes became indispensible for + its support. Some might prefer one mode of raising them—some + another; but these are minor considerations. Public men, united in bodies, + must act on great principles. Mutual deference is a fundamental requisite + for the composition and efficiency of a Party: for, if individual judgment + is to be obtruded and insisted upon in subordinate concerns, the march of + business will be perpetually obstructed. The leaders will not know whom + they can depend upon, and therefore will be at a loss what to recommend, + and how to act. If a public man differs from his Party in essentials, + Conscience and Honour demand that he should withdraw; but if there be no + such difference, it is incumbent upon him to submit his personal opinion + to the general sense. He, therefore, who thought the prosecution of the + war necessary, could not condemn the public Imposts; on this consequence + the steady adherents of Ministers rest their claim to approbation, and + advance it boldly in defiance of the outcry raised against the Government, + on account of the burthens which the situation of Europe compelled it to + lay upon the people. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In matters of taste, it is a process attended with little advantage, and + often injurious, to compare one set of artists, or <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage229" id="Apage229"></a>{229}</span>writers, with another. But, + in estimating the merits of public men, especially of two Parties acting + in direct opposition, it is not only expedient, but indispensible, that + both should be kept constantly in sight. The truth or fallacy of French + principles, and the tendency, good or bad, of the Revolution which sprang + out of them; and the necessity, or non-necessity—the policy, or + impolicy—of resisting by war the encroachments of republican and + imperial France; these were the opposite grounds upon which each Party + staked their credit: here we behold them in full contrast with each other—To + whom shall the crown be given? On whom has the light fallen? and who are + covered by shade and thick darkness? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The magnanimity which resolved, that for principle's sake no efforts + should be spared to crush a bestial despotism, was acknowledged by every + manly spirit whom Party degenerating into Faction had not vitiated. That + such was the dictate of confiding <i>wisdom</i> had long been inwardly + felt; and the <i>prudence</i> of the course was evinced by the triumphant + issue; but to the very completeness of this triumph may be indirectly + attributed no small portion of the obloquy how heaped upon those advisers + through whom it was achieved. The power of Napoleon Buonaparte was + overthrown—his person has disappeared from the theatre of Europe—his + name has almost deserted the columns of her daily and weekly Journals—but + as he has left no Successor, as there is no foreign Tyrant of sufficient + importance to attract hatred by exciting fear, many honest English + Patriots must either find, or set up, something at home for the employment + of those affections. This is too natural to occasion surprise; thousands + are so framed, that they are but languidly conscious of their love of an + object, unless while they feel themselves in an active state of aversion + to something which they can regard as its opposite.—Thus we see Men, + who had been proud of their attachment to his Majesty's Ministers, during + the awful struggle, as soon as it was over, allowing on the first + temptation that proud attachment to be converted into immoderate + suspicion, and a long experienced gratitude into sudden alienation.—Through + this infirmity, many were betrayed into taking part with the Men whom they + had heretofore despised or condemned; and assisted them in reviling their + own Government for suffering, among the States of the Continent, + institutions to remain <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage230" + id="Apage230"></a>{230}</span>which the respective nations (surely the + best, if not the only judges in the case) were unwilling to part with; and + for having permitted things to be done, either just and proper in + themselves, or if indeed abuses, abuses of that kind which Great Britain + had neither right to oppose, nor power to prevent. Not a Frenchman is in + arms in Spain! But (alas for the credit of the English Cabinet!) + Ferdinand, though a lawful, appears to be a sorry King; and the + Inquisition, though venerated by the People of Spain as a holy tribunal, + which has spread a protecting shade over their religion for hundreds of + years, is, among Protestants, an abomination! Is that, however, a reason + why we should not rejoice that Spain is restored to the rank of an + Independent nation; and that her resources do not continue at the disposal + of a foreign Tyrant, for the annoyance of Great Britain? Prussia no longer + receives decrees from the Tuilleries; but nothing, we are told, is gained + by this deliverance; because the Sovereign of that Country has not + participated, as far as became him, a popular effervescence; and has + withheld from his subjects certain privileges which they have proved + themselves, to all but heated judgments, not yet qualified to receive. + Now, if numbers can blame, without cause, the British Cabinet for events + falling below their wishes, in cases remote from their immediate concerns, + the reasonableness of their opinions may well be questioned in points + where selfish passion is touched to the quick.—Yes, in spite of the + outcry of such Men to the contrary, every enlightened Politician and + discerning Patriot, however diffident as to what was the exact line of + prudence in such arduous circumstances, will reprobate the conduct of + those who were for reducing public expenditure with a precipitation that + might have produced a convulsion in the State. The Habeas Corpus Act is + also our own near concern; it was suspended, some think without sufficient + cause; not so, however, the Persons who had the best means of ascertaining + the state of the Country; for they could have been induced to have + recourse to a measure, at all times so obnoxious, by nothing less than a + persuasion of its expediency. 'But persuasion (an Objector will say) is + produced in many ways; and even that degree of it which in these matters + passes for conviction, depends less upon external testimony than on the + habits and feelings of those by whom the testimony is to be weighed and + decided upon. A council for the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage231" + id="Apage231"></a>{231}</span>administration of affairs is far from being + as favourably circumstanced as a tribunal of law; for the Party, which is + to pronounce upon the case, has had to procure the evidence, the sum and + quality of which must needs have been affected by previously existing + prejudices, and by any bias received in the process of collecting it.—The + privileges of the subject, one might think, would never be unjustifiably + infringed, if it were only from considerations of self-interest; but power + is apt to resort to unnecessary rigour in order to supply the deficiencies + of <i>authority</i> forfeited by remissness; it is also not unfrequently + exerted merely to shew that it is possessed; to shew this to others while + power is a novelty, and when it has long ceased to be so, to prove it to + ourselves. Impatience of mind, moreover, puts men upon the use of strong + and coarse tools, when those of lighter make and finer edge, with due + care, might execute the work much better. Above all, timidity flies to + extremes;—if the elements were at our command, how often would an + inundation be called for, when a fire-engine would have proved equal to + the service!—Much more might be urged in this strain, and similar + suggestions are all that the question will admit of; for to suppose a + gross appetite of tyranny in Government, would be an insult to the + reader's understanding. Happily for the Inhabitants of Westmoreland, as no + dispositions existing among them could furnish a motive for this + restrictive measure, so they will not be sorry that their remoteness from + scenes of public confusion, has placed them where they will be slow to + give an unqualified opinion upon its merits. Yet it will not escape their + discernment, that, if doubts might have been entertained whether the + ignorant and distressed multitude, in other parts of the Island, were + actually brought to a state that justified the suspension of this law, + such doubts must have been weakened, if not wholly removed, by the + subsequent behaviour of those in the upper ranks of society, who, in order + to arraign the Government, and denounce the laws, have seized every + opportunity of palliating sedition, if not of exculpating treason. O far + better to employ bad men in the detection of foul conspiracies, than to + excuse and shelter—(would that I were allowed to confine myself to + these words)—than to reward and honour—every one that can + contrive to make himself conspicuous by courses which, wherever they are + not branded with infamy, find the national character in a <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage232" id="Apage232"></a>{232}</span>state of + degradation, ominous (if it should spread) for the existence of all that + ought to be dear to Englishmen. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But there are points of domestic policy in which his Majesty's Ministers, + not appearing in counterview with their Opponents, are seen less to their + honour. Speaking as an Individual, and knowing that here I differ from + many Freeholders with whom it is an honour to co-operate in the present + struggle, I must express my disapprobation of the patronage afforded by + several persons in power, to a Society by which is virtually propagated + the notion that Priesthood, and of course our own inestimable Church + Establishment, is superfluous. I condemn their sanction (and this attaches + to the whole body) of the malevolent and senseless abuse heaped upon the + Clergy, in the matter of Tythes, through the medium of papers circulated + by the Agricultural Board. I deprecate the course which some among them + take in the Catholic Question, as unconstitutional; and deplore the want + of discernment evinced by men who persuade themselves that the discontents + prevalent in Ireland will be either removed or abated by such concession. + With these errors and weaknesses the Members of the Administration (as + appears to me) may be justly reproached; and a still heavier charge will + lie against them, if the correction of the Poor Laws be longer deferred. + May they exhibit, in treating this momentous subject, a tenderness of + undeceived humanity on the one side, and a sternness of enlightened + state-policy on the other! Thus, and thus only, can be checked + immediately, and in due course of time perhaps removed, an evil by which + one claim and title is set in array against another, in a manner, and to + an extent, that threatens utter subversion to the ancient frame of + society. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is the heaviest burthen that now lies upon England!—Here is a + necessity for reform which, as it cannot prosper unless it begin from the + Government and the upper ranks in society, has no attraction for + demagogues and mob-exciting patriots. They understand their game; and, as + if the people could in no way be so effectually benefited as by rendering + their Government suspected, they declaim against taxes; and, by their + clamours for reduction of public expenditure, drown the + counter-suggestions from the 'still small voice' of moderation appealing + to circumstances. 'Cry aloud, and spare <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage233" id="Apage233"></a>{233}</span>not!—Retrench and lop + off!' and so they proceeded with the huzza of the multitude at their + heels, till they had produced an extreme embarrassment in the Government, + and instant distress and misery among the People. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One of the most importunate of that class of Economists which Parliament + contained, now Gentlemen, solicits the honour of representing you; and + merit may perhaps be claimed for him for his exertions upon that occasion. + If it be praiseworthy to have contributed to cast shoals of our deserving + countrymen adrift, without regard to their past services, that praise + cannot be denied him; if it be commendable to have availed himself of + inordinate momentary passion to carry measures whereby the general weal + was sacrificed, whether designedly for the attainment of popularity, or in + the self-applauding sincerity of a heated mind, that praise is due to Mr. + Brougham and his coadjutors. But, to the judicious Freeholders of + Westmoreland, whether Gentry or Yeomanry, rich or poor, he will in vain + adduce this, or any other part of the recent conduct of Opposition, as a + motive for strengthening their interests amongst us. No, Freeholders, we + must wait; assuring them that they shall have a reasonable portion of our + support as soon as they have proved that they deserve it! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Till that time comes, it will not grieve us that this County should supply + two Representatives to uphold the Servants of the Crown, even if both + should continue, through unavoidable circumstances, to issue from one + Family amongst us. Till that change takes place, we will treat with scorn + the senseless outcry for the recovery of an independence which has never + been lost. We are, have been, and will remain, independent; and the host + of men, respectable on every account, who have publicly avowed their + desire to maintain our present Representatives in their seats, deem it + insolence to assert the contrary. They are independent in every rational + sense of the word; acknowledging, however, that they rest upon a + principle, and are incorporated with an interest; and this they regard as + a proof that their affections are sane, and their understandings superior + to illusion. But in certain vocabularies liberty is synonymous with + licence; and to be free, as explained by some, is to live and act without + restraint. In like manner, independence, according to the meaning of their + interpretation, is the explosive energy of <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage234" id="Apage234"></a>{234}</span>conceit—making blind + havoc with expediency. It is a presumptuous spirit at war with all the + passive worth of mankind. The independence which they boast of despises + habit, and time-honoured forms of subordination; it consists in breaking + old ties upon new temptations; in casting off the modest garb of private + obligation to strut about in the glittering armour of public virtue; in + sacrificing, with jacobinical infatuation, the near to the remote, and + preferring, to what has been known and tried, that which has no distinct + existence, even in imagination; in renouncing, with voluble tongue and + vain heart, every thing intricate in motive, and mixed in quality, in a + downright passion of love for absolute, unapproachable patriotism! In + short, the independence these Reformers bawl for is the worthy precursor + of the liberty they adore;—making her first essay by starting out of + the course for the pleasure of falling into the ditch; and asserting her + heaven-born vigour by soaring <i>above</i> the level of humanity in + profession, that it may more conspicuously appear how far she can fall <i>below</i> + it in practice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To this spurious independence the Friends of our present Representatives + lay no claim. They assert in the face of the world that those + Representatives hold their seats by free election.—<i>That</i> has + placed them there; and why should we wish to change what we do not + disapprove of—that which could not have been without our + approbation? But this County has not for a long time been disturbed by + electioneering contests.—Is there no species of choice, then, but + that which is accompanied with commotion and clamour? Do silent + acquiescence and deliberate consent pass for nothing? Being contented, + what could we seek for more? Being satisfied, why should we stir for + stirring's sake? Uproar and disorder, even these we could tolerate on a + justifying occasion; but it is no sign of prudence to court them + unnecessarily, nor of temper to invite them wantonly. He who resorts to + substantial unruliness for the redress of imaginary grievances, provokes + certain mischief; and often, in the end, produces calamity which would + excite little compassion, could it be confined to its original author. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let those who think that they are degraded proclaim their own dishonour. + <i>They</i> choose to regard themselves as shackled Conscripts:—<i>we</i> + know that we are self-equipped Volunteers. If they cannot be easy without + branding themselves as slaves, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage235" + id="Apage235"></a>{235}</span>we would endeavour to dissuade them from + such abuse of their free-agency; but if they persist, we cannot interfere + with their humour: only do not let them apply the iron to our foreheads! + They cry out that they have been in a lethargy; why do they not add that + they would have been asleep to this hour, if they had not been roused, in + their vales and on their moors, by an officious and impertinent call from + the dirty alleys and obscure courts of the Metropolis? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If there be any honour in England, the composition of the Lowther Party + must be loyal and honourable. Its adversaries have admitted that a large + majority, they might have added nearly the whole, of the leading Gentry; + that the Magistracy—all but a single Individual; that the Clergy and + the Members of the other liberal Professions—with very few + exceptions; and a vast body of Tradesmen and Manufacturers, and of + substantial Yeomen, the honest Grey-coats of Westmoreland, have already + declared themselves of one mind upon this appeal to their judgments. + Looking to a distance, they see the worth and opulence, the weight of + character, and the dignity and respectability of station, that distinguish + the numerous list of Freeholders resident in London, who have jointly and + publicly testified their satisfaction in the conduct of our present + Representatives. The discontented see and know these things; and are well + aware also that the Lowthers cannot justly be accused of inordinate and + disrespectful family ambition, inasmuch as it was not their wish that the + County should be represented by two Members of their House. It has long + been no secret that if any other Gentleman of the County properly + qualified, whose <i>political principles did not substantially differ from + their own</i>, would have come forward, he would have been <i>sure of + their support</i>. If they resist to the utmost persons of <i>opposite</i> + principles, the points in dispute being scarcely less than vital, the more + must they be respected by every zealous Patriot and conscientious Man. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From what has been said, it appears that the political influence of the + family of Lowther in Westmoreland is the natural and reasonable + consequence of a long-continued possession of large property—furnishing, + with the judicious Nobleman at its head, an obvious support, defence, and + <i>instrument</i> for the intelligent patriotism of the County. I have + said instrument, and laid an emphasis upon the word; because they who do + not <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage236" id="Apage236"></a>{236}</span>perceive + that such is the truth are ignorant what shape, in these cases, social + combinations must take, in order to be efficient and be preserved. Every + great family which many have rallied round from congeniality of public + sentiment, and for a political purpose, seems in course of time to direct, + and in ordinary cases does direct, its voluntary adherents; but, if it + should violate their wishes and shock their sense of right, it would + speedily be reduced to such support only as it could <i>command</i>; and + then would be seen who had been Principal, and who Secondary; to whom had + belonged in reality the place of Agent, to whom that of the Employer. The + sticklers for <i>emancipation</i> (a fashionable word in our times, when + rational acquiescence is deemed baseness of spirit, and the most + enlightened service passes for benighted servility!) have been free on + numerous occasions to make the effort they are now making. Could any + considerable person have been found to share their feeling, they might + have proposed a Representative unacceptable to the Family whose ascendancy + they complain of, with a certainty of securing his election, had the + good-will of the Freeholders been on their side. What could possibly have + prevented this trial? But they talk as if some mysterious power had been + used to their injury. Some call it 'a thraldom from without'—some 'a + drowsiness within.'—Mr. Brougham's Kendal Committee find fault with + others—the Chairman of the Appleby Committee is inclined to fix the + blame nearer home. An accredited organ of their Kendal Committee tells you + dogmatically, from the Bill of Rights, that '<i>Elections shall be free</i>;' + and, if asked how the citation bears upon the case, his answer would most + likely prove him of opinion, that, as noise is sometimes an accompaniment + of freedom, so there can be no freedom without noise. Or, does the erudite + Constitutionalist take this method of informing us, that the Lord + Lieutenant has been accustomed to awe and controul the Voters of this + County, as Charles the Second and his Brother attempted to awe and + controul those of the whole kingdom? If such be the meaning of the Writer + and his Employers, what a pity Westmoreland has not a Lunatic Asylum for + the accommodation of the whole Body! In the same strain, and from the same + quarter, we are triumphantly told 'that no Peer of Parliament shall + interfere in Elections.' How injurious then to these Monitors and their + Cause the report of the Hereditary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage237" + id="Apage237"></a>{237}</span> High Sheriff's massy subscription, and his + zealous countenance! Let him be entreated formally to contradict it;—or + would they have one law for a Peer who is a Friend to Administration, and + another for such as are its enemies? Is the same act to pass for culpable + or praiseworthy, just as it thwarts, or furthers, the wishes of those who + pronounce a judgment upon it? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The approvers of that order of things in which we live and move, at this + day, as free Englishmen, are under no temptation to fall into these + contradictions. They acknowledge that the general question is one of great + delicacy: they admit that laws cannot be openly slighted without a breach + of decorum, even when the relations of things are so far altered that Law + looks one way—and Reason another. Where such disagreement occurs in + respect to those Statutes which have the dignity of constitutional + regulations, the less that is said upon the subject the better for the + Country. But writers, who in such a case would gladly keep a silent + course, are often forced out of it by wily hypocrites, and by others, who + seem unconscious that, as there are Pedants in Literature, and Bigots in + Religion, so are there Precisians in Politics—men without + experience, who contend for limits and restraints when the Power which + those limits and restraints were intended to confine is long since + vanished. In the Statute-books Enactments of great name stand unrepealed, + which may be compared to a stately oak in the last stage of decay, or a + magnificent building in ruins. Respect and admiration are due to both; and + we should deem it profaneness to cut down the one, or demolish the other. + But are we, therefore, to be sent to the sapless tree for may-garlands, or + reproached for not making the mouldering ruin our place of abode? + Government is essentially a matter of expediency; they who perceive this, + and whose knowledge keeps pace with the changes of society, lament that, + when Time is gently carrying what is useless or injurious into the + back-ground, he must be interrupted in the process by Smatterers and + Sciolists—intent upon misdirecting the indignation of the simple, + and feeding the ill-humours of the ignorant. How often do such men, for no + better purpose, remind their disciples of the standing order that declares + it to be 'a high infringement of the liberties and privileges of the + Commons, for any Lord of Parliament to concern himself in the election of + members, to serve for the Commons <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage238" + id="Apage238"></a>{238}</span>in Parliament.'—This vote continues to + be read publicly at the opening of every Session,—but practice rises + up against it; and, without censuring the Custom, or doubting that it + might be salutary when first established, (though it is not easily + reconcileable with the eligibility of the eldest sons of Peers to the + lower House, without any other qualification than their birth,) we may be + permitted to be thankful that subsequent experience is not rendered + useless to the living by the formal repetition of a voice from the tombs. + Better is it that laws should remain till long trial has proved them an + incumbrance, than that they should be too hastily changed; but this + consideration need not prevent the avowal of an opinion, which every + practical Statesman will confirm, that, if the property of the Peers were + not, according to the will and by the care of the owners, substantially + represented by Commoners, to a proportionate extent under their influence, + their large Estates would be, for them, little better than sand liable to + be blown about in the desart, and their privileges, however useful to the + country, would become fugitive as foam upon the surface of the sea.—(<i>See + Note</i>.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I recollect a picture of Diogenes going about in search of an honest man. + The philosopher bore a staff in one hand, and a lantern in the other. Did + the latter accompaniment imply that he was a persevering Spirit who would + continue his labour by night as well as by day? Or was it a stroke of + satire on the part of the painter, indicating that, as Diogenes was a + surly and conceited Cynic, he preferred darkness for his time of search, + and a scanty and feeble light of his own carrying, to the bounteous + assistance of the sun in heaven? How this might be with Diogenes, I know + not; but assuredly thus it fares with our Reformers:—The Journal of + some venal or factious scribbler is the black and smoky lantern they are + guided by; and the sunshine spread over the face of a happy country is of + no use in helping them to find any object they are in search of.—The + plea of the degraded state of the Representation of Westmoreland has been + proved to be rotten;—if certain discontented persons desire to erect + a building on a new plan, why not look about for a firm foundation? The + dissatisfied ought honestly to avow, that their aim is to elect a Man, + whose principles differ from those of the present Members to an extreme + which takes away all hope, or even wish, that the interest he is to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage239" id="Apage239"></a>{239}</span>depend + upon should harmonize with the interest hitherto prevalent in the County. + Every thing short of this leaves them subject to a charge of acting upon + false pretences, unless they prefer being accused of harbouring a + pharisaical presumption, that would be odious were it not ridiculous. If + the state of society in Westmoreland be as corrupt as they describe, what, + in the name of wonder, has preserved <i>their</i> purity? Away then with + hypocrisy and hollow pretext; let us be no longer deafened with a rant + about throwing off intolerable burthens, and repelling injuries, and + avenging insults! Say at once that you disapprove of the present Members, + and would have others more to your own liking; you have named your Man, or + rather necessity has named him for you. Your ship was reduced to + extremities; it would have been better to abandon her—you thought + otherwise; will you listen then while I shew that the Pilot, who has taken + charge of the vessel, is ignorant of the soundings, and that you will have + cause to be thankful if he does not prove very desperate in the management + of the helm? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Lands of England, you will recollect, Gentlemen, are originally + supposed to be holden by grants from the King, our liege Lord; and the + Constitution of the Country is accordingly a mellowed feudality. The + oldest and most respectable name for a County Representative is, KNIGHT OF + THE SHIRE. In the reign of Queen Anne it was enacted, that every Knight of + the Shire (the eldest sons of Peers and a few others excepted) shall have + a clear estate of Freehold or Copyhold to the value of £600 per + annum. The same qualification continues to be required at this day; and, + if the depreciation of money and other causes have injuriously affected + the <i>Letter</i> of the Statute, the <i>Spirit</i> of it has not only + been preserved in practice, but carried still higher. Hence we scarcely + scruple to take for granted that a County Representative is a man of + substantial landed property; or stands in such known relation to a + conspicuous Estate that he has in it a valuable interest; and that, + whoever be the possessor, such Estate may be looked upon as a pledge for + his conduct. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The basis of the elective Franchise being property, the legal condition of + eligibility to a seat in Parliament is the same. Our ancestors were not + blind to the <i>moral</i> considerations which, if they did not suggest + these ordinances, established a confidence <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage240" id="Apage240"></a>{240}</span>in their expediency. Knowing + that there could be no <i>absolute</i> guarantee for integrity, and that + there was no <i>certain</i> test of discretion and knowledge, for bodies + of men, the prudence of former times turned to the best substitute human + nature would admit of, and civil society furnished. This was property; + which shewed that a man had something that might be impaired or lost by + mismanagement; something which tended to place him above dependence from + need; and promised, though it did not insure, some degree of education to + produce requisite intelligence. To be a Voter required a fixed Property, + or a defined privilege; to be voted for, required more; and the scale of + demand rose with the responsibility incurred. A Knight of the Shire must + have double the Estate required from a Representative of a Borough. This + is the old Law; and the course of things since has caused, as was observed + above, that high office to devolve almost exclusively on Persons of large + Estate, or their near connections. And why is it desirable that we should + not deviate from this track? If we wish for honesty, we shall select men + who, not being subject to one of the strongest temptations to be otherwise + than honest, will incur heavier disgrace, and meet with less indulgence, + if they disappoint us. Do we wish for sage conduct, our choice will fall + upon those who have the wisdom that lurks in circumstances, to supply what + may be deficient in their personal accomplishments. But, if there <i>be</i> + a deficiency, the fault must lie with the Electors themselves. When + persons of large property are confided in, we cannot plead want of + opportunities for being acquainted with them. Men of large estates cannot + but be men of wide concerns; and thus it is that they become known in + proportion. Extensive landed property entails upon the possessor many + duties, and places him in divers relations, by which he undergoes a public + trial. Is a man just in his dealings? Does he keep his promises? Does he + pay his debts punctually? Has he a feeling for the poor? Is his Family + well governed? Is he a considerate Landlord? Does he attend to his own + affairs; and are those of others, which have fallen under his care, + diligently and judiciously managed? Answers to these questions, where the + Subject of them has but an inconsiderable landed Property, can only be + expected from a very narrow circle of Neighbours;—but place him at + the head of a large Estate, and knowledge of what he is <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage241" id="Apage241"></a>{241}</span>in these + particulars must spread to a distance; and it will be further known how he + has acted as a Magistrate, and in what manner he has fulfilled the duties + of every important office which he may have been called to, by virtue of + his possessions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such are the general principles of reason which govern law, and justify + practice in this weighty matter. The decision is not to take place upon + imagination or conjecture. It is not to rest upon professions of the + Candidate, or protestations of his Friends. As a County Representative is + to be voted for by many—many must have opportunities of knowing him; + or, failing that intimate knowledge, we require the pledge of condition, + the bond and seal of circumstance. Otherwise we withhold our confidence, + and cannot be prevailed upon to give, to the opinions of an Individual + unbacked by these advantages, the countenance and authority which they + might derive from being supposed to accord with those of numerous + Constituents scattered over a wide Country, and therefore less liable to + be affected by partial views, or sudden and transitory passion—to + diminish their value. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Freeholders of past times knew that their rights were most likely to + repose in safety, under the shade of rank and property. Adventurers had no + estimation among them; there was no room for them—no place for them + to appear in.—Think of this, and ask if your Fathers, could they + rise from their tombs, would not have stared, with no small degree of + wonder, upon the Person who now solicits the Suffrages of the County of + Westmoreland. What are his Rents—Where are his comings in? He is + engaged in an undertaking of great expence—how is that expence + supplied? From his own purse? Impossible! Where are the golden sinews + which this Champion of Independence depends upon? If they be furnished by + those who have no natural connection with the County, are we simple enough + to believe that they dip their hands into their pockets out of pure + good-will to us? May they not rather justly be suspected of a wish to + embroil us for some sinister purpose? At all events, it might be some + satisfaction would they shew themselves, so that, if we are to have a + Subscription-candidate, we may know what sort of Persons he is indebted + to, and at least be able to <i>guess</i> what they will require of him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The principles that have been laid down, and the facts which have been + adverted to, might seem to render it superfluous to <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage242" id="Apage242"></a>{242}</span>retrace the public conduct + of Mr. Brougham, and to enquire whether, in Parliament or at the London + Tavern, in Palace Yard or elsewhere, those acts and courses, to which he + himself refers as his <i>only</i> recommendation, do not still more unfit + him for the trust which he covets. But Persons fond of novelty make light + of deficiencies which would have admitted of no compensation in the + judgment of our Ancestors; and the Candidate, being in no respect + remarkable for deference to public opinion, is willing to avail himself of + new-fangled expectations. Hence it becomes necessary to consider what + would be the <i>political value of the Freeholds of Westmoreland</i>, if + the system of Annual Parliaments and Universal Suffrage (countenanced by + Mr. Brougham) should be acted upon. But, as there has been much saying and + unsaying on this subject, let us review the case. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the House of Commons, on the 17th of February, 1817, Lord Cochrane + affirmed, that, on a certain day which he named, Mr. Brougham, at a dinner + given at the London Tavern, to the Friends of Parliamentary Reform, used + the following words, or words to the same effect:—'As often as we + have required that Parliaments should be chosen yearly, and that the + elective Franchise should be extended to all who pay taxes, we have been + desired to wait, for the enemy was at the gate, and ready to avail himself + of the discords attending our political contests, in order to undermine + our national independence. This argument is gone, and our Adversaries must + now look for another. He had mentioned the two radical doctrines of <i>yearly + election</i>, and the <i>Franchise enjoyed by all paying taxes</i>; but it + would be superfluous to reason in favour of them here, where all are + agreed on the subject.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When this, and other passages of like import, were produced by Lord C. in + a paper declared to be in Mr. Brougham's handwriting, and to be a report + made by himself of the speech then and there delivered, did Mr. Brougham + deny that the handwriting was his, and that those words had fallen from + his pen, as the best image that his own memory could furnish of what he + had uttered? No—he gave vent only to a vague complaint of groundless + aspersions; and accused certain persons of rashness and imprudence, and of + not waiting only for a few days longer, when they would have had a full + and fair opportunity of hearing his sentiments on this momentous subject. + He then <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage243" id="Apage243"></a>{243}</span>acknowledged + that some observations had fallen from him <i>similar</i> to what had been + read by the Noble Lord; and added, that he then said, or at least meant to + be understood as saying, (he takes no notice of what he wrote or meant to + be understood as writing,) <i>what he still maintained</i>—'that the + power of election should he limited <i>to those who paid direct taxes</i>;' + in other and more faithful words, should be <i>extended</i> to all persons + in that condition. Mr. B. proceeded manfully to scout the notion, that the + mere production of a speech delivered by him at a Tavern would make him + swerve from the line of his duty, from the childish desire of keeping up + an appearance of consistency! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What then is the amount? On the 23d of June, 1814, (it cannot be unfair to + state as a fact, that a vacancy in the Representation of Westminster was + at that time looked for,) Mr. B. either was, or wished to be, accounted an + Advocate of Annual Parliaments and Suffrage to be enjoyed by all paying + taxes; and on the 17th of February, 1817, when Mr. B. in another place is + reminded of these, his avowed opinions, he is utterly mute upon the + subject of Annual Parliaments, on the expediency of which he had before + harangued at length, and confines himself to announce, as the sum of his + then opinion, that suffrage should <i>be co-extensive with direct taxation</i>! + The question had two faces, and Mr. B. chooses only to look at one. Hard + pressed as he was, we cannot grant him this indulgence. He has, indeed, + denounced, on other occasions, the <i>combined</i> doctrines of Annual + Parliaments and Universal Suffrage as chimerical and absurd; though how + near he came to the point of recommending both, at the London Tavern, he + is any thing but explicit; (in fact both, as Lord C. shewed, <i>were</i> + virtually recommended by him.) But what does he think of Annual + Parliaments, in <i>conjunction</i> with his rectified opinion of Suffrage, + co-extensive with direct taxation? Here he leaves us wholly in the dark; + but if the turbulent workings of Mr. Brougham's mind, and his fondness for + contentious exhibition, manifested on all possible occasions, may be + admitted as positive evidence, to corroborate the negative which his + silence on this point implies, we are justified in believing that his + passions were on that side, whatever might be the bent of his cooler + judgment. But this is of little import. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Introduce suffrage co-extensive with direct taxation, and Annual + Parliaments must unavoidably follow. The clumsy <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage244" id="Apage244"></a>{244}</span>simplicity of the one + arrangement would, in the eyes of its Admirers, match strikingly with the + palpable expediency of the other. Such a union is equally suitable to an + age of gross barbarism and an age of false philosophy. It is amusing to + hear this plan of suffrage for all who pay direct taxes recommended as + consonant to the genius and spirit of the British Constitution, when, in + fact, though sufficiently rash and hazardous, it is no better than a timid + plagiarism from the doctrine of the Rights of Man. Upon the model of that + system, it begins with flagrant injustice to <i>chartered</i> rights; for + if it were adopted, the elective Franchises that now exist would be + depreciated accordingly; an invidious process for those who would lose by + the alteration; and still more invidious for those to whom the privilege + would not be suffered to descend. Alas! I am trifling with the subject! If + the spirit of a People, composed as that of England now is, were once put + into a ferment, by organizing a democracy on this scheme, and to this + extent, with a Press as free and licentious as our's has long been, what a + flimsy barrier would remain to check the impetus of the excluded! When, in + thousands, they bore down upon the newly constituted House of Assembly, + demanding to be placed upon a level with their fellow-subjects, it would + avail little to send a Peace-officer to enquire—where are your + vouchers? Shew us that the Tax-gatherer has been among you! As soon as the + petty Artizans, Shop-keepers, and Pot-house Keepers, of our over-grown + Manufacturing Towns and our enormous Cities, had each and all been + invested with the right of voting, the infection would spread like a + plague.—Our neighbours on the Continent tried this plan of direct + taxation; and, in the beginning of the third year of <i>their</i> Reform, + Universal Suffrage, which had long ruled in spirit, lorded it in form + also, from the Pyrenees to the Rhine, and from the Straits of Calais to + the Shores of the Mediterranean. Down went the throne of France! and, if + we should take the same guide, the Throne of England must submit a second + time to a like destiny. Most of us would deem this a considerable evil—the + greatest political evil that could befal the Land! Not so, however, our + new Candidate! unless his opinion, if, indeed, he ever <i>held</i> what + may be called an opinion upon any thing, has undergone important changes + since the time when he expressed himself in the following words:—'When + trade and the arts of civilized life have <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage245" id="Apage245"></a>{245}</span>been carried to a certain + length, war is the greatest calamity that can befal a community. Any state + in modern Europe would be so completely ruined by the contests which + Athens and Carthage easily supported, that it would be a matter of total + indifference, whether the war was a series of victories or disasters. The + return of Peace to France or England, after half so long a contest as + either the Peloponnesian or the Punic wars, <i>would be cheaply purchased + by any conquest or revolution, any change of dynasty or overthrow of + Government</i>.'—See vol. i. p. 13, of <i>Colonial Policy</i>, by H. + Brougham. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The above was given to the world when we were at war with Bonaparte; and + that part of the English nation, who might read the book or hear of this + author's doctrines, was plainly told, that, in <i>his</i> estimation, our + Constitutional liberties were not worthy of being defended at the cost of + a 14 years' war! But the unsuspecting, humane, and hope-cherishing + adherents of the new Candidate will tell you, this does not prove that Mr. + B. sets a small price on the Constitution and Laws of England; it only + shews his tender-heartedness, and his extreme aversion to the horrors and + devastation of war.—Hear then Mr. B. on these points also. Let his + <i>serious</i> Friends take from his pen this pleasant description, which + proves at least that he can be <i>jocular</i> upon a subject that makes + most men grave; although they may not think twice seven years' war so + great a calamity as <i>any</i> conquest or <i>Revolution</i>, any change + of dynasty or <i>overthrow</i> of <i>Government</i>.—'A species of + pecuniary commutation,' he tells us, 'has been contrived, by which the + operations of war are rendered very harmless; they are performed by some + hundreds of sailors fighting <i>harmlessly</i> on the barren plains of the + ocean, and some thousands of soldiers carrying on a scientific, and + regular, and <i>quiet</i> system of warfare, in countries <i>set apart for + the purpose</i>, and resorted to as the arena where the disputes of + nations may be determined. The prudent policy had been adopted of <i>purchasing + defeat</i> at a distance rather than victory at home; in this manner we <i>paid + our allies for being vanquished; a few useless millions, and a few more + useless lives were sacrificed</i>; and the result was, that we were amply + rewarded by safety, increased resources, and real addition of power.' (<i>Edinburgh + Review</i>, No. II., and ascertained to be the writing of Mr. Brougham, by + his having incorporated it in his <i>Colonial Policy</i>.)<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage246" id="Apage246"></a>{246}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The new Candidate challenges the strictest scrutiny into his public life, + so that had we gone much farther than the above retrospect, we should only + have been fulfilling his own wishes. Personal enmity towards the Subject, + the Writer has none; being, in all that concerns the feelings of private + life, friendly to Mr. Brougham, rather than otherwise. That his talents + and habits of application entitle him to no common respect, must be + universally acknowledged; but talents in <i>themselves merely</i> are, in + the eyes of the judicious, no recommendation. If a sword be sharp, it is + of the more importance to ask—What use it is likely to be put to? In + government, if we can keep clear of mischief, good will come of itself. + Fitness is the thing to be sought; and unfitness is much less frequently + caused by general incapacity than by absence of that kind of capacity + which the charge demands. Talent is apt to generate presumption and + self-confidence; and no qualities are so necessary, in a Legislator, as + the opposites of these—which, if they do not imply the existence of + sagacity, are the best substitutes for it—whether they produce, in + the general disposition of the mind, an humble reliance on the wisdom of + our Forefathers, and a sedate yielding to the pressure of existing things; + or carry the thoughts still higher, to religious trust in a superintending + Providence, by whose permission laws are ordered and customs established, + for other purposes than to be perpetually found fault with. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These suggestions are recommended to the consideration of our new + Aspirant, and of all those public men whose judgments are perverted, and + tempers soured, by long struggling in the ranks of opposition, and + incessant bustling among the professors of Reform. I shall not recall to + notice further particulars, because time, by softening asperities or + removing them out of sight, is a friend to benevolence. Although a + rigorous investigation has been invited, it is well that there is no need + to run through the rash assertions, the groundless accusations, and the + virulent invectives that disfigure the speeches of this never-silent + Member. All these things, offensive to moderate men, are too much to the + taste of many of Mr. Brougham's partizans in Westmoreland. But I call upon + those who relish these deviations from fair and honourable dealing—upon + those also of his adherents who are inwardly ashamed of their Champion, on + this account—and upon all the Freeholders concerned in the general + question, to review <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage247" id="Apage247"></a>{247}</span>what + has been laid before them. Having done this, they cannot but admit that + Mr. Brougham's <i>independence</i> is a dark <i>dependence</i>, which no + one understands—and, that if a jewel <i>has</i> been lost in + Westmoreland, his are not the eyes by which it is to be found again. If + the dignity of Knight of the Shire is to be conferred, <i>he</i> cannot be + pronounced a fit person to receive it. For whether, my Brother + Freeholders, you look at the humbleness of his situation amongst Country + Gentlemen; or at his amphibious habits, in the two elements of Law and + Authorship, and the odd vagaries he has played in both; or whether he be + tried by the daring opinions which, by his own acknowledgment, he has + maintained in Parliament, and at public meetings, on the subject of the + elective Franchise; we meet with concurring proofs that HE IS ALTOGETHER + UNFIT TO REPRESENT THIS, OR ANY OTHER COUNTY! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If, notwithstanding the truth of this inference, Mr. Brougham's talents, + information, and activity make it desirable that he should have a place in + the House of Commons, why cannot they who are of this opinion be content, + since he is already there? What service he is capable of rendering may be + as effectually performed, should he never aspire beyond re-election to one + of those seats which he now fills. The good, if any is to be looked for, + may then be obtained with much less risk of evil. While he continues a + Member for a close Borough, his dangerous opinions are left mainly to the + support of his own character, and the arguments which his ingenuity can + adduce to recommend them; but should they derive that degree of sanction + from the Freeholders of a County, which success in his present undertaking + would imply, they might become truly formidable!—Let every one, + then, who cannot accompany Mr. B. in his bold theories, and does not go + the length of admiring the composition of his political life, be cautious + how he betakes himself to such help, in order to reduce, within what he + may deem due bounds, the influence of a Family prominent in the civil + service of the County from the earliest times. It is apparent, if the + Writer has not employed his pen in vain, that against this influence there + is no just ground of complaint. They who think with him will continue to + uphold it, as long as the Family proves that it understands its own + interest and honour by a judicious attention to our's. And should it + forfeit <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage248" id="Apage248"></a>{248}</span>our + respect by misconduct, in the unavoidable decline of its political + importance which would ensue, we should not envy that House its splendid + possessions or its manifold privileges; knowing that some Families must be + permanently great and opulent, or there would be no security for the + possessions of the middle ranks, or of the humble Proprietor. But, looking + at the present constitution and measure of this influence, you cannot but + perceive, Gentlemen, that, if there were <i>indeed</i> any thing in it + that could justly be complained of, our duty might still be to bear with + the local evil, as correcting an opposite extreme in some other quarter of + the Island;—as a counterpoise of some weight elsewhere pressing + injuriously upon the springs of social order. How deplorable would be the + ignorance, how pitiful the pride, that could prevent us from submitting to + a partial evil for the sake of a general good! In fine, if a comprehensive + survey enjoined no such sacrifice, and even if all that the unthinking, + the malevolent, and the desperate, all that the deceivers and the + deceived, have conjointly urged at this time against the House of Lowther, + were literally true, you would be cautious how you sought a remedy for + aristocratic oppression, by throwing yourselves into the arms of a flaming + democracy! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Government and civil Society are things of infinite complexity, and rash + Politicians are the worst enemies of mankind; because it is mainly through + them that rational liberty has made so little progress in the world. You + have heard of a Profession to which the luxury of modern times has given + birth, that of Landscape-Gardeners, or Improvers of Pleasure-grounds. A + competent Practitioner in this elegant art begins by considering every + object, that he finds in the place where he is called to exercise his + skill, as having a right to remain, till the contrary be proved. If it be + a deformity he asks whether a slight alteration may not convert it into a + beauty; and he destroys nothing till he has convinced himself by + reflection that no alteration, no diminution or addition, can make it + ornamental. Modern Reformers reverse this judicious maxim. If a thing is + before them, so far from deeming that it has on that account a claim to + continue and be deliberately dealt with, its existence with them is a + sufficient warrant for its destruction. Institutions are to be subverted, + Practices radically altered, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage249" + id="Apage249"></a>{249}</span>Measures to be reversed. All men are to + change their places, not because the men are objectionable, or the place + is injurious, but because certain Pretenders are eager to be at work, + being tired of both. Some are forward, through pruriency of youthful + talents—and Greybeards hobble after them, in whom number of years is + a cloak for poverty of experience. Some who have much leisure, because + every affair of their own has withered under their mismanagement, are + eager to redeem their credit, by stirring gratis for the public;—others, + having risen a little in the world, take <i>swimmingly</i> to the trade of + factious Politics, on their original stock of base manners and vulgar + opinions. Some are theorists hot for practice, others hacknied + Practitioners who never had a theory; many are vain, and must be busy; and + almost as many are needy—and the spirit of justice, deciding upon + their own merits, will not suffer them to remain at rest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The movement made among us, my countrymen of Westmoreland, was preceded, + announced, and prepared, by <i>such</i> Agitators, disseminating + falsehoods and misrepresentations, equally mischievous, whether they + proceeded from wilful malice or presumptuous ignorance. Take warning in + time. Be not persuaded to unite with them who, whether they intend you + injury or not, cannot but prove your enemies. Let not your's be the first + County in England, which, since the days of Wilkes, and after the dreadful + example of France, has given countenance to principles congenial to the + vice, profligacy, and half-knowledge of Westminster; but which formerly + were unheard of among us, or known only to be detested. Places, Pensions, + and formidable things, if you like! but far better these, with our King + and Constitution, with our quiet fire-sides and flourishing fields, than + proscription and confiscation, without them! Long wars, and their + unavoidable accompaniment, heavy taxes—both these evils are liable + to intemperate exaggeration; but, be they what they may, would there be + less of war and lighter taxes, as so many grumblers loudly preach, and too + many submissive spirits fondly believe, if the House of Commons were + altered into one of more popular frame, with more frequent opportunities + given of changing the persons sent thither? A reference to the twenty + years which succeeded the Revolution, may suffice to shew the fallacy of + such <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage250" id="Apage250"></a>{250}</span>expectations. + Parliaments were then triennial, and democratic principles fashionable + even among the Servants of the Crown. Yet, during that space of time, wars + were almost incessant; and never were burthens imposed so far above the + apparent ability of the Nation to support them. Having adverted to the + warlike measures of those reigns merely to support my argument, I cannot + forbear to applaud the high-spirited Englishmen of that age. Our + forefathers were tried, as we have been tried—and their virtue did + not sink under the duties which the decrees of Providence imposed upon it. + They triumphed, though less signally than we have done;—following + their example, let us now cultivate fortitude, encourage hope and chearful + industry; and give way to enterprise. So will prosperity return. The + stream, which has been checked, will flow with recruited vigour—and, + when another century shall have passed away, the ambition of France will + be as little formidable to our then-existing Posterity as it is now to us. + But the lessons of History must be studied;—they teach us that, + under every form of civil polity, war will contrive to lift up its head, + and most pertinaciously in those States where the People have most sway. + When I recur to these admonitions, it is to entreat that the discontented + would exercise their understandings, rather than consult their passions; + first separating real from mistaken grievances, and then endeavouring to + ascertain (which cannot be done with a glance of the mind) how much is + fairly attributable to the Government; how much to ourselves; and how + large a portion of what we have to endure has been forced upon us by a + foreign Power, over whom we could exercise no controul but by arms. The + course here recommended will keep us, as we are, free and happy—will + preserve us from what, through want of these and like precautions, other + Nations have been hurried into—domestic broils, sanguinary + tribunals, civil slaughter in the field, anarchy, and (sad cure and close + of all!) tranquillity under the iron grasp of military despotism. Years + before this catastrophe, what would have become of your Elective + Franchise, Freeholders of Westmoreland? The Coadjutors of the obscure + Individuals who, from a distance, first excited this movement under a + pretence of recovering your Rights, would have played the whirlwind among + your Property, and crushed you, less perhaps out of malice, than because, + in their frenzy, they could not help it.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage251" id="Apage251"></a>{251}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A conviction that the subject is ill understood by those who were + unprepared for what has just been said, is the excuse to my own mind, + Gentlemen, for having made so protracted a demand upon your attention. The + ruinous tendencies of this self-flattering enterprize can only be checked + by timely and general foresight. The contest in which we are engaged has + been described by Persons noticing it from a distance, as the work of a + Cabal of Electioneering Jobbers, who have contrived to set up the Thanet + against the Lowther interests, that both Parties might spend their money + for the benefit of those who cared for neither. The Thanet interest in the + County of Westmoreland!—one might almost as well talk of an interest + in the moon! The Descendant of the Cliffords has not thought it worth + while to recommend himself to the Electors, by the course either of his + public or his private life; and therefore, though his purse may have + weight, and his possessions are considerable, he himself, in reference to + the supposed object, is nothing. If this had been really an attempt made + by a numerous body of malcontent Freeholders to carry their wishes for a + change into effect, by placing at their head some <i>approved</i> Chief of + an ancient Family, possessed of real consequence in the County, the + proceeding, considered in the abstract, could not have been objected to. + This County is, and ever was, open to fair and honourable contest, + originating in principles sanctioned by general practice; and carried on + by means which, if universally adopted, would not be injurious to the + State. But the present measure stands not upon any such grounds; it is an + attempt, no matter with what ultimate view, TO EFFECT A TOTAL CHANGE IN + THE CHARACTER OF COUNTY ELECTIONS; beginning here with the expectation, as + is openly avowed, of being imitated elsewhere. It <i>reverses</i> the + order hitherto pursued. Instead of aiming to influence the less wealthy + and less instructed Freeholders through the medium of those whom they have + been accustomed to confide in—instead of descending by legitimate + gradations from high to lower, from the well-instructed and + widely-experienced to those who have not had equal advantages—it + commences at the bottom; far beneath the degree of the poorest + Freeholders; and works upwards, with an inflammatory appeal to feelings + that owe their birth to previous mistatement of facts. Opulence, rank, + station, privilege, distinction, intellectual culture—the notions + naturally <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage252" id="Apage252"></a>{252}</span>following + upon these in a Country like England are protection, succour, guidance, + example, dissemination of knowledge, introduction of improvements, and all + the benefits and blessings that among Freemen are diffused, where + authority like the parental, from a sense of community of interest and the + natural goodness of mankind, is softened into brotherly concern. This is + no Utopian picture of the characteristics of elevated rank, wealth, + competence, and learned and liberal education in England; for, with the + liberty of speech and writing that prevails amongst us, if such rays of + light and love did not generally emanate from superiority of station, + possessions, and accomplishment, the frame of society, which we behold, + could not subsist. Yes—in spite of pride, hardness of heart, + grasping avarice, and other selfish passions, the not unfrequent + concomitants of affluence and worldly prosperity, the mass of the people + are justly dealt with, and tenderly cherished;—accordingly, + gratitude without servility; dispositions to prompt return of service, + undebased by officiousness; and respectful attachment, that, with small + prejudice to the understanding, greatly enriches the heart: such are the + sentiments with which Englishmen of the humblest condition have been + accustomed to look up towards their Friends and Benefactors. Among the + holders of fixed property (whether labourers in the field or artisans); + among those who are fortunate enough to have an interest in the soil of + their Country; these human sentiments of civil life are strengthened by + additional dependencies.—I am aware how much universal habits of + rapacious speculation, occasioned by fluctuations in the value of produce + during the late war—how much the spread of manufactories and the + baleful operation of the Poor Laws, have done to impair these indigenous + and salutary affections. I am conscious of the sad deterioration, and no + one can lament it more deeply; but sufficient vitality is left in the + Stock of ancient virtue to furnish hope that, by careful manuring, and + skilful application of the knife to the withered branches, fresh shoots + might thrive in their place—were it not for the base artifices of + Malignants, who, pretending to invigorate the tree, pour scalding water + and corrosive compounds among its roots; so that the fibres are killed in + the mould by which they have been nourished. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That for years such artifices have been employed in Westmoreland, and in a + neighbouring County, with unremitting <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage253" id="Apage253"></a>{253}</span>activity, must be known to + all. Whatever was disliked has been systematically attacked, by the + vilifying of persons connected with it. The Magistrates and public + Functionaries, up to the Lord Lieutenant himself, have been regularly + traduced—as unfaithful to their trust; the Clergy habitually derided—as + time-servers and slavish dependants; and the Gentry, if conspicuous for + attachment to the Government, stigmatized—as Men without honour or + patriotism, and leagued in conspiracy against the Poor. After this manner + have the Provincial Newspapers (the chief agents in this local mischief,) + concurred with the disaffected London Journals, who were playing the same + part towards laws and institutions, and general measures of State, by + calumniating the principal Authorities of the Kingdom. Hence, instead of + gratitude and love, and confidence and hope, are resentment and envy, + mistrust and jealousy, and hatred and rancour, inspired:—and the + drift of all is, to impress the Body of the People with a belief that + neither justice can be expected, nor benevolence hoped for, unless power + be transferred to Persons least resembling those who now hold it; that is—to + Demagogues and Incendiaries! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It will be thought that this attempt is too extravagant to be dangerous; + inasmuch as every member of society, possessed of weight and authority, + must revolt from such a transfer, and abhor the issues to which it points. + Possessed of weight and authority—with whom? These Agitators <i>have</i> + weight and authority there, where they seek for it, that is with no small + portion of what they term the physical strength of the Country. The People + have ever been the dupes of extremes. VAST GAINS WITH LITTLE PAINS, is a + jingle of words that would be an appropriate inscription for the + insurrectionary banner of unthinking humanity. To walk—to wind—towards + a thing that is coveted—how unattractive an operation compared with + leaping upon it at once!—Certainly no one possessed of <i>legitimate + authority</i> can desire such a transfer as we have been forced to + contemplate; but he may aid in bringing it about, without desiring it. + Numerous are the courses of civil action in which men of pure dispositions + and honourable aims, are tempted to take part with those who are utterly + destitute of both. Be not startled, if, merely glancing at the causes of + this deplorable union, as it is now exhibited in this part of England, I + observe, that there is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage254" + id="Apage254"></a>{254}</span>no necessary connection between public + spirit and political sagacity. How often does it happen that right + intention is averse to inquiry as casting a damp upon its own zeal, and a + suspicion upon the intrinsic recommendation of its object! Good men turn + instinctively from inferences unfavourable to human nature. But there are + facts which are not to be resisted, where the understanding is sound. The + self-styled Emancipators have tried their strength; if there were any + thing promising to England in their efforts, we should have seen this + Country arrayed in opposite Parties resembling each other in quality and + composition. Little of that appears. The promoters of the struggle did not + hope for such a result; and many of them would not have wished for it, + could they have expected to be carried through by that ruinous division of + the upper from the lower ranks of society, on which they mainly relied. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, Freeholders, wicked devices have not done the service that was + expected from them. You are upon your guard; the result of this canvass + has already shewn that a vast majority of you are proof against assault, + and remain of sound mind. Such example of Men abiding by the rules of + their Forefathers cannot but encourage others, who yet hesitate, to + determine in favour of the good cause. The more signal the victory the + greater will be the honour paid to fixed and true principles, and the + firmer our security against the recurrence of like innovations. At all + events, enough, I trust, has been effected by the friends of our present + Representatives to protect those who have been deceived, and may not in + time awaken from their delusion. May their eyes be opened, and at no + distant day; so that, perceiving the benefits which the laws, as now + enacted and administered, ensure to their native Land, they may feel + towards you who make the wiser choice the gratitude which you will have + deserved.—The beginnings of great troubles are mostly of comparative + insignificance;—a little spark can kindle a mighty conflagration, + and a small leak will suffice to sink a stately vessel. To that loyal + decision of the event now pending, which may be confidently expected, + Britain may owe the continuance of her tranquillity and freedom; the + maintenance of the justice and equity for which she is pre-eminent among + nations; and the preservation of her social comforts, her charitable + propensities, her morals and her religion. Of this, as <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage255" id="Apage255"></a>{255}</span>belonging + to the future, we cannot speak with certainty; but not a doubt can exist + that the practices which led to the destruction of all that was venerable + in a neighbouring Country, have upon this occasion been industriously, + unscrupulously, eagerly resorted to.—But my last words shall be + words of congratulation and thanksgiving—upon a bright prospect that + the wishes will be crossed, and the endeavours frustrated, of those + amongst us who, without their own knowledge, were ready to relinquish + every good which they and we possess, by uniting with overweening + Reformers—to compose the VANGUARD OF A FEROCIOUS REVOLUTION! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">A FREEHOLDER.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Westmoreland, February 24, 1818. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + I have not scrupled to express myself strongly on this subject, + perceiving what use is made by the Opposite Party of those resolutions + of the House of Commons. In support of my opinion I quote the following + from the 'CARLISLE PATRIOT' of the 14th of February, premising, with the + Author of the Letter from which it is extracted, that by far the + greatest number of opulent Landholders are Members of the upper House, + and that the richest subjects are some of its Peers:— + </p> + <p> + 'The Peers of Great Britain, stripped as they now are of the overgrown + importance which they derived from the Feudal System, have made no + acquisition of political influence to compensate for the loss of it, by + an increasing extension of patronage, either collectively or + individually, like the crown; nor have the various circumstances + operated upon their body in any considerable degree, which have effected + such a radical and powerful accumulation of consequence and importance + in the Lower House. Add to this, that the general sentiment or feeling + that commonly exists between them and the body of the people bears no + analogy to the vivid principles of affectionate loyalty that tend so + strongly to secure and guard the person and rights of the King, or the + reciprocal sympathy of congenial interests that acts and directs so + powerfully betwixt the Commons and the Community in general. On the + contrary, the spirit that exists betwixt the Peers as a collectively + distinct body, and the people at large, is a spirit of <i>repulsion</i> + rather than of attraction. In a corporate light, they are viewed with no + sentiments of kindly affection, and therefore upon the supposition of a + political contest betwixt them and either of the other two Estates, they + would inevitably labour under the disadvantage of carrying it on against + all the force of the prejudices, which to a great extent always directs + popular opinion; hence, amidst all the contests and straggles which have + agitated or convulsed the Kingdom since the Reign of Henry the Seventh, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage256" id="Apage256"></a>{256}</span>the + political importance of the Peers, considered as an Estate of + Parliament, has been rather diminished than increased; and were such a + democratical House of Commons as our modern Patriots so loudly call for, + to be efficiently formed, the constitutional equilibrium of our envied + public system would be infallibly destroyed, and the spirit of our + Legislative Body, which in a great measure awards influence in + proportion to property, completely abrogated:—and it is in vain to + suppose that if even such a change was desirable, it could possibly be + effected without producing a train of incalculable miseries that would + much more than overbalance any partial good which could reasonably be + expected from the alteration....' + </p> + <p> + 'As property then is incontestibly the foundation-stone of political + right in Britain, it follows, as an inevitable consequence, that the + ratio of these rights should be in some measure commensurate to the + extent of the property, otherwise the immutable maxims of justice, as + well as the spirit of the Constitution, is violated; for it would be + palpably unjust to put a man who possessed a great stake in the welfare + of the Country, and paid comparatively a greater proportion of its + public revenue, on a level with the inferior freeholders, who, not + possessing any thing like an equal extent of property, cannot possibly + have the means of equally contributing to the exigencies of the + State.... + </p> + <p> + 'Now if any considerate conscientious man will calmly reflect upon the + power of the House of Commons in the imposition of taxes, and in how + many ways the public burthen affects the landed interest, either + directly or indirectly, he must acknowledge the expediency, as well as + the necessity and justice of the system, which, <i>steadily though + silently</i>, protects the great landholders in exercising an + appropriate influence in the election of the Representatives of the + People.—PHOCION.' + </p> + <p> + Previous to the Reign of Henry the Seventh, the Peers defended their + property and their privileges through the means of armed Retainers. That + politic Prince, by laws directed against the number of these Retainers; + by bringing in use the making of leases; and by statutes framed for the + purpose of 'unfettering more easily the Estates of his powerful + Nobility, and laying them more open to alienation,' prepared the way for + reducing the power of an Order which had been too strong for the Crown. + The operation of these laws, in course of time, would have brought the + Peers, as an Estate of the Realm, to utter insignificance, had not the + practice of supplying the Peerage with new Members, through creation by + patent without intervention of Parliament, been substituted for the only + mode previously tolerated by the great Barons for the exercise of this + royal prerogative, namely, by authority of Parliament. Thus did the + consequence of the Order, notwithstanding the diminution of its power, + continue to be maintained;—rich Commoners and Royal Favourites + being introduced to supply the places of extinguished Families, or those + whose wealth had fallen into decay. This prerogative grew without + immoderate exercise till the close of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. The + first of the Stuarts employed it lavishly, not considering the changes + that had taken place. His predecessors of the House of Tudor, by + breaking down the feudal strength of the Lords, and by transfer (through + the Reformation) of the Spiritual supremacy to themselves as temporal + Sovereigns, had come into possession of a superfluity of <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage257" id="Apage257"></a>{257}</span>power + which enabled the Crown to supply what was wanted in the Peers for their + own support. But through remote operation of the same causes, the + Commons were rising fast into consequence, with a puritanical spirit of + republicanism spreading rapidly amongst them. Hence the augmentation of + the number of Peers, made by James the First, notwithstanding the + addition of property carried by it to the Upper House, did not add + sufficient strength to that body to compensate for the distastefulness + of the measure to the people; and, as far as the property of the New + Peers was but the creature of prodigal grants from the Crown, the + conjoint strength of the two Estates received no increase. In the + meanwhile surrenders were made of the power of the Crown with infatuated + facility; till the Commons became so strong that the right of creating + Boroughs, being openly disputed, was almost abandoned; and the speedy + consequence of the whole was that the two parliamentary Estates of King + and Lords fell before the intemperance of the third. After the + restoration, the disputes about the bounds of Liberty and Prerogative + were revived; but Prerogative was gradually abandoned for the less + obnoxious and less obvious operations of influence. The numerous + creations of Peers were complained of; but, whatever motive might have + governed those creations, they were justified by the necessity of + things. Large as were the additions made to the number of Peers they + were insufficient to give the House its due weight as a separate Estate + in the Legislature. Through the reigns of Charles, William, and Anne, + whether the Crown was disposed to tyranny, or the Commons were venal, + factious, or arbitrary, we see too many proofs of the Lords wanting + natural strength to maintain their rights, and carry their patriotic + wishes into effect, even when they were supported by marked expressions + of popular opinion in their favour. If the changes which had taken place + in the structure of Society would have allowed them to act regularly as + an independent body upon its intrinsic resources, a deathblow was given + to such expectation towards the close of the reign of Queen Anne, when + twelve Peers were created in one day. This act, deservedly made one of + the articles of impeachment against Lord Oxford, shewed that their + sentiments, as a Body, were at the mercy of any unprincipled + Administration, and <i>compelled</i> them to look about for some other + means of being attended to;—and the most obvious was the best for + the Country and themselves—That of taking care of, and augmenting, + the influence which they possessed in the House of Commons. <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage259" id="Apage259"></a>{259}</span>Reformers + plead against this practice, constitutional resolutions still existing. + The slight review which has been given demonstrates its necessity if the + Constitution is to be preserved. The only question which a practical + politician can tolerate for a moment relates to the <i>degree</i> of + this influence;—has it been carried too far? The considerations + which put me upon writing the present note (for the length of which I + ought to apologise) do not require the discussion of this point. The + amicable reader will rejoice with me that, in spite of mutual shocks and + encroachments, the three Orders of the State are preserved in salutary + equipoise, although the mode of bringing this about has unavoidably + changed with change of circumstances. The spirit of the Constitution + remains unimpaired, nor have the essential parts of its frame undergone + any alteration. May both endure as long as the Island itself! + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage260" id="Apage260"></a>{260}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="V_OF_THE_CATHOLIC_RELIEF_BILL_1829" + id="V_OF_THE_CATHOLIC_RELIEF_BILL_1829"></a>V. OF THE CATHOLIC RELIEF + BILL, 1829. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + See Preface in the present volume for details on this 'Letter;' which was + addressed to the Bishop of London (Blomfield). This is printed from the + original Manuscript. G. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage261" id="Apage261"></a>{261}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + My Lord, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been hesitating for the space of a week, whether I should take the + liberty of addressing you; but as the decision draws near my anxiety + increases, and I cannot refrain from intruding upon you for a few minutes. + I will try to be brief, throwing myself upon your indulgence, if what I + have to say prove of little moment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The question before us is, Can Protestantism and Popery—or, somewhat + narrowing the ground, Can the Church of England (including that of + Ireland) and the Church of Rome—be co-ordinate powers in the + constitution of a free country, and at the same time Christian belief be + in that country a vital principle of action? The States of the Continent + afford no proof whatever that the existence of Protestantism and Romanism + under the specified conditions is practicable; nor can they be rationally + referred to as furnishing a guide for us. In France, the most conspicuous + of these States and the freest, the number of Protestants in comparison + with Catholics is insignificant, and unbelief and superstition almost + divide the country between them. In Prussia, there is no legislative + Assembly; the Government is essentially military; and excepting the + countries upon the Rhine, recently added to that Power, the proportion of + Catholics is inconsiderable. In Hanover, Jacob speaks of the Protestants + as more than ten to one; here, indeed, is a legislative Assembly, but its + powers are ill defined. Hanover had, and still may have, a censorship of + the press—an indulgent one; it can afford to be so through the + sedative virtue of the standing army of the country, and that of the + Germanic League to back the executive in case of commotion. No + sound-minded Englishman will build upon the short-lived experience of the + kingdom of the Netherlands. In Flanders a benighted Papacy prevails, which + defeated the attempts of the king to enlighten the people by education; + and I am well assured that the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage262" + id="Apage262"></a>{262}</span>Protestant portion of Holland have small + reason to be thankful for the footing upon which they have been there + placed. If that kingdom is to last, there is great cause for fear that its + government will incline more and more to Romanism as the religion of a + great majority of its subjects, and as one which by its slavish spirit + makes the people more manageable. If so, it is to be apprehended that + Protestantism will gradually disappear before it; and the ruling classes, + in a still greater degree than they now are, will become infidels, as the + easiest refuge in their own minds from the debasing doctrines of Papacy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Three great conflicts<a name="AFNanchor_24_24" id="AFNanchor_24_24"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> are before the + progressive nations, between Christianity and Infidelity, between Papacy + and Protestantism, and between the spirit of the old feudal and + monarchical governments and the representative and republican system, as + established in America. The Church of England, in addition to her infidel + and Roman Catholic assailants, and the politicians of the anti-feudal + class, has to contend with a formidable body of Protestant Dissenters. + Amid these several and often combined attacks, how is she to maintain + herself? From which of these enemies has she most to fear? Some are of + opinion that Papacy is less formidable than Dissent, whose bias is + republican, which is averse to monarchy, to a hierarchy, and to the + tything system—to all which Romanism is strongly attached. The + abstract principles embodied in the creed of the Dissenters' catechism are + without doubt full as politically dangerous as those of the Romanists; but + fortunately their creed is not their practice. They are divided among + themselves, they acknowledge no foreign jurisdiction, their organisation + and discipline, are comparatively feeble; and in times long past, however + powerful they proved themselves to overthrow, they are not likely to be + able to build up. Whatever the Presbyterian form, as in the Church of + Scotland, may have to recommend it, we find that the sons of the nobility + and gentry of Scotland who choose the sacred profession almost invariably + enter into the Church of England; and for the same reason, viz. the want + of a hierarchy (you will excuse me for connecting views so humiliating + with divine truth), the rich Dissenters, in the course of a generation or + two, fall into the bosom of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage263" + id="Apage263"></a>{263}</span> Church. As holding out attractions to the + upper orders, the Church of England has no advantages over that of Rome, + but rather the contrary. Papacy will join with us in preserving the form, + but for the purpose and in the hope of seizing the substance for itself. + Its ambition is upon record; it is essentially at enmity with light and + knowledge; its power to exclude these blessings is not so great as + formerly, though its desire to do so is equally strong, and its + determination to exert its power for its own exaltation by means of that + exclusion is not in the least abated. The See of Rome justly regards + England as the head of Protestantism; it admires, it is jealous, it is + envious of her power and greatness. It despairs of being able to destroy + them, but it is ever on the watch to regain its lost influence over that + country; and it hopes to effect this through the means of Ireland. The + words of this last sentence are not my own, but those of the head of one + of the first Catholic families of the county from which I write, spoken + without reserve several years ago. Surely the language of this individual + must be greatly emboldened when he sees the prostrate condition in which + our yet Protestant Government now lies before the Papacy of Ireland. 'The + great Catholic interest,' 'the old Catholic interest,' I know to have been + phrases of frequent occurrence in the mouth of a head of the first Roman + Catholic family of England; and to descend far lower, 'What would satisfy + you?' said, not long ago, a person to a very clever lady, a dependent upon + another branch of that family. 'That church,' replied she, pointing to the + parish church of the large town where the conversation took place. + Monstrous expectation! yet not to be overlooked as an ingredient in the + compound of Papacy. This 'great Catholic interest' we are about to embody + in a legislative form. A Protestant Parliament is to turn itself into a + canine monster with two heads, which, instead of keeping watch and ward, + will be snarling at and bent on devouring each other. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whatever enemies the Church of England may have to struggle with now and + hereafter, it is clear that at this juncture she is specially called to + take the measure of her strength as opposed to the Church of Rome—that + is her most pressing enemy. The Church of England, as to the point of + private judgment, standing between the two extremes of Papacy and<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage264" id="Apage264"></a>{264}</span> Dissent, + is entitled to heartfelt reverence; and among thinking men, whose + affections are not utterly vitiated, never fails to receive it. Papacy + will tolerate no private judgment, and Dissent is impatient of anything + else. The blessing of Providence has thus far preserved the Church of + England between the shocks to which she has been exposed from those + opposite errors; and notwithstanding objections may lie against some parts + of her Liturgy, particularly the Athanasian Creed, and however some of her + articles may be disputed about, her doctrines are exclusively scriptural, + and her practice is accommodated to the exigencies of our weak nature. If + this be so, what has she to fear? Look at Ireland, might be a sufficient + answer. Look at the disproportion between her Catholic and Protestant + population. Look at the distempered heads of the Roman Catholic Church + insisting upon terms which in France, and even in Austria, dare not be + proposed, and which the Pope himself would probably relinquish for a + season. Look at the revenues of the Protestant Church; her cathedrals, her + churches, that once belonged to the Romanists, and where, <i>in + imagination</i>, their worship has never ceased to be celebrated. Can it + be doubted that when the yet existing restrictions are removed, that the + disproportion in the population and the wealth of the Protestant Church + will become more conspicuous objects for discontent to point at; and that + plans, however covert, will be instantly set on foot, with the aid of new + powers, for effecting an overthrow, and, if possible, a transfer? But all + this is too obvious; I would rather argue with those who think that by + excluding the Romanists from political power we make them more attached to + their religion, and cause them to unite more strongly in support of it. + Were this true to the extent maintained, we should still have to balance + between the unorganised power which they derive from a sense of injustice, + real or supposed, and the legitimate organised power which concession + would confer upon surviving discontent; for no one, I imagine, is weak + enough to suppose that discontent would disappear. But it is a deception, + and a most dangerous one, to conclude that if a free passage were given to + the torrent, it would lose, by diffusion, its ability to do injury. The + checks, as your Lordship well knows, which are after a time necessary to + provoke other sects to activity, are not wanted here. The Roman Church + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage265" id="Apage265"></a>{265}</span>stands + independent of them through its constitution, so exquisitely contrived, + and through its doctrine and discipline, which give a peculiar and + monstrous power to its priesthood. In proof of this, take the injunction + of celibacy, alone separating the priesthood from the body of the + community, and the practice of confession, making them masters of the + conscience, while the doctrines give them an absolute power over the will. + To submit to such thraldom men must be bigoted in its favour; and that we + see is the case of Spain, in Portugal, in Austria, in Italy, in Flanders, + in Ireland, and in all countries where you have Papacy in full blow. And + does not history prove, that however other sects may have languished under + the relaxing influence of good fortune, Papacy has ever been most fiery + and rampant when most prosperous? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But many, who do not expect that conciliation will be the result of + concession, have a farther expedient on which they rely much. They propose + to take the Romish Church in Ireland into pay, and expect that afterwards + its clergy will be as compliant to the Government as the Presbyterians in + that country have proved. This measure is, in the first place, too + disingenuous not to be condemned by honest men; for the Government acting + on this policy would degrade itself by offering bribes to men of a sacred + calling to act contrary to their sense of duty. If they be sincere, as + priests and truly spiritual-minded, they will find it impossible to accept + of a stipend, known to be granted with such expectation. If they be + worldlings and false of heart, they will practise double-dealing, and seem + to support the Government while they are actually undermining it; for they + know that if they be suspected of sacrificing the interests of the Church + they will lose all authority over their flocks. Power and consideration + are more valued than money. The priests will not be induced to risk their + sway over the people for any sums that our Government would venture to + afford them out of the exhausted revenues of the empire. Surely they would + prefer to such a scanty hire the hope of carving for themselves from the + property of the Protestant Church of their country, or even the + gratification of stripping usurpation—for such they deem it—of + its gains, though there may be no hope to win what others are deprived of. + Many English favourers of this scheme are reconciled to what they call a + modification of the Irish <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage266" + id="Apage266"></a>{266}</span>Protestant Establishment in an application + of a portion of the revenues to the support of the Romish Church. This + they deem reasonable; shortly it will be openly aimed at, and they will + rejoice should they accomplish their purpose. But your Lordship will agree + with me that, if that happen, it would be one of the most calamitous + events that ignorance has in our time given birth to. After all, could the + secular clergy be paid out of this spoliation, or in any other way? The + Regulars would rise in consequence of their degradation; and where would + be the influence that could keep them from mischief? They would swarm over + the country to prey upon the people still more than they now do. In all + the reasonings of the friends to this bribing scheme, the distinctive + character of the Papal Church is overlooked. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But they who expect that tranquillity will be a permanent consequence of + the Relief Bill dwell much upon the mighty difference in opinion and + feeling between the upper and lower ranks of the Romish communion. They + affirm that many keep within the pale of the Church as a point of honour; + that others have notions greatly relaxed, and though not at present + prepared to separate, they will gradually fall off. But what avail the + inward sentiments of men if they are convinced that by acting upon them + they will forfeit their outward dignity and power? As long as the + political influence which the priests now exercise shall endure, or + anything like it, the great proprietors will be obliged to dissemble, and + to conform in their action to the demands of that power. Such will be the + conduct of the great Roman Catholic proprietors; nay, farther, I agree + with those who deem it probable that, through a natural and reasonable + desire to have their property duly represented, many landholders who are + now Protestant will be tempted to go over to Papacy. This may be thought a + poor compliment to Protestantism, since religious scruples, it is said, + are all that keep the Papists out; but is not the desire to be in, pushing + them on almost to rebellion at this moment? We are taking, I own, a + melancholy view of both sides; but human nature, be it what it may, must + by legislators be looked at as it is. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the treatment of this question we hear perpetually of wrong; but the + wrong is all on one side. If the political power <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage267" id="Apage267"></a>{267}</span>of Ireland is to be a + transfer from those who are of the State religion of the country to those + who are not, there is nothing gained on the score of justice. We hear also + much of STIGMA; but this is not to be done away unless all offices, the + Privy Council and the Chancellorship, be open to them; that is, unless we + allow a man to be eligible to keep the King's conscience who has not his + own in his keeping; unless we open the throne itself to men of this + soul-degrading faith. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The condition of Ireland is indeed, and long has been, wretched. + Lamentable is it to acknowledge, that the mass of the people are so + grossly uninformed, and from that cause subject to such delusions and + passions, that they would destroy each other were it not for restraints + put upon them by a power out of themselves. This power it is that + protracts their existence in a state for which otherwise the course of + nature would provide a remedy by reducing their numbers through mutual + destruction; so that English civilisation may fairly be said to have been + the shield of Irish barbarism. And now these swarms of degraded people, + which could not have existed but through the neglect and misdirected power + of the sister island, are by a withdrawing of that power to have their own + way, and to be allowed to dictate to us. A population, vicious in + character as unnatural in immediate origin (for it has been called into + birth by short-sighted landlords, set upon adding to the number of votes + at their command, and by priests who for lucre's sake favour the increase + of marriages), is held forth as constituting a claim to political power + strong in proportion to its numbers, though in a sane view that claim is + in an inverse ratio to them. Brute force indeed wherever lodged, as we are + too feelingly taught at present, must be measured and met—measured + with care, in order to be met with fortitude. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The chief proximate causes of Irish misery and ignorance are Papacy—of + which I have said so much—and the tenure and management of landed + property, and both these have a common origin, viz. the imperfect conquest + of the country. The countries subjected by the ancient Romans, and those + that in the middle ages were subdued by the Northern tribes, afford + striking instances of the several ways in which nations may be improved by + foreign conquest. The Romans by their superiority in arts and arms, and, + in the earlier period of their history, in virtues <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage268" id="Apage268"></a>{268}</span>also, may seem to have + established a moral right to force their institutions upon other nations, + whether under a process of decline or emerging from barbarism; and this + they effected, we all know, not by overrunning countries as Eastern + conquerors have done, and Bonaparte in our own days, but by completing a + regular subjugation, with military roads and garrisons, which became + centres of civilisation for the surrounding district. Nor am I afraid to + add, though the fact might be caught at as bearing against the general + scope of my argument, that both conquerors and conquered owed much to the + participation of civil rights which the Romans liberally communicated. The + other mode of conquest, that pursued by the Northern nations, brought + about its beneficial effects by the settlement of a hardy and vigorous + people among the distracted and effeminate nations against whom their + incursions were made. The conquerors transplanted with them their + independent and ferocious spirit to reanimate exhausted communities, and + in their turn received a salutary mitigation, till in process of time the + conqueror and conquered, having a common interest, were lost in each + other. To neither of these modes was unfortunate Ireland subject, and her + insular territory, by physical obstacles, and still more by moral + influences arising out of them, has aggravated the evil consequent upon + independence lost as hers was. The writers of the time of Queen Elizabeth + have pointed out how unwise it was to transplant among a barbarous people, + not half subjugated, the institutions that time had matured among those + who too readily considered themselves masters of that people. It would be + presumptuous in me to advert in detail to the exacerbations and long-lived + hatred that have perverted the moral sense in Ireland, obstructed + religious knowledge, and denied to her a due share of English refinement + and civility. It is enough to observe, that the Reformation was ill + supported in that country, and that her soil became, through frequent + forfeitures, mainly possessed by men whose hearts were not in the land + where their wealth lay. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it is too late, we are told, for retrospection. We have no choice + between giving way and a sanguinary war. Surely it is rather too much that + the country should be required to take the measure of the threatened evil + from a Cabinet which by its being divided against itself, which by its + remissness and fear of long and harassing debates in the two Houses, has + for many years <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage269" id="Apage269"></a>{269}</span>past + fostered the evil, and in no small part created the danger, the extent of + which is now urged as imposing the necessity of granting their demands. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Danger is a relative thing, and the first requisite for being in a + condition to judge of what we have to dread from the physical force of the + Romanists is to be in sympathy with the Protestants. Had our Ministers + been truly so, could they have suffered themselves to be bearded by the + Catholic Association for so many years as they have been? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I speak openly to you, my Lord, though a member of his Majesty's Privy + Council; and begging your pardon for detaining you so long, I hasten to a + conclusion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The civil disabilities, for the removal of which Mr. O'Connell and his + followers are braving the Government, cannot but be indifferent to the + great body of the Irish nation, except as means for gaining an end. Take + away the intermediate power of the priests, and an insurrection in + Brobdignag at the call of the King of Lilliput might be as hopefully + expected as that the Irish people would stir as they are now prepared to + do at the call of a political demagogue. Now these civil disabilities do + not directly affect the priests; they therefore must have ulterior views, + and though it must be flattering to their vanity to shew that they have + the Irish representation in their own hands, and though their worldly + interest and that of their connections will, they know, immediately profit + by that dominion, what they look for principally is the advancement of + their religion at the cost of Protestantism; that would bring everything + else in its train. While it is obvious that the political agitators could + not rouse the people without the intervention of the priests, it is true + that the priests could not excite the people without a hope that from the + exaltation of their Church their social condition would be improved. What + in Irish interpretation these words would mean we may tremble to think of. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In whatever way we look, religion is so much mixed up in this matter, that + the guardians of the Episcopal Church of the Empire are imperiously called + upon to show themselves worthy of the high trust reposed in them. You, my + Lord, are convinced that, in spite of the best securities that can be + given, the admission of Roman Catholics into the Legislature is a + dangerous experiment. Oaths cannot be framed that will avail here; the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage270" id="Apage270"></a>{270}</span>only + securities to be relied upon are what we have little hope to see—the + Roman Church reforming itself, and a Ministry and a Parliament + sufficiently sensible of the superiority of the one form of religion over + the other to be resolved, not only to preserve the present rights and + immunities of the Protestant Church inviolate, but prepared by all fair + means for the extension of its influence, with a hope that it may + gradually prevail over Papacy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is, we trust, the intention of Providence that the Church of Rome + should in due time disappear; and come what may on the Church of England, + we have the satisfaction of knowing that in defending a Government resting + upon a Protestant basis—say what they will, the other party have + abandoned—we are working for the welfare of humankind, and + supporting whatever there is of dignity in our frail nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here I might stop; but I am above measure anxious for the course which the + bench of bishops may take at this crisis. They are appealed to, and even + by the Heir Presumptive to the throne from his seat in Parliament. There + will be attempts to brow-beat them on the score of humanity; but humanity + is, if it deserves the name, a calculating and prospective quality; it + will on this occasion balance an evil at hand with a far greater one that + is sure, or all but sure, to come. Humanity is not shewn the less by + firmness than by tenderness of heart. It is neither deterred by clamour, + nor enfeebled by its own sadness; but it estimates evil and good to the + best of its power, acts by the dictates of conscience, and trusts the + issue to the Ruler of all things. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If, my Lord, I have seemed to write with over-confidence on any opinions I + have above given, impute it to a wish of avoiding cumbrous qualifying + expressions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sincerely do I pray that God may give your Lordship and the rest of your + brethren light to guide you and strength to walk in that light. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + I am, my Lord, &c. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage271" id="Apage271"></a>{271}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="II_ETHICAL" id="II_ETHICAL"></a>II. ETHICAL. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="I_OF_LEGISLATION_FOR_THE_POOR_THE_WORKING_CLASSES_AND_THE_CLERGY" + id="I_OF_LEGISLATION_FOR_THE_POOR_THE_WORKING_CLASSES_AND_THE_CLERGY"></a>I. + OF LEGISLATION FOR THE POOR, THE WORKING CLASSES, AND THE CLERGY: APPENDIX + TO POEMS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + 1835. + </h3> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage272" id="Apage272"></a>{272}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + On the several portions of this division of the Prose see Preface in the + present volume. G. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage273" id="Apage273"></a>{273}</span> + </p> + <p> + In the present Volume, as in those that have preceded it, the reader will + have found occasionally opinions expressed upon the course of public + affairs, and feelings given vent to as national interests excited them. + Since nothing, I trust, has been uttered but in the spirit of reflective + patriotism, those notices are left to produce their own effect; but, among + the many objects of general concern, and the changes going forward, which + I have glanced at in verse, are some especially affecting the lower orders + of society: in reference to these, I wish here to add a few words in plain + prose. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Were I conscious of being able to do justice to those important topics, I + might avail myself of the periodical press for offering anonymously my + thoughts, such as they are, to the world; but I feel that, in procuring + attention, they may derive some advantage, however small, from my name, in + addition to that of being presented in a less fugitive shape. It is also + not impossible that the state of mind which some of the foregoing poems + may have produced in the reader, will dispose him to receive more readily + the impression which I desire to make, and to admit the conclusions I + would establish. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I. The first thing that presses upon my attention is the Poor Law + Amendment Act. I am aware of the magnitude and complexity of the subject, + and the unwearied attention which it has received from men of far wider + experience than my own; yet I cannot forbear touching upon one point of + it, and to this I will confine myself, though not insensible to the + objection which may reasonably be brought against treating a portion of + this, or any other, great scheme of civil polity separately from the + whole. The point to which I wish to draw the reader's attention is, that + <i>all</i> persons who cannot find employment, or <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage274" id="Apage274"></a>{274}</span>procure wages sufficient to + support the body in health and strength, are entitled to a maintenance by + law. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This dictate of humanity is acknowledged in the Report of the + Commissioners: but is there not room for apprehension that some of the + regulations of the new Act have a tendency to render the principle + nugatory by difficulties thrown in the way of applying it? If this be so, + persons will not be wanting to show it, by examining the provisions of the + Act in detail,—an attempt which would be quite out of place here; + but it will not, therefore, be deemed unbecoming in one who fears that the + prudence of the head may, in framing some of those provisions, have + supplanted the wisdom of the heart, to enforce a principle which cannot be + violated without infringing upon one of the most precious rights of the + English people, and opposing one of the most sacred claims of civilised + humanity. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There can be no greater error, in this department of legislation, than the + belief that this principle does by necessity operate for the degradation + of those who claim, or are so circumstanced as to make it likely they may + claim, through laws founded upon it, relief or assistance. The direct + contrary is the truth: it may be unanswerably maintained that its tendency + is to raise, not to depress; by stamping a value upon life, which can + belong to it only where the laws have placed men who are willing to work, + and yet cannot find employment, above the necessity of looking for + protection against hunger and other natural evils, either to individual + and casual charity, to despair and death, or to the breach of law by theft + or violence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And here, as in the Report of the Commissioners, the fundamental principle + has been recognised, I am not at issue with them any farther than I am + compelled to believe that their 'remedial measures' obstruct the + application of it more than the interests of society require. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And calling to mind the doctrines of political economy which are now + prevalent, I cannot forbear to enforce the justice of the principle, and + to insist upon its salutary operation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And first for its justice: If self-preservation be the first law of our + nature, would not every one in a state of nature be morally justified in + taking to himself that which is indispensable to such preservation, where, + by so doing, he would not rob another of that which might be equally + indispensable to <i>his</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage275" + id="Apage275"></a>{275}</span>preservation? And if the value of life be + regarded in a right point of view, may it not be questioned whether this + right of preserving life, at any expense short of endangering the life of + another, does not survive man's entering into the social state; whether + this right can be surrendered or forfeited, except when it opposes the + divine law, upon any supposition of a social compact, or of any convention + for the protection of mere rights of property? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, if it be not safe to touch the abstract question of man's right in a + social state to help himself even in the last extremity, may we not still + contend for the duty of a Christian government, standing <i>in loco + parentis</i> towards all its subjects, to make such effectual provision, + that no one shall be in danger of perishing either through the neglect or + harshness of its legislation? Or, waiving this, is it not indisputable + that the claim of the State to the allegiance, involves the protection of + the subject? And, as all rights in one party impose a correlative duty + upon another, it follows that the right of the State to require the + services of its members, even to the jeoparding of their lives in the + common defence, establishes a right in the people (not to be gainsaid by + utilitarians and economists) to public support when, from any cause, they + may be unable to support themselves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us now consider the salutary and benign operation of this principle. + Here we must have recourse to elementary feelings of human nature, and to + truths which from their very obviousness are apt to be slighted, till they + are forced upon our notice by our own sufferings or those of others. In + the Paradise Lost, Milton represents Adam, after the Fall, as exclaiming, + in the anguish of his soul— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10">Did I request Thee, Maker, from my clay</span> <span + class="i10">To mould me man; did I solicit Thee </span> <span class="i10">From + darkness to promote me? </span> <span class="i10">....My will </span> + <span class="i10">Concurred not to my being.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Under how many various pressures of misery have men been driven thus, in a + strain touching upon impiety, to expostulate with the Creator! and under + few so afflictive as when the source and origin of earthly existence have + been brought back to the mind by its impending close in the pangs of + destitution. But <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage276" id="Apage276"></a>{276}</span>as + long as, in our legislation, due weight shall be given to this principle, + no man will be forced to bewail the gift of life in hopeless want of the + necessaries of life. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Englishmen have, therefore, by the progress of civilisation among them, + been placed in circumstances more favourable to piety and resignation to + the divine will, than the inhabitants of other countries, where a like + provision has not been established. And as Providence, in this care of our + countrymen, acts through a human medium, the objects of that care must, in + like manner, be more inclined towards a grateful love of their fellow-men. + Thus, also, do stronger ties attach the people to their country, whether + while they tread its soil, or, at a distance, think of their native Land + as an indulgent parent, to whose arms even they who have been imprudent + and undeserving may, like the prodigal son, betake themselves, without + fear of being rejected. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such is the view of the case that would first present itself to a + reflective mind; and it is in vain to show, by appeals to experience, in + contrast with this view, that provisions founded upon the principle have + promoted profaneness of life, and dispositions the reverse of + philanthropic, by spreading idleness, selfishness, and rapacity: for these + evils have arisen, not as an inevitable consequence of the principle, but + for want of judgment in framing laws based upon it; and, above all, from + faults in the mode of administering the law. The mischief that has grown + to such a height from granting relief in cases where proper vigilance + would have shewn that it was not required, or in bestowing it in undue + measure, will be urged by no truly enlightened statesman, as a sufficient + reason for banishing the principle itself from legislation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us recur to the miserable states of consciousness that it precludes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is a story told, by a traveller in Spain, of a female who, by a + sudden shock of domestic calamity, was driven out of her senses, and ever + after looked up incessantly to the sky, feeling that her fellow-creatures + could do nothing for her relief. Can there be Englishmen who, with a good + end in view, would, upon system, expose their brother Englishmen to a like + necessity of looking upwards only; or downwards to the earth, after it + shall contain no spot where the destitute can demand, by civil right, what + by right of nature they are entitled to?<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage277" id="Apage277"></a>{277}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suppose the objects of our sympathy not sunk into this blank despair, but + wandering about as strangers in streets and ways, with the hope of succour + from casual charity; what have we gained by such a change of scene? Woful + is the condition of the famished Northern Indian, dependent, among winter + snows, upon the chance passage of a herd of deer, from which one, if + brought down by his rifle-gun, may be made the means of keeping him and + his companions alive. As miserable is that of some savage Islander, who, + when the land has ceased to afford him sustenance, watches for food which + the waves may cast up, or in vain endeavours to extract it from the + inexplorable deep. But neither of these is in a state of wretchedness + comparable to that which is so often endured in civilised society: + multitudes, in all ages, have known it, of whom may be said:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Homeless, near a thousand homes they stood,<br /></span> <span>And + near a thousand tables pined, and wanted food.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Justly might I be accused of wasting time in an uncalled-for attempt to + excite the feelings of the reader, if systems of political economy, widely + spread, did not impugn the principle, and if the safeguards against such + extremities were left unimpaired. It is broadly asserted by many, that + every man who endeavours to find work, <i>may</i> find it. Were this + assertion capable of being verified, there still would remain a question, + what kind of work, and how far may the labourer be fit for it? For if + sedentary work is to be exchanged for standing; and some light and nice + exercise of the fingers, to which an artisan has been accustomed all his + life, for severe labour of the arms; the best efforts would turn to little + account, and occasion would be given for the unthinking and the unfeeling + unwarrantably to reproach those who are put upon such employment, as idle, + froward, and unworthy of relief, either by law or in any other way! Were + this statement correct, there would indeed be an end of the argument, the + principle here maintained would be superseded. But, alas! it is far + otherwise. That principle, applicable to the benefit of all countries, is + indispensable for England, upon whose coast families are perpetually + deprived of their support by shipwreck, and where large masses of men are + so liable to be thrown out of their ordinary means of gaining bread, by + changes in commercial intercourse, subject mainly or solely to the will + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage278" id="Apage278"></a>{278}</span>of + foreign powers; by new discoveries in arts and manufactures; and by + reckless laws, in conformity with theories of political economy, which, + whether right or wrong in the abstract, have proved a scourge to tens of + thousands, by the abruptness with which they have been carried into + practice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it is urged,—refuse altogether compulsory relief to the + able-bodied, and the number of those who stand in need of relief will + steadily diminish through a conviction of an absolute necessity for + greater forethought, and more prudent care of a man's earnings. + Undoubtedly it would, but so also would it, and in a much greater degree, + if the legislative provisions were retained, and parochial relief + administered under the care of the upper classes, as it ought to be. For + it has been invariably found, that wherever the funds have been raised and + applied under the superintendence of gentlemen and substantial + proprietors, acting in vestries and as overseers, pauperism has diminished + accordingly. Proper care in that quarter would effectually check what is + felt in some districts to be one of the worst evils in the Poor Law + system, viz. the readiness of small and needy proprietors to join in + imposing rates that seemingly subject them to great hardships, while, in + fact, this is done with a mutual understanding, that the relief each is + ready to bestow upon his still poorer neighbours will be granted to + himself or his relatives, should it hereafter be applied for. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let us look to inner sentiments of a nobler quality, in order to know + what we have to build upon. Affecting proofs occur in every one's + experience, who is acquainted with the unfortunate and the indigent, of + their unwillingness to derive their subsistence from aught but their own + funds or labour, or to be indebted to parochial assistance for the + attainment of any object, however dear to them. A case was reported, the + other day, from a coroner's inquest, of a pair who, through the space of + four years, had carried about their dead infant from house to house, and + from lodging to lodging, as their necessities drove them, rather than ask + the parish to bear the expense of its interment:—the poor creatures + lived in the hope of one day being able to bury their child at their own + cost. It must have been heart-rending to see and hear the mother, who had + been called upon to account for the state in which the body was found, + make this deposition. By some, judging coldly, if not harshly, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage279" id="Apage279"></a>{279}</span>this + conduct might be imputed to an unwarrantable pride, as she and her husband + had, it is true, been once in prosperity. But examples, where the spirit + of independence works with equal strength, though not with like miserable + accompaniments, are frequently to be found even yet among the humblest + peasantry and mechanics. There is not, then, sufficient cause for doubting + that a like sense of honour may be revived among the people, and their + ancient habits of independence restored, without resorting to those + severities which the new Poor Law Act has introduced. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But even if the surfaces of things only are to be examined, we have a + right to expect that lawgivers should take into account the various + tempers and dispositions of mankind: while some are led, by the existence + of a legislative provision, into idleness and extravagance, the economical + virtues might be cherished in others by the knowledge that, if all their + efforts fail, they have in the Poor Laws a 'refuge from the storm and a + shadow from the heat.' Despondency and distraction are no friends to + prudence: the springs of industry will relax, if cheerfulness be destroyed + by anxiety; without hope men become reckless, and have a sullen pride in + adding to the heap of their own wretchedness. He who feels that he is + abandoned by his fellow-men will be almost irresistibly driven to care + little for himself; will lose his self-respect accordingly, and with that + loss what remains to him of virtue? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With all due deference to the particular experience and general + intelligence of the individuals who framed the Act, and of those who in + and out of Parliament have approved of and supported it; it may be said, + that it proceeds too much upon the presumption that it is a labouring + man's own fault if he be not, as the phrase is, before-hand with the + world. But the most prudent are liable to be thrown back by sickness, + cutting them off from labour, and causing to them expense: and who but has + observed how distress creeps upon multitudes without misconduct of their + own; and merely from a gradual fall in the price of labour, without a + correspondent one in the price of provisions; so that men who may have + ventured upon the marriage state with a fair prospect of maintaining their + families in comfort and happiness, see them reduced to a pittance which no + effort of theirs can increase? Let it be remembered, also, that there are + thousands <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage280" id="Apage280"></a>{280}</span>with + whom vicious habits of expense are not the cause why they do not store up + their gains; but they are generous and kind-hearted, and ready to help + their kindred and friends; moreover, they have a faith in Providence that + those who have been prompt to assist others will not be left destitute, + should they themselves come to need. By acting from these blended + feelings, numbers have rendered themselves incapable of standing up + against a sudden reverse. Nevertheless, these men, in common with all who + have the misfortune to be in want, if many theorists had their wish, would + be thrown upon one or other of those three sharp points of condition + before adverted to, from which the intervention of law has hitherto saved + them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All that has been said tends to show how the principle contended for makes + the gift of life more valuable, and has, it may be hoped, led to the + conclusion that its legitimate operation is to make men worthier of that + gift: in other words, not to degrade but to exalt human nature. But the + subject must not be dismissed without adverting to the indirect influence + of the same principle upon the moral sentiments of a people among whom it + is embodied in law. In our criminal jurisprudence there is a maxim, + deservedly eulogised, that it is better that ten guilty persons should + escape, than that one innocent man should suffer; so, also, might it be + maintained, with regard to the Poor Laws, that it is better for the + interests of humanity among the people at large, that ten undeserving + should partake of the funds provided, than that one morally good man, + through want of relief, should either have his principles corrupted, or + his energies destroyed; than that such a one should either be driven to do + wrong, or be cast to the earth in utter hopelessness. In France, the + English maxim of criminal jurisprudence is reversed; there, it is deemed + better that ten innocent men should suffer, than one guilty escape: in + France, there is no universal provision for the poor; and we may judge of + the small value set upon human life in the metropolis of that country, by + merely noticing the disrespect with which, after death, the body is + treated, not by the thoughtless vulgar, but in schools of anatomy, + presided over by men allowed to be, in their own art and in physical + science, among the most enlightened in the world. In the East, where + countries are overrun with population as with a weed, infinitely more + respect is shown to the remains of the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage281" id="Apage281"></a>{281}</span>deceased: and what a bitter + mockery is it, that this insensibility should be found where civil polity + is so busy in minor regulations, and ostentatiously careful to gratify the + luxurious propensities, whether social or intellectual, of the multitude! + Irreligion is, no doubt, much concerned with this offensive disrespect + shown to the bodies of the dead in France; but it is mainly attributable + to the state in which so many of the living are left by the absence of + compulsory provision for the indigent so humanely established by the law + of England. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sights of abject misery, perpetually recurring, harden the heart of the + community. In the perusal of history and of works of fiction, we are not, + indeed, unwilling to have our commiseration excited by such objects of + distress as they present to us; but, in the concerns of real life, men + know that such emotions are not given to be indulged for their own sakes: + there, the conscience declares to them that sympathy must be followed by + action; and if there exist a previous conviction that the power to relieve + is utterly inadequate to the demand, the eye shrinks from communication + with wretchedness, and pity and compassion languish, like any other + qualities that are deprived of their natural aliment. Let these + considerations be duly weighed by those who trust to the hope that an + increase of private charity, with all its advantages of superior + discrimination, would more than compensate for the abandonment of those + principles, the wisdom of which has been here insisted upon. How + discouraging, also, would be the sense of injustice, which could not fail + to arise in the minds of the well-disposed, if the burden of supporting + the poor, a burden of which the selfish have hitherto by compulsion borne + a share, should now, or hereafter, be thrown exclusively upon the + benevolent. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By having put an end to the Slave Trade and Slavery, the British people + are exalted in the scale of humanity; and they cannot but feel so, if they + look into themselves, and duly consider their relation to God and their + fellow-creatures. That was a noble advance; but a retrograde movement will + assuredly be made, if ever the principle, which has been here defended, + should be either avowedly abandoned or but ostensibly retained. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But after all, there may be a little reason to apprehend permanent injury + from any experiment that may be tried. On the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage282" id="Apage282"></a>{282}</span>one side will be human + nature rising up in her own defence, and on the other prudential + selfishness acting to the same purpose, from a conviction that, without a + compulsory provision for the exigencies of the labouring multitude, that + degree of ability to regulate the price of labour, which is indispensable + for the reasonable interest of arts and manufactures, cannot, in Great + Britain, be upheld. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + II. In a poem of the foregoing collection, allusion is made to the state + of the workmen congregated in manufactories. In order to relieve many of + the evils to which that class of society are subject, and to establish a + better harmony between them and their employers, it would be well to + repeal such laws as prevent the formation of joint-stock companies. There + are, no doubt, many and great obstacles to the formation and salutary + working of these societies, inherent in the mind of those whom they would + obviously benefit. But the combinations of masters to keep down, unjustly, + the price of labour would be fairly checked by them, as far as they were + practicable; they would encourage economy, inasmuch as they would enable a + man to draw profit from his savings, by investing them in buildings or + machinery for processes of manufacture with which he was habitually + connected. His little capital would then be working for him while he was + at rest or asleep; he would more clearly perceive the necessity of capital + for carrying on great works: he would better learn to respect the larger + portions of it in the hands of others; he would be less tempted to join in + unjust combinations: and, for the sake of his own property, if not for + higher reasons, he would be slow to promote local disturbance, or endanger + public tranquillity; he would, at least, be loth to act in that way <i>knowingly</i>: + for it is not to be denied that such societies might be nurseries of + opinions unfavourable to a mixed constitution of government, like that of + Great Britain. The democratic and republican spirit which they might be + apt to foster would not, however, be dangerous in itself, but only as it + might act without being sufficiently counterbalanced, either by landed + proprietorship, or by a Church extending itself so as to embrace an + ever-growing and ever-shifting population of mechanics and artisans. But + if the tendencies of such societies would be to make the men prosper who + might belong to them, rulers and legislators <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage283" id="Apage283"></a>{283}</span>should rejoice in the + result, and do their duty to the State by upholding and extending the + influence of that Church to which it owes, in so great a measure, its + safety, its prosperity, and its glory. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This, in the temper of the present times, may be difficult, but it is + become indispensable, since large towns in great numbers have sprung up, + and others have increased tenfold, with little or no dependence upon the + gentry and the landed proprietors; and apart from those mitigated feudal + institutions, which, till of late, have acted so powerfully upon the + composition of the House of Commons. Now it may be affirmed that, in + quarters where there is not an attachment to the Church, or the landed + aristocracy, and a pride in supporting them, <i>there</i> the people will + dislike both, and be ready, upon such incitements as are perpetually + recurring, to join in attempts to overthrow them. There is no neutral + ground here: from want of due attention to the state of society in large + towns and manufacturing districts, and ignorance or disregard of these + obvious truths, innumerable well-meaning persons became zealous supporters + of a Reform Bill, the qualities and powers of which, whether destructive + or constructive, they would otherwise have been afraid of: and even the + framers of that bill, swayed as they might be by party resentments and + personal ambition, could not have gone so far, had not they too been + lamentably ignorant or neglectful of the same truths both of fact and + philosophy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let that pass; and let no opponent of the Bill be tempted to + compliment his own foresight, by exaggerating the mischiefs and dangers + that have sprung from it: let not time be wasted in profitless regrets; + and let those party distinctions vanish to their very names that have + separated men who, whatever course they may have pursued, have ever had a + bond of union in the wish to save the limited monarchy, and those other + institutions that have, under Providence, rendered for so long a period of + time this country the happiest and worthiest of which there is any record + since the foundation of civil society. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + III. A philosophic mind is best pleased when looking at religion in its + spiritual bearing; as a guide of conduct, a solace under affliction, and a + support amid the instabilities of mortal life; but the Church having been + forcibly brought by political <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage284" + id="Apage284"></a>{284}</span>considerations to my notice, while treating + of the labouring classes, I cannot forbear saying a few words upon that + momentous topic. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is a loud clamour for extensive change in that department. The + clamour would be entitled to more respect if they who are the most eager + to swell it with their voices were not generally the most ignorant of the + real state of the Church, and the service it renders to the community. <i>Reform</i> + is the word employed. Let us pause and consider what sense it is apt to + carry, and how things are confounded by a lax use of it. The great + religious Reformation, in the sixteenth century, did not profess to be a + new construction, but a restoration of something fallen into decay, or put + out of sight. That familiar and justifiable use of the word seems to have + paved the way for fallacies with respect to the term reform, which it is + difficult to escape from. Were we to speak of improvement and the + correction of abuses, we should run less risk of being deceived ourselves, + or of misleading others. We should be less likely to fall blindly into the + belief, that the change demanded is a renewal of something that has + existed before, and that, therefore, we have experience on our side; nor + should we be equally tempted to beg the question, that the change for + which we are eager must be advantageous. From generation to generation, + men are the dupes of words; and it is painful to observe, that so many of + our species are most tenacious of those opinions which they have formed + with the least consideration. They who are the readiest to meddle with + public affairs, whether in Church or State, fly to generalities, that they + may be eased from the trouble of thinking about particulars; and thus is + deputed to mechanical instrumentality the work which vital knowledge only + can do well. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Abolish pluralities, have a resident incumbent in every parish,' is a + favourite cry; but, without adverting to other obstacles in the way of + this specious scheme, it may be asked what benefit would accrue from its + <i>indiscriminate</i> adoption to counterbalance the harm it would + introduce, by nearly extinguishing the order of curates, unless the + revenues of the Church should grow with the population, and be greatly + increased in many thinly peopled districts, especially among the parishes + of the North.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage285" id="Apage285"></a>{285}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The order of curates is so beneficial, that some particular notice of it + seems to be required in this place. For a Church poor as, relatively to + the numbers of people, that of England is, and probably will continue to + be, it is no small advantage to have youthful servants, who will work upon + the wages of hope and expectation. Still more advantageous is it to have, + by means of this order, young men scattered over the country, who being + more detached from the temporal concerns of the benefice, have more + leisure for improvement and study, and are less subject to be brought into + secular collision with those who are under their spiritual guardianship. + The curate, if he reside at a distance from the incumbent, undertakes the + requisite responsibilities of a temporal kind, in that modified way which + prevents him, as a new-comer, from being charged with selfishness: while + it prepares him for entering upon a benefice of his own, with something of + a suitable experience. If he should act under and in co-operation with a + resident incumbent, the gain is mutual. His studies will probably be + assisted; and his training, managed by a superior, will not be liable to + relapse in matters of prudence, seemliness, or in any of the highest cares + of his functions; and by way of return for these benefits to the pupil, it + will often happen that the zeal of a middle-aged or declining incumbent + will be revived, by being in near communion with the ardour of youth, when + his own efforts may have languished through a melancholy consciousness + that they have not produced as much good among his flock as, when he first + entered upon the charge, he fondly hoped. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let one remark, and that not the least important, be added. A curate, + entering for the first time upon his office, comes from college after a + course of expense, and with such inexperience in the use of money, that, + in his new situation, he is apt to fall unawares into pecuniary + difficulties. If this happens to him, much more likely is it to happen to + the youthful incumbent; whose relations, to his parishioners and to + society, are more complicated; and, his income being larger and + independent of another, a costlier style of living is required of him by + public opinion. If embarrassment should ensue, and with that unavoidably + some loss of respectability, his future usefulness will be proportionably + impaired: not so with the curate, for he can easily remove and start + afresh with a stock of experience and an unblemished <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage286" id="Apage286"></a>{286}</span>reputation; whereas the + early indiscretions of an incumbent being rarely forgotten, may be + impediments to the efficacy of his ministry for the remainder of his life. + The same observations would apply with equal force to doctrine. A young + minister is liable to errors, from his notions being either too lax or + over-strained. In both cases it would prove injurious that the error + should be remembered, after study and reflection, with advancing years, + shall have brought him to a clearer discernment of the truth, and better + judgment in the application of it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It must be acknowledged that, among the regulations of ecclesiastical + polity, none at first view are more attractive than that which prescribes + for every parish a resident incumbent. How agreeable to picture to one's + self, as has been done by poets and romance writers, from Chaucer down to + Goldsmith, a man devoted to his ministerial office, with not a wish or a + thought ranging beyond the circuit of its cares! Nor is it in poetry and + fiction only that such characters are found; they are scattered, it is + hoped not sparingly, over real life, especially in sequestered and rural + districts, where there is but small influx of new inhabitants, and little + change of occupation. The spirit of the Gospel, unaided by acquisitions of + profane learning and experience in the world,—that spirit and the + obligations of the sacred office may, in such situations, suffice to + effect most of what is needful. But for the complex state of society that + prevails in England, much more is required, both in large towns, and in + many extensive districts of the country. A minister should not only be + irreproachable in manners and morals, but accomplished in learning, as far + as is possible without sacrifice of the least of his pastoral duties. As + necessary, perhaps more so, is it that he should be a citizen as well as a + scholar; thoroughly acquainted with the structure of society and the + constitution of civil government, and able to reason upon both with the + most expert; all ultimately in order to support the truths of + Christianity, and to diffuse its blessings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A young man coming fresh from the place of his education, cannot have + brought with him these accomplishments; and if the scheme of equalising + Church incomes, which many advisers are much bent upon, be realised, so + that there should be little or no secular inducement for a clergyman to + desire a removal from the spot where he may chance to have been first set + down:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage287" id="Apage287"></a>{287}</span> + surely not only opportunities for obtaining the requisite qualifications + would be diminished, but the motives for desiring to obtain them would be + proportionably weakened. And yet these qualifications are indispensable + for the diffusion of that knowledge, by which alone the political + philosophy of the New Testament can be rightly expounded, and its precepts + adequately enforced. In these time, when the press is daily exercising so + great a power over the minds of the people, for wrong or for right as may + happen, <i>that</i> preacher ranks among the first of benefactors who, + without stooping to the direct treatment of current politics and passing + events, can furnish infallible guidance through the delusions that + surround them; and who, appealing to the sanctions of Scripture, may place + the grounds of its injunctions in so clear a light, that disaffection + shall cease to be cultivated as a laudable propensity, and loyalty + cleansed from the dishonour of a blind and prostrate obedience. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not, however, in regard to civic duties alone, that this knowledge + in a minister of the Gospel is important; it is still more so for + softening and subduing private and personal discontents. In all places, + and at all times, men have gratuitously troubled themselves, because their + survey of the dispensations of Providence has been partial and narrow; but + now that readers are so greatly multiplied, men judge as they are <i>taught</i>, + and repinings are engendered everywhere, by imputations being cast upon + the government; and are prolonged or aggravated by being ascribed to + misconduct or injustice in rulers, when the individual himself only is in + fault. If a Christian pastor be competent to deal with these humours, as + they may be dealt with, and by no members of society so successfully, both + from more frequent and more favourable opportunities of intercourse, and + by aid of the authority with which he speaks; he will be a teacher of + moderation, a dispenser of the wisdom that blunts approaching distress by + submission to God's will, and lightens, by patience, grievances which + cannot be removed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We live in times when nothing, of public good at least, is generally + acceptable, but what we believe can be traced to preconceived intention, + and specific acts and formal contrivances of human understanding. A + Christian instructor thoroughly accomplished would be a standing restraint + upon such presumptuousness of judgment, by impressing the truth that—<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage288" id="Apage288"></a>{288}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>In the unreasoning progress of the world</span> <span>A wiser + spirit is at work for us,</span> <span>A better eye than ours.—MS.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Revelation points to the purity and peace of a future world; but our + sphere of duty is upon earth; and the relations of impure and conflicting + things to each other must be understood, or we shall be perpetually going + wrong, in all but goodness of intention; and goodness of intention will + itself relax through frequent disappointment. How desirable, then, is it, + that a minister of the Gospel should be versed in the knowledge of + existing facts, and be accustomed to a wide range of social experience! + Nor is it less desirable for the purpose of counterbalancing and tempering + in his own mind that ambition with which spiritual power is as apt to be + tainted as any other species of power which men covet or possess. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It must be obvious that the scope of the argument is to discourage an + attempt which would introduce into the Church of England an equality of + income and station, upon the model of that of Scotland. The sounder part + of the Scottish nation know what good their ancestors derived from their + Church, and feel how deeply the living generation is indebted to it. They + respect and love it, as accommodated in so great a measure to a + comparatively poor country, through the far greater portion of which + prevails a uniformity of employment; but the acknowledged deficiency of + theological learning among the clergy of that Church is easily accounted + for by this very equality. What else may be wanting there, it would be + unpleasant to inquire, and might prove invidious to determine: one thing, + however, is clear; that in all countries the temporalities of the Church + Establishment should bear an analogy to the state of society, otherwise it + cannot diffuse its influence through the whole community. In a country so + rich and luxurious as England, the character of its clergy must + unavoidably sink, and their influence be everywhere impaired, if + individuals from the upper ranks, and men of leading talents, are to have + no inducements to enter into that body but such as are purely spiritual. + And this 'tinge of secularity' is no reproach to the clergy, nor does it + imply a deficiency of spiritual endowments. Parents and guardians, looking + forward to sources of honourable maintenance for their children and wards, + often direct their thoughts early towards the Church, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage289" id="Apage289"></a>{289}</span>being determined partly by + outward circumstances, and partly by indications of seriousness, or + intellectual fitness. It is natural that a boy or youth, with such a + prospect before him, should turn his attention to those studies, and be + led into those habits of reflection, which will in some degree tend to + prepare him for the duties he is hereafter to undertake. As he draws + nearer to the time when he will be called to these duties, he is both led + and compelled to examine the Scriptures. He becomes more and more sensible + of their truth. Devotion grows in him; and what might begin in temporal + considerations will end (as in a majority of instances we trust it does) + in a spiritual-mindedness not unworthy of that Gospel, the lessons of + which he is to teach, and the faith of which he is to inculcate. Not + inappositely may be here repeated an observation which, from its + obviousness and importance, must have been frequently made—viz. that + the impoverishing of the clergy, and bringing their incomes much nearer to + a level, would not cause them to become less worldly-minded: the + emoluments, howsoever reduced, would be as eagerly sought for, but by men + from lower classes in society; men who, by their manners, habits, + abilities, and the scanty measure of their attainments, would unavoidably + be less fitted for their station, and less competent to discharge its + duties. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Visionary notions have in all ages been afloat upon the subject of best + providing for the clergy; notions which have been sincerely entertained by + good men, with a view to the improvement of that order, and eagerly caught + at and dwelt upon, by the designing, for its degradation and + disparagement. Some are beguiled by what they call the <i>voluntary system</i>, + not seeing (what stares one in the face at the very threshold) that they + who stand in most need of religious instruction are unconscious of the + want, and therefore cannot reasonably be expected to make any sacrifices + in order to supply it. Will the licentious, the sensual, and the depraved, + take from the means of their gratifications and pursuits, to support a + discipline that cannot advance without uprooting the trees that bear the + fruit which they devour so greedily? Will <i>they</i> pay the price of + that seed whose harvest is to be reaped in an invisible world? A voluntary + system for the religious exigencies of a people numerous and circumstanced + as we are! Not more absurd would it be to expect that a knot of boys + should draw upon the pittance of their pocket-money to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage290" id="Apage290"></a>{290}</span>build + schools, or out of the abundance of their discretion be able to select fit + masters to teach and keep them in order! Some, who clearly perceive the + incompetence and folly of such a scheme for the agricultural part of the + people, nevertheless think it feasible in large towns, where the rich + might subscribe for the religious instruction of the poor. Alas! they know + little of the thick darkness that spreads over the streets and alleys of + our large towns. The parish of Lambeth, a few years since, contained not + more than one church and three or four small proprietary chapels, while + dissenting chapels of every denomination were still more scantily found + there; yet the inhabitants of the parish amounted at that time to upwards + of 50,000. Were the parish church, and the chapels of the Establishment + existing there, an <i>impediment</i> to the spread of the Gospel among + that mass of people? Who shall dare to say so? But if any one, in the face + of the fact which has just been stated, and in opposition to authentic + reports to the same effect from various other quarters, should still + contend, that a voluntary system is sufficient for the spread and + maintenance of religion, we would ask, what kind of religion? wherein + would it differ, among the many, from deplorable fanaticism? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For the preservation of the Church Establishment, all men, whether they + belong to it or not, could they perceive their true interest, would be + strenuous: but how inadequate are its provisions for the needs of the + country! and how much is it to be regretted that, while its zealous + friends yield to alarms on account of the hostility of Dissent, they + should so much overrate the danger to be apprehended from that quarter, + and almost overlook the fact that hundreds of thousands of our + fellow-countrymen, though formally and nominally of the Church of England, + never enter her places of worship, neither have they communication with + her ministers! This deplorable state of things was partly produced by a + decay of zeal among the rich and influential, and partly by a want of due + expansive power in the constitution of the Establishment as regulated by + law. Private benefactors, in their efforts to build and endow churches, + have been frustrated, or too much impeded by legal obstacles: these, where + they are unreasonable or unfitted for the times, ought to be removed; and, + keeping clear of intolerance and injustice, means should be used to render + the presence and powers <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage291" + id="Apage291"></a>{291}</span>of the Church commensurate with the wants of + a shifting and still-increasing population. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This cannot be effected, unless the English Government vindicate the + truth, that, as her Church exists for the benefit of all (though not in + equal degree), whether of her communion or not, all should be made to + contribute to its support. If this ground be abandoned, cause will be + given to fear that a moral wound may be inflicted upon the heart of the + English people, for which a remedy cannot be speedily provided by the + utmost efforts which the members of the Church will themselves be able to + make. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let the friends of the Church be of good courage. Powers are at work + by which, under Divine Providence, she may be strengthened and the sphere + of her usefulness extended; not by alterations in her Liturgy, + accommodated to this or that demand of finical taste, nor by cutting off + this or that from her articles or Canons, to which the scrupulous or the + overweening may object. Covert schism, and open nonconformity, would + survive after alterations, however promising in the eyes of those whose + subtilty had been exercised in making them. Latitudinarianism is the + parhelion of liberty of conscience, and will ever successfully lay claim + to a divided worship. Among Presbyterians, Socinians, Baptists, and + Independents, there will always be found numbers who will tire of their + several creeds, and some will come over to the Church. Conventicles may + disappear, congregations in each denomination may fall into decay or be + broken up, but the conquests which the National Church ought chiefly to + aim at, lie among the thousands and tens of thousands of the unhappy + outcasts who grow up with no religion at all. The wants of these cannot + but be feelingly remembered. Whatever may be the disposition of the new + constituencies under the Reformed Parliament, and the course which the men + of their choice may be inclined or compelled to follow, it may be + confidently hoped that individuals, acting in their private capacities, + will endeavour to make up for the deficiencies of the Legislature. Is it + too much to expect that proprietors of large estates, where the + inhabitants are without religious instruction, or where it is sparingly + supplied, will deem it their duty to take part in this good work; and that + thriving manufacturers and merchants will, in their several + neighbourhoods, be sensible of the like obligation, and act upon it with + generous rivalry?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage292" id="Apage292"></a>{292}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Moreover, the force of public opinion is rapidly increasing: and some may + bend to it, who are not so happy as to be swayed by a higher motive: + especially they who derive large incomes from lay-impropriations, in + tracts of country where ministers are few and meagerly provided for. A + claim still stronger may be acknowledged by those who, round their superb + habitations, or elsewhere, walk over vast estates which were lavished upon + their ancestors by royal favouritism or purchased at insignificant prices + after church-spoliation; such proprietors, though not conscience-stricken + (there is no call for that), may be prompted to make a return for which + their tenantry and dependents will learn to bless their names. An impulse + has been given; an accession of means from these several sources, + co-operating with a <i>well</i>-considered change in the distribution of + some parts of the property at present possessed by the Church, a change + scrupulously founded upon due respect to law and justice, will, we trust, + bring about so much of what her friends desire, that the rest may be + calmly waited for, with thankfulness for what shall have been obtained. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let it not be thought unbecoming in a layman to have treated at length a + subject with which the clergy are more intimately conversant. All may, + without impropriety, speak of what deeply concerns all: nor need an + apology be offered for going over ground which has been trod before so + ably and so often: without pretending, however, to any thing of novelty, + either in matter or manner, something may have been offered to view, which + will save the writer from the imputation of having little to recommend his + labour, but goodness of intention. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was with reference to thoughts and feelings expressed in verse, that I + entered upon the above notices, and with verse I will conclude. The + passage is extracted from my MSS. written above thirty years ago: it turns + upon the individual dignity which humbleness of social condition does not + preclude, but frequently promotes. It has no direct bearing upon clubs for + the discussion of public affairs, nor upon political or trade-unions; but + if a single workman—who, being a member of one of those clubs, runs + the risk of becoming an agitator, or who, being enrolled in a union, must + be left without a will of his own, and therefore a slave—should read + these lines, and be touched by them, I should indeed rejoice, and little + would I care <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage293" id="Apage293"></a>{293}</span>for + losing credit as a poet with intemperate critics, who think differently + from me upon political philosophy or public measures, if the sober-minded + admit that, in general views, my affections have been moved, and my + imagination exercised, under and <i>for</i> the guidance of reason. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Here might I pause, and bend in reverence<br /></span> <span>To + Nature, and the power of human minds;<br /></span> <span>To men as they + are men within themselves.<br /></span> <span>How oft high service is + performed within,<br /></span> <span>When all the external man is rude in + show;<br /></span> <span>Not like a temple rich with pomp and gold,<br /></span> + <span>But a mere mountain chapel that protects<br /></span> <span>Its + simple worshippers from sun and shower!<br /></span> <span>Of these, said + I, shall be my song; of these,<br /></span> <span>If future years mature + me for the task,<br /></span> <span>Will I record the praises, making + verse<br /></span> <span>Deal boldly with substantial things—in + truth<br /></span> <span>And sanctity of passion speak of these,<br /></span> + <span>That justice may be done, obeisance paid<br /></span> <span>Where + it is due. Thus haply shall I teach<br /></span> <span>Inspire, through + unadulterated ears<br /></span> <span>Pour rapture, tenderness, and hope; + my theme<br /></span> <span>No other than the very heart of man,<br /></span> + <span>As found among the best of those who live,<br /></span> <span>Not + unexalted by religious faith,<br /></span> <span>Nor uninformed by books, + good books, though few<br /></span> <span>In Nature's presence: thence + may I select<br /></span> <span>Sorrow that is not sorrow, but delight,<br /></span> + <span>And miserable love that is not pain<br /></span> <span>To hear of, + for the glory that redounds<br /></span> <span>Therefrom to human kind, + and what we are.<br /></span> <span>Be mine to follow with no timid step<br /></span> + <span>Where knowledge leads me; it shall be my pride<br /></span> <span>That + I have dared to tread this holy ground,<br /></span> <span>Speaking no + dream, but things oracular,<br /></span> <span>Matter not lightly to be + heard by those<br /></span> <span>Who to the letter of the outward + promise<br /></span> <span>Do read the invisible soul; by men adroit<br /></span> + <span>In speech, and for communion with the world<br /></span> <span>Accomplished, + minds whose faculties are then<br /></span> <span>Most active when they + are most eloquent,<br /></span> <span>And elevated most when most + admired.<br /></span> <span>Men may be found of other mould than these;<br /></span> + <span>Who are their own upholders, to themselves<br /></span> <span>Encouragement + and energy and will;<br /></span> <span>Expressing liveliest thoughts in + lively words<br /></span> <span>As native passion dictates. Others, too,<br /></span> + <span>There are, among the walks of homely life,<br /></span> <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage294" id="Apage294"></a>{294}</span> <span>Still + higher, men for contemplation framed;<br /></span> <span>Shy, and + unpractised in the strife of phrase;<br /></span> <span>Meek men, whose + very souls perhaps would sink<br /></span> <span>Beneath them, summoned + to such intercourse.<br /></span> <span>Theirs is the language of the + heavens, the power,<br /></span> <span>The thought, the image, and the + silent joy:<br /></span> <span>Words are but under-agents in their souls;<br /></span> + <span>When they are grasping with their greatest strength<br /></span> + <span>They do not breathe among them; this I speak<br /></span> <span>In + gratitude to God, who feeds our hearts<br /></span> <span>For His own + service, knoweth, loveth us,<br /></span> <span>When we are unregarded by + the world.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage295" id="Apage295"></a>{295}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="II_ADVICE_TO_THE_YOUNG" id="II_ADVICE_TO_THE_YOUNG"></a>II. + ADVICE TO THE YOUNG. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF 'THE FRIEND,' SIGNED 'MATHETES.'<br /> (<i>b</i>) + ANSWER TO THE LETTER OF 'MATHETES.' + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1809. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage297" id="Apage297"></a>{297}</span> + </p> + <h4> + INTRODUCTION TO 'THE FRIEND,' VOL. III. (1850). + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>a</i>) LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY '<a name="MATHETES" id="MATHETES"></a>MATHETES.' + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <img src="images/greek297.png" + alt=" Para Sextou—tên ennoian tou kata physinzên, kai to semnon aplastôs,—ôse kolakeias men pasês prosêneseran einai tên omilian autou, aidesimôtaton de par' auton ekeinon ton kairon einai kai ama men apathesaton einai, ama de philosorgotaton kai to idein aithrôpon saphôs elachison tôn eautou kalôn hêgoumenon tên autou polymathiên" + title=" Para Sextou—tên ennoian tou kata physinzên, kai to semnon aplastôs,—ôse kolakeias men pasês prosêneseran einai tên omilian autou, aidesimôtaton de par' auton ekeinon ton kairon einai kai ama men apathesaton einai, ama de philosorgotaton kai to idein aithrôpon saphôs elachison tôn eautou kalôn hêgoumenon tên autou polymathiên" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">M. ANTONINUS.<a + name="AFNanchor_25_25" id="AFNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#AFootnote_25_25" + class="fnanchor">[25]</a></span> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + From Sextus, and from the contemplation of his character, I learned what + it was to live a life in harmony with nature; and that seemliness and + dignity of deportment, which insured the profoundest reverence at the + very same time that his company was more winning than all the flattery + in the world. To him I owe likewise that I have known a man at once the + most dispassionate and the most affectionate, and who of all his + attractions set the least value on the multiplicity of his literary + acquisitions. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>To the Editor of 'The Friend.'</i> + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope you will not ascribe to presumption the liberty I take in + addressing you on the subject of your work. I feel deeply interested in + the cause you have undertaken to support; and my object in writing this + letter is to describe to you, in part from my own feelings, what I + conceive to be the state of many minds, which may derive important + advantage from your instructions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I speak, Sir, of those who, though bred up under our unfavourable system + of education, have yet held at times some intercourse with nature, and + with those great minds whose works have been moulded by the spirit of + nature; who, therefore, when they pass from the seclusion and constraint + of early study, bring with them into the new scene of the world much of + the pure sensibility which is the spring of all that is greatly good in + thought and action. To such the season of that entrance into the world is + a season of fearful importance; not for <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage298" id="Apage298"></a>{298}</span>the seduction of its + passions, but of its opinions. Whatever be their intellectual powers, + unless extraordinary circumstances in their lives have been so favourable + to the growth of meditative genius, that their speculative opinions must + spring out of their early feelings, their minds are still at the mercy of + fortune: they have no inward impulse steadily to propel them: and must + trust to the chances of the world for a guide. And such is our present + moral and intellectual state, that these chances are little else than + variety of danger. There will be a thousand causes conspiring to complete + the work of a false education, and by inclosing the mind on every side + from the influences of natural feeling, to degrade its inborn dignity, and + finally bring the heart itself under subjection to a corrupted + understanding. I am anxious to describe to you what I have experienced or + seen of the dispositions and feelings that will aid every other cause of + danger, and tend to lay the mind open to the infection of all those + falsehoods in opinion and sentiment, which constitute the degeneracy of + the age. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Though it would not be difficult to prove, that the mind of the country is + much enervated since the days of her strength, and brought down from its + moral dignity, it is not yet so forlorn of all good,—there is + nothing in the face of the times so dark and saddening and repulsive—as + to shock the first feelings of a generous spirit, and drive it at once to + seek refuge in the elder ages of our greatness. There yet survives so much + of the character bred up through long years of liberty, danger, and glory, + that even what this age produces bears traces of those that are past, and + it still yields enough of beautiful, and splendid, and bold, to captivate + an ardent but untutored imagination. And in this real excellence is the + beginning of danger: for it is the first spring of that excessive + admiration of the age which at last brings down to its own level a mind + born above it. If there existed only the general disposition of all who + are formed with a high capacity for good, to be rather credulous of + excellence than suspiciously and severely just, the error would not be + carried far: but there are, to a young mind, in this country and at this + time, numerous powerful causes concurring to inflame this disposition, + till the excess of the affection above the worth of its object is beyond + all computation. To trace these causes it will be necessary to follow the + history of a pure and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage299" + id="Apage299"></a>{299}</span>noble mind from the first moment of that + critical passage from seclusion to the world, which changes all the + circumstances of its intellectual existence, shows it for the first time + the real scene of living men, and calls up the new feeling of numerous + relations by which it is to be connected with them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To the young adventurer in life, who enters upon his course with such a + mind, every thing seems made for delusion. He comes with a spirit the + dearest feelings and highest thoughts of which have sprung up under the + influences of nature. He transfers to the realities of life the high wild + fancies of visionary boyhood: he brings with him into the world the + passions of solitary and untamed imagination, and hopes which he has + learned from dreams. Those dreams have been of the great and wonderful and + lovely, of all which in these has yet been disclosed to him: his thoughts + have dwelt among the wonders of nature, and among the loftiest spirits of + men, heroes, and sages, and saints;—those whose deeds, and thoughts, + and hopes, were high above ordinary mortality, have been the familiar + companions of his soul. To love and to admire has been the joy of his + existence. Love and admiration are the pleasures he will demand of the + world. For these he has searched eagerly into the ages that are gone; but + with more ardent and peremptory expectation he requires them of that in + which his own lot is cast: for to look on life with hopes of happiness is + a necessity of his nature, and to him there is no happiness but such as is + surrounded with excellence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See first how this spirit will affect his judgment of moral character, in + those with whom chance may connect him in the common relations of life. It + is of those with whom he is to live, that his soul first demands this food + of her desires. From their conversation, their looks, their actions, their + lives, she asks for excellence. To ask from all and to ask in vain, would + be too dismal to bear: it would disturb him too deeply with doubt and + perplexity and fear. In this hope, and in the revolting of his thoughts + from the possibility of disappointment, there is a preparation for + self-delusion: there is an unconscious determination that his soul shall + be satisfied; an obstinate will to find good every where. And thus his + first study of mankind is a continued effort to read in them the + expression of his own feelings. He catches at every uncertain shew and + shadowy <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage300" id="Apage300"></a>{300}</span>resemblance + of what he seeks; and unsuspicious in innocence, he is first won with + those appearances of good which are in fact only false pretensions. But + this error is not carried far: for there is a sort of instinct of + rectitude, which, like the pressure of a talisman given to baffle the + illusions of enchantment, warns a pure mind against hypocrisy. There is + another delusion more difficult to resist and more slowly dissipated. It + is when he finds, as he often will, some of the real features of + excellence in the purity of their native form. For then his rapid + imagination will gather round them all the kindred features that are + wanting to perfect beauty; and make for him, where he could not find, the + moral creature of his expectation; peopling, even from this human world, + his little circle of affection with forms as fair as his heart desired for + its love. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But when, from the eminence of life which he has reached, he lifts up his + eyes, and sends out his spirit to range over the great scene that is + opening before him and around him, the whole prospect of civilised life so + wide and so magnificent;—when he begins to contemplate, in their + various stations of power or splendour, the leaders of mankind, those men + on whose wisdom are hung the fortunes of nations, those whose genius and + valour wield the heroism of a people;—or those, in no inferior pride + of place, whose sway is over the mind of society, chiefs in the realm of + imagination, interpreters of the secrets of nature, rulers of human + opinion;—what wonder, when he looks on all this living scene, that + his heart should burn with strong affection, that he should feel that his + own happiness will be for ever interwoven with the interests of mankind? + Here then the sanguine hope with which he looks on life, will again be + blended with his passionate desire of excellence; and he will still be + impelled to single out some, on whom his imagination and his hopes may + repose. To whatever department of human thought or action his mind is + turned with interest, either by the sway of public passion or by its own + impulse, among statesmen, and warriors, and philosophers, and poets, he + will distinguish some favoured names on which he may satisfy his + admiration. And there, just as in the little circle of his own + acquaintance, seizing eagerly on every merit they possess, he will supply + more from his own credulous hope, completing real with imagined + excellence, till living men, with all their imperfections, become to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage301" id="Apage301"></a>{301}</span>him the + representatives of his perfect ideal creation;—till, multiplying his + objects of reverence, as he enlarges his prospect of life, he will have + surrounded himself with idols of his own hands, and his imagination will + seem to discern a glory in the countenance of the age, which is but the + reflection of its own effulgence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He will possess, therefore, in the creative power of generous hope, a + preparation for illusory and exaggerated admiration of the age in which he + lives: and this predisposition will meet with many favouring + circumstances, when he has grown up under a system of education like ours, + which (as perhaps all education must that is placed in the hands of a + distinct and embodied class, who therefore bring to it the peculiar and + hereditary prejudices of their order) has controlled his imagination to a + reverence of former times, with an unjust contempt of his own. For no + sooner does he break loose from this control, and begin to feel, as he + contemplates the world for himself, how much there is surrounding him on + all sides that gratifies his noblest desires, than there springs up in him + an indignant sense of injustice, both to the age and to his own mind; and + he is impelled warmly and eagerly to give loose to the feelings that have + been held in bondage, to seek out and to delight in finding excellence + that will vindicate the insulted world, while it justifies, too, his + resentment of his own undue subjection, and exalts the value of his new + found liberty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Add to this, that secluded as he has been from knowledge, and, in the + imprisoning circle of one system of ideas, cut off from his share in the + thoughts and feelings that are stirring among men, he finds himself, at + the first steps of his liberty, in a new intellectual world. Passions and + powers which he knew not of start up in his soul. The human mind, which he + had seen but under one aspect, now presents to him a thousand unknown and + beautiful forms. He sees it, in its varying powers, glancing over nature + with restless curiosity, and with impetuous energy striving for ever + against the barriers which she has placed around it; sees it with divine + power creating from dark materials living beauty, and fixing all its high + and transported fancies in imperishable forms. In the world of knowledge, + and science, and art, and genius, he treads as a stranger: in the + confusion of new sensations, bewildered in delights, all seems beautiful; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage302" id="Apage302"></a>{302}</span>all + seems admirable. And therefore he engages eagerly in the pursuit of false + or insufficient philosophy; he is won by the allurements of licentious + art; he follows with wonder the irregular transports of undisciplined + imagination. Nor, where the objects of his admiration are worthy, is he + yet skilful to distinguish between the acquisitions which the age has made + for itself, and that large proportion of its wealth which it has only + inherited: but in his delight of discovery and growing knowledge, all that + is new to his own mind seems to him new-born to the world. To himself + every fresh idea appears instruction; every new exertion, acquisition of + power: he seems just called to the consciousness of himself, and to his + true place in the intellectual world; and gratitude and reverence towards + those to whom he owes this recovery of his dignity, tend much to subject + him to the dominion of minds that were not formed by nature to be the + leaders of opinion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All the tumult and glow of thought and imagination, which seize on a mind + of power in such a scene, tend irresistibly to bind it by stronger + attachment of love and admiration to its own age. And there is one among + the new emotions which belong to its entrance on the world, one almost the + noblest of all, in which this exaltation of the age is essentially + mingled. The faith in the perpetual progression of human nature towards + perfection gives birth to such lofty dreams, as secure to it the devout + assent of the imagination; and it will be yet more grateful to a heart + just opening to hope, flushed with the consciousness of new strength, and + exulting in the prospect of destined achievements. There is, therefore, + almost a compulsion on generous and enthusiastic spirits, as they trust + that the future shall transcend the present, to believe that the present + transcends the past. It is only on an undue love and admiration of their + own age that they can build their confidence in the melioration of the + human race. Nor is this faith, which, in some shape, will always be the + creed of virtue, without apparent reason, even in the erroneous form in + which the young adopt it. For there is a perpetual acquisition of + knowledge and art, an unceasing progress in many of the modes of exertion + of the human mind, a perpetual unfolding of virtues with the changing + manners of society: and it is not for a young mind to compare what is + gained with what has passed away; to <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage303" id="Apage303"></a>{303}</span>discern that amidst the + incessant intellectual activity of the race, the intellectual power of + individual minds maybe falling off; and that amidst accumulating knowledge + lofty science may disappear; and still less, to judge, in the more + complicated moral character of a people, what is progression, and what is + decline. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Into a mind possessed with this persuasion of the perpetual progress of + man, there may even imperceptibly steal both from the belief itself, and + from many of the views on which it rests, something like a distrust of the + wisdom of great men of former ages, and with the reverence, which no + delusion will ever over-power in a pure mind, for their greatness, a + fancied discernment of imperfection and of incomplete excellence, which + wanted for its accomplishment the advantages of later improvements: there + will be a surprise that so much should have been possible in times so ill + prepared; and even the study of their works may be sometimes rather the + curious research of a speculative inquirer, than the devout contemplation + of an enthusiast,—the watchful and obedient heart of a disciple + listening to the inspiration of his master. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here then is the power of delusion that will gather round the first steps + of a youthful spirit, and throw enchantment over the world in which it is + to dwell; hope realising its own dreams; ignorance dazzled and ravished + with sudden sunshine; power awakened and rejoicing in its own + consciousness; enthusiasm kindling among multiplying images of greatness + and beauty, and enamoured, above all, of one splendid error; and, + springing from all these, such a rapture of life and hope and joy, that + the soul, in the power of its happiness, transmutes things essentially + repugnant to it into the excellence of its own nature: these are the + spells that cheat the eye of the mind with illusion. It is under these + influences that a young man of ardent spirit gives all his love, and + reverence, and zeal, to productions of art, to theories of science, to + opinions, to systems of feeling, and to characters distinguished in the + world, that are far beneath his own original dignity. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now as this delusion springs not from his worse but his better nature, it + seems as if there could be no warning to him from within of his danger: + for even the impassioned joy which he draws at times from the works of + nature, and from those of her mightier sons, and which would startle him + from a dream of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage304" id="Apage304"></a>{304}</span>unworthy + passion, serves only to fix the infatuation:—for those deep + emotions, proving to him that his heart is uncorrupted, justify to him all + its workings, and his mind, confiding and delighting in itself, yields to + the guidance of its own blind impulses of pleasure. His chance, therefore, + of security is the chance that the greater number of objects occurring to + attract his honourable passions may be worthy of them. But we have seen + that the whole power of circumstances is collected to gather round him + such objects and influences as will bend his high passions to unworthy + enjoyment. He engages in it with a heart and understanding unspoiled: but + they cannot long be misapplied with impunity. They are drawn gradually + into closer sympathy with the falsehoods they have adopted, till, his very + nature seeming to change under the corruption, there disappears from it + the capacity of those higher perceptions and pleasures to which he was + born: and he is cast off from the communion of exalted minds, to live and + to perish with the age to which he has surrendered himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If minds under these circumstances of danger are preserved from decay and + overthrow, it can seldom, I think, be to themselves that they owe their + deliverance. It must be to a fortunate chance which places them under the + influence of some more enlightened mind, from which they may first gain + suspicion and afterwards wisdom. There is a philosophy, which, leading + them by the light of their best emotions to the principles which should + give life to thought and law to genius, will discover to them, in clear + and perfect evidence, the falsehood of the errors that have misled them, + and restore them to themselves. And this philosophy they will be willing + to hear and wise to understand; but they must be led into its mysteries by + some guiding hand; for they want the impulse or the power to penetrate of + themselves the recesses. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If a superior mind should assume the protection of others just beginning + to move among the dangers I have described, it would probably be found, + that delusions springing from their own virtuous activity were not the + only difficulties to be encountered. Even after suspicion is awakened, the + subjection to falsehood may be prolonged and deepened by many weaknesses + both of the intellectual and moral nature; weaknesses that will sometimes + shake the authority of acknowledged truth. There may <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage305" id="Apage305"></a>{305}</span>be intellectual indolence; + an indisposition in the mind to the effort of combining the ideas it + actually possesses, and bringing into distinct form the knowledge, which + in its elements is already its own: there may be, where the heart resists + the sway of opinion, misgivings and modest self-mistrust in him who sees + that, if he trusts his heart, he must slight the judgment of all around + him:—there may be too habitual yielding to authority, consisting, + more than in indolence or diffidence, in a conscious helplessness and + incapacity of the mind to maintain itself in its own place against the + weight of general opinion; and there may be too indiscriminate, too + undisciplined, a sympathy with others, which by the mere infection of + feeling will subdue the reason. There must be a weakness in dejection to + him who thinks with sadness, if his faith be pure, how gross is the error + of the multitude, and that multitude how vast;—a reluctance to + embrace a creed that excludes so many whom he loves, so many whom his + youth has revered;—a difficulty to his understanding to believe that + those whom he knows to be, in much that is good and honourable, his + superiors, can be beneath him in this which is the most important of all;—a + sympathy pleading importunately at his heart to descend to the fellowship + of his brothers, and to take their faith and wisdom for his own. How + often, when under the impulses of those solemn hours, in which he has felt + with clearer insight and deeper faith his sacred truths, he labours to win + to his own belief those whom he loves, will he be checked by their + indifference or their laughter! And will he not bear back to his + meditations a painful and disheartening sorrow, a gloomy discontent in + that faith which takes in but a portion of those whom he wishes to include + in all his blessings? Will he not be enfeebled by a distraction of + inconsistent desires, when he feels so strongly that the faith which fills + his heart, the circle within which he would embrace all he loves—would + repose all his wishes and hopes, and enjoyments—is yet + incommensurate with his affections? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Even when the mind, strong in reason and just feeling united, and relying + on its strength, has attached itself to truth, how much is there in the + course and accidents of life that is for ever silently at work for its + degradation. There are pleasures deemed harmless, that lay asleep the + recollections of innocence: there are pursuits held honourable, or imposed + by duty, that oppress <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage306" + id="Apage306"></a>{306}</span>the moral spirit: above all there is that + perpetual connection with ordinary minds in the common intercourse of + society; that restless activity of frivolous conversation, where men of + all characters and all pursuits mixing together, nothing may be talked of + that is not of common interest to all;—nothing, therefore, but those + obvious thoughts and feelings that float over the surface of things: and + all which is drawn from the depth of nature, all which impassioned feeling + has made original in thought, would be misplaced and obtrusive. The talent + that is allowed to shew itself is that which can repay admiration by + furnishing entertainment: and the display to which it is invited is that + which flatters the vulgar pride of society, by abasing what is too high in + excellence for its sympathy. A dangerous seduction to talents, which would + make language, given to exalt the soul by the fervid expression of its + pure emotions, the instrument of its degradation. And even when there is, + as in the instance I have supposed, too much uprightness to choose so + dishonourable a triumph, there is a necessity of manners, by which + everyone must be controlled who mixes much in society, not to offend those + with whom he converses by his superiority; and whatever be the native + spirit of a mind, it is evident that this perpetual adaptation of itself + to others, this watchfulness against its own rising feelings, this studied + sympathy with mediocrity, must pollute and impoverish the sources of its + strength. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From much of its own weakness, and from all the errors of its misleading + activities, may generous youth be rescued by the interposition of an + enlightened mind: and in some degree it may be guarded by instruction + against the injuries to which it is exposed in the world. His lot is happy + who owes this protection to friendship; who has found in a friend the + watchful guardian of his mind. He will not be deluded, having that light + to guide; he will not slumber, with that voice to inspire; he will not be + desponding or dejected, with that bosom to lean on. But how many must + there be whom Heaven has left unprovided, except in their own strength; + who must maintain themselves, unassisted and solitary, against their own + infirmities and the opposition of the world! For such there may yet be a + protector. If a teacher should stand up in their generation, conspicuous + above the multitude in superior power, and still more in the assertion and + proclamation of disregarded truth;—to him, to his cheering or <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage307" id="Apage307"></a>{307}</span>summoning + voice, all those would turn, whose deep sensibility has been oppressed by + the indifference, or misled by the seduction, of the times. Of one such + teacher who has been given to our own age you have described the power + when you said, that in his annunciation of truths he seemed to speak in + thunders. I believe that mighty voice has not been poured out in vain; + that there are hearts that have received into their inmost depths all its + varying tones; and that even now, there are many to whom the name of + Wordsworth calls up the recollection of their weakness and the + consciousness of their strength. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To give to the reason and eloquence of one man this complete control over + the minds of others, it is necessary, I think, that he should be born in + their own times. For thus whatever false opinion of pre-eminence is + attached to the age becomes at once a title of reverence to him: and when + with distinguished powers he sets himself apart from the age, and above + it, as the teacher of high but ill-understood truths, he will appear at + once to a generous imagination in the dignity of one whose superior mind + outsteps the rapid progress of society, and will derive from illusion + itself the power to disperse illusions. It is probable too, that he who + labours under the errors I have described, might feel the power of truth + in a writer of another age, yet fail in applying the full force of his + principles to his own times: but when he receives them from a living + teacher, there is no room for doubt or misapplication. It is the errors of + his own generation that are denounced; and whatever authority he may + acknowledge in the instructions of his master, strikes, with inevitable + force, at his veneration for the opinions and characters of his own times. + And finally there will be gathered round a living teacher, who speaks to + the deeper soul, many feelings of human love that will place the + infirmities of the heart peculiarly under his control; at the same time + that they blend with and animate the attachment to his cause. So that + there will flow from him something of the peculiar influence of a friend: + while his doctrines will be embraced and asserted and vindicated with the + ardent zeal of a disciple, such as can scarcely be carried back to distant + times, or connected with voices that speak only from the grave. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have done what I proposed. I have related to you as much as I have had + opportunities of knowing of the difficulties from within and from without, + which may oppose the natural <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage308" + id="Apage308"></a>{308}</span>development of true feeling and right + opinion in a mind formed with some capacity for good; and the resources + which such a mind may derive from an enlightened contemporary writer. If + what I have said be just, it is certain that this influence will be felt + more particularly in a work, adapted by its mode of publication to address + the feelings of the time, and to bring to its readers repeated admonition + and repeated consolation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have perhaps presumed too far in trespassing on your attention, and in + giving way to my own thoughts; but I was unwilling to leave any thing + unsaid which might induce you to consider with favour the request I was + anxious to make, in the name of all whose state of mind I have described, + that you would at times regard us more particularly in your instructions. + I cannot judge to what degree it may be in your power to give the truth + you teach a control over understandings that have matured their strength + in error; but in our class I am sure you will have docile learners.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage309" id="Apage309"></a>{309}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">MATHETES.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>b</i>) <a name="ANSWER" id="ANSWER"></a>ANSWER TO THE LETTER OF + MATHETES. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Friend might rest satisfied that his exertions thus far have not been + wholly unprofitable, if no other proof had been given of their influence, + than that of having called forth the foregoing letter, with which he has + been so much interested, that he could not deny himself the pleasure of + communicating it to his readers. In answer to his correspondent, it need + scarcely here be repeated, that one of the main purposes of his work is to + weigh, honestly and thoughtfully, the moral worth and intellectual power + of the age in which we live; to ascertain our gain and our loss; to + determine what we are in ourselves positively, and what we are compared + with our ancestors; and thus, and by every other means within his power, + to discover what may be hoped for future times, what and how lamentable + are the evils to be feared, and how far there is cause for fear. If this + attempt should not be made wholly in vain, my ingenious correspondent, and + all who are in a state of mind resembling that of which he gives so lively + a picture, will be enabled more readily and surely to distinguish false + from legitimate objects of admiration: and thus may the personal errors + which he would guard against be more effectually prevented or removed by + the development of general truth for a general purpose, than by + instructions specifically adapted to himself or to the class of which he + is the able representative. There is a life and spirit in knowledge which + we extract from truths scattered for the benefit of all, and which the + mind, by its own activity, has appropriated to itself,—a life and + spirit, which is seldom found in knowledge communicated by formal and + direct precepts, even when they are exalted and endeared by reverence and + love for the teacher. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, though I trust that the assistance which my correspondent + has done me the honour to request, will in course of time flow naturally + from my labours, in a manner that will best serve him, I cannot resist the + inclination to connect, at present, with his letter a few remarks of + direct application to the subject of it; remarks, I say,—for to such + I shall confine myself,—independent of the main point out of which + his complaint and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage310" id="Apage310"></a>{310}</span>request + both proceed; I mean the assumed inferiority of the present age in moral + dignity and intellectual power to those which have preceded it. For if the + fact were true, that we had even surpassed our ancestors in the best of + what is good, the main part of the dangers and impediments which my + correspondent has feelingly portrayed, could not cease to exist for minds + like his, nor indeed would they be much diminished; as they arise out of + the constitution of things, from the nature of youth, from the laws that + govern the growth of the faculties, and from the necessary condition of + the great body of mankind. Let us throw ourselves back to the age of + Elizabeth, and call up to mind the heroes, the warriors, the statesmen, + the poets, the divines, and the moral philosophers, with which the reign + of the virgin queen was illustrated. Or if we be more strongly attracted + by the moral purity and greatness, and that sanctity of civil and + religious duty, with which the tyranny of Charles I. was struggled + against, let us cast our eyes, in the hurry of admiration, round that + circle of glorious patriots: but do not let us be persuaded, that each of + these, in his course of discipline, was uniformly helped forward by those + with whom he associated, or by those whose care it was to direct him. + Then, as now, existed objects to which the wisest attached undue + importance; then, as now, judgment was misled by factions and parties, + time wasted in controversies fruitless, except as far as they quickened + the faculties; then, as now, minds were venerated or idolized, which owed + their influence to the weakness of their contemporaries rather than to + their own power. Then, though great actions were wrought, and great works + in literature and science produced, yet the general taste was capricious, + fantastical, or grovelling; and in this point, as in all others, was youth + subject to delusion, frequent in proportion to the liveliness of the + sensibility, and strong as the strength of the imagination. Every age hath + abounded in instances of parents, kindred, and friends, who, by indirect + influence of example, or by positive injunction and exhortation, have + diverted or discouraged the youth, who, in the simplicity and purity of + nature, had determined to follow his intellectual genius through good and + through evil, and had devoted himself to knowledge, to the practice of + virtue and the preservation of integrity, in slight of temporal rewards. + Above all, have not the common duties and cares of common life at all + times <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage311" id="Apage311"></a>{311}</span>exposed + men to injury from causes the action of which is the more fatal from being + silent and unremitting, and which, wherever it was not jealously watched + and steadily opposed, must have pressed upon and consumed the diviner + spirit? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are two errors into which we easily slip when thinking of past + times. One lies in forgetting in the excellence of what remains the large + overbalance of worthlessness that has been swept away. Ranging over the + wide tracts of antiquity, the situation of the mind may be likened to that + of a traveller<a name="AFNanchor_26_26" id="AFNanchor_26_26"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> in some unpeopled part + of America, who is attracted to the burial place of one of the primitive + inhabitants. It is conspicuous upon an eminence, 'a mount upon a mount!' + He digs into it, and finds that it contains the bones of a man of mighty + stature; and he is tempted to give way to a belief, that as there were + giants in those days, so all men were giants. But a second and wiser + thought may suggest to him that this tomb would never have forced itself + upon his notice, if it had not contained a body that was distinguished + from others,—that of a man who had been selected as a chieftain or + ruler for the very reason that he surpassed the rest of his tribe in + stature, and who now lies thus conspicuously inhumed upon the + mountain-top, while the bones, of his followers are laid unobtrusively + together in their burrows upon the plain below. The second habitual error + is, that in this comparison of ages we divide time merely into past and + present, and place these in the balance to be weighed against each other; + not considering that the present is in our estimation not more than a + period of thirty years, or half a century at most, and that the past is a + mighty accumulation of many such periods, perhaps the whole of recorded + time, or at least the whole of that portion of it in which our own country + has been distinguished. We may illustrate this by the familiar use of the + words ancient and modern, when applied to poetry. What can be more + inconsiderate or unjust than to compare a few existing writers with the + whole succession of their progenitors? The delusion, from the moment that + our thoughts are directed to it, seems too gross to deserve mention; yet + men will talk for hours upon poetry, balancing against each other the + words ancient and modern, and be unconscious that they have fallen into + it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These observations are not made as implying a dissent from <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage312" id="Apage312"></a>{312}</span>the + belief of my correspondent, that the moral spirit and intellectual powers + of this country are declining; but to guard against unqualified + admiration, even in cases where admiration has been rightly fixed, and to + prevent that depression which must necessarily follow, where the notion of + the peculiar unfavourableness of the present times to dignity of mind has + been carried too far. For in proportion as we imagine obstacles to exist + out of ourselves to retard our progress, will, in fact, our progress be + retarded. Deeming, then, that in all ages an ardent mind will be baffled + and led astray in the manner under contemplation, though in various + degrees, I shall at present content myself with a few practical and + desultory comments upon some of those general causes, to which my + correspondent justly attributes the errors in opinion, and the lowering or + deadening of sentiment, to which ingenuous and aspiring youth is exposed. + And first, for the heart-cheering belief in the perpetual progress of the + species towards a point of unattainable perfection. If the present age do + indeed transcend the past in what is most beneficial and honourable, he + that perceives this, being in no error, has no cause for complaint; but if + it be not so, a youth of genius might, it should seem, be preserved from + any wrong influence of this faith by an insight into a simple truth, + namely, that it is not necessary, in order to satisfy the desires of our + nature, or to reconcile us to the economy of providence, that there should + be at all times a continuous advance in what is of highest worth. In fact + it is not, as a writer of the present day has admirably observed, in the + power of fiction to portray in words, or of the imagination to conceive in + spirit, actions or characters of more exalted virtue, than those which + thousands of years ago have existed upon earth, as we know from the + records of authentic history. Such is the inherent dignity of human + nature, that there belong to it sublimities of virtues which all men may + attain, and which no man can transcend: and though this be not true in an + equal degree of intellectual power, yet in the persons of Plato, + Demosthenes, and Homer, and in those of Shakespeare, Milton, and Lord + Bacon, were enshrined as much of the divinity of intellect as the + inhabitants of this planet can hope will ever take up its abode among + them. But the question is not of the power or worth of individual minds, + but of the general moral or intellectual merits of an age, or a people, or + of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage313" id="Apage313"></a>{313}</span>the + human race. Be it so. Let us allow and believe that there is a progress in + the species towards unattainable perfection, or whether this be so or not, + that it is a necessity of a good and greatly-gifted nature to believe it; + surely it does not follow that this progress should be constant in those + virtues and intellectual qualities, and in those departments of knowledge, + which in themselves absolutely considered are of most value, things + independent and in their degree indispensable. The progress of the species + neither is nor can be like that of a Roman road in a right line. It may be + more justly compared to that of a river, which, both in its smaller + reaches and larger turnings, is frequently forced back towards its + fountains by objects which cannot otherwise be eluded or overcome; yet + with an accompanying impulse that will insure its advancement hereafter, + it is either gaining strength every hour, or conquering in secret some + difficulty, by a labour that contributes as effectually to further it in + its course, as when it moves forward uninterrupted in a line, direct as + that of the Roman road with which I began the comparison. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It suffices to content the mind, though there may be an apparent + stagnation, or a retrograde movement in the species, that something is + doing which is necessary to be done, and the effects of which will in due + time appear; that something is unremittingly gaining, either in secret + preparation or in open and triumphant progress. But in fact here, as every + where, we are deceived by creations which the mind is compelled to make + for itself; we speak of the species not as an aggregate, but as endued + with the form and separate life of an individual. But human kind,—what + is it else than myriads of rational beings in various degrees obedient to + their reason; some torpid, some aspiring; some in eager chase to the right + hand, some to the left; these wasting down their moral nature, and those + feeding it for immortality? A whole generation may appear even to sleep, + or may be exasperated with rage,—they that compose it, tearing each + other to pieces with more than brutal fury. It is enough for complacency + and hope, that scattered and solitary minds are always labouring somewhere + in the service of truth and virtue; and that by the sleep of the multitude + the energy of the multitude may be prepared; and that by the fury of the + people the chains of the people may be broken. Happy moment was it for<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage314" id="Apage314"></a>{314}</span> England + when her Chaucer, who has rightly been called the morning star of her + literature, appeared above the horizon; when her Wicliffe, like the sun, + shot orient beams through the night of Romish superstition! Yet may the + darkness and the desolating hurricane which immediately followed in the + wars of York and Lancaster, be deemed in their turn a blessing, with which + the Land has been visited. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May I return to the thought of progress, of accumulation, of increasing + light, or of any other image by which it may please us to represent the + improvement of the species? The hundred years that followed the usurpation + of Henry IV., were a hurling-back of the mind of the country, a + dilapidation, an extinction; yet institutions, laws, customs, and habits, + were then broken down, which would not have been so readily, nor perhaps + so thoroughly destroyed by the gradual influence of increasing knowledge; + and under the oppression of which, if they had continued to exist, the + virtue and intellectual prowess of the succeeding century could not have + appeared at all, much less could they have displayed themselves with that + eager haste, and with those beneficent triumphs, which will to the end of + time be looked back upon with admiration and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If the foregoing obvious distinctions be once clearly perceived, and + steadily kept in view, I do not see why a belief in the progress of human + nature towards perfection should dispose a youthful mind, however + enthusiastic, to an undue admiration of his own age, and thus tend to + degrade that mind. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But let me strike at once at the root of the evil complained of in my + correspondent's letter. Protection from any fatal effect of seductions and + hindrances which opinion may throw in the way of pure and high-minded + youth, can only be obtained with certainty at the same price by which + every thing great and good is obtained, namely, steady dependence upon + voluntary and self-originating effort, and upon the practice of + self-examination, sincerely aimed at and rigorously enforced. But how is + this to be expected from youth? Is it not to demand the fruit when the + blossom is barely put forth, and is hourly at the mercy of frosts and + winds? To expect from youth these virtues and habits, in that degree of + excellence to which in mature years they may be carried, would indeed be + preposterous. Yet has youth many helps and aptitudes for the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage315" id="Apage315"></a>{315}</span>discharge + of these difficult duties, which are withdrawn for the most part from the + more advanced stages of life. For youth has its own wealth and + independence; it is rich in health of body and animal spirits, in its + sensibility to the impressions of the natural universe, in the conscious + growth of knowledge, in lively sympathy and familiar communion with the + generous actions recorded in history, and with the high passions of + poetry; and, above all, youth is rich in the possession of time, and the + accompanying consciousness of freedom and power. The young man feels that + he stands at a distance from the season when his harvest is to be reaped; + that he has leisure and may look around, and may defer both the choice and + the execution of his purposes. If he makes an attempt and shall fail, new + hopes immediately rush in and new promises. Hence, in the happy confidence + of his feelings, and in the elasticity of his spirit, neither worldly + ambition, nor the love of praise, nor dread of censure, nor the necessity + of worldly maintenance, nor any of those causes which tempt or compel the + mind habitually to look out of itself for support; neither these, nor the + passions of envy, fear, hatred, despondency, and the rankling of + disappointed hopes, (all which in after life give birth to, and regulate, + the efforts of men and determine their opinions) have power to preside + over the choice of the young, if the disposition be not naturally bad, or + the circumstances have not been in an uncommon degree unfavourable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In contemplation, then, of this disinterested and free condition of the + youthful mind, I deem it in many points peculiarly capable of searching + into itself, and of profiting by a few simple questions, such as these + that follow. Am I chiefly gratified by the exertion of my power from the + pure pleasure of intellectual activity, and from the knowledge thereby + acquired? In other words, to what degree do I value my faculties and my + attainments for their own sakes? or are they chiefly prized by me on + account of the distinction which they confer, or the superiority which + they give me over others? Am I aware that immediate influence and a + general acknowledgment of merit are no necessary adjuncts of a successful + adherence to study and meditation in those departments of knowledge which + are of most value to mankind;—that a recompense of honours and + emoluments is far less to be expected; in fact, that there is little + natural <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage316" id="Apage316"></a>{316}</span>connection + between them? Have I perceived this truth; and, perceiving it, does the + countenance of philosophy continue to appear as bright and beautiful in my + eyes?—Has no haze bedimmed it? Has no cloud passed over and hidden + from me that look which was before so encouraging? Knowing that it is my + duty, and feeling that it is my inclination, to mingle as a social being + with my fellow men; prepared also to submit cheerfully to the necessity + that will probably exist of relinquishing, for the purpose of gaining a + livelihood, the greatest portion of my time to employments where I shall + have little or no choice how or when I am to act; have I, at this moment, + when I stand as it were upon the threshold of the busy world, a clear + intuition of that pre-eminence in which virtue and truth (involving in + this latter word the sanctities of religion) sit enthroned above all + denominations and dignities which, in various degrees of exaltation, rule + over the desires of men? Do I feel that, if their solemn mandates shall be + forgotten, or disregarded, or denied the obedience due to them when + opposed to others, I shall not only have lived for no good purpose, but + that I shall have sacrificed my birth-right as a rational being; and that + every other acquisition will be a bane and a disgrace to me? This is not + spoken with reference to such sacrifices as present themselves to the + youthful imagination in the shape of crimes, acts by which the conscience + is violated; such a thought, I know, would be recoiled from at once, not + without indignation; but I write in the spirit of the ancient fable of + Prodicus, representing the choice of Hercules. Here is the World, a female + figure approaching at the head of a train of willing or giddy followers: + her air and deportment are at once careless, remiss, self-satisfied, and + haughty: and there is Intellectual Prowess, with a pale cheek and serene + brow, leading in chains Truth, her beautiful and modest captive. The one + makes her salutation with a discourse of ease, pleasure, freedom, and + domestic tranquillity; or, if she invite to labour, it is labour in the + busy and beaten track, with assurance of the complacent regards of + parents, friends, and of those with whom we associate. The promise also + may be upon her lip of the huzzas of the multitude, of the smile of kings, + and the munificent rewards of senates. The other does not venture to hold + forth any of these allurements; she does not conceal from him whom she + addresses the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage317" id="Apage317"></a>{317}</span>impediments, + the disappointments, the ignorance and prejudice which her follower will + have to encounter, if devoted, when duty calls, to active life; and if to + contemplative, she lays nakedly before him a scheme of solitary and + unremitting labour, a life of entire neglect perhaps, or assuredly a life + exposed to scorn, insult, persecution, and hatred; but cheered by + encouragement from a grateful few, by applauding conscience, and by a + prophetic anticipation, perhaps, of fame—a late, though lasting, + consequence. Of these two, each in this manner soliciting you to become + her adherent, you doubt not which to prefer; but oh! the thought of moment + is not preference, but the degree of preference; the passionate and pure + choice, the inward sense of absolute and unchangeable devotion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I spoke of a few simple questions. The question involved in this + deliberation is simple, but at the same time it is high and awful; and I + would gladly know whether an answer can be returned satisfactory to the + mind. We will for a moment suppose that it can not; that there is a + startling and a hesitation. Are we then to despond,—to retire from + all contest,—and to reconcile ourselves at once to cares without a + generous hope, and to efforts in which there is no more moral life than + that which is found in the business and labours of the unfavoured and + unaspiring many? No. But if the inquiry have not been on just grounds + satisfactorily answered, we may refer confidently our youth to that nature + of which he deems himself an enthusiastic follower, and one who wishes to + continue no less faithful and enthusiastic. We would tell him that there + are paths which he has not trodden; recesses which he has not penetrated; + that there is a beauty which he has not seen, a pathos which he has not + felt, a sublimity to which he hath not been raised. If he have trembled + because there has occasionally taken place in him a lapse of which he is + conscious; if he foresee open or secret attacks, which he has had + intimations that he will neither be strong enough to resist, nor watchful + enough to elude, let him not hastily ascribe this weakness, this + deficiency, and the painful apprehensions accompanying them, in any degree + to the virtues or noble qualities with which youth by nature is furnished; + but let him first be assured, before he looks about for the means of + attaining the insight, the discriminating powers, and the confirmed wisdom + of manhood, that his soul has more <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage318" + id="Apage318"></a>{318}</span>to demand of the appropriate excellencies of + youth, than youth has yet supplied to it; that the evil under which he + labours is not a superabundance of the instincts and the animating spirit + of that age, but a falling short, or a failure. But what can he gain from + this admonition? He cannot recall past time; he cannot begin his journey + afresh; he cannot untwist the links by which, in no undelightful harmony, + images and sentiments are wedded in his mind. Granted that the sacred + light of childhood is and must be for him no more than a remembrance. He + may, notwithstanding, be remanded to nature, and with trustworthy hopes, + founded less upon his sentient than upon his intellectual being; to + nature, as leading on insensibly to the society of reason, but to reason + and will, as leading back to the wisdom of nature. A re-union, in this + order accomplished, will bring reformation and timely support; and the two + powers of reason and nature, thus reciprocally teacher and taught, may + advance together in a track to which there is no limit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have been discoursing (by implication at least) of infancy, childhood, + boyhood, and youth, of pleasures lying upon the unfolding intellect + plenteously as morning dew-drops,—of knowledge inhaled insensibly + like the fragrance,—of dispositions stealing into the spirit like + music from unknown quarters,—of images uncalled for and rising up + like exhalations,—of hopes plucked like beautiful wild flowers from + the ruined tombs that border the highways of antiquity, to make a garland + for a living forehead;—in a word, we have been treating of nature as + a teacher of truth through joy and through gladness, and as a creatress of + the faculties by a process of smoothness and delight. We have made no + mention of fear, shame, sorrow, nor of ungovernable and vexing thoughts; + because, although these have been and have done mighty service, they are + overlooked in that stage of life when youth is passing into manhood—overlooked, + or forgotten. We now apply for the succour which we need to a faculty that + works after a different course; that faculty is reason; she gives more + spontaneously, but she seeks for more; she works by thought through + feeling; yet in thoughts she begins and ends. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A familiar incident may elucidate this contrast in the operations of + nature, may render plain the manner in which a process of intellectual + improvements, the reverse of that which <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage319" id="Apage319"></a>{319}</span>nature pursues, is by reason + introduced. There never perhaps existed a school-boy, who, having, when he + retired to rest, carelessly blown out his candle, and having chanced to + notice, as he lay upon his bed in the ensuing darkness, the sullen light + which had survived the extinguished flame, did not, at some time or other, + watch that light as if his mind were bound to it by a spell. It fades and + revives, gathers to a point, seems as if it would go out in a moment, + again recovers its strength, nay becomes brighter than before: it + continues to shine with an endurance, which in its apparent weakness is a + mystery; it protracts its existence so long, clinging to the power which + supports it, that the observer, who had lain down in his bed so + easy-minded, becomes sad and melancholy; his sympathies are touched; it is + to him an intimation and an image of departing human life; the thought + comes nearer to him; it is the life of a venerated parent, of a beloved + brother or sister, or of an aged domestic, who are gone to the grave, or + whose destiny it soon may be thus to linger, thus to hang upon the last + point of mortal existence, thus finally to depart and be seen no more. + This is nature teaching seriously and sweetly through the affections, + melting the heart, and, through that instinct of tenderness, developing + the understanding. In this instance the object of solicitude is the bodily + life of another. Let us accompany this same boy to that period between + youth and manhood, when a solicitude may be awakened for the moral life of + himself. Are there any powers by which, beginning with a sense of inward + decay that affects not however the natural life, he could call to mind the + same image and hang over it with an equal interest as a visible type of + his own perishing spirit? Oh! surely, if the being of the individual be + under his own care, if it be his first care, if duty begin from the point + of accountableness to our conscience and, through that, to God and human + nature; if without such primary sense of duty, all secondary care of + teacher, of friend, or parent, must be baseless and fruitless; if, lastly, + the motions of the soul transcend in worth those of the animal functions, + nay, give to them their sole value; then truly are there such powers; and + the image of the dying taper may be recalled and contemplated, though with + no sadness in the nerves, no disposition to tears, no unconquerable sighs, + yet with a melancholy in the soul, a sinking inward <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage320" id="Apage320"></a>{320}</span>into ourselves from thought + to thought, a steady remonstrance, and a high resolve. Let then the youth + go back, as occasion will permit, to nature and to solitude, thus + admonished by reason, and relying upon this newly acquired support. A + world of fresh sensations will gradually open upon him as his mind puts + off its infirmities, and as instead of being propelled restlessly towards + others in admiration, or too hasty love, he makes it his prime business to + understand himself. New sensations, I affirm, will be opened out, pure, + and sanctioned by that reason which is their original author; and precious + feelings of disinterested, that is self-disregarding, joy and love may be + regenerated and restored; and, in this sense, he may be said to measure + back the track of life he has trodden. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In such disposition of mind let the youth return to the visible universe, + and to conversation with ancient books, and to those, if such there be, + which in the present day breathe the ancient spirit; and let him feed upon + that beauty which unfolds itself, not to his eye as it sees carelessly the + things which cannot possibly go unseen, and are remembered or not as + accident shall decide, but to the thinking mind; which searches, + discovers, and treasures up, infusing by meditation into the objects with + which it converses an intellectual life, whereby they remain planted in + the memory, now and for ever. Hitherto the youth, I suppose, has been + content for the most part to look at his own mind, after the manner in + which he ranges along the stars in the firmament with naked unaided sight: + let him now apply the telescope of art, to call the invisible stars out of + their hiding places; and let him endeavour to look through the system of + his being, with the organ of reason, summoned to penetrate, as far as it + has power, in discovery of the impelling forces and the governing laws. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These expectations are not immoderate; they demand nothing more than the + perception of a few plain truths; namely, that knowledge, efficacious for + the production of virtue, is the ultimate end of all effort, the sole + dispenser of complacency and repose. A perception also is implied of the + inherent superiority of contemplation to action. The Friend does not in + this contradict his own words, where he has said heretofore, that + 'doubtless to act is nobler than to think.'<a name="AFNanchor_27_27" + id="AFNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#AFootnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage321" id="Apage321"></a>{321}</span> + </p> + <p> + In those words, it was his purpose to censure that barren contemplation, + which rests satisfied with itself in cases where the thoughts are of such + quality that they may, and ought to, be embodied in action. But he speaks + now of the general superiority of thought to action; as proceeding and + governing all action that moves to salutary purposes; and, secondly, as + leading to elevation, the absolute possession of the individual mind, and + to a consistency or harmony of the being within itself, which no outward + agency can reach to disturb or to impair; and lastly, as producing works + of pure science; or of the combined faculties of imagination, feeling, and + reason; works which, both from their independence in their origin upon + accident, their nature, their duration, and the wide spread of their + influence, are entitled rightly to take place of the noblest and most + beneficent deeds of heroes, statesmen, legislators, or warriors. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yet, beginning from the perception of this established superiority, we do + not suppose that the youth, whom we wish to guide and encourage, is to be + insensible to those influences of wealth, or rank, or station, by which + the bulk of mankind are swayed. Our eyes have not been fixed upon virtue + which lies apart from human nature, or transcends it. In fact there is no + such virtue. We neither suppose nor wish him to undervalue or slight these + distinctions as modes of power, things that may enable him to be more + useful to his contemporaries; nor as gratifications that may confer + dignity upon his living person, and, through him, upon those who love him; + nor as they may connect his name, through a family to be founded by his + success, in a closer chain of gratitude with some portion of posterity, + who shall speak of him as among their ancestry, with a more tender + interest than the mere general bond of patriotism or humanity would + supply. We suppose no indifference to, much less a contempt of, these + rewards; but let them have their due place; let it be ascertained, when + the soul is searched into, that they are only an auxiliary motive to + exertion, never the principal or originating force. If this be too much to + expect from a youth who, I take for granted, possesses no ordinary + endowments, and whom circumstances with respect to the more dangerous + passions have favoured, then, indeed, must the noble spirit of the country + be wasted away; then would our <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage322" + id="Apage322"></a>{322}</span>institutions be deplorable, and the + education prevalent among us utterly vile and debasing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But my correspondent, who drew forth these thoughts, has said rightly, + that the character of the age may not without injustice be thus branded. + He will not deny that, without speaking of other countries, there is in + these islands, in the departments of natural philosophy, of mechanic + ingenuity, in the general activities of the country, and in the particular + excellence of individual minds, in high stations civil or military, enough + to excite admiration and love in the sober-minded, and more than enough to + intoxicate the youthful and inexperienced. I will compare, then, an + aspiring youth, leaving the schools in which he has been disciplined, and + preparing to bear a part in the concerns of the world, I will compare him + in this season of eager admiration, to a newly-invested knight appearing + with his blank unsignalized shield, upon some day of solemn tournament, at + the court of the Faery-queen, as that sovereignty was conceived to exist + by the moral and imaginative genius of our divine Spenser. He does not + himself immediately enter the lists as a combatant, but he looks round him + with a beating heart, dazzled by the gorgeous pageantry, the banners, the + impresses, the ladies of overcoming beauty, the persons of the knights, + now first seen by him, the fame of whose actions is carried by the + traveller, like merchandize, through the world, and resounded upon the + harp of the minstrel. But I am not at liberty to make this comparison. If + a youth were to begin his career in such an assemblage, with such examples + to guide and to animate, it will be pleaded, there would be no cause for + apprehension; he could not falter, he could not be misled. But ours is, + notwithstanding its manifold excellences, a degenerate age; and recreant + knights are among us far outnumbering the true. A false Gloriana in these + days imposes worthless services, which they who perform them, in their + blindness, know not to be such; and which are recompensed by rewards as + worthless, yet eagerly grasped at, as if they were the immortal guerdon of + virtue. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have in this declaration insensibly overstepped the limits which I had + determined not to pass: let me be forgiven; for it is hope which hath + carried me forward. In such a mixed assemblage as our age presents, with + its genuine merit and its <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage323" + id="Apage323"></a>{323}</span>large overbalance of alloy, I may boldly ask + into what errors, either with respect to person or thing, could a young + man fall, who had sincerely entered upon the course of moral discipline + which has been recommended, and to which the condition of youth, it has + been proved, is favourable? His opinions could no where deceive him beyond + the point up to which, after a season, he would find that it was salutary + for him to have been deceived. For as that man cannot set a right value + upon health who has never known sickness, nor feel the blessing of ease + who has been through his life a stranger to pain, so can there be no + confirmed and passionate love of truth for him who has not experienced the + hollowness of error. Range against each other as advocates, oppose as + combatants, two several intellects, each strenuously asserting doctrines + which he sincerely believes; but the one contending for the worth and + beauty of that garment which the other has outgrown and cast away. Mark + the superiority, the ease, the dignity, on the side of the more advanced + mind, how he overlooks his subject, commands it from centre to + circumference, and hath the same thorough knowledge of the tenets which + his adversary, with impetuous zeal, but in confusion also, and thrown off + his guard at every turn of the argument, is labouring to maintain. If it + be a question of the fine arts (poetry for instance) the riper mind not + only sees that his opponent is deceived; but, what is of far more + importance, sees how he is deceived. The imagination stands before him + with all its imperfections laid open; as duped by shows, enslaved by + words, corrupted by mistaken delicacy and false refinement, as not having + even attended with care to the reports of the senses, and therefore + deficient grossly in the rudiments of its own power. He has noted how, as + a supposed necessary condition, the understanding sleeps in order that the + fancy may dream. Studied in the history of society, and versed in the + secret laws of thought, he can pass regularly through all the gradations, + can pierce infallibly all the windings, which false taste through ages has + pursued, from the very time when first, through inexperience, + heedlessness, or affectation, the imagination took its departure from the + side of truth, its original parent. Can a disputant thus accoutred be + withstood?—one to whom, further, every movement in the thoughts of + his antagonist is revealed by the light of his own experience; who, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage324" id="Apage324"></a>{324}</span>therefore, + sympathizes with weakness gently, and wins his way by forbearance; and + hath, when needful, an irresistible power of onset, arising from gratitude + to the truth which he vindicates, not merely as a positive good for + mankind, but as his own especial rescue and redemption. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I might here conclude: but my correspondent towards the close of his + letter, has written so feelingly upon the advantages to be derived, in his + estimation, from a living instructor, that I must not leave this part of + the subject without a word of direct notice. The Friend cited, some time + ago,<a name="AFNanchor_28_28" id="AFNanchor_28_28"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> a passage from the prose + works of Milton, eloquently describing the manner in which good and evil + grow up together in the field of the world almost inseparably; and + insisting, consequently, upon the knowledge and survey of vice as + necessary to the constituting of human virtue, and the scanning of error + to the confirmation of truth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If this be so, and I have been reasoning to the same effect in the + preceding paragraph, the fact, and the thoughts which it may suggest, + will, if rightly applied, tend to moderate an anxiety for the guidance of + a more experienced or superior mind. The advantage, where it is possessed, + is far from being an absolute good: nay, such a preceptor, ever at hand, + might prove an oppression not to be thrown off, and a fatal hindrance. + Grant that in the general tenor of his intercourse with his pupil he is + forbearing and circumspect, inasmuch as he is rich in that knowledge + (above all other necessary for a teacher) which cannot exist without a + liveliness of memory, preserving for him an unbroken image of the winding, + excursive, and often retrograde course, along which his own intellect has + passed. Grant that, furnished with these distinct remembrances, he wishes + that the mind of his pupil should be free to luxuriate in the enjoyments, + loves, and admirations appropriated to its age; that he is not in haste to + kill what he knows will in due time die of itself; or be transmuted, and + put on a nobler form and higher faculties otherwise unattainable. In a + word, that the teacher is governed habitually by the wisdom of patience + waiting with pleasure. Yet perceiving how much the outward help of art can + facilitate the progress of nature, he may be betrayed into many + unnecessary or pernicious mistakes where he deems his interference <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage325" id="Apage325"></a>{325}</span>warranted + by substantial experience. And in spite of all his caution, remarks may + drop insensibly from him which shall wither in the mind of his pupil a + generous sympathy, destroy a sentiment of approbation or dislike, not + merely innocent but salutary; and for the inexperienced disciple how many + pleasures may be thus off, what joy, what admiration, and what love! While + in their stead are introduced into the ingenuous mind misgivings, a + mistrust of its own evidence, dispositions to affect to feel where there + can be no real feeling, indecisive judgments, a superstructure of opinions + that has no base to support it, and words uttered by rote with the + impertinence of a parrot or a mockingbird, yet which may not be listened + to with the same indifference, as they cannot be heard without some + feeling of moral disapprobation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These results, I contend, whatever may be the benefit to be derived from + such an enlightened teacher, are in their degree inevitable. And by this + process, humility and docile dispositions may exist towards the master, + endued as he is with the power which personal presence confers; but at the + same time they will be liable to overstep their due bounds, and to + degenerate into passiveness and prostration of mind. This towards him; + while, with respect to other living men, nay even to the mighty spirits of + past times, there may be associated with such weakness a want of modesty + and humility. Insensibly may steal in presumption and a habit of sitting + in judgment in cases where no sentiment ought to have existed but + diffidence or veneration. Such virtues are the sacred attributes of youth; + its appropriate calling is not to distinguish in the fear of being + deceived or degraded, not to analyze with scrupulous minuteness, but to + accumulate in genial confidence; its instinct, its safety, its benefit, + its glory, is to love, to admire, to feel, and to labour. Nature has + irrevocably decreed, that our prime dependence in all stages of life after + infancy and childhood have been passed through (nor do I know that this + latter ought to be excepted) must be upon our own minds; and that the way + to knowledge shall be long, difficult, winding, and oftentimes returning + upon itself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What has been said is a mere sketch, and that only of a part of the + interesting country into which we have been led; but my correspondent will + be able to enter the paths that have been pointed out. Should he do this + and advance steadily for a while, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage326" + id="Apage326"></a>{326}</span>he needs not fear any deviations from the + truth which will be finally injurious to him. He will not long have his + admiration fixed upon unworthy objects; he will neither be clogged nor + drawn aside by the love of friends or kindred, betraying his understanding + through his affections; he will neither be bowed down by conventional + arrangements of manners producing too often a lifeless decency; nor will + the rock of his spirit wear away in the endless beating of the waves of + the world; neither will that portion of his own time, which he must + surrender to labours by which his livelihood is to be earned or his social + duties performed, be unprofitable to himself indirectly, while it is + directly useful to others; for that time has been primarily surrendered + through an act of obedience to a moral law established by himself, and + therefore he moves them also along the orbit of perfect liberty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let it be remembered, that the advice requested does not relate to the + government of the more dangerous passions, or to the fundamental + principles of right and wrong as acknowledged by the universal conscience + of mankind. I may therefore assure my youthful correspondent, if he will + endeavour to look into himself in the manner which I have exhorted him to + do, that in him the wish will be realized, to him in due time the prayer + granted, which was uttered by that living teacher of whom he speaks with + gratitude as of a benefactor, when in his character of philosophical poet, + having thought of morality as implying in its essence voluntary obedience, + and producing the effect of order, he transfers in the transport of + imagination, the law of moral to physical natures, and having + contemplated, through the medium of that order, all modes of existence as + subservient to one spirit, concludes his address to the power of duty in + the following words: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>To humbler functions, awful power!<br /></span> <span>I call thee: + I myself commend<br /></span> <span>Unto thy guidance from this hour;<br /></span> + <span>Oh, let my weakness have an end!<br /></span> <span>Give unto me, + made lowly wise,<br /></span> <span>The spirit of self-sacrifice;<br /></span> + <span>The confidence of reason give,<br /></span> <span>And in the light + of truth thy bondman let me live!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage327" id="Apage327"></a>{327}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="III_OF_EDUCATION" id="III_OF_EDUCATION"></a>III. OF EDUCATION. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) ON THE <a name="EDUCATION_OF_THE_YOUNG" + id="EDUCATION_OF_THE_YOUNG"></a>EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG: LETTER TO A + FRIEND, 1806.<br /> (<i>b</i>) OF THE PEOPLE, THEIR WAYS AND NEEDS: LETTER + TO ARCHDEACON WRANGHAM, 1808.<br /> (<i>c</i>) EDUCATION: TWO LETTERS TO + THE REV. H.J. ROSE, 1828.<br /> (<i>d</i>) EDUCATION OF DUTY: LETTER TO + REV. DR. WORDSWORTH, 1830.<br /> (<i>e</i>) SPEECH ON LAYING THE + FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE NEW SCHOOL IN THE VILLAGE OF BOWNESS, WINDERMERE, + 1836.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage329" id="Apage329"></a>{329}</span> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + (<i>a</i>) ON THE EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Letter to a Friend</i> [1806]. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am happy to hear of the instructions which you are preparing for + parents, and feel honoured by your having offered to me such an + opportunity of conveying to the public any information I may possess upon + the subject; but, in truth, I am so little competent in the present + unarranged state of my ideas to write any thing of value, that it would be + the highest presumption in me to attempt it. This is not mock modesty, but + rigorous and sober truth. As to the case of your own child, I will set + down a few thoughts, which I do not hope will throw much light on your + mind, but they will show my willingness to do the little that is in my + power. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The child being the child of a man like you, what I have to say will lie + in small compass. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I consider the facts which you mention as indicative of what is commonly + called sensibility, and of quickness and talent, and shall take for + granted that they are so; you add that the child is too much noticed by + grown people, and apprehend selfishness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such a child will almost always be too much noticed; and it is scarcely + possible entirely to guard against the evil: hence vanity, and under bad + management selfishness of the worst kind. And true it is, that under + better and even the best management, such constitutions are liable to + selfishness; not showing itself in the shape of tyranny, caprice, avarice, + meanness, envy, skulking, and base self-reference; but selfishness of a + worthier kind, yet still rightly called by that name. What I mean I shall + explain afterwards. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Vanity is not the necessary or even natural growth of such a temperament; + quite the contrary. Such a child, if neglected and suffered to run wild, + would probably be entirely free from <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage330" id="Apage330"></a>{330}</span>vanity, owing to the + liveliness of its feelings, and the number of its resources. It would be + by nature independent and sufficient for itself. But as such children, in + these times in particular, are rarely if ever neglected, or rather rarely + if ever not far too much noticed, it is a hundred to one your child will + have more vanity than you could wish. This is one evil to be guarded + against. Formerly, indeed till within these few years, children were very + carelessly brought up; at present they too early and too habitually feel + their own importance, from the solicitude and unremitting attendance which + is bestowed upon them. A child like yours, I believe, unless under the + wisest guidance, would prosper most where she was the least noticed and + the least made of; I mean more than this where she received the least + cultivation. She does not stand in need of the stimulus of praise (as much + as can benefit her, <i>i.e.</i> as much as her nature requires, it will be + impossible to withhold from her); nor of being provoked to exertion, or, + even if she be not injudiciously thwarted, to industry. Nor can there be + any need to be <i>sedulous</i> in calling out her affections; her own + lively enjoyments will do all this for her, and also point out what is to + be done to her. But take all the pains you can, she will be too much + noticed. Other evils will also beset her, arising more from herself; and + how are these to be obviated? But, first, let us attempt to find what + these evils will be. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Observe, I put all gross mismanagement out of the question, and I believe + they will then probably be as follows: first, as mentioned before, a + considerable portion of vanity. But if the child be not constrained too + much, and be left sufficiently to her own pursuits, and be not too + anxiously tended, and have not her mind planted over by art with likings + that do not spring naturally up in it, this will by the liveliness of her + independent enjoyment almost entirely disappear, and she will become + modest and diffident; and being not apt from the same ruling cause,—I + mean the freshness of her own sensations—to compare herself with + others, she will hold herself in too humble estimation. But she will + probably still be selfish; and this brings me to the explanation of what I + hinted at before, viz., in what manner she will be selfish. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It appears, then, to me that all the permanent evils which you have to + apprehend for your daughter, supposing you should <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage331" id="Apage331"></a>{331}</span>live to educate her + yourself, may be referred to this principle,—an undue predominance + of present objects over absent ones, which, as she will surely be + distinguished by an extreme love of those about her, will produce a + certain restlessness of mind, calling perpetually for proofs of + ever-living regard and affection: she must be loved as much and in the + same way as she loves, or she will not be satisfied. Hence, quickness in + taking offence, petty jealousies and apprehensions lest she is neglected + or loses ground in people's love, a want of a calm and steady sense of her + own merits to secure her from these fits of imagined slights; for, in the + first place, she will, as is hinted at before, be in general deficient in + this just estimation of her own worth, and will further be apt to forget + everything of that kind in the present sense of supposed injury. She will + (all which is referable to the same cause) in the company of others have + too constant a craving for sympathy up to a height beyond what her + companions are capable of bestowing; this will often be mortifying to + herself, and burthensome to others; and should circumstances be untoward, + and her mind be not sufficiently furnished with ideas and knowledge, this + craving would be most pernicious to herself, preying upon mind and body. + She will be too easily pleased, apt to overrate the merits of new + acquaintances, subject to fits of over-love and over-joy, in absence from + those she loves full of fears and apprehensions, &c., injurious to her + health; her passions for the most part will be happy and good, but she + will be too little mistress of them. The distinctions which her intellect + will make will be apt, able, and just, but in conversation she will be + prone to overshoot herself, and commit eloquent blunders through + eagerness. In fine, her manners will be frank and ardent, but they will + want dignity; and a want of dignity will be the general defect of her + character. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Something of this sort of character, which I have thus loosely sketched, + and something of the sort of selfishness to which I have adverted, it + seems to me that under the best management you have reason to apprehend + for your daughter. If she should happen to be an only child, or the only + sister of brothers who would probably idolize her, one might prophesy + almost with absolute confidence that most of these qualities would be + found in her in a great degree. How then is the evil to be softened down + or prevented? Assuredly, not by mortifying her, which is the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage332" id="Apage332"></a>{332}</span>course + commonly pursued with such tempers; nor by preaching to her about her own + defects; nor by overrunning her infancy with books about good boys and + girls, and bad boys and girls, and all that trumpery; but (and this is the + only important thing I have to say upon the subject) by putting her in the + way of acquiring without measure or limit such knowledge as will lead her + out of herself, such knowledge as is interesting for its own sake; things + known because they are interesting, not interesting because they are + known; in a word, by leaving her at liberty to luxuriate in such feelings + and images as will feed her mind in silent pleasure. This nourishment is + contained in fairy tales, romances, the best biographies and histories, + and such parts of natural history relating to the powers and appearances + of the earth and elements, and the habits and structure of animals, as + belong to it, not as an art or science, but as a magazine of form and + feeling. This kind of knowledge is purely good, a direct antidote to every + evil to be apprehended, and food absolutely necessary to preserve the mind + of a child like yours from morbid appetites. Next to these objects comes + such knowledge as, while it is chiefly interesting for its own sake, + admits the fellowship of another sort of pleasure, that of complacence + from the conscious exertion of the faculties and love of praise. The + accomplishments of dancing, music, and drawing, rank under this head; + grammar, learning of languages, botany probably, and out of the way + knowledge of arts and manufactures, &c. The second class of objects, + as far as they tend to feed vanity and self-conceit, are evil; but let + them have their just proportion in the plan of education, and they will + afterwards contribute to destroy these, by furnishing the mind with power + and independent gratification: the vanity will disappear, and the good + will remain. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lastly comes that class of objects which are interesting almost solely + because they are known, and the knowledge may be displayed; and this + unfortunately comprehends three fourths of what, according to the plan of + modern education, children's heads are stuffed with; that is, minute, + remote, or trifling facts in geography, topography, natural history, + chronology, &c., or acquisitions in art, or accomplishments which the + child makes by rote, and which are quite beyond its age; things of no + value in themselves, but as they show cleverness; things hurtful to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Apage333" id="Apage333"></a>{333}</span>any + temper, but to a child like yours absolute poison. Having said thus much, + it seems almost impertinent to add that your child, above all, should, I + might say, be chained down to the severest attention to truth,—I + mean to the minutest accuracy in every thing which she relates; this will + strike at the root of evil by teaching her to form correct notions of + present things, and will steadily strengthen her mind. Much caution should + be taken not to damp her natural vivacity, for this may have a very bad + effect; and by the indirect influence of the example of manly and + dignified manners any excessive wildnesses of her own will be best kept + under. Most unrelaxing firmness should from the present hour be maintained + in withstanding such of her desires as are grossly unreasonable. But + indeed I am forgetting to whom I am speaking, and am ashamed of these + precepts; they will show my good will, and in that hope alone can I suffer + them to stand. Farewell, there is great reason to congratulate yourself in + having a child so promising; and you have my best and most ardent wishes + that she may be a blessing to her parents and every one about her.<a + name="AFNanchor_29_29" id="AFNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#AFootnote_29_29" + class="fnanchor">[29]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage334" id="Apage334"></a>{334}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <i>(b)</i><a name="OF_THE_PEOPLE" id="OF_THE_PEOPLE"></a> OF THE PEOPLE, + THEIR WAYS AND NEEDS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Letter to Archdeacon Wrangham</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">Grasmere, June 5. 1808.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR WRANGHAM, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have this moment received your letter. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + —is a most provoking fellow; very kind, very humane, very generous, + very ready to serve, with a thousand other good qualities, but in the + practical business of life the arrantest marplan that ever lived. When I + first wrote to you, I wrote also to him, sending the statement which I + sent to you, and begging his exertions <i>among his friends</i>. By and by + comes back my statement, having undergone a <i>rifacimento</i> from his + hands, and <i>printed</i>, with an accompanying letter, saying that if + some of the principal people in this neighbourhood who had already + subscribed would put their names to this paper, testifying that this was a + proper case for charitable interferences, or that the <i>persons mentioned + were proper objects of charity</i>, that he would have the printed paper + inserted in the public newspapers, &c. Upon which, my sister wrote to + him, that in consequence of what had been already subscribed, and what we + had reason to expect from those friends who were privately stirring in the + business, among whom we chiefly alluded to you, in our own minds, as one + on whom we had most dependence, that there would be no necessity <i>for + public advertisements</i>, but that if among his private friends he could + raise any money for us, we should be very glad to receive it. And upon + this does he write to you in this (what shall I call it? for I am really + vexed!) blundering manner! I will not call upon you to undertake the + awkward task of rebuilding that part of the edifice which ———— + has destroyed, but let what remains be preserved; and if a little could be + added, there would be no harm. I must request you to transmit the money to + me, with the names of the persons to whom we are obliged. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With regard to the more important part of your letter, I am under many + difficulties. I am writing from a window which gives me a view of a little + boat, gliding quietly about upon the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage335" id="Apage335"></a>{335}</span>surface of our basin of a + lake. I should like to be in it, but what could I do with such a vessel in + the heart of the Atlantic Ocean? As this boat would be to that navigation, + so is my letter to the subject upon which you would set me afloat. Let me, + however, say, that I have read your sermon (which I lately received from + Longman) with much pleasure; I only gave it a cursory perusal, for since + it arrived our family has been in great confusion, we having removed to + another house, in which we are not yet half settled. The Appendix I had + received before in a frank, and of that I feel myself more entitled to + speak, because I had read it more at leisure. I am entirely of accord with + you in chiefly recommending religious books for the poor; but of many of + those which you recommend I can neither speak in praise nor blame, as I + have never read them. Yet, as far as my own observation goes, which has + been mostly employed upon agricultural persons in thinly-peopled + districts, I cannot find that there is much disposition to read among the + labouring classes, or much occasion for it. Among manufacturers and + persons engaged in sedentary employments, it is, I know, very different. + The labouring man in agriculture generally carries on his work either in + solitude or with his own family—with persons whose minds he is + thoroughly acquainted with, and with whom he is under no temptation to + enter into discussions, or to compare opinions. He goes home from the + field, or the barn, and within and about his own house he finds a hundred + little jobs which furnish him with a change of employment which is + grateful and profitable; then comes supper, and bed. This for week-days. + For sabbaths, he goes to church with us often or mostly twice a day; on + coming home, some one turns to the Bible, finds the text, and probably + reads the chapter whence it is taken, or perhaps some other; and in the + afternoon the master or mistress frequently reads the Bible, if alone; and + on this day the mistress of the house <i>almost always</i> teaches the + children to read, or as they express it, hears them a lesson; or if not + thus employed, they visit their neighbours, or receive them in their own + houses as they drop in, and keep up by the hour a slow and familiar chat. + This kind of life, of which I have seen much, and which I know would be + looked upon with little complacency by many religious persons, is + peaceable, and as innocent as (the frame of society and the practices of + government being what <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage336" + id="Apage336"></a>{336}</span>they are) we have a right to expect; + besides, it is much more intellectual than a careless observer would + suppose. One of our neighbours, who lives as I have described, was + yesterday walking with me; and as we were pacing on, talking about + indifferent matters, by the side of a brook, he suddenly said to me, with + great spirit and a lively smile, 'I <i>like</i> to walk where I can hear + the sound of a beck!' (the word, as you know, in our dialect for a brook). + I cannot but think that this man, without being conscious of it, has had + many devout feelings connected with the appearances which have presented + themselves to him in his employment as a shepherd, and that the pleasure + of his heart at that moment was an acceptable offering to the Divine + Being. But to return to the subject of books. I find among the people I am + speaking of, halfpenny ballads and penny and two-penny histories in great + abundance; these are often bought as charitable tributes to the poor + persons who hawk them about (and it is the best way of procuring them). + They are frequently stitched together in tolerably thick volumes, and such + I have read; some of the contents, though not often religious, very good; + others objectionable, either for the superstition in them, such as + prophecies, fortune-telling, &c., or more frequently for indelicacy. I + have so much felt the influence of these straggling papers, that I have + many a time wished that I had talents to produce songs, poems, and little + histories that might circulate among other good things in this way, + supplanting partly the bad flowers and useless herbs, and to take place of + weeds. Indeed, some of the poems which I have published were composed, not + without a hope that at some time or other they might answer this purpose. + The kind of library which you recommend would not, I think, for the + reasons given above, be of much direct use in any of the agricultural + districts of Cumberland and Westmoreland with which I am acquainted, + though almost every person here can read; I mean of general use as to + morals or behaviour. It might, however, with individuals, do much in + awakening enterprise, calling forth ingenuity, and fostering genius. I + have known several persons who would eagerly have sought, not after these + books merely, but <i>any</i> books, and would have been most happy in + having such a collection to repair to. The knowledge thus acquired would + also have spread, by being dealt about in conversation among their + neighbours, at the door,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage337" + id="Apage337"></a>{337}</span> and by the fire-side; so that it is not + easy to foresee how far the good might extend; and harm I can see none + which would not be greatly overbalanced by the advantage. The situation of + manufacturers is deplorably different. The monotony of their employments + renders some sort of stimulus, intellectual or bodily, absolutely + necessary for them. Their work is carried on in clusters,—men from + different parts of the world, and perpetually changing; so that every + individual is constantly in the way of being brought into contact with new + notions and feelings, and being unsettled in his own accordingly; a select + library, therefore, in such situations may be of the same use as a public + dial, keeping everybody's clock in some kind of order. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Besides contrasting the manufacturer with the agriculturalist, it may be + observed, that he has much more leisure; and in his over hours, not having + other pleasant employment to turn to, he is more likely to find reading a + relief. What, then, are the books which should be put in his way? Without + being myself a clergyman, I have no hesitation in saying, chiefly + religious ones; though I should not go so far as you seemed inclined to + do, excluding others because they are not according to the letter or in + the spirit of your profession. I, with you, feel little disposed to admire + several of those mentioned by Gilbert Burns, much less others which you + name as having been recommended. In Gilbert B.'s collection there may be + too little religion, and I should fear that you, like all other clergymen, + may confine yourself too exclusively to that concern which you justly deem + the most important, but which by being exclusively considered can never be + thoroughly understood. I will allow, with you, that a religious faculty is + the eye of the soul; but, if we would have successful soul-oculists, not + merely that organ, but the general anatomy and constitution of the + intellectual frame must be studied; for the powers of that eye are + affected by the general state of the system. My meaning is, that piety and + religion will be the best understood by him who takes the most + comprehensive view of the human mind, and that, for the most part, they + will strengthen with the general strength of the mind, and that this is + best promoted by a due mixture of direct and indirect nourishment and + discipline. For example, <i>Paradise Lost</i>, and <i>Robinson Crusoe</i>, + might be as serviceable as Law's <i>Serious Call</i>, or Melmoth's <i>Great + Importance of a </i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage338" id="Apage338"></a>{338}</span><i>Religious + Life</i>; at least, if the books be all good, they would mutually assist + each other. In what I have said, though following my own thoughts merely + as called forth by your Appendix, is <i>implied</i> an answer to your + request that I would give you 'half an idea upon education as a national + object.' I have only kept upon the surface of the question, but you must + have deduced, that I deem any plan of national education in a country like + ours most difficult to apply to practice. In Switzerland, or Sweden, or + Norway, or France, or Spain, or anywhere but Great Britain, it would be + comparatively easy. Heaven and hell are scarcely more different from each + other than Sheffield and Manchester, &c., differ from the plains and + valleys of Surrey, Essex, Cumberland, or Westmoreland. We have mighty + cities, and towns of all sizes, with villages and cottages scattered + everywhere. We are mariners, miners, manufacturers in tens of thousands, + traders, husbandmen, everything. What form of discipline, what books or + doctrines—I will not say would equally suit all these—but + which, if happily fitted for one, would not perhaps be an absolute + nuisance in another? You will, also, have deduced that nothing romantic + can be said with truth of the influence of education upon the district in + which I live. We have, thank heaven, free schools, or schools with some + endowment, almost everywhere; and almost every one can read. But not + because we have free or endowed schools, but because our land is, far more + than elsewhere, tilled by men who are the owners of it; and as the + population is not over crowded, and the vices which are quickened and + cherished in a crowded population do not therefore prevail, parents have + more ability and inclination to send their children to school; much more + than in manufacturing districts, and also, though in a less degree, more + than in agricultural ones where the tillers are not proprietors. If in + Scotland the children are sent to school, where the parents have not the + advantage I have been speaking of, it is chiefly because their labour can + be turned to no account at home. Send among them manufacturers, or farmers + on a large scale, and you may indeed substitute Sunday-schools or other + modes of instructing them; but the ordinary parish schools will be + neglected. The influence of our schools in this neighbourhood can never be + understood, if this, their connection with the state of landed property, + be overlooked. In fact, that influence <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage339" id="Apage339"></a>{339}</span>is not striking. The people + are not habitually religious, in the common sense of the word, much less + godly. The effect of their schooling is chiefly seen by the activity with + which the young persons emigrate, and the success attending it; and at + home, by a general orderliness and gravity, with habits of independence + and self-respect: nothing obsequious or fawning is ever to be seen amongst + them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may be added, that this ability (from the two causes, land and schools) + of giving their children instruction contributes to spread a respect for + scholarship through the country. If in any family one of the children + should be quicker at his book, or fonder of it than others, he is often + marked out in consequence for the profession of a clergyman. This (before + the mercantile or manufacturing employments held out such flattering + hopes) very generally happened; so that the schools of the North were the + great nurseries of curates, several of whom got forward in their + profession, some with and others without the help of a university + education; and, in all instances, such connection of families (all the + members of which lived in the humblest and plainest manner, working with + their own hands as labourers) with a learned and dignified profession, + assisted (and still does, though in a less degree) not a little to elevate + their feelings, and conferred importance on them in their own eyes. But I + must stop, my dear Wrangham. Begin your education at the top of society; + let the head go in the right course, and the tail will follow. But what + can you expect of national education conducted by a government which for + twenty years resisted the abolition of the slave trade, and annually + debauches the morals of the people by every possible device? holding out + temptation with one hand, and scourging with the other. The distilleries + and lotteries are a standing record that the government cares nothing for + the morals of the people, and that all which they want is their money. But + wisdom and justice are the only true sources of the revenue of a people; + preach this, and may you not preach in vain! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wishing you success in every good work, I remain your affectionate friend, + W. WORDSWORTH. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thanks for your inquiries about our little boy, who is well, though not + yet quite strong.<a name="AFNanchor_30_30" id="AFNanchor_30_30"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage340" id="Apage340"></a>{340}</span> + </p> + <h3> + (<i>c.</i>) EDUCATION. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Two Letters to the Rev. <a name="Hugh_James_Rose" id="Hugh_James_Rose"></a>Hugh + James Rose, Horsham, Sussex</i>. + </h4> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 11. 1828.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have read your excellent sermons delivered before the University<a + name="AFNanchor_31_31" id="AFNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#AFootnote_31_31" + class="fnanchor">[31]</a> several times. In nothing were my notions + different from yours as there expressed. It happened that I had been + reading just before Bishop Bull's sermon,<a name="AFNanchor_32_32" + id="AFNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#AFootnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> + of which you speak so highly: it had struck me just in the same way as an + inestimable production. I was highly gratified by your discourses, and + cannot but think that they must have been beneficial to the hearers, there + abounds in them so pure a fervour. I have as yet bestowed less attention + upon your German controversy<a name="AFNanchor_33_33" id="AFNanchor_33_33"></a><a + href="#AFootnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> than so important a + subject deserves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Since our conversation upon the subject of Education, I have found no + reason to alter the opinions I then expressed. Of those who seem to me to + be in error, two parties are especially prominent; they, the most + conspicuous head of whom is Mr. Brougham, who think that sharpening of + intellect and attainment of knowledge are things good in themselves, + without reference to the circumstances under which the intellect <i>is</i> + sharpened, or to the quality of the knowledge acquired. 'Knowledge,' says + Lord Bacon, 'is power,' but surely not less for evil than for good. Lord + Bacon spoke like a philosopher; but they who have that maxim in their + mouths the oftenest have the least understanding of it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The other class consists of persons who are aware of the importance of + religion and morality above everything; but, from <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage341" id="Apage341"></a>{341}</span>not understanding the + constitution of our nature and the composition of society, they are misled + and hurried on by zeal in a course which cannot but lead to + disappointment. One instance of this fell under my own eyes the other day + in the little town of Ambleside, where a party, the leaders of which are + young ladies, are determined to set up a school for girls on the Madras + system, confidently expecting that these girls will in consequence be less + likely to go astray when they grow up to women. Alas, alas! they may be + taught, I own, more quickly to read and write under the Madras system, and + to answer more readily, and perhaps with more intelligence, questions put + to them, than they could have done under dame-teaching. But poetry may, + with deference to the philosopher and the religionist, be consulted in + these matters; and I will back Shenstone's school-mistress, by her winter + fire and in her summer garden-seat, against all Dr. Bell's sour-looking + teachers in petticoats that I have ever seen. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What is the use of pushing on the education of girls so fast, and mainly + by the stimulus of Emulation, who, to say nothing worse of her, is + cousin-german to Envy? What are you to do with these girls? what demand is + there for the ability that they may have prematurely acquired? Will they + not be indisposed to bend to any kind of hard labour or drudgery? and yet + many of them must submit to it, or do wrong. The mechanism of the Bell + system is not required in small places; praying after the <i>fugleman</i> + is not like praying at a mother's knee. The Bellites overlook the + difference: they talk about moral discipline; but wherein does it + encourage the imaginative feelings, without which the practical + understanding is of little avail, and too apt to become the cunning slave + of the bad passions. I dislike <i>display</i> in everything; above all in + education.... The old dame did not affect to make theologians or + logicians; but she taught to read; and she practised the memory, often, no + doubt, by rote; but still the faculty was improved: something, perhaps, + she explained, and trusted the rest to parents, to masters, and to the + pastor of the parish. I am sure as good daughters, as good servants, as + good mothers and wives, were brought up at that time as now, when the + world is so much less humble-minded. A hand full of employment, and a head + not above it, with such principles and habits as may be acquired without + the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage342" id="Apage342"></a>{342}</span> + Madras machinery, are the best security for the chastity of wives of the + lower rank. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Farewell. I have exhausted my paper. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Your affectionate</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 14em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span> <a name="AFNanchor_34_34" + id="AFNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#AFootnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Of the Same to the Same</i>, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have taken a folio sheet to make certain minutes upon the subject of + EDUCATION. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As a Christian preacher your business is with man as an immortal being. + Let us imagine you to be addressing those, and those only, who would + gladly co-operate with you in any course of education which is most likely + to ensure to men a happy immortality. Are you satisfied with that course + which the most active of this class are bent upon? Clearly not, as I + remember from your conversation, which is confirmed by your last letter. + Great principles, you hold, are sacrificed to shifts and expedients. I + agree with you. What more sacred law of nature, for instance, than that + the mother should educate her child? yet we felicitate ourselves upon the + establishment of infant-schools, which is in direct opposition to it. Nay, + we interfere with the maternal instinct before the child is born, by + furnishing, in cases where there is no necessity, the mother with + baby-linen for her unborn child. Now, that in too many instances a + lamentable necessity may exist for this, I allow; but why should such + charity be obtruded? Why should so many excellent ladies form themselves + into committees, and rush into an almost indiscriminate benevolence, which + precludes the poor mother from the strongest motive human nature can be + actuated by for industry, for forethought, and self-denial? When the + stream has thus been poisoned at its fountain-head, we proceed, by + separating, through infant-schools, the mother from the child, and from + the rest of the family, disburthening them of all care of the little-one + for perhaps eight hours of the day. To those who think this an evil, but a + necessary one, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage343" id="Apage343"></a>{343}</span>much + might be said, in order to qualify unreasonable expectations. But there + are thousands of stirring people now in England, who are so far misled as + to deem these schools <i>good in themselves</i>, and to wish that, even in + the smallest villages, the children of the poor should have what <i>they</i> + call 'a good education' in this way. Now, these people (and no error is at + present more common) confound <i>education</i> with <i>tuition</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Education, I need not remark to you, is everything that <i>draws out</i> + the human being, of which <i>tuition</i>, the teaching of schools + especially, however important, is comparatively an insignificant part. Yet + the present bent of the public mind is to sacrifice the greater power to + the less—all that life and nature teach, to the little that can be + learned from books and a master. In the eyes of an enlightened statesman + this is absurd; in the eyes of a pure lowly-minded Christian it is + monstrous. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Spartan and other ancient communities might disregard domestic ties, + because they had the substitution of country, which we cannot have. With + us, country is a mere name compared with what it was to the Greeks; first, + as contrasted with barbarians; and next, and above all, as that <i>passion</i> + only was strong enough to preserve the individual, his family, and the + whole State, from ever-impending destruction. Our course is to supplant + domestic attachments without the possibility of substituting others more + capacious. What can grow out of it but selfishness? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let it then be universally admitted that infant-schools are an evil, only + tolerated to qualify a greater, viz., the inability of mothers to attend + to their children, and the like inability of the elder to take care of the + younger, from their labour being wanted in factories, or elsewhere, for + their common support. But surely this is a sad state of society; and if + these expedients of tuition or education (if that word is not to be parted + with) divert our attention from the fact that the remedy for so mighty an + evil must be sought elsewhere, they are most pernicious things, and the + sooner they are done away with the better. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But even as a course of tuition, I have strong objections to + infant-schools; and in no small degree to the Madras system also. We must + not be deceived by premature adroitness. The <i>intellect</i> must not be + trained with a view to what the infant or child may perform, without + constant reference to what that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage344" + id="Apage344"></a>{344}</span> performance promises for the man. It is + with the mind as with the body. I recollect seeing a German babe stuffed + with beer and beef, who had the appearance of an infant Hercules. <i>He</i> + might have enough in him of the old Teutonic blood to grow up to a strong + man; but tens of thousands would dwindle and perish after such + unreasonable cramming. Now I cannot but think, that the like would happen + with our modern pupils, if the views of the patrons of these schools were + realised. The diet they offer is not the natural diet for infant and + juvenile minds. The faculties are over-strained, and not exercised with + that simultaneous operation which ought to be aimed at as far as is + practicable. Natural history is taught in infant-schools by pictures stuck + up against walls, and such mummery. A moment's notice of a red-breast + pecking by a winter's hearth is worth it all. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These hints are for the negative side of the question: and for the + positive,—what conceit, and presumption, and vanity, and envy, and + mortification, and hypocrisy, &c. &c., are the unavoidable result + of schemes where there is so much display and contention! All this is at + enmity with Christianity; and if the practice of sincere churchmen in this + matter be so, what have we not to fear when we cast our eyes upon other + quarters where religious instruction is deliberately excluded? The wisest + of us expect far too much from school teaching. One of the most innocent, + contented, happy, and, in his sphere, most useful men whom I know, can + neither read nor write. Though learning and sharpness of wit must exist + somewhere, to protect, and in some points to interpret the Scriptures, yet + we are told that the Founder of this religion rejoiced in spirit, that + things were hidden from the wise and prudent, and revealed unto babes: and + again, 'Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected + praise.' Apparently, the infants here contemplated were under a very + different course of discipline from that which many in our day are + condemned to. In a town of Lancashire, about nine in the morning, the + streets resound with the crying of infants, wheeled off in carts and other + vehicles (some ladies, I believe, lending their carriages for this + purpose) to their school-prisons. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But to go back a little. Human learning, as far as it tends to breed pride + and self-estimation (and that it requires constant vigilance to counteract + this tendency we must all feel), is <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage345" id="Apage345"></a>{345}</span>against the spirit of the + Gospel. Much cause then is there to lament that inconsiderate zeal, + wherever it is found, which whets the intellect by blunting the + affections. Can it, in a <i>general</i> view, be good, that an infant + should learn much which its <i>parents do not know</i>? Will not the child + arrogate a superiority unfavourable to love and obedience? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But suppose this to be an evil only for the present generation, and that a + succeeding race of infants will have no such advantage over their parents; + still it may be asked, should we not be making these infants too much the + creatures of society when we cannot make them more so? Here would they be + for eight hours in the day like plants in a conservatory. What is to + become of them for the other sixteen hours, when they are returned to all + the influences, the dread of which first suggested this contrivance? Will + they be better able to resist the mischief they may be exposed to from the + bad example of their parents, or brothers and sisters? It is to be feared + not, because, though they must have heard many good precepts, their + condition in school is artificial; they have been removed from the + discipline and exercise of humanity, and they have, besides, been subject + to many evil temptations within school and peculiar to it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the present generation I cannot see anything of an harmonious + co-operation between these schools and home influences. If the family be + thoroughly bad, and the child cannot be removed altogether, how feeble the + barrier, how futile the expedient! If the family be of middle character, + the children will lose more by separation from domestic cares and + reciprocal duties, than they can possibly gain from captivity with such + formal instruction as may be administered. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We are then brought round to the point, that it is to a physical and not a + moral necessity that we must look, if we would justify this disregard, I + had almost said violation, of a primary law of human nature. The link of + eleemosynary tuition connects the infant school with the national schools + upon the Madras system. Now I cannot but think that there is too much + indiscriminate gratuitous instruction in this country; arising out of the + misconception above adverted to, of the real power of school teaching, + relatively to the discipline of life; and out of an over-value of talent, + however exerted, and of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage346" + id="Apage346"></a>{346}</span> knowledge prized for its own sake, and + acquired in the shape of knowledge. The latter clauses of the last + sentence glance rather at the London University and the Mechanics' + Institutes than at the Madras schools, yet they have some bearing upon + these also. Emulation, as I observed in my last letter, is the + master-spring of that system. It mingles too much with all teaching, and + with all learning; but in the Madras mode it is the great wheel which puts + every part of the machine into motion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I have been led a little too far from gratuitous instruction. If + possible, instruction ought never to be altogether so. A child will soon + learn to feel a stronger love and attachment to its parents, when it + perceives that they are making sacrifices for its instruction. All that + precept can teach is nothing compared with convictions of this kind. In + short, unless book-attainments are carried on by the side of moral + influences they are of no avail. Gratitude is one of the most benign of + moral influences; can a child be grateful to a corporate body for its + instruction? or grateful even to the Lady Bountiful of the neighbourhood, + with all the splendour which he sees about her, as he would be grateful to + his poor father and mother, who spare from their scanty provision a mite + for the culture of his mind at school? If we look back upon the progress + of things in this country since the Reformation, we shall find, that + instruction has never been severed from moral influences and purposes, and + the natural action of circumstances, in the way that is now attempted. Our + forefathers established, in abundance, free grammar schools; but for a + distinctly understood religious purpose. They were designed to provide + against a relapse of the nation into Popery, by diffusing a knowledge of + the languages in which the Scriptures are written, so that a sufficient + number might be aware how small a portion of the popish belief had a + foundation in Holy Writ. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is undoubtedly to be desired that every one should be able to read, and + perhaps (for that is far from being equally apparent) to write. But you + will agree with me, I think, that these attainments are likely to turn to + better account where they are not gratuitously lavished, and where either + the parents and connections are possessed of certain property which + enables them to procure the instruction for their children, or where, by + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage347" id="Apage347"></a>{347}</span>their + frugality and other serious and self-denying habits, they contribute, as + far as they can, to benefit their offspring in this way. Surely, whether + we look at the usefulness and happiness of the individual, or the + prosperity and security of the State, this, which was the course of our + ancestors, is the better course. Contrast it with that recommended by men + in whose view knowledge and intellectual adroitness are to do everything + of themselves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have no guarantee on the social condition of these well informed pupils + for the use they may make of their power and their knowledge: the scheme + points not to man as a religious being; its end is an unworthy one; and + its means do not pay respect to the order of things. Try the Mechanics' + Institutes and the London University, &c. &c. by this test. The + powers are not co-ordinate with those to which this nation owes its virtue + and its prosperity. Here is, in one case, a sudden formal abstraction of a + vital principle, and in both an unnatural and violent pushing on. + Mechanics' Institutes make discontented spirits and insubordinate and + presumptuous workmen. Such at least was the opinion of Watt, one of the + most experienced and intelligent of men. And instruction, where religion + is expressly excluded, is little less to be dreaded than that by which it + is trodden under foot. And, for my own part, I cannot look without + shuddering on the array of surgical midwifery lectures, to which the youth + of London were invited at the commencement of this season by the + advertisements of the London University. Hogarth understood human nature + better than these professors: his picture I have not seen for many long + years, but I think his last stage of cruelty is in the dissecting room. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I must break off, or you will have double postage to pay for this + letter. Pray excuse it; and pardon the style, which is, purposely, as + meagre as I could make it, for the sake of brevity. I hope that you can + gather the meaning, and that is enough. I find that I have a few moments + to spare, and will, therefore, address a word to those who may be inclined + to ask, what is the use of all these objections? The schoolmaster is, and + will remain, abroad. The thirst of knowledge is spreading and will spread, + whether virtue and duty go along with it or no. Grant it; but surely these + observations may be of use if they tend to check unreasonable + expectations. One of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage348" + id="Apage348"></a>{348}</span>most difficult tasks is to keep benevolence + in alliance with beneficence. Of the former there is no want, but we do + not see our way to the latter. Tenderness of heart is indispensable for a + good man, but a certain sternness of heart is as needful for a wise one. + We are as impatient under the evils of society as under our own, and more + so; for in the latter case, necessity enforces submission. It is hard to + look upon the condition in which so many of our fellow creatures are born, + but they are not to be raised from it by partial and temporary expedients: + it is not enough to rush headlong into any new scheme that may be + proposed, be it Benefit Societies, Savings' Banks, Infant Schools, + Mechanic Institutes, or any other. Circumstances have forced this nation + to do, by its manufacturers, an undue portion of the dirty and unwholesome + work of the globe. The revolutions among which we have lived have + unsettled the value of all kinds of property, and of labour, the most + precious of all, to that degree, that misery and privation are frightfully + prevalent. We must bear the sight of this, and endure its pressure, till + we have by reflection discovered the cause, and not till then can we hope + even to palliate the evil. It is a thousand to one but that the means + resorted to will aggravate it. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Farewell, ever affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span> + </p> + <p> + <i>Quere</i>.—Is the education in the parish schools of Scotland + gratuitous, or if not, in what degree is it so?<a name="AFNanchor_35_35" + id="AFNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#AFootnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage349" id="Apage349"></a>{349}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="EDUCATION_OF_DUTY" id="EDUCATION_OF_DUTY"></a>(<i>d</i>) + EDUCATION OF DUTY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Letter to the Rev. Dr. Wordsworth</i>. + </h4> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Rydal Mount, April 27. 1830.</span> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR BROTHER, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Was Mr. Rose's course of sermons upon education? The more I reflect upon + the subject, the more I am convinced that positive instruction, even of a + religious character, is much over-rated. The education of man, and above + all of a Christian, is the education of <i>duty</i>, which is most + forcibly taught by the business and concerns of life, of which, even for + children, especially the children of the poor, book-learning is but a + small part. There is an officious disposition on the part of the upper and + middle classes to precipitate the tendency of the people towards + intellectual culture in a manner subversive of their own happiness, and + dangerous to the peace of society. It is mournful to observe of how little + avail are lessons of piety taught at school, if household attentions and + obligations be neglected in consequence of the time taken up in school + tuition, and if the head be stuffed with vanity from the gentlemanliness + of the employment of reading. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">W. W.</span><a name="AFNanchor_36_36" + id="AFNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#AFootnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage350" id="Apage350"></a>{350}</span> + <br /> <br /> <a name="BOWNESS" id="BOWNESS"></a> + </p> + <h3> + (<i>e</i>) SPEECH ON LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE NEW SCHOOL IN THE + VILLAGE OF BOWNESS, WINDERMERE, 1836. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Standing here as Mr. Bolton's substitute, at his own request, an honour of + which I am truly sensible, it gives me peculiar pleasure to see in spite + of this stormy weather, so numerous a company of his friends and + neighbours upon this occasion. How happy would it have made him to have + been eye-witness of an assemblage which may fairly be regarded as a proof + of the interest felt in his benevolent undertaking, and an earnest that + the good work will not be done in vain. Sure I am, also, that there is no + one present who does not deeply regret the cause why that excellent man + cannot appear among us. The public spirit of Mr. Bolton has ever been + remarkable both for its comprehensiveness and the judicious way in which + it has been exerted. Many years ago when we were threatened with foreign + invasion, he equipped and headed a body of volunteers, for the defence of + our country. Not long since the inhabitants of Ulverston (his native place + I believe) were indebted to him for a large contribution towards erecting + a church in that town. His recent munificent donations to the public + charities of Liverpool are well known; and I only echo the sentiments of + this meeting, when I say that every one would have rejoiced to see a + gentleman (who has completed his 80th year) taking the lead in this day's + proceedings, for which there would have been no call, but for his desire + permanently to benefit a district in which he has so long been a resident + proprietor. It may be gathered from old documents, that, upwards of 200 + years ago, this place was provided with a school, which early in the reign + of Charles II. was <i>endowed</i> by the liberality of certain persons of + the neighbourhood. The building, originally small and low, has long been + in a state which rendered the erection of a new one very desirable; this + Mr. Bolton has undertaken to do at his sole expense. The structure, which + is to supersede the old school-house, will have two apartments, airy, + spacious, and lofty, one for boys the other for girls, in which they will + be instructed by respective teachers, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage351" id="Apage351"></a>{351}</span>and not crowded together as + in the old school-room, under one and the same person; each room will be + capable of containing at least 100 children; within the enclosure there + will be spacious and separate play-grounds for the boys and girls, with + distinct covered sheds to play in in wet weather. There will also be a + library-room for the school, and to contain books for the benefit of the + neighbourhood; and, in short, every arrangement that could be desired. It + may be added, that the building, from the elegance of its architecture, + and its elevated, conspicuous situation, will prove a striking ornament to + the beautiful country in the midst of which it will stand. Such being the + advantages proposed, allow me to express a hope that they will be turned + to the best possible account. The privilege of the school being free, will + not, I trust, tempt parents to withdraw their children from punctual + attendance upon slight and trivial occasions; and they will take care, as + far as depends upon themselves, that the wishes of the present benefactor + may be met, and his intentions fulfilled. Those wishes and intentions I + will take upon me to say, are consonant to what has been expressed in the + original trust-deed of the pious and sensible men already spoken of, who + in that instrument declare that they have provided a fund 'towards the + finding and maintenance of an able schoolmaster, and repairing the + school-house from time to time, for ever; for teaching and instructing of + youth within the said hamlets, in grammar, writing, reading, and other + good learning and discipline meet and convenient for them; for the honour + of God, for the better advancement and preferment of the said youth, and + to the perpetual and thankful remembrance of the founders and authors of + so good a work.' The effect of this beautiful summary upon your minds will + not, I hope, be weakened if I make a brief comment upon the several + clauses of it, which will comprise nearly the whole of what I feel + prompted to say upon this occasion. I will take the liberty, however, of + inverting the order in which the purposes of these good men are mentioned, + beginning at what they end with. '<i>The perpetual and thankful + remembrance of the founders and authors of so good a work</i>.' Do not let + it be supposed that your forefathers, when they looked onwards to this + issue, did so from vanity and love of applause, uniting with local + attachment; they wished their good works to be remembered principally + because they were conscious that such remembrance <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage352" id="Apage352"></a>{352}</span>would be beneficial to the + hearts of those whom they desired to serve, and would effectually promote + the particular good they had in view. Let me add <i>for</i> them, what + their modesty and humility would have prevented their insisting upon, that + such tribute of grateful recollection was, and is still, their <i>due</i>; + for if gratitude be not the most perfect shape of justice, it is assuredly + her most beautiful crown,—a halo and glory with which she delights + to have her brows encircled. So much of this gratitude as those good men + hoped for, I may bespeak for your neighbour, who is now animated by the + same spirit, and treading in their steps. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The second point to which I shall advert is that where it is said that + such and such things shall be taught '<i>for the better advancement and + preferment of the said youth</i>.' This purpose is as honourable as it is + natural, and recalls to remembrance the time when the northern counties + had, in this particular, great advantages over the rest of England. By the + zealous care of many pious and good men, among whom I cannot but name + (from his connection with this neighbourhood, and the benefits he + conferred upon it) Archbishop Sandys, free schools were founded in these + parts of the kingdom in much greater numbers than elsewhere. The learned + professions derived many ornaments from this source; but a more remarkable + consequence was that till within the last 40 years or so, merchants' + counting-houses, and offices, in the lower departments of which a certain + degree of scholastic attainment was requisite, were supplied in a great + measure from Cumberland and Westmoreland. Numerous and large fortunes were + the result of the skill, industry, and integrity, which the young men thus + instructed, carried with them to the Metropolis. That superiority no + longer exists; not so much, I trust, from a slackening on the part of the + teachers, or an indisposition of the inhabitants to profit by their free + schools, but because the kingdom at large has become sensible of the + advantages of school instruction; and we of the north consequently have + competitors from every quarter. Let not this discourage, but rather + stimulate us to more strenuous endeavours, so that if we do not keep + a-head of the rest of our countrymen, we may at least take care not to be + left behind in the race of honourable ambition. But after all, worldly + advancement and preferment neither are, nor ought to be the <i>main</i> + end of instruction, either in schools or elsewhere, and particularly in + those <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage353" id="Apage353"></a>{353}</span>which + are in rural places, and scantily endowed. It is in the order of + Providence, as we are all aware, that <i>most</i> men must end their + temporal course pretty much as they began it; nor will the thoughtful + repine at this dispensation. In lands where nature in the many is not + trampled upon by injustice, feelingly may the peasant say to the courtier— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The sun that bids your diamond blaze<br /></span> <span>To deck our + lily deigns.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Contentment, according to the common adage, is better than riches; and why + is it better? Not merely because there can be no happiness without it, but + for the sake, also, of its moral dignity. Mankind, we know, are placed on + earth to have their hearts and understandings exercised and improved, some + in one sphere and some in another, to undergo various trials, and to + perform divers duties; <i>that</i> duty which, in the world's estimation + may seem the least, often being the most important in the eyes of our + heavenly Father. Well and wisely has it been said, in words which I need + not scruple to quote here, where extreme poverty and abject misery are + unknown— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">God doth not need<br /></span> <span>Either man's work + or his own gifts; who best<br /></span> <span>Bear his mild yoke, they + serve him best; his state<br /></span> <span>Is kingly—thousands at + his bidding speed<br /></span> <span>And post o'er land and ocean without + rest;<br /></span> <span>They also serve who only stand and wait.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus am I naturally led to the third and last point in the declaration of + the ancient trust-deed, which I mean to touch upon:—'<i>Youth shall + lie instructed in grammar, writing, reading, and, other good discipline, + meet and convenient for them, for the honour of God</i>.' Now, my friends + and neighbours, much as we must admire the zeal and activity which have of + late years been shewn in the teaching of youth, I will candidly ask those + among you, who have had sufficient opportunities to observe, whether the + instruction given in many schools <i>is</i>, in fact, <i>meet and + convenient</i>? In the building about to be erected here, I have not the + smallest reason for dreading that it will be otherwise. But I speak in the + hearing of persons who may be active in the management of schools + elsewhere; and they will excuse me for saying, that many are conducted at + present so as to afford melancholy proof that instruction is neither <i>meet + nor convenient</i> for <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage354" + id="Apage354"></a>{354}</span>the pupils there taught, nor, indeed, for + the human mind in any rank or condition of society. I am not going to say + that religious instruction, the most important of all, is neglected; far + from it; but I affirm, that it is too often given with reference, less to + the affections, to the imagination, and to the practical duties, than to + subtile distinctions in points of doctrine, and to facts in scripture + history, of which a knowledge may be brought out by a catechetical + process. This error, great though it be, ought to be looked at with + indulgence, because it is a tempting thing for teachers unduly to exercise + the understanding and memory, inasmuch as progress in the departments in + which these faculties are employed, is most obviously proved to the + teacher himself, and most flatteringly exhibited to the inspectors of + schools and casual lookers on. A still more lamentable error which + proceeds much from the same cause, is an over-strained application to + mental processes of arithmetic and mathematics; and a too minute attention + to departments of natural and civil history. How much of trick may mix + with this we will not ask, but the display of precocious intellectual + power in these branches, is often astonishing; and, in proportion as it is + so, may, for the most part, be pronounced not only useless, but injurious. + The training that fits a boxer for victory in the ring, gives him strength + that cannot, and is not required, to be kept up for ordinary labour, and + often lays the foundation of subsequent weakness and fatal disease. In + like manner there being in after life no call for these extraordinary + powers of mind, and little use for the knowledge, the powers decay, and + the knowledge withers and drops off. Here is then not only a positive + injury, but a loss of opportunities for culture of intellect and acquiring + information, which, as being in a course of regular demand, would be + hereafter, the one strengthened and the other naturally increased. All + this mischief, my friends, originates in a decay of that feeling which our + fathers had uppermost in their hearts, viz., that the business of + education should be conducted for <i>the honour of God</i>. And here I + must direct your attention to a fundamental mistake, by which this age, so + distinguished for its marvellous progress in arts and sciences, is + unhappily characterized—a mistake, manifested in the use of the word + <i>education</i>, which is habitually confounded with <i>tuition</i> or + school instruction; this is indeed a very important part of education, but + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage355" id="Apage355"></a>{355}</span>when + it is taken for the whole, we are deceived and betrayed. Education, + according to the derivation of the word, and in the only use of which it + is strictly justifiable, comprehends all those processes and influences, + come from whence they may, that conduce to the best development of the + bodily powers, and of the moral, intellectual, and spiritual faculties + which the position of the individual admits of. In this just and high + sense of the word, the education of a sincere Christian, and a good member + of society upon Christian principles, does not terminate with his youth, + but goes on to the last moment of his conscious earthly existence—an + education not for time but for eternity. To education like this, is + indispensably necessary, as co-operating with schoolmasters and ministers + of the gospel, the never-ceasing vigilance of parents; not so much + exercised in superadding their pains to that of the schoolmaster or + minister in teaching lessons or catechisms, or by enforcing maxims or + precepts (though this part of their duty ought to be habitually kept in + mind), but by care over their <i>own</i> conduct. It is through the silent + operation of example in their own well-regulated behaviour, and by + accustoming their children early to the discipline of daily and hourly + life, in such offices and employment as the situation of the family + requires, and as are suitable to tender years, that parents become + infinitely the most important tutors of their children, without appearing, + or positively meaning to be so. This education of circumstances has + happily, in this district, not yet been much infringed upon by + experimental novelties; parents here are anxious to send their offspring + to those schools where knowledge substantially useful is inculcated, and + those arts most carefully taught for which in after life there will be + most need; this is especially true of the judgments of parents respecting + the instruction of their daughters, which <i>I know</i> they would wish to + be confined to reading, writing, and arithmetic, and plain needlework, or + any other art favourable to economy and home-comforts. Their shrewd sense + perceives that hands full of employment, and a head not above it, afford + the best protection against restlessness and discontent, and all the + perilous temptations to which, through them, youthful females are exposed. + It is related of Burns, the celebrated Scottish poet, that once while in + the company of a friend, he was looking from an eminence over a wide tract + of country, he said, that the sight <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage356" id="Apage356"></a>{356}</span>of so many smoking cottages + gave a pleasure to his mind that none could understand who had not + witnessed, like himself, the happiness and worth which they contained. How + were those <i>happy</i> and <i>worthy</i> people educated? By the + influence of hereditary good example at home, and by their parochial + schoolmasters opening the way for the admonitions and exhortations of + their clergy; that was at a time when knowledge was perhaps better than + now distinguished from smatterings of information, and when knowledge + itself was more thought of in due subordination to wisdom. How was the + evening before the sabbath then spent by the families among which the poet + was brought up? He has himself told us in imperishable verse. The Bible + was brought forth, and after the father of the family had reverently laid + aside, his bonnet, passages of scripture were read, and the poet thus + describes what followed:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Then kneeling down to Heaven's eternal King,<br /></span> <span + class="i3">The saint, the father, and the husband prays;<br /></span> + <span>Hope springs exulting on triumphant wing,<br /></span> <span + class="i3">That thus they all shall meet in future days:<br /></span> + <span>There ever bask in uncreated rays,<br /></span> <span class="i3">No + more to sigh or shed the bitter tear<br /></span> <span>Together hymning + their Creator's praise,<br /></span> <span class="i3">In such society, + yet still more dear;<br /></span> <span>While circling time moves round + in an eternal sphere.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May He who enlightened the understanding of those cottagers with a + knowledge of Himself for the entertainment of such hope, 'who sanctified + their affections that they might love Him, and put His fear into their + hearts that they might dread to offend Him'—may He who, in preparing + for these blessed effects, disdained not the humble instrumentality of + parochial schools, enable this of ours, by the discipline and teaching + pursued in it, to sow seeds for a like harvest! In this wish, I am sure, + my friends, you will all fervently join; and now, after renewing our + expression of regret that the benevolent founder is not here to perform + the ceremony himself, we will proceed to lay the first stone of the + intended edifice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage357" id="Apage357"></a>{357}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="NOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="NOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>NOTES + AND ILLUSTRATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + I. POLITICAL. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + I. <i>Apology for the French Revolution</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage3">P. 3</a>, l. 5. 'A sublime allegory.' 'The Vision of + Mirza' of Addison, originally published in 'The Spectator' (No. 159, Sept. + 1, 1711). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage4">P. 4</a>, ll. 38-9. 'A bishop, a man of philosophy and + humanity, as distinguished as your lordship.' This was the Abbé Grégoire, + whom Schlosser describes as the 'good-natured, pious, and visionary + bishop;' and again, 'particular attention must be paid to the speeches of + the pious Grégoire and his dreams of Utopian virtue.' ('History of + the 18th Century,' vol. vi. pp. 203-434). cf. Alison's 'History of the + French Revolution,' vol. ii. c. vii. pp. 81-2 (ed. 1853); vol. xii. p. 3, + <i>et alibi</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage7">P. 7</a>, l. 20. 'The hero of the necklace.' Prince de + Rohan. More exactly the Cardinal de Rohan, but who was of the princely + house of De Rohan. Carlyle has characteristically told the story of 'the + diamond necklace' in one of his Essays. Cf. Alison, as before, i. p. 177; + and Schlosser, <i>s.u.</i> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage8">P. 8</a>, l. 22. 'Mr. Burke, in a philosophic + lamentation over the extinction of chivalry,' &c. The famous + apostrophe in relation to Marie Antoinette in his 'Reflections on the + Revolution in France' (1790). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage9">P. 9</a>, ll. 8-12. The author gives no reference + whatever to the source of this French quotation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage14">P. 14</a>, l. 34. 'The Rights of Man.' The famous (or + notorious) book of Thos. Paine, published in 1791-2 as 'The Rights of Man; + being an Answer to Mr. Burke's Attack on the French Revolution.' See p. 21 + for Wordsworth's vehement denunciation of Burke in the work which Paine + answers, viz. 'The Reflections,' &c. But Wordsworth's ultimate + estimate of Burke is the splendid praise of 'The Prelude,' book vii. ll. + 513-544. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. <i>The Convention of Cintra</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage33">Title-page</a>. 'Qui didicit,' &c. From Horace, 'De + Arto Poetica,' ll. 312, 314, 315. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i><a href="#Apage34">Verso</a></i> of title-page. Quotation from Bacon. + From 'Advertisement touching the Controversies of the Church of England + (4th paragraph), Spedding's Letters and Life,' vol. i. p. 76. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage55">P. 55</a>, l. 40. 'General Loison.' A French general of + cavalry. He was known by the nickname of Maneta, the bloody one-handed. He + was the Alaric of Evora. 'His misdeeds,' says Southey, 'were never + equalled or paralleled in the dark ages.' It was from Orense that Soult + invaded Portugal, having Loison and Foy for his lieutenants. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage56">P. 56</a>, l. 26. 'M. le duc d'Abrantés.' + Andoche Junot, duc d'Abrantés, born 23d Oct. 1771, and died by his + own hand 29th July 1813. He was created duke by Napoleon when he was sent + by him to command the French army in Portugal (1808); defeated by Sir + Arthur Wellesley (Wellington) at Vimiera, 21st August 1808. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage65">P. 65</a>, l. 27. 'Massaredo.' Rather Mazaredo, a + Spanish general. He had lived much in England. He cleansed and repaired + Sir John Moore's tomb at Corunna, and planted the ground for a public + Alameda (walk). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage59">P. 59</a>, ll. 25-6. 'General Morla.' At wind-blown + Fuencanal (one league from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage358" + id="Apage358"></a>{358}</span> Madrid) is an old mansion of the Mendoza + family, in which Buonaparte lodged from Dec. 2, 1808, until Dec. 22; and + here, Dec. 3, he received the Madrid deputation headed by the traitor + Morla. 'On the 4th Dec. 1808, General Morla and General Don Fernando de + Vera, governor of the town (Madrid), presented themselves, and at ten + o'clock General Belliard took the command of Madrid. All the posts were + put into the hands of the French, and a general pardon was proclaimed' + (Southey, <i>s.n.</i>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage60">P. 60</a>, l. 15. 'The names of Pelayo and The Cid,' + &c. (1) <i>Pelayo</i>. The Moorish descent was made in great force + near Gibraltar in 711. The battle of the Gaudalete (fought near Jerez de + la Frontera) followed immediately; and in the course of three years they + (the Moors) had conquered the whole of Spain except the north-west region + (Biscay and Asturias), behind whose mountains a large body of Chóntians + under Pelayo retreated. Seven years later he (Pelayo) defeated the Moors, + seized León, and became the first king of the Asturias. (2) <i>The + Cid</i>. Rodrigo Ruy Diaz of Vibar, born in 1026, is the prince the + champion of Spain, El Cid Campeador, and the Achilles and Aeneas of + Gotho-Spanish epos. Thus, as Schlegel says, 'he is worth a whole library + for the understanding the spirit of his age and the character of the old + Castilian.' 'Cast in the stern mould of a disputed and hostile invasion, + when men fought for their God and their father-land, for all they had or + hoped for in this world and the next, the Cid possessed the vices and + virtues of the mediaeval Spaniard, and combined the daring personal + valour, the cool determination and perseverance of the Northman, engrafted + on the subtle perfidy and brilliant chivalry of the Oriental.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage63">P. 63</a>, l. 15. 'Ferdinand VII.' King of Spain; born + 1784; died 1833. Father of Isabella II., the present ex-queen of Spain. In + opposition to his father and his best advisers, he solicited the + protection of Napoleon, for which he was imprisoned (1807); compelled to + renounce his rights (1808); resided at Bayonne, where he servilely + subjected himself to Napoleon, 1808 to 1813; restored 1814, when he + abolished the Cortes and revived the Inquisition. By the help of a French + army he put down au insurrection, and reëstablished absolute + despotism (1823). He married Christiana of Naples (now Duchess Rianzanes), + 1829. Abolished Salic law in favour of his daughter, 1830. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage84">P. 84</a>, l. 35. 'Radice in Tartara tendit.' From + Virgil, Georg. ii. 292. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage92">P. 92</a>, l. 28. 'General Dupont.' In June 1808, + Dupont, commanding the French army, had marched from Madrid to Andalusia, + in the south of Spain, given Cordova up to pillage, and committed + atrocities which roused the Spanish people to fury. The Spanish general + Leastaños (afterwards created Duque de Baylen), with an army sent + by the Junta of Seville, won the sanguinary battle of Baylen, and + compelled the French to surrender at discretion on the 21st July 1808. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage92">P. 96</a>, l. 37. 'General Friere.' More accurately, + Freyere, viz. Manuel Freyere, a Spanish general; born 1795; died 1834. He + distinguished himself in the War of Independence, 1809-1813. He helped + much in gaining the victory at Toulouse, 10th April 1814. Faithful to + constitutional principles, he retired from public life in 1820. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage109">P. 109</a>, ll. 12-16. Quotation from Milton. Adapted + from 'Paradise Lost,' book x. ll. 294-7. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage117">P. 117</a>, l. 33. 'The Boy of Saragossa.' Probably a + <i>lapsus</i> for the <i>Maid</i> of Saragossa, Angustina. This Amazon (in + a good, soft sense), although a mere itinerant seller of cool drinks, vied + in heroism with the noble Condeya de Burita, who amid the crash of war + tended the sick and wounded, resembling in looks and deeds a ministering + angel. She (Angustina) snatched the match from a dying artillery-man's + hand, and fired the cannon at the French; hence she was called La + Artillera. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage122">P. 122</a>, ll. 8-10. Latin quotation. Virgil, + Eclogae, iv. 6. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage149">P. 149</a>, ll. 16-19. Quotation from Milton, viz. + 'Paradise Lost,' book iii. ll. 455-7.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Apage359" id="Apage359"></a>{359}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage149">P. 149</a>, l. 40. 'The Sicilian Vespers.' The + historical name given to the massacre of the French in Sicily, commenced + at Palermo 30th March 1282. The late Earl of Ellesmere wrote a monograph + on the subject. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage160">P. 160</a>, ll. 11-13. Quotation in Italian. From + Dante, 'Inferno,' c. iii. ll. 1-3. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage165">P. 165</a>, ll. 30-1. Saying of Pyrrhus. More exactly, + 'Another such victory, and I must return to Epeirus alone' (said of the + renowned battle on the bank of the Siris). See 'Plutarch and Dionysius,' + and Droysen, 'Geschichte des Hellenisinus,' <i>s.n.</i> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage166">P. 166</a>, l. 31. 'Onward.' Sir Philip Warwick. His + 'Memoirs' were reprinted and edited by Sir Walter Scott (1702). His + 'portraiture' of Cromwell is among the commonplaces of history. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage167">P. 167, </a>l. 30. 'Padre St. Iago Sass.' He is + introduced into Wilkie's famous picture of the 'Maid of Saragossa.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage167">P. 167, </a> l. 31. 'Palafox.' José Palafox y + Chelzi, Duke of Saragossa, was born in 1780; heroically defended Saragossa + against the attack of the French, 27th July 1808; sent prisoner to France + 21st Feb. 1809; released 11th Dec. 1813; died 16th Feb. 1847. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage173">P. 173-4.</a> 'Petrarch.' From his Epistolae, <i>s.v.</i>—'Milton.' + Apparently a somewhat loose recollection from memory of a passage in 'The + Ready and Easy Way to establish a Free Commonwealth,' &c. (1659-60), + commencing 'It may be well thought strange,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + III. <i>Vindication of Opinions in the Treatise on the Convention of + Cintra</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage205">P. 205</a>, footnote. Latin quotation. Read, 'Totis + imperii viribus [contra mirmillonem] consurgitur.' Floras, iii. 20. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + II. ETHICAL. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + I. <i>Of Legislation for the Poor</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage275">P. 275</a>, ll. 28 onward. Quotation from Milton. From + 'Paradise Lost,' book x. ll. 743-747, but changed somewhat in meaning. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage277">P. 277</a>, ll. 16-17. Quotation. Adapted from 'Guilt + and Sorrow,' st. xli. II. 8-9. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. <i>(e) Speech on Laying the Foundation-stone of the New School, &c.</i> + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On this occasion a prayer was offered by the Rev. R.P. Graves, M.A., + (then) the curate, which—as admirably suitable, and as having made a + profound impression at the time, the bowed head and reverent look of the + venerable Poet as he joined in it remaining 'pleasures of memory' still—it + is deemed expedient to preserve permanently. I derive it from the same + source as the full Speech itself, and give the context: 'Mr. Wordsworth + then descended a step-ladder to the foundation-stone, and deposited the + bottle in the cavity, which was covered with a brass plate, having + inscribed on it the name of the founder, date, &c. Being furnished + with a trowel and mortar by the master mason, Mr. John Holme, he spread + it; another massy stone was then let down upon the first, and adjusted to + its position, Mr. Wordsworth handling the rule, plumb-line, and mallet, + and patting the stone he retired. The Rev. R.P. Graves next offered up the + following prayer for the welfare and success of the undertaking: "The + foundation-stone of the new parochial school-house of Bowness being now + laid, it remains that, as your minister, I should invoke upon the work + that blessing of God, without which no human undertaking can prosper,—O + Lord God, Who dwellest on high, Whose throne is the Heaven of heavens, and + Who yet deignest to look down with goodness and mercy on Thy children of + earth, look down, we beseech Thee, with favour upon us who now implore Thy + gracious benediction on the work which is before Thee. The building which + Thou hast put into the heart of Thy servant to erect grant that, as it is + happily begun, it may be successfully completed, and that it may become a + fountain-head of blessing to this place and neighbourhood. Thou hast + directed us, O Lord, to bring up our children in Thy nurture and + admonition; bless, we <span class="pagenum"><a name="Apage360" + id="Apage360"></a>{360}</span>pray Thee, this effort to secure the + constant fulfilment of so important a duty, one so entirely bound up with + our own and our children's welfare. Grant that here, from age to age, the + youth of these hamlets may receive such faithful instruction as may fit + them for usefulness in this life, and for happiness in the next. Grant + that the one school may send out numbers endued with such principles and + knowledge as may make them, in their several callings, industrious, + upright, useful men; in society, peaceful neighbours, contented citizens, + loyal subjects; in their families, affectionate sons, and husbands, and + fathers; in the Church, dutiful members of that pure and Scriptural + Establishment with which Thou hast blessed our Land; and, as crowning and + including all, resolved and pious followers of our Redeemer Christ. Grant + too, O Lord, that the females which shall be educated in the other school + shall receive there such valuable principles and such convenient knowledge + as may fit them to make happy the homes of such men; that, with Thy + blessing on their instruction, they may become obedient and dutiful + children, modest and virtuous women, faithful and affectionate wives and + mothers, pious and unassuming Christians; so that with regard to both it + may be widely and gratefully owned that here was sown the good seed which + shall have borne fruit abundantly in all the relations of life, and which + at the great day of harvest hereafter shall, according to Thy word, be + gathered into Thy garner. Such, O Lord God, Thou knowest to be the good + objects contemplated by the original founders of the school, and the + promotion of which is at the heart of him whose benefaction we have this + day seen auspiciously begun. Trusting, therefore, O Lord, with full + assurance that Thou dost favourably allow and regard these pious designs, + I now undertake, as God's minister, and in His name, to bless and dedicate + for ever this spot of ground, and the building which, with the Divine + permission, will be here erected, and of which this is the + foundation-stone, to the sound and religious training up of youth from + generation to generation, to the continued grateful remembrance of the + pious benefactor, and to the everlasting glory of God Most High, the + Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And let all the people say, Amen."' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage288">P. 288</a>, ll. 1-3. These lines might have gone into + the closing book of 'The Prelude,' but I have failed to trace or recall + them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage223">P. 223</a>. Long verse-quotation. From 'The Prelude,' + book xiii. ll. 220-277. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage311">P. 311</a>, footnote [A], viz. Captain T. Ashe's + 'Travels in America in the year 1806, for the purpose of exploring the + rivers of Alleghanny, Monongahela, Ohio, and the Mississippi, and + ascertaining the Produce and Condition of their Banks and Vicinity.' 3 + vols. 12mo, 1808. Alexander Wilson, the 'Ornithologist,' vainly sought to + accompany Ashe. Had he done so the incredibilities of these Travels had + probably been omitted. (See his Works by me, 2 vols. 8vo, 1875.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage326">P. 326</a>. Verse-quotation at close. From close of + 'Ode to Duty' (xix. 'Poems of Sentiment and Reflection'). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage353">P. 353</a>, ll. 7-8. Verse-quotation. Whence? It + sounds familiarly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage353">P. 353</a>, ll. 20-25. From Milton, 'Sonnet xiv.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Apage356">P. 356</a>, ll. 16-24. Verse-quotation. From Burns' + 'Cottar's Saturday Night.' It may be noted here that the 'saint, the + father, and the husband' of this imperishable celebration of lowly + Scottish godliness was William Burns (or Burness), father of the Poet; and + whilst this note is being written a copy of a most interesting MS. (about + to be published) by William Burness, prepared by him for his children, + reaches me. It is entitled, 'Manual of Religious Belief, by William + Burness, in the form of a Dialogue between a Father and his Son.' G. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="FOOTNOTES" id="FOOTNOTES"></a>FOOTNOTES: + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_1_1" id="AFootnote_1_1"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_1_1"><span + class="label">[1]</span></a> 'Memoirs,' vol. ii. p. 466. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_2_2" id="AFootnote_2_2"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_2_2"><span + class="label">[2]</span></a> Ibid. vol. i. p. 420. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_3_3" id="AFootnote_3_3"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_3_3"><span + class="label">[3]</span></a> Lucubrations = meditative studies. It has + since deteriorated in meaning. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_4_4" id="AFootnote_4_4"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_4_4"><span + class="label">[4]</span></a> Lockhart's 'Life of Scott,' vol. iii. pp. + 260-1 (edition, 1856). + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_5_5" id="AFootnote_5_5"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_5_5"><span + class="label">[5]</span></a> 'Memoirs,' as before, vol. i. pp. 383, 399. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_6_6" id="AFootnote_6_6"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_6_6"><span + class="label">[6]</span></a> 'Poems dedicated to National Independence + and Liberty,' viii. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_7_7" id="AFootnote_7_7"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_7_7"><span + class="label">[7]</span></a> Southey's 'Life and Correspondence,' vol. + iii. p. 180; 'Gentleman's Magazine' for June 1850, p. 617. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_8_8" id="AFootnote_8_8"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_8_8"><span + class="label">[8]</span></a> 'Memoirs,' as before, vol. i, pp. 404-5. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_9_9" id="AFootnote_9_9"></a><a href="#AFNanchor_9_9"><span + class="label">[9]</span></a> 'Poems dedicated to National Independence + and Liberty,' vii. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_10_10" id="AFootnote_10_10"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> The charming + 'Journal' in full of Miss WORDSWORTH has only within the past year been + published. The welcome it has met with—having bounded into a third + edition already—is at once proof of the soundness of judgment that + at long-last issued it, if it be also accusatory that many have gone who + yearned to read it. The Editor ventures to invite special attention to + WORDSWORTH'S own express wish that the foreign 'Journals' of Miss + WORDSWORTH and Mrs. WORDSWORTH should be published. Surely <i>his</i> + words ought to be imperative (vol. iii. p. 77)? + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_11_11" id="AFootnote_11_11"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> It may be + well to point out here specially a mistake in heading two of the + WORDSWORTH letters to Sir W.R. HAMILTON: 'Royal Dublin Society,' instead + of 'Royal Irish Academy' (see vol. iii. pp. 350 and 352); also that at + p. 394 'of the' has slipped in from the first 'of the,' and so now reads + 'Of the Heresiarch of the Church of Rome,' for 'The Heresiarch Church,' + as in the body of the letter. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_12_12" id="AFootnote_12_12"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Will the + Reader indulgently correct a most unfortunate oversight of the printers + in vol. iii. p. 497, l. 15, where 'no angel smiled' (mis)reads 'no angle + smiled'? + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_13_13" id="AFootnote_13_13"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Possibly + indignation roused by the 'Recollections' has provoked too vehement + condemnation. Let it therefore be noted that it is the 'Recollections' + that are censured. Elsewhere DE QUINCEY certainly shows a glimmering + recognition of WORDSWORTH'S great qualities, and that before they had + been fully admitted; but everywhere there is an impertinence of + familiarity and a patronising self-consciousness that is irritating to + any one who reverences great genius and high rectitude. It may be + conceded that DE QUINCEY, so far as he was capable, did reverence + WORDSWORTH; but his exaggerations of awe and delays bear on the face of + them unveracity. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_14_14" id="AFootnote_14_14"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Mr. Graves + has published the following on the Wordsworths: (<i>a</i>) + 'Recollections of Wordsworth and the Lake Country'; a lecture, and a + capital one. (<i>b</i>) 'A Good Name and the Day of Death: two + Blessings'; a sermon preached in Ambleside Church, January 30, 1859, on + occasion of the death of Mrs. Wordsworth—tender and consolatory. (<i>c</i>) + 'The Ascension of our Lord, and its Lessons for Mourners'; a sermon + (1858) finely commemorative of Arnold, the Wordsworths, Mrs. Fletcher, + and others. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_15_15" id="AFootnote_15_15"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> M. Gregoire. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_16_16" id="AFootnote_16_16"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> See <i>Athalie</i>, + [act i.] scene 2: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Il faut que sur le trône un roi soit élevé,<br /></span> + <span>Qui <i>se souvienne un jour</i> qu'au rang de ses ancêtres.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_17_17" id="AFootnote_17_17"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Dieu l'a fait remonter par la main de ses prêtres:<br /></span> + <span>L'a tiré par leurs mains de l'oubli du tombeau,<br /></span> + <span>Et de David éteint rallumé le flambeau.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The conclusion of the same speech applies so strongly to the present + period that I cannot forbear transcribing it: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Daigne, daigne, mon Dieu, sur Mathan, et sur elle<br /></span> + <span>Répandre <i>cet esprit d'imprudence et d'erreur,</i><br /></span> + <span><i>De la chute des rois funeste avant-coureur</i>!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_18_18" id="AFootnote_18_18"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Prince de + Rohan. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_19_19" id="AFootnote_19_19"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Those rare + cases are of course excepted, in which the superiority on the one side + is not only fairly to be presumed but positive—and so prominently + obtrusive, that to <i>propose</i> terms is to <i>inflict</i> terms. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_20_20" id="AFootnote_20_20"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Written in + February. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_21_21" id="AFootnote_21_21"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> From this + number, however, must be excepted the gallant and patriotic General + Ferguson. For that officer has had the virtue publicly and in the most + emphatic manner, upon two occasions, to reprobate the whole transaction. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_22_22" id="AFootnote_22_22"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> 'Totis + imperii viribus consurgitur,' says the historian, speaking of the war of + the gladiators. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_23_23" id="AFootnote_23_23"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 406-20. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_24_24" id="AFootnote_24_24"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> In this + classification I anticipate matter which Mr. Southey has in the press, + the substance of a conversation between us. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_25_25" id="AFootnote_25_25"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> L. i. 9. But + the passage is made up from, rather than found in, Antoninus. Ed. of <i>Friend</i>. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_26_26" id="AFootnote_26_26"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> See Ashe's + <i>Travels in America</i>. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_27_27" id="AFootnote_27_27"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> 'The + Friend,' vol. i. p. 158 (ed. 1850). G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_28_28" id="AFootnote_28_28"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> 'The + Friend,' vol. i. p. 96 (ed. 1850). G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_29_29" id="AFootnote_29_29"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. ii. pp. 164-70. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_30_30" id="AFootnote_30_30"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. ii. pp. 171-9. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_31_31" id="AFootnote_31_31"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> <i>On the + Commission and consequent Duties of the Clergy</i>, preached before the + University of Cambridge, in April 1826, and published in 1828. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_32_32" id="AFootnote_32_32"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> The title of + which is <i>The Priest's Office difficult and dangerous</i>. It will be + found in vol. i. p. 137. of Dr. Burton's edition of the bishop's works. + G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_33_33" id="AFootnote_33_33"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> <i>The State + of the Protestant Religion in Germany</i>, a series of discourses + preached before the University of Cambridge, by the Rev. Hugh James + Rose; Lond. 1825: and his <i>Letter to the Bishop of London, in reply to + Mr. Pusey's work on that subject</i>; Lond. 1829. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_34_34" id="AFootnote_34_34"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. ii. pp. 180-3. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_35_35" id="AFootnote_35_35"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. ii. pp. 183-92. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="AFootnote_36_36" id="AFootnote_36_36"></a><a + href="#AFNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + <b>vol</b>. ii. p. 193. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h1> + THE PROSE WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h1> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + FOR THE FIRST TIME COLLECTED, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>WITH ADDITIONS FROM UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + Edited, with Preface, Notes and Illustrations, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + BY THE REV. ALEXANDER B. GROSART, ST. GEORGE'S, BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + IN THREE VOLUMES. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h1> + VOL. II. + </h1> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + AESTHETICAL AND LITERARY. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + LONDON: EDWARD MOXON, SON, AND CO. 1 AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + 1876. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + AMS Press, Inc. New York 10003 1967 + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + Manufactured in the United States of America + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <a href="#CONTVOLI"><b>Contents of Vol. I.</b></a><br /> <a + href="#CONTVOLIII"><b>Contents of Vol. III.</b></a><br /> <a href="#INDEX"><b>INDEX.</b></a><br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="CONTVOLII" id="CONTVOLII"></a> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS OF VOL. II + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + *** A star [*] designates publication herein <i>for the first time</i> + G. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#I_OF_LITERARY_BIOGRAPHY_AND_MONUMENTS"><b>I. Of Literary + Biography and Monuments:</b></a> + <ul> + <li> + <a + href="#A_LETTER_TO_A_FRIEND_OF_ROBERT_BURNS_OCCASIONED_BY_AN_INTENDED"><b>(<i>a</i>) + A Letter to a Friend of Robert Burns, 1816</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#b_OF_MONUMENTS_TO_LITERARY_MEN"><b>(<i>b</i>) Letter to a + Friend on Monuments to Literary Men, 1819</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#c_OF_SIR_THOMAS_BROWNE_A_MONUMENT_TO_SOUTHEY_c"><b>(<i>c</i>) + Letter to John Peace, Esq., of Bristol, 1844</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#II_UPON_EPITAPHS"><b>II. Upon Epitaphs:</b></a> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#a_UPON_EPITAPHS"><b>(<i>a</i>) From 'The Friend'</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a + href="#b_THE_COUNTRY_CHURCH_YARD_AND_CRITICAL_EXAMINATION_OF_ANCIENT"><b>*(<i>b</i>) + From the Author's MSS.: The Country Churchyard, and critical + Examination of Ancient Epitaphs</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#c_CELEBRATED_EPITAPHS_CONSIDERED_From_the_Authors_Mss"><b>*(<i>c</i>) + From the Author's MSS.: Celebrated Epitaphs Considered</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a + href="#III_ESSAYS_LETTERS_AND_NOTES_ELUCIDATORY_AND_CONFIRMATORY_OF_THE_POEMS"><b> + III. Essays, Letters, and Notes Elucidatory and Confirmatory of the + Poems, 1798-1935</b></a> + <ul> + <li> + <a href="#a_OF_THE_PRINCIPLES_OF_POETRY_AND_THE_LYRICAL_BALLADS"><b>(<i>a</i>) + Of the Principles of Poetry and the 'Lyrical Ballads,' 1798-1802</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#b_OF_POETIC_DICTION"><b>(<i>b</i>) Of Poetic Diction</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#c_POETRY_AS_A_STUDY"><b>(<i>c</i>) Poetry as a Study, 1815</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#d_OF_POETRY_AS_OBSERVATION_AND_DESCRIPTION"><b>(<i>d</i>) + Of Poetry as Observation and Description and Dedication of 1815</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#e_OF_THE_EXCURSION"><b>(<i>e</i>) Of 'The Excursion:' + Preface'</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a + href="#f_LETTERS_TO_SIR_GEORGE_AND_LADY_BEAUMONT_AND_OTHERS_ON_THE_POEMS_AND"><b> + *(<i>f</i>) Letters to Sir George and Lady Beaumont and others on + the Poems and Related Subjects</b></a><a name="BFNanchor_1_1" + id="BFNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#BFootnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#g_LETTER_TO_THE_RIGHT_HON_CHARLES_JAMES_FOX"><b>(<i>g</i>) + Letter to Charles Fox with the 'Lyrical Ballads' and his Answer, + &C.</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#h_OF_THE_PRINCIPLES_OF_POETRY_AND_HIS_OWN_POEMS"><b>(<i>h</i>) + Letter on the Principles of Poetry and his own Poems to (afterwards) + Professor John Wilson</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#IV_DESCRIPTIVE"><b>IV. DESCRIPTIVE.</b></a> + <ul> + <li> + <a + href="#A_GUIDE_THROUGH_THE_DISTRICT_OF_THE_LAKES_IN_The_North_of_England"><b>(<i>a</i>) + A Guide through the District of the Lakes, 1835</b></a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#KENDAL_AND_WINDERMERE_RAILWAY"><b>(<i>b</i>) Kendal and + Windermere Railway: two Letters reprinted from the <i>Morning Post</i>. + Revised, with Additions, 1844</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#Bpage343"><b>NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.</b></a> + </li> + </ul> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage1" id="Bpage1"></a>{1}</span> + </p> + <h2> + AESTHETICAL AND LITERARY. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="I_OF_LITERARY_BIOGRAPHY_AND_MONUMENTS" + id="I_OF_LITERARY_BIOGRAPHY_AND_MONUMENTS"></a> I. OF LITERARY BIOGRAPHY + AND MONUMENTS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) A LETTER TO A FRIEND OF ROBERT BURNS, 1816.<br /> (<i>b</i>) + LETTER TO A FRIEND ON MONUMENTS TO LITERARY MEN, 1819.<br /> (<i>c</i>) + LETTER TO JOHN PEACE OF BRISTOL, 1844.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage2" id="Bpage2"></a>{2}</span> <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> For details on the several portions of this division, see the + <a href="#PREFACE">Preface in Vol. I.</a> G. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage3" id="Bpage3"></a>{3}</span> <a + name="A_LETTER_TO_A_FRIEND_OF_ROBERT_BURNS_OCCASIONED_BY_AN_INTENDED" + id="A_LETTER_TO_A_FRIEND_OF_ROBERT_BURNS_OCCASIONED_BY_AN_INTENDED"></a> + </p> + <h4> + A + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + LETTER + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + TO + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + A FRIEND OF ROBERT BURNS: + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + OCCASIONED BY + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + AN INTENDED REPUBLICATION + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + OF + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage4" id="Bpage4"></a>{4}</span> + </p> + <h3> + THE ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF BURNS, + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + BY DR. CURRIE; + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + AND + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + OF THE SELECTION MADE BY HIM FROM HIS LETTERS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>LONDON</i>:<br /> PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, + PATERNOSTER-ROW.<br /> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + 1816.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage5" id="Bpage5"></a>{5}</span> + <hr /> + <h3> + (<i>a</i>) A LETTER TO A FRIEND OF ROBERT BURNS. + </h3> + <h4> + TO JAMES GRAY, ESQ., EDINBURGH. + </h4> + <p> + DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + I have carefully perused the Review of the Life of your friend Robert + Burns,<a name="BFNanchor_2_2" id="BFNanchor_2_2"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> which you kindly + transmitted to me; the author has rendered a substantial service to the + poet's memory; and the annexed letters are all important to the subject. + After having expressed this opinion, I shall not trouble you by + commenting upon the publication; but will confine myself to the request + of Mr. Gilbert Burns, that I would furnish him with my notions upon the + best mode of conducting the defence of his brother's injured reputation; + a favourable opportunity being now afforded him to convey his sentiments + to the world, along with a republication of Dr. Currie's book, which he + is about to superintend. From the respect which I have long felt for the + character of the person who has thus honoured me, and from the gratitude + which, as a lover of poetry, I owe to the genius of his departed + relative, I should most gladly comply with this wish; if I could hope + that any suggestions of mine would be of service to the cause. But, + really, I feel it a thing of much delicacy, to give advice upon this + occasion, as it appears to me, mainly, not a question of opinion, or of + taste, but a matter of conscience. Mr. Gilbert Burns must know, if any + man living does, what his brother was; and no one will deny that he, who + possesses this knowledge, is a man of unimpeachable veracity. He has + already spoken to the world in contradiction of the injurious assertions + that have been made, and has told why he forbore to do this on their + first appearance. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage6" id="Bpage6"></a>{6}</span> If it + be deemed adviseable to reprint Dr. Currie's narrative, without striking + out such passages as the author, if he were now alive, would probably be + happy to efface, let there be notes attached to the most obnoxious of + them, in which the misrepresentations may be corrected, and the + exaggerations exposed. I recommend this course, if Dr. Currie's Life is + to be republished, as it now stands, in connexion with the poems and + letters, and especially if prefixed to them; but, in my judgment, it + would be best to copy the example which Mason has given in his second + edition of Gray's works. There, inverting the order which had been + properly adopted, when the Life and Letters were new matter, the poems + are placed first; and the rest takes its place as subsidiary to them. If + this were done in the intended edition of Burns's works, I should + strenuously recommend, that a concise life of the poet be prefixed, from + the pen of Gilbert Burns, who has already given public proof how well + qualified he is for the undertaking. I know no better model as to + proportion, and the degree of detail required, nor, indeed, as to the + general execution, than the life of Milton by Fenton, prefixed to many + editions of the <i>Paradise Lost</i>. But a more copious narrative would + be expected from a brother; and some allowance ought to be made, in this + and other respects, for an expectation so natural. + </p> + <p> + In this prefatory memoir, when the author has prepared himself by + reflecting, that fraternal partiality may have rendered him, in some + points, not so trustworthy as others less favoured by opportunity, it + will be incumbent upon him to proceed candidly and openly, as far as + such a procedure will tend to restore to his brother that portion of + public estimation, of which he appears to have been unjustly deprived. + Nay, when we recall to mind the black things which have been written of + this great man, and the frightful ones that have been insinuated against + him; and, as far as the public knew, till lately, without complaint, + remonstrance, or disavowal, from his nearest relatives; I am not sure + that it would not be best, at this day, explicitly to declare to what + degree Robert Burns had given way to pernicious habits, and, as nearly + as may be, to fix the point to which his moral character had been + degraded. It is a disgraceful feature of the times that this measure + should be necessary; most painful to think that a <i>brother</i> should + have such an office to perform. But, if Gilbert Burns be conscious that + the subject <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage7" id="Bpage7"></a>{7}</span> + will bear to be so treated, he has no choice; the duty has been imposed + upon him by the errors into which the former biographer has fallen, in + respect to the very principles upon which his work ought to have been + conducted. + </p> + <p> + I well remember the acute sorrow with which, by my own fire-side, I + first perused Dr. Currie's Narrative, and some of the letters, + particularly of those composed in the latter part of the poet's life. If + my pity for Burns was extreme, this pity did not preclude a strong + indignation, of which he was not the object. If, said I, it were in the + power of a biographer to relate the truth, the <i>whole</i> truth, and + nothing <i>but</i> the truth, the friends and surviving kindred of the + deceased, for the sake of general benefit to mankind, might endure that + such heart-rending communication should be made to the world. But in no + case is this possible; and, in the present, the opportunities of + directly acquiring other than superficial knowledge have been most + scanty; for the writer has barely seen the person who is the subject of + his tale; nor did his avocations allow him to take the pains necessary + for ascertaining what portion of the information conveyed to him was + authentic. So much for facts and actions; and to what purpose relate + them even were they true, if the narrative cannot be heard without + extreme pain; unless they are placed in such a light, and brought + forward in such order, that they shall explain their own laws, and leave + the reader in as little uncertainty as the mysteries of our nature will + allow, respecting the spirit from which they derived their existence, + and which governed the agent? But hear on this pathetic and awful + subject, the poet himself, pleading for those who have transgressed! + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>One point must still be greatly dark,<br /></span> <span>The + moving <i>why</i> they do it,<br /></span> <span>And just as lamely can + ye mark<br /></span> <span>How far, perhaps, they rue it.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Who made the heart, 'tis <i>he</i> alone<br /></span> <span>Decidedly + can try us;<br /></span> <span>He knows each chord—its various + tone,<br /></span> <span>Each spring, its various bias.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Then at the balance let's be mute,<br /></span> <span>We never + can adjust it;<br /></span> <span>What's done we partly may compute,<br /></span> + <span>But know not what's <i>resisted</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage8" id="Bpage8"></a>{8}</span> How + happened it that the recollection of this affecting passage did not + check so amiable a man as Dr. Currie, while he was revealing to the + world the infirmities of its author? He must have known enough of human + nature to be assured that men would be eager to sit in judgment, and + pronounce <i>decidedly</i> upon the guilt or innocence of Burns by his + testimony; nay, that there were multitudes whose main interest in the + allegations would be derived from the incitements which they found + therein to undertake this presumptuous office. And where lies the + collateral benefit, or what ultimate advantage can be expected, to + counteract the injury that the many are thus tempted to do to their own + minds; and to compensate the sorrow which must be fixed in the hearts of + the considerate few, by language that proclaims so much, and provokes + conjectures as unfavourable as imagination can furnish? Here, said I, + being moved beyond what it would become me to express, here is a + revolting account of a man of exquisite genius, and confessedly of many + high moral qualities, sunk into the lowest depths of vice and misery! + But the painful story, notwithstanding its minuteness, is incomplete,—in + essentials it is deficient; so that the most attentive and sagacious + reader cannot explain how a mind, so well established by knowledge, fell—and + continued to fall, without power to prevent or retard its own ruin. + </p> + <p> + Would a bosom friend of the author, his counsellor and confessor, have + told such things, if true, as this book contains? and who, but one + possessed of the intimate knowledge which none but a bosom friend can + acquire, could have been justified in making these avowals? Such a one, + himself a pure spirit, having accompanied, as it were, upon wings, the + pilgrim along the sorrowful road which he trod on foot; such a one, + neither hurried down by its slippery descents, nor entangled among its + thorns, nor perplexed by its windings, nor discomfited by its founderous + passages—for the instruction of others—might have + delineated, almost as in a map, the way which the afflicted pilgrim had + pursued till the sad close of his diversified journey. In this manner + the venerable spirit of Isaac Walton was qualified to have retraced the + unsteady course of a highly-gifted man, who, in this lamentable point, + and in versatility of genius, bore no unobvious resemblance to the + Scottish bard; I mean his friend COTTON—whom, notwithstanding all + that the sage must <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage9" id="Bpage9"></a>{9}</span> + have disapproved in his life, he honoured with the title of son. Nothing + like this, however has the biographer of Burns accomplished; and, with + his means of information, copious as in some respects they were, it + would have been absurd to attempt it. The only motive, therefore, which + could authorize the writing and publishing matter so distressing to read—is + wanting! + </p> + <p> + Nor is Dr. Currie's performance censurable from these considerations + alone; for information, which would have been of absolute worth if in + his capacity of biographer and editor he had known when to stop short, + is rendered unsatisfactory and inefficacious through the absence of this + reserve, and from being coupled with statements of improbable and + irreconcileable facts. We have the author's letters discharged upon us + in showers; but how few readers will take the trouble of comparing those + letters with each other, and with the other documents of the + publication, in order to come at a genuine knowledge of the writer's + character!—The life of Johnson by Boswell had broken through many + pre-existing delicacies, and afforded the British public an opportunity + of acquiring experience, which before it had happily wanted; + nevertheless, at the time when the ill-selected medley of Burns's + correspondence first appeared, little progress had been made (nor is it + likely that, by the mass of mankind, much ever will be made) in + determining what portion of these confidential communications escapes + the pen in courteous, yet often innocent, compliance—to gratify + the several tastes of correspondents; and as little towards + distinguishing opinions and sentiments uttered for the momentary + amusement merely of the writer's own fancy, from those which his + judgment deliberately approves, and his heart faithfully cherishes. But + the subject of this book was a man of extraordinary genius; whose birth, + education, and employments had placed and kept him in a situation far + below that in which the writers and readers of expensive volumes are + usually found. Critics upon works of fiction have laid it down as a rule + that remoteness of place, in fixing the choice of a subject, and in + prescribing the mode of treating it, is equal in effect to distance of + time;—restraints may be thrown off accordingly. Judge then of the + delusions which artificial distinctions impose, when to a man like + Doctor Currie, writing with views so honourable, the <i>social condition</i> + of the individual of whom he was treating, could seem to place him at + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage10" id="Bpage10"></a>{10}</span> + such a distance from the exalted reader, that ceremony might he + discarded with him, and his memory sacrificed, as it were, almost + without compunction. The poet was laid where these injuries could not + reach him; but he had a parent, I understand, an admirable woman, still + surviving; a brother like Gilbert Burns!—a widow estimable for her + virtues; and children, at that time infants, with the world before them, + which they must face to obtain a maintenance; who remembered their + father probably with the tenderest affection;—and whose opening + minds, as their years advanced, would become conscious of so many + reasons for admiring him.—Ill-fated child of nature, too + frequently thine own enemy,—unhappy favourite of genius, too often + misguided,—this is indeed to be 'crushed beneath the furrow's + weight!' + </p> + <p> + Why, sir, do I write to you at this length, when all that I had to + express in direct answer to the request, which occasioned this letter, + lay in such narrow compass?—Because having entered upon the + subject, I am unable to quit it!—Your feelings, I trust, go along + with mine; and, rising from this individual case to a general view of + the subject, you will probably agree with me in opinion that biography, + though differing in some essentials from works of fiction, is + nevertheless, like them, an <i>art</i>—an art, the laws of which + are determined by the imperfections of our nature, and the constitution + of society. Truth is not here, as in the sciences, and in natural + philosophy, to be sought without scruple, and promulgated for its own + sake, upon the mere chance of its being serviceable; but only for + obviously justifying purposes, moral or intellectual. + </p> + <p> + Silence is a privilege of the grave, a right of the departed: let him, + therefore, who infringes that right, by speaking publicly of, for, or + against, those who cannot speak for themselves, take heed that he opens + not his mouth without a sufficient sanction. <i>De mortuis nil nisi + bonum</i>, is a rule in which these sentiments have been pushed to an + extreme that proves how deeply humanity is interested in maintaining + them. And it was wise to announce the precept thus absolutely; both + because there exist in that same nature, by which it has been dictated, + so many temptations to disregard it,—and because there are powers + and influences, within and without us, that will prevent its being + literally fulfilled—to the suppression of profitable truth.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage11" id="Bpage11"></a>{11}</span> Penalties + of law, conventions of manners, and personal fear, protect the + reputation of the living; and something of this protection is extended + to the recently dead,—who survive, to a certain degree, in their + kindred and friends. Few are so insensible as not to feel this, and not + to be actuated by the feeling. But only to philosophy enlightened by the + affections does it belong justly to estimate the claims of the deceased + on the one hand, and of the present age and future generations, on the + other; and to strike a balance between them.—Such philosophy runs + a risk of becoming extinct among us, if the coarse intrusions into the + recesses, the gross breaches upon the sanctities, of domestic life, to + which we have lately been more and more accustomed, are to be regarded + as indications of a vigorous state of public feeling—favourable to + the maintenance of the liberties of our country.—Intelligent + lovers of freedom are from necessity bold and hardy lovers of truth; + but, according to the measure in which their love is intelligent, is it + attended with a finer discrimination, and a more sensitive delicacy. The + wise and good (and all others being lovers of licence rather than of + liberty are in fact slaves) respect, as one of the noblest + characteristics of Englishmen, that jealousy of familiar approach, + which, while it contributes to the maintenance of private dignity, is + one of the most efficacious guardians of rational public freedom. + </p> + <p> + The general obligation upon which I have insisted, is especially binding + upon those who undertake the biography of <i>authors</i>. Assuredly, + there is no cause why the lives of that class of men should be pried + into with the same diligent curiosity, and laid open with the same + disregard of reserve, which may sometimes be expedient in composing the + history of men who have borne an active part in the world. Such thorough + knowledge of the good and bad qualities of these latter, as can only be + obtained by a scrutiny of their private lives, conduces to explain not + only their own public conduct, but that of those with whom they have + acted. Nothing of this applies to authors, considered merely as authors. + Our business is with their books,—to understand and to enjoy them. + And, of poets more especially, it is true—that, if their works be + good, they contain within themselves all that is necessary to their + being comprehended and relished. It should seem that the ancients + thought in this manner; for of the eminent Greek and Roman poets, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage12" id="Bpage12"></a>{12}</span> few and + scanty memorials were, I believe, ever prepared; and fewer still are + preserved. It is delightful to read what, in the happy exercise of his + own genius, Horace chooses to communicate of himself and his friends; + but I confess I am not so much a lover of knowledge, independent of its + quality, as to make it likely that it would much rejoice me, were I to + hear that records of the Sabine poet and his contemporaries, composed + upon the Boswellian plan, had been unearthed among the ruins of + Herculaneum. You will interpret what I am writing, <i>liberally</i>. + With respect to the light which such a discovery might throw upon Roman + manners, there would be reasons to desire it: but I should dread to + disfigure the beautiful ideal of the memories of those illustrious + persons with incongruous features, and to sully the imaginative purity + of their classical works with gross and trivial recollections. The least + weighty objection to heterogeneous details, is that they are mainly + superfluous, and therefore an incumbrance. + </p> + <p> + But you will perhaps accuse me of refining too much; and it is, I own, + comparatively of little importance, while we are engaged in reading the + <i>Iliad</i>, the <i>Eneid</i>, the tragedies of <i>Othello</i> and <i>King + Lear</i>, whether the authors of these poems were good or bad men; + whether they lived happily or miserably. Should a thought of the kind + cross our minds, there would be no doubt, if irresistible external + evidence did not decide the question unfavourably, that men of such + transcendant genius were both good and happy: and if, unfortunately, it + had been on record that they were otherwise, sympathy with the fate of + their fictitious personages would banish the unwelcome truth whenever it + obtruded itself, so that it would but slightly disturb our pleasure. Far + otherwise is it with that class of poets, the principal charm of whose + writings depends upon the familiar knowledge which they convey of the + personal feelings of their authors. This is eminently the case with the + effusions of Burns;—in the small quantity of narrative that he has + given, he himself bears no inconsiderable part, and he has produced no + drama. Neither the subjects of his poems, nor his manner of handling + them, allow us long to forget their author. On the basis of his human + character he has reared a poetic one, which with more or less + distinctness presents itself to view in almost every part of his + earlier, and, in my estimation, his most valuable verses. This <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage13" id="Bpage13"></a>{13}</span> poetic + fabric, dug out of the quarry of genuine humanity, is airy and + spiritual:—and though the materials, in some parts, are coarse, + and the disposition is often fantastic and irregular, yet the whole is + agreeable and strikingly attractive. Plague, then, upon your remorseless + hunters after matter of fact (who, after all, rank among the blindest of + human beings) when they would convince you that the foundations of this + admirable edifice are hollow; and that its frame is unsound! Granting + that all which has been raked up to the prejudice of Burns were + literally true; and that it added, which it does not, to our better + understanding of human nature and human life (for that genius is not + incompatible with vice, and that vice leads to misery—the more + acute from the sensibilities which are the elements of genius—we + needed not those communications to inform us) how poor would have been + the compensation for the deduction made, by this extrinsic knowledge, + from the intrinsic efficacy of his poetry—to please, and to + instruct! + </p> + <p> + In illustration of this sentiment, permit me to remind you that it is + the privilege of poetic genius to catch, under certain restrictions of + which perhaps at the time of its being exerted it is but dimly + conscious, a spirit of pleasure wherever it can be found,—in the + walks of nature, and in the business of men.—The poet, trusting to + primary instincts, luxuriates among the felicities of love and wine, and + is enraptured while he describes the fairer aspects of war: nor does he + shrink from the company of the passion of love though immoderate—from + convivial pleasure though intemperate—nor from the presence of war + though savage, and recognized as the handmaid of desolation. Frequently + and admirably has Burns given way to these impulses of nature; both with + reference to himself and in describing the condition of others. Who, but + some impenetrable dunce or narrow-minded puritan in works of art, ever + read without delight the picture which he has drawn of the convivial + exaltation of the rustic adventurer, Tam o'Shanter? The poet fears not + to tell the reader in the outset that his hero was a desperate and + sottish drunkard, whose excesses were frequent as his opportunities. + This reprobate sits down to his cups, while the storm is roaring, and + heaven and earth are in confusion;—the night is driven on by song + and tumultuous noise—laughter and jest thicken as the beverage + improves upon the palate—conjugal <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage14" id="Bpage14"></a>{14}</span> fidelity archly bends to the + service of general benevolence—selfishness is not absent, but + wearing the mask of social cordiality—and, while these various + elements of humanity are blended into one proud and happy composition of + elated spirits, the anger of the tempest without doors only heightens + and sets off the enjoyment within.—I pity him who cannot perceive + that, in all this, though there was no moral purpose, there is a moral + effect. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Kings may be blest, but Tam was glorious,<br /></span> <span>O'er + a' the <i>ills</i> of life victorious.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + What a lesson do these words convey of charitable indulgence for the + vicious habits of the principal actor in this scene, and of those who + resemble him!—Men who to the rigidly virtuous are objects almost + of loathing, and whom therefore they cannot serve! The poet, penetrating + the unsightly and disgusting surfaces of things, has unveiled with + exquisite skill the finer ties of imagination and feeling, that often + bind these beings to practices productive of so much unhappiness to + themselves, and to those whom it is their duty to cherish;—and, as + far as he puts the reader into possession of this intelligent sympathy, + he qualifies him for exercising a salutary influence over the minds of + those who are thus deplorably enslaved. + </p> + <p> + Not less successfully does Burns avail himself of his own character and + situation in society, to construct out of them a poetic self,—introduced + as a dramatic personage—for the purpose of inspiriting his + incidents, diversifying his pictures, recommending his opinions, and + giving point to his sentiments. His brother can set me right if I am + mistaken when I express a belief that, at the time when he wrote his + story of <i>Death and Dr. Hornbook</i>, he had very rarely been + intoxicated, or perhaps even much exhilarated by liquor. Yet how happily + does he lead his reader into that track of sensations! and with what + lively humour does he describe the disorder of his senses and the + confusion of his understanding, put to test by a deliberate attempt to + count the horns of the moon! + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">But whether she had three or four<br /></span> <span>He + could na' tell.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Behold a sudden apparition that disperses this disorder, and in a moment + chills him into possession of himself! Coming upon no more important + mission than the grisly phantom was <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage15" id="Bpage15"></a>{15}</span> charged with, what mode of + introduction could have been more efficient or appropriate? + </p> + <p> + But, in those early poems, through the veil of assumed habits and + pretended qualities, enough of the real man appears to show that he was + conscious of sufficient cause to dread his own passions, and to bewail + his errors! We have rejected as false sometimes in the letter, and of + necessity as false in the spirit, many of the testimonies that others + have borne against him; but, by his own hand—in words the import + of which cannot be mistaken—it has been recorded that the order of + his life but faintly corresponded with the clearness of his views. It is + probable that he would have proved a still greater poet if, by strength + of reason, he could have controlled the propensities which his + sensibility engendered; but he would have been a poet of a different + class: and certain it is, had that desirable restraint been early + established, many peculiar beauties which enrich his verses could never + have existed, and many accessary influences, which contribute greatly to + their effect, would have been wanting. For instance, the momentous truth + of the passage already quoted, 'One point must still be greatly dark,' + &c. could not possibly have been conveyed with such pathetic force + by any poet that ever lived, speaking in his own voice; unless it were + felt that, like Burns, he was a man who preached from the text of his + own errors; and whose wisdom, beautiful as a flower that might have + risen from seed sown from above, was in fact a scion from the root of + personal suffering. Whom did the poet intend should be thought of as + occupying that grave over which, after modestly setting forth the moral + discernment and warm affections of its 'poor inhabitant,' it is supposed + to be inscribed that + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—Thoughtless follies laid him low,<br /></span> <span>And + stained his name.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Who but himself,—himself anticipating the too probable termination + of his own course? Here is a sincere and solemn avowal—a public + declaration <i>from his own will</i>—a confession at once devout, + poetical, and human—a history in the shape of a prophecy! What + more was required of the biographer than to have put his seal to the + writing, testifying that the foreboding had been realized, and that the + record was authentic?—Lastingly is it to be regretted in respect + to this memorable being, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage16" + id="Bpage16"></a>{16}</span> that inconsiderate intrusion has not left + us at liberty to enjoy his mirth, or his love; his wisdom or his wit; + without an admixture of useless, irksome, and painful details, that take + from his poems so much of that right—which, with all his + carelessness, and frequent breaches of self-respect, he was not + negligent to maintain for them—the right of imparting solid + instruction through the medium of unalloyed pleasure. + </p> + <p> + You will have noticed that my observations have hitherto been confined + to Dr. Currie's book: if, by fraternal piety, the poison can be sucked + out of this wound, those inflicted by meaner hands may be safely left to + heal of themselves. Of the other writers who have given their names, + only one lays claim to even a slight acquaintance with the author, whose + moral character they take upon them publicly to anatomize. The <i>Edinburgh</i> + reviewer—and him I single out because the author of the + vindication of Burns has treated his offences with comparative + indulgence, to which he has no claim, and which, from whatever cause it + might arise, has interfered with the dispensation of justice—the + <i>Edinburgh</i> reviewer thus writes:<a name="BFNanchor_3_3" + id="BFNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#BFootnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> + 'The <i>leading vice</i> in Burns's character, and the <i>cardinal + deformity</i>, indeed, of ALL his productions, was his contempt, or + affectation of contempt, for prudence, decency, and regularity, and his + admiration of thoughtlessness, oddity, and vehement sensibility: his + belief, in short, in the dispensing power of genius and social feeling + in all matters of morality and common sense;' adding, that these vices + and erroneous notions 'have communicated to a great part of his + productions a character of immorality at once contemptible and hateful.' + We are afterwards told, that he is <i>perpetually</i> making a parade of + his thoughtlessness, inflammability, and imprudence; and, in the next + paragraph, that he is <i>perpetually</i> doing something else; i.e. + 'boasting of his own independence.'—Marvellous address in the + commission of faults! not less than Caesar showed in the management of + business; who, it is said, could dictate to three secretaries upon three + several affairs, at one and the same moment! But, to be serious. When a + man, self-elected into the office of a public judge of the literature + and life of his contemporaries, can have the audacity to go these + lengths in framing a summary of the contents of volumes that <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage17" id="Bpage17"></a>{17}</span> are + scattered over every quarter of the globe, and extant in almost every + cottage of Scotland, to give the lie to his labours; we must not wonder + if, in the plenitude of his concern for the interests of abstract + morality, the infatuated slanderer should have found no obstacle to + prevent him from insinuating that the poet, whose writings are to this + degree stained and disfigured, was 'one of the sons of fancy and of + song, who spend in vain superfluities the money that belongs of right to + the pale industrious tradesman and his famishing infants; and who rave + about friendship and philosophy in a tavern, while their wives' hearts,' + &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + It is notorious that this persevering Aristarch,<a name="BFNanchor_4_4" + id="BFNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#BFootnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> + as often as a work of original genius comes before him, avails himself + of that opportunity to re-proclaim to the world the narrow range of his + own comprehension. The happy self-complacency, the unsuspecting + vain-glory, and the cordial <i>bonhommie</i>, with which this part of + his duty is performed, do not leave him free to complain of being hardly + dealt with if any one should declare the truth, by pronouncing much of + the foregoing attack upon the intellectual and moral character of Burns, + to be the trespass (for reasons that will shortly appear, it cannot be + called the venial trespass) of a mind obtuse, superficial, and inept. + What portion of malignity such a mind is susceptible of, the judicious + admirers of the poet, and the discerning friends of the man, will not + trouble themselves to enquire; but they will wish that this evil + principle had possessed more sway than they are at liberty to assign to + it; the offender's condition would not then have been so hopeless. For + malignity <i>selects</i> its diet; but where is to be found the + nourishment from which vanity will revolt? Malignity may be appeased by + triumphs real or supposed, and will then sleep, or yield its place to a + repentance producing dispositions of good will, and desires to make + amends for past injury; but vanity is restless, reckless, intractable, + unappeasable, insatiable. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage18" id="Bpage18"></a>{18}</span> + Fortunate is it for the world when this spirit incites only to actions + that meet with an adequate punishment in derision; such, as in a scheme + of poetical justice, would be aptly requited by assigning to the agents, + when they quit this lower world, a station in that not uncomfortable + limbo—the Paradise of Fools! But, assuredly, we shall have here + another proof that ridicule is not the test of truth, if it prevent us + from perceiving, that <i>depravity</i> has no ally more active, more + inveterate, nor, from the difficulty of divining to what kind and degree + of extravagance it may prompt, more pernicious than self-conceit. Where + this alliance is too obvious to be disputed, the culprit ought not to be + allowed the benefit of contempt—as a shelter from detestation; + much less should he be permitted to plead, in excuse for his + transgressions, that especial malevolence had little or no part in them. + It is not recorded, that the ancient, who set fire to the temple of + Diana, had a particular dislike to the goddess of chastity, or held + idolatry in abhorrence: he was a fool, an egregious fool, but not the + less, on that account, a most odious monster. The tyrant who is + described as having rattled his chariot along a bridge of brass over the + heads of his subjects, was, no doubt, inwardly laughed at; but what if + this mock Jupiter, not satisfied with an empty noise of his own making, + had amused himself with throwing fire-brands upon the house-tops, as a + substitute for lightning; and, from his elevation, had hurled stones + upon the heads of his people, to show that he was a master of the + destructive bolt, as well as of the harmless voice of the thunder!—The + lovers of all that is honourable to humanity have recently had occasion + to rejoice over the downfall of an intoxicated despot, whose vagaries + furnish more solid materials by which the philosopher will exemplify how + strict is the connection between the ludicrously, and the terribly + fantastic. We know, also, that Robespierre was one of the vainest men + that the most vain country upon earth has produced;—and from this + passion, and from that cowardice which naturally connects itself with + it, flowed the horrors of his administration. It is a descent, which I + fear you will scarcely pardon, to compare these redoubtable enemies of + mankind with the anonymous conductor of a perishable publication. But + the moving spirit is the same in them all; and, as far as difference of + circumstances, and disparity of powers, will allow, manifests itself in + the same way; by professions of reverence for truth, and concern for + duty—carried to the giddiest heights of osten<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage19" id="Bpage19"></a>{19}</span> tation, while practice seems + to have no other reliance than on the omnipotence of falsehood. + </p> + <p> + The transition from a vindication of Robert Burns to these hints for a + picture of the intellectual deformity of one who has grossly outraged + his memory, is too natural to require an apology: but I feel, sir, that + I stand in need of indulgence for having detained you so long. Let me + beg that you would impart to any judicious friends of the poet as much + of the contents of these pages as you think will be serviceable to the + cause; but do not give publicity to any <i>portion</i> of them, unless + it be thought probable that an open circulation of the whole may be + useful.<a name="BFNanchor_5_5" id="BFNanchor_5_5"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> The subject is delicate, + and some of the opinions are of a kind, which, if torn away from the + trunk that supports them, will be apt to wither, and, in that state, to + contract poisonous qualities; like the branches of the yew, which, while + united by a living spirit to their native tree, are neither noxious, nor + without beauty; but, being dissevered and cast upon the ground, become + deadly to the cattle that incautiously feed upon them. + </p> + <p> + To Mr. Gilbert Burns, especially, let my sentiments be conveyed, with my + sincere respects, and best wishes for the success of his praise-worthy + enterprize. And if, through modest apprehension, he should doubt of his + own ability to do justice to his brother's memory, let him take + encouragement from the assurance that the most odious part of the + charges owed its credit to the silence of those who were deemed best + entitled to speak; and who, it was thought, would not have been mute, + had they believed that they could speak beneficially. Moreover, it may + be relied on as a general truth, which will not escape his recollection, + that tasks of this kind are not so arduous as, to those who are tenderly + concerned in their issue, they may at first appear to be; for, if the + many be hasty to condemn, there is a re-action of generosity which + stimulates them—when forcibly summoned—to redress the wrong; + and, for the sensible part of mankind, <i>they</i> are neither dull to + understand, nor slow to make allowance for, the aberrations of men, + whose intellectual powers do honour to their species. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 7.5em;">I am, dear Sir, respectfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, January, 1816. + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage20" id="Bpage20"></a>{20}</span> + <h3> + <a name="b_OF_MONUMENTS_TO_LITERARY_MEN" + id="b_OF_MONUMENTS_TO_LITERARY_MEN"></a>(<i>b</i>) OF MONUMENTS TO + LITERARY MEN. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>Letter to a Friend</i>. + </h4> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 15.5em;">Rydal Mount, April 21. 1819.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + SIR, + </p> + <p> + The letter with which you have honoured me, bearing date the 31st of + March, I did not receive until yesterday; and, therefore, could not + earlier express my regret that, notwithstanding a cordial approbation of + the feeling which has prompted the undertaking, and a genuine sympathy + in admiration with the gentlemen who have subscribed towards a Monument + for Burns, I cannot unite my humble efforts with theirs in promoting + this object. + </p> + <p> + Sincerely can I affirm that my respect for the motives which have swayed + these gentlemen has urged me to trouble you with a brief statement of + the reasons of my dissent. + </p> + <p> + In the first place: Eminent poets appear to me to be a class of men, who + less than any others stand in need of such marks of distinction; and + hence I infer, that this mode of acknowledging their merits is one for + which they would not, in general, be themselves solicitous. Burns did, + indeed, erect a monument to Fergusson; but I apprehend his gratitude + took this course because he felt that Fergusson had been prematurely cut + off, and that his fame bore no proportion to his deserts. In neither of + these particulars can the fate of Burns justly be said to resemble that + of his predecessor: his years were indeed few, but numerous enough to + allow him to spread his name far and wide, and to take permanent root in + the affections of his countrymen; in short, he has raised for himself a + monument so conspicuous, and of such imperishable materials, as to + render a local fabric of stone superfluous, and, therefore, + comparatively insignificant. + </p> + <p> + But why, if this be granted, should not his fond admirers be permitted + to indulge their feelings, and at the same time to embellish the + metropolis of Scotland? If this may be justly objected to, and in my + opinion it may, it is because the showy <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage21" id="Bpage21"></a>{21}</span> tributes to genius are apt + to draw off attention from those efforts by which the interests of + literature might be substantially promoted; and to exhaust public spirit + in comparatively unprofitable exertions, when the wrongs of literary men + are crying out for redress on all sides. It appears to me, that towards + no class of his Majesty's subjects are the laws so unjust and + oppressive. The attention of Parliament has lately been directed, by + petition, to the exaction of copies of newly published works for certain + libraries; but this is a trifling evil compared with the restrictions + imposed upon the duration of copyright, which, in respect to works + profound in philosophy, or elevated, abstracted, and refined in + imagination, is tantamount almost to an exclusion of the author from all + pecuniary recompence; and, even where works of imagination and manners + are so constituted as to be adapted to immediate demand, as is the case + of those of Burns, justly may it be asked, what reason can be assigned + that an author who dies young should have the prospect before him of his + children being left to languish in poverty and dependence, while + booksellers are revelling in luxury upon gains derived from works which + are the delight of many nations. + </p> + <p> + This subject might be carried much further, and we might ask, if the + course of things insured immediate wealth, and accompanying rank and + honours—honours and wealth often entailed on their families to men + distinguished in the other learned professions,—why the laws + should interfere to take away those pecuniary emoluments which are the + natural inheritance of the posterity of authors, whose pursuits, if + directed by genius and sustained by industry, yield in importance to + none in which the members of a community can be engaged? + </p> + <p> + But to recur to the proposal in your letter. I would readily assist, + according to my means, in erecting a monument to the memory of the Poet + Chatterton, who, with transcendent genius, was cut off while he was yet + a boy in years; this, could he have anticipated the tribute, might have + soothed his troubled spirit, as an expression of general belief in the + existence of those powers which he was too impatient and too proud to + develope. At all events, it might prove an awful and a profitable + warning. I should also be glad to see a monument erected on the banks of + Loch Leven to the memory of the innocent and tender-hearted Michael + Bruce, who, after a short life, spent in poverty and ob<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage22" id="Bpage22"></a>{22}</span> scurity, + was called away too early to have left behind him more than a few + trustworthy promises of pure affections and unvitiated imagination. + </p> + <p> + Let the gallant defenders of our country be liberally rewarded with + monuments; their noble actions cannot speak for themselves, as the + writings of men of genius are able to do. Gratitude in respect to them + stands in need of admonition; and the very multitude of heroic + competitors which increases the demand for this sentiment towards our + naval and military defenders, considered as a body, is injurious to the + claims of individuals. Let our great statesmen and eminent lawyers, our + learned and eloquent divines, and they who have successfully devoted + themselves to the abstruser sciences, be rewarded in like manner; but + towards departed genius, exerted in the fine arts, and more especially + in poetry, I humbly think, in the present state of things, the sense of + our obligation to it may more satisfactorily be expressed by means + pointing directly to the general benefit of literature. + </p> + <p> + Trusting that these opinions of an individual will be candidly + interpreted, I have the honour to be + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 8.5em;">Your obedient servant,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_6_6" + id="BFNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#BFootnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage23" id="Bpage23"></a>{23}</span> + <h3> + <a name="c_OF_SIR_THOMAS_BROWNE_A_MONUMENT_TO_SOUTHEY_c" + id="c_OF_SIR_THOMAS_BROWNE_A_MONUMENT_TO_SOUTHEY_c"></a>(<i>c</i>) OF + SIR THOMAS BROWNE, A MONUMENT TO SOUTHEY, &c. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>Letter to John Peace, Esq., City Library, Bristol</i>. + </h4> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">Rydal Mount, April 8. 1844.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. PEACE, + </p> + <p> + You have gratified me by what you say of Sir Thomas Browne. I possess + his <i>Religio Medici, Christian Morals, Vulgar Errors</i>, &c. in + separate publications, and value him highly as a most original author. I + almost regret that you did not add his Treatise upon <i>Urn Burial</i> + to your publication; it is not long, and very remarkable for the vigour + of mind that it displays. + </p> + <p> + Have you had any communication with Mr. Cottle upon the subject of the + subscription which he has set on foot for the erection of a <i>Monument</i> + to Southey in Bristol Cathedral? We are all engaged in a like tribute to + be placed in the parish church of Keswick. For my own part, I am not + particularly fond of placing monuments in <i>churches</i>, at least in + modern times. I should prefer their being put in public places in the + town with which the party was connected by birth or otherwise; or in the + country, if he were a person who lived apart from the bustle of the + world. And in Southey's case, I should have liked better a bronze bust, + in some accessible and not likely to be disturbed part of St. Vincent's + Rocks, as a site, than the cathedral. + </p> + <p> + Thanks for your congratulations upon my birthday. I have now entered, + awful thought! upon my 75th year. + </p> + <p> + God bless you, and believe me, my dear friend, + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 5em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 8.5em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wordsworth begs her kind remembrance, as does Miss Fenwick, who is + with us.<a name="BFNanchor_7_7" id="BFNanchor_7_7"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage24" id="Bpage24"></a>{24}</span> + <h3> + <a name="II_UPON_EPITAPHS" id="II_UPON_EPITAPHS"></a>II. UPON EPITAPHS. + </h3> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>(a)</i> FROM 'THE FRIEND.'<br /> <i>(b and c)</i> FROM THE AUTHOR'S + MSS.<br /> + </div> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage27" id="Bpage27"></a>{27}</span> + <h3> + <a name="a_UPON_EPITAPHS" id="a_UPON_EPITAPHS"></a>(<i>a</i>) UPON + EPITAPHS. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>From 'The Friend,' Feb</i>. 22, 1810. + </h4> + <p> + It needs scarcely be said, that an Epitaph presupposes a Monument, upon + which it is to be engraven. Almost all Nations have wished that certain + external signs should point out the places where their dead are + interred. Among savage tribes unacquainted with letters this has mostly + been done either by rude stones placed near the graves, or by mounds of + earth raised over them. This custom proceeded obviously from a twofold + desire; first, to guard the remains of the deceased from irreverent + approach or from savage violation: and, secondly, to preserve their + memory. 'Never any,' says Camden, 'neglected burial but some savage + nations; as the Bactrians, which cast their dead to the dogs; some + varlet philosophers, as Diogenes, who desired to be devoured of fishes; + some dissolute courtiers, as Maecenas, who was wont to say, Non tumulum + euro; sepelit natura relictos. + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + I'm careless of a grave:—Nature her dead will save. + </div> + <p> + As soon as nations had learned the use of letters, epitaphs were + inscribed upon these monuments; in order that their intention might be + more surely and adequately fulfilled. I have derived monuments and + epitaphs from two sources of feeling: but these do in fact resolve + themselves into one. The invention of epitaphs, Weever, in his <i>Discourse + of Funeral Monuments</i>, says rightly, 'proceeded from the presage of + fore-feeling of immortality, implanted in all men naturally, and is + referred to the scholars of Linus the Theban poet, who flourished about + the year of the world two thousand seven hundred; who first bewailed + this Linus their Master, when he was slain, in doleful verses, then + called of him Aelina, afterwards Epitaphia, for that they were first + sung at burials, after engraved upon the sepulchres.' + </p> + <p> + And, verily, without the consciousness of a principle of immortality in + the human soul, Man could never have had awakened <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage28" id="Bpage28"></a>{28}</span> in him the desire to live in + the remembrance of his fellows: mere love, or the yearning of kind + towards kind, could not have produced it. The dog or horse perishes in + the field, or in the stall, by the side of his companions, and is + incapable of anticipating the sorrow with which his surrounding + associates shall bemoan his death, or pine for his loss; he cannot + pre-conceive this regret, he can form no thought of it; and therefore + cannot possibly have a desire to leave such regret or remembrance behind + him. Add to the principle of love which exists in the inferior animals, + the faculty of reason which exists in Man alone; will the conjunction of + these account for the desire? Doubtless it is a necessary consequence of + this conjunction; yet not I think as a direct result, but only to be + come at through an intermediate thought, viz. that of an intimation or + assurance within us, that some part of our nature is imperishable. At + least the precedence, in order of birth, of one feeling to the other, is + unquestionable. If we look back upon the days of childhood, we shall + find that the time is not in remembrance when, with respect to our own + individual Being, the mind was without this assurance; whereas, the wish + to be remembered by our friends or kindred after death, or even in + absence, is, as we shall discover, a sensation that does not form itself + till the <i>social</i> feelings have been developed, and the Reason has + connected itself with a wide range of objects. Forlorn, and cut off from + communication with the best part of his nature, must that man be, who + should derive the sense of immortality, as it exists in the mind of a + child, from the same unthinking gaiety or liveliness of animal spirits + with which the lamb in the meadow, or any other irrational creature is + endowed; who should ascribe it, in short, to blank ignorance in the + child; to an inability arising from the imperfect state of his faculties + to come, in any point of his being, into contact with a notion of death; + or to an unreflecting acquiescence in what had been instilled into him! + Has such an unfolder of the mysteries of nature, though he may have + forgotten his former self, ever noticed the early, obstinate, and + unappeasable inquisitiveness of children upon the subject of + origination? This single fact proves outwardly the monstrousness of + those suppositions: for, if we had no direct external testimony that the + minds of very young children meditate feelingly upon death and + immortality, these inquiries, which <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage29" id="Bpage29"></a>{29}</span> we all know they are + perpetually making concerning the <i>whence</i>, do necessarily include + correspondent habits of interrogation concerning the <i>whither</i>. + Origin and tendency are notions inseparably co-relative. Never did a + child stand by the side of a running stream, pondering within himself + what power was the feeder of the perpetual current, from what + never-wearied sources the body of water was supplied, but he must have + been inevitably propelled to follow this question by another: 'Towards + what abyss is it in progress? what receptacle can contain the mighty + influx?' And the spirit of the answer must have been, though the word + might be sea or ocean, accompanied perhaps with an image gathered from a + map, or from the real object in nature—these might have been the + <i>letter</i>, but the <i>spirit</i> of the answer must have been <i>as</i> + inevitably,—a receptacle without bounds or dimensions;—nothing + less than infinity. We may, then, be justified in asserting, that the + sense of immortality, if not a co-existent and twin birth with Reason, + is among the earliest of her offspring: and we may further assert, that + from these conjoined, and under their countenance, the human affections + are gradually formed and opened out. This is not the place to enter into + the recesses of these investigations; but the subject requires me here + to make a plain avowal, that, for my own part, it is to me + inconceivable, that the sympathies of love towards each other, which + grow with our growth, could ever attain any new strength, or even + preserve the old, after we had received from the outward senses the + impression of death, and were in the habit of having that impression + daily renewed and its accompanying feeling brought home to ourselves, + and to those we love; if the same were not counteracted by those + communications with our internal Being, which are anterior to all these + experiences, and with which revelation coincides, and has through that + coincidence alone (for otherwise it could not possess it) a power to + affect us. I confess, with me the conviction is absolute, that, if the + impression and sense of death were not thus counterbalanced, such a + hollowness would pervade the whole system of things, such a want of + correspondence and consistency, a disproportion so astounding betwixt + means and ends, that there could be no repose, no joy. Were we to grow + up unfostered by this genial warmth, a frost would chill the spirit, so + penetrating and powerful, that there could be no mo<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage30" id="Bpage30"></a>{30}</span> tions of the life of love; + and infinitely less could we have any wish to be remembered after we had + passed away from a world in which each man had moved about like a + shadow.—If, then, in a creature endowed with the faculties of + foresight and reason, the social affections could not have unfolded + themselves uncountenanced by the faith that Man is an immortal being; + and if, consequently, neither could the individual dying have had a + desire to survive in the remembrance of his fellows, nor on their side + could they have felt a wish to preserve for future times vestiges of the + departed; it follows, as a final inference, that without the belief in + immortality, wherein these several desires originate, neither monuments + nor epitaphs, in affectionate or laudatory commemoration of the + deceased, could have existed in the world. + </p> + <p> + Simonides, it is related, upon landing in a strange country, found the + corpse of an unknown person lying by the sea-side; he buried it, and was + honoured throughout Greece for the piety of that act. Another ancient + Philosopher, chancing to fix his eyes upon a dead body, regarded the + same with slight, if not with contempt; saying, 'See the shell of the + flown bird!' But it is not to be supposed that the moral and + tender-hearted Simonides was incapable of the lofty movements of + thought, to which that other Sage gave way at the moment while his soul + was intent only upon the indestructible being; nor, on the other hand, + that he, in whose sight a lifeless human body was of no more value than + the worthless shell from which the living fowl had departed, would not, + in a different mood of mind, have been affected by those earthly + considerations which had incited the philosophic Poet to the performance + of that pious duty. And with regard to this latter we may be assured + that, if he had been destitute of the capability of communing with the + more exalted thoughts that appertain to human nature, he would have + cared no more for the corpse of the stranger than for the dead body of a + seal or porpoise which might have been cast up by the waves. We respect + the corporeal frame of Man, not merely because it is the habitation of a + rational, but of an immortal Soul. Each of these Sages was in sympathy + with the best feelings of our nature; feelings which, though they seem + opposite to each other, have another and a finer connection than that of + contrast.—It is a connection formed through the subtle <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage31" id="Bpage31"></a>{31}</span> process + by which, both in the natural and the moral world, qualities pass + insensibly into their contraries, and things revolve upon each other. + As, in sailing upon the orb of this planet, a voyage towards the regions + where the sun sets, conducts gradually to the quarter where we have been + accustomed to behold it come forth at its rising; and, in like manner, a + voyage towards the east, the birth-place in our imagination of the + morning, leads finally to the quarter where the sun is last seen when he + departs from our eyes; so the contemplative Soul, travelling in the + direction of mortality, advances to the country of everlasting life; + and, in like manner, may she continue to explore those cheerful tracts, + till she is brought back, for her advantage and benefit, to the land of + transitory things—of sorrow and of tears. + </p> + <p> + On a midway point, therefore, which commands the thoughts and feelings + of the two Sages whom we have represented in contrast, does the Author + of that species of composition, the laws of which it is our present + purpose to explain, take his stand. Accordingly, recurring to the + twofold desire of guarding the remains of the deceased and preserving + their memory, it may be said that a sepulchral monument is a tribute to + a man as a human being; and that an epitaph (in the ordinary meaning + attached to the word) includes this general feeling and something more; + and is a record to preserve the memory of the dead, as a tribute due to + his individual worth, for a satisfaction to the sorrowing hearts of the + survivors, and for the common benefit of the living: which record is to + be accomplished, not in a general manner, but, where it can, in <i>close + connection with the bodily remains of the deceased</i>: and these, it + may be added, among the modern nations of Europe, are deposited within, + or contiguous to, their places of worship. In ancient times, as is well + known, it was the custom to bury the dead beyond the walls of towns and + cities; and among the Greeks and Romans they were frequently interred by + the way-sides. + </p> + <p> + I could here pause with pleasure, and invite the Reader to indulge with + me in contemplation of the advantages which must have attended such a + practice. We might ruminate upon the beauty which the monuments, thus + placed, must have borrowed from the surrounding images of nature—from + the trees, the wild flowers, from a stream running perhaps within sight + or <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage32" id="Bpage32"></a>{32}</span> + hearing, from the beaten road stretching its weary length hard by. Many + tender similitudes must these objects have presented to the mind of the + traveller leaning upon one of the tombs, or reposing in the coolness of + its shade, whether he had halted from weariness or in compliance with + the invitation, 'Pause, Traveller!' so often found upon the monuments. + And to its epitaph also must have been supplied strong appeals to + visible appearances or immediate impressions, lively and affecting + analogies of life as a journey—death as a sleep overcoming the + tired wayfarer—of misfortune as a storm that falls suddenly upon + him—of beauty as a flower that passeth away, or of innocent + pleasure as one that may be gathered—of virtue that standeth firm + as a rock against the beating waves;—of hope 'undermined + insensibly like the poplar by the side of the river that has fed it,' or + blasted in a moment like a pine-tree by the stroke of lightning upon the + mountain-top—of admonitions and heart-stirring remembrances, like + a refreshing breeze that comes without warning, or the taste of the + waters of an unexpected fountain. These, and similar suggestions, must + have given, formerly, to the language of the senseless stone a voice + enforced and endeared by the benignity of that Nature with which it was + in unison.—We, in modern times, have lost much of these + advantages; and they are but in a small degree counterbalanced to the + inhabitants of large towns and cities, by the custom of depositing the + dead within, or contiguous to, their places of worship; however splendid + or imposing may be the appearance of those edifices, or however + interesting or salutary the recollections associated with them. Even + were it not true that tombs lose their monitory virtue when thus + obtruded upon the notice of men occupied with the cares of the world, + and too often sullied and defiled by those cares, yet still, when death + is in our thoughts, nothing can make amends for the want of the soothing + influences of Nature, and for the absence of those types of renovation + and decay, which the fields and woods offer to the notice of the serious + and contemplative mind. To feel the force of this sentiment, let a man + only compare in imagination the unsightly manner in which our monuments + are crowded together in the busy, noisy, unclean, and almost grassless + church-yard of a large town, with the still seclusion of a Turkish + cemetery, in some remote place; and yet further sanctified by <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage33" id="Bpage33"></a>{33}</span> the grove + of cypress in which it is embosomed. Thoughts in the same temper as + these have already been expressed with true sensibility by an ingenuous + Poet of the present day. The subject of his poem is 'All Saints Church, + Derby:' he has been deploring the forbidding and unseemly appearance of + its burial-ground, and uttering a wish, that in past times the practice + had been adopted of interring the inhabitants of large towns in the + country.— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Then in some rural, calm, sequestered spot,<br /></span> <span>Where + healing Nature her benignant look<br /></span> <span>Ne'er changes, + save at that lorn season, when,<br /></span> <span>With tresses + drooping o'er her sable stole,<br /></span> <span>She yearly mourns the + mortal doom of man,<br /></span> <span>Her noblest work, (so Israel's + virgins erst,<br /></span> <span>With annual moan upon the mountains + wept<br /></span> <span>Their fairest gone,) there in that rural scene,<br /></span> + <span>So placid, so congenial to the wish<br /></span> <span>The + Christian feels, of peaceful rest within<br /></span> <span>The silent + grave, I would have stayed:<br /></span> + </div> + <br /> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—wandered forth, where the cold dew of heaven<br /></span> + <span>Lay on the humbler graves around, what time<br /></span> <span>The + pale moon gazed upon the turfy mounds,<br /></span> <span>Pensive, as + though like me, in lonely muse,<br /></span> <span>Twere brooding on + the dead inhumed beneath.<br /></span> <span>There while with him, the + holy man of Uz,<br /></span> <span>O'er human destiny I sympathised,<br /></span> + <span>Counting the long, long periods prophecy<br /></span> <span>Decrees + to roll, ere the great day arrives<br /></span> <span>Of resurrection, + oft the blue-eyed Spring<br /></span> <span>Had met me with her + blossoms, as the Dove,<br /></span> <span>Of old, returned with olive + leaf, to cheer<br /></span> <span>The Patriarch mourning o'er a world + destroyed:<br /></span> <span>And I would bless her visit; for to me<br /></span> + <span>'Tis sweet to trace the consonance that links<br /></span> <span>As + one, the works of Nature and the word<br /></span> <span>Of God.— JOHN + EDWARDS.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + A village church-yard, lying as it does in the lap of Nature, may indeed + be most favourably contrasted with that of a town of crowded population; + and sepulture therein combines many of the best tendencies which belong + to the mode practised by the Ancients, with others peculiar to itself. + The sensations of pious cheerfulness, which attend the celebration of + the sabbath-day in rural places, are profitably chastised by the sight + of the graves of kindred and friends, gathered together in that general + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage34" id="Bpage34"></a>{34}</span> + home towards which the thoughtful yet happy spectators themselves are + journeying. Hence a parish-church, in the stillness of the country, is a + visible centre of a community of the living and the dead; a point to + which are habitually referred the nearest concerns of both. + </p> + <p> + As, then, both in cities and villages, the dead are deposited in close + connection with our places of worship, with us the composition of an + epitaph naturally turns, still more than among the nations of antiquity, + upon the most serious and solemn affections of the human mind; upon + departed worth—upon personal or social sorrow and admiration—upon + religion, individual and social—upon time, and upon eternity. + Accordingly, it suffices, in ordinary cases, to secure a composition of + this kind from censure, that it contain nothing that shall shock or be + inconsistent with this spirit. But, to entitle an epitaph to praise, + more than this is necessary. It ought to contain some thought or feeling + belonging to the mortal or immortal part of our nature touchingly + expressed; and if that be done, however general or even trite the + sentiment may be, every man of pure mind will read the words with + pleasure and gratitude. A husband bewails a wife; a parent breathes a + sigh of disappointed hope over a lost child; a son utters a sentiment of + filial reverence for a departed father or mother; a friend perhaps + inscribes an encomium recording the companionable qualities, or the + solid virtues, of the tenant of the grave, whose departure has left a + sadness upon his memory. This and a pious admonition to the living, and + a humble expression of Christian confidence in immortality, is the + language of a thousand church-yards; and it does not often happen that + anything, in a greater degree discriminate or appropriate to the dead or + to the living, is to be found in them. This want of discrimination has + been ascribed by Dr. Johnson, in his Essay upon the epitaphs of Pope, to + two causes; first, the scantiness of the objects of human praise; and, + secondly, the want of variety in the characters of men; or, to use his + own words, 'to the fact, that the greater part of mankind have no + character at all.' Such language may be holden without blame among the + generalities of common conversation; but does not become a critic and a + moralist speaking seriously upon a serious subject. The objects of + admiration in human nature are not scanty, but abundant: and every man + has a character of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage35" + id="Bpage35"></a>{35}</span> own, to the eye that has skill to perceive + it. The real cause of the acknowledged want of discrimination in + sepulchral memorials is this: That to analyse the characters of others, + especially of those whom we love, is not a common or natural employment + of men at any time. We are not anxious unerringly to understand the + constitution of the minds of those who have soothed, who have cheered, + who have supported us: with whom we have been long and daily pleased or + delighted. The affections are their own justification. The light of love + in our hearts is a satisfactory evidence that there is a body of worth + in the minds of our friends or kindred, whence that light has proceeded. + We shrink from the thought of placing their merits and defects to be + weighed against each other in the nice balance of pure intellect; nor do + we find much temptation to detect the shades by which a good quality or + virtue is discriminated in them from an excellence known by the same + general name as it exists in the mind of another; and, least of all, do + we incline to these refinements when under the pressure of sorrow, + admiration, or regret, or when actuated by any of those feelings which + incite men to prolong the memory of their friends and kindred, by + records placed in the bosom of the all-uniting and equalising receptacle + of the dead. + </p> + <p> + The first requisite, then, in an Epitaph is, that it should speak, in a + tone which shall sink into the heart, the general language of humanity + as connected with the subject of death—the source from which an + epitaph proceeds—of death, and of life. To be born and to die are + the two points in which all men feel themselves to be in absolute + coincidence. This general language may be uttered so strikingly as to + entitle an epitaph to high praise; yet it cannot lay claim to the + highest unless other excellencies be superadded. Passing through all + intermediate steps, we will attempt to determine at once what these + excellencies are, and wherein consists the perfection of this species of + composition.—It will be found to lie in a due proportion of the + common or universal feeling of humanity to sensations excited by a + distinct and clear conception, conveyed to the reader's mind, of the + individual, whose death is deplored and whose memory is to be preserved; + at least of his character as, after death, it appeared to those who + loved him and lament his loss. The general sympathy ought to be + quickened, provoked, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage36" + id="Bpage36"></a>{36}</span> diversified, by particular thoughts, + actions, images,—circumstances of age, occupation, manner of life, + prosperity which the deceased had known, or adversity to which he had + been subject; and these ought to be bound together and solemnised into + one harmony by the general sympathy. The two powers should temper, + restrain, and exalt each other. The reader ought to know who and what + the man was whom he is called upon to think of with interest. A distinct + conception should be given (implicitly where it can, rather than + explicitly) of the individual lamented.—But the writer of an + epitaph is not an anatomist, who dissects the internal frame of the + mind; he is not even a painter, who executes a portrait at leisure and + in entire tranquillity; his delineation, we must remember, is performed + by the side of the grave; and, what is more, the grave of one whom he + loves and admires. What purity and brightness is that virtue clothed in, + the image of which must no longer bless our living eyes! The character + of a deceased friend or beloved kinsman is not seen, no—nor ought + to be seen, otherwise than as a tree through a tender haze or a luminous + mist, that spiritualises and beautifies it; that takes away, indeed, but + only to the end that the parts which are not abstracted may appear more + dignified and lovely; may impress and affect the more. Shall we say, + then, that this is not truth, not a faithful image; and that, + accordingly, the purposes of commemoration cannot be answered?—It + <i>is</i> truth, and of the highest order; for, though doubtless things + are not apparent which did exist; yet, the object being looked at + through this medium, parts and proportions are brought into distinct + view which before had been only imperfectly or unconsciously seen: it is + truth hallowed by love—the joint offspring of the worth of the + dead and the affections of the living! This may easily be brought to the + test. Let one, whose eyes have been sharpened by personal hostility to + discover what was amiss in the character of a good man, hear the tidings + of his death, and what a change is wrought in a moment! Enmity melts + away; and, as it disappears, unsightliness, disproportion, and + deformity, vanish; and, through the influence of commiseration, a + harmony of love and beauty succeeds. Bring such a man to the tomb-stone + on which shall be inscribed an epitaph on his adversary, composed in the + spirit which we have recommended. Would he turn from it as from an idle + tale? No;—the thoughtful look, the sigh, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage37" id="Bpage37"></a>{37}</span> and perhaps the involuntary + tear, would testify that it had a sane, a generous, and good meaning; + and that on the writer's mind had remained an impression which was a + true abstract of the character of the deceased; that his gifts and + graces were remembered in the simplicity in which they ought to be + remembered. The composition and quality of the mind of a virtuous man, + contemplated by the side of the grave where his body is mouldering, + ought to appear, and be felt as something midway between what he was on + earth walking about with his living frailties, and what he may be + presumed to be as a spirit in heaven. + </p> + <p> + It suffices, therefore, that the trunk and the main branches of the + worth of the deceased be boldly and unaffectedly represented. Any + further detail, minutely and scrupulously pursued, especially if this be + done with laborious and antithetic discriminations, must inevitably + frustrate its own purpose; forcing the passing Spectator to this + conclusion,—either that the dead did not possess the merits + ascribed to him, or that they who have raised a monument to his memory, + and must therefore be supposed to have been closely connected with him, + were incapable of perceiving those merits; or at least during the act of + composition had lost sight of them; for, the understanding having been + so busy in its petty occupation, how could the heart of the mourner be + other than cold? and in either of these cases, whether the fault be on + the part of the buried person or the survivors, the memorial is + unaffecting and profitless. + </p> + <p> + Much better is it to fall short in discrimination than to pursue it too + far, or to labour it unfeelingly. For in no place are we so much + disposed to dwell upon those points, of nature and condition, wherein + all men resemble each other, as in the temple where the universal Father + is worshipped, or by the side of the grave which gathers all human + Beings to itself, and 'equalises the lofty and the low.' We suffer and + we weep with the same heart; we love and are anxious for one another in + one spirit; our hopes look to the same quarter; and the virtues by which + we are all to be furthered and supported, as patience, meekness, + good-will, justice, temperance, and temperate desires, are in an equal + degree the concern of us all. Let an Epitaph, then, contain at least + these acknowledgments to our common nature; nor let the sense of their + importance be sacrificed to a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage38" + id="Bpage38"></a>{38}</span> balance of opposite qualities or minute + distinctions in individual character; which if they do not, (as will for + the most part be the case,) when examined, resolve themselves into a + trick of words, will, even when they are true and just, for the most + part be grievously out of place; for, as it is probable that few only + have explored these intricacies of human nature, so can the tracing of + them be interesting only to a few. But an epitaph is not a proud writing + shut up for the studious: it is exposed to all—to the wise and the + most ignorant; it is condescending, perspicuous, and lovingly solicits + regard; its story and admonitions are brief, that the thoughtless, the + busy, and indolent, may not be deterred, nor the impatient tired: the + stooping old man cons the engraven record like a second horn-book;—the + child is proud that he can read it;—and the stranger is introduced + through its mediation to the company of a friend: it is concerning all, + and for all:—in the church-yard it is open to the day; the sun + looks down upon the stone, and the rains of heaven beat against it. + </p> + <p> + Yet, though the writer who would excite sympathy is bound in this case, + more than in any other, to give proof that he himself has been moved, it + is to be remembered, that to raise a monument is a sober and a + reflective act; that the inscription which it bears is intended to be + permanent, and for universal perusal; and that, for this reason, the + thoughts and feelings expressed should be permanent also—liberated + from that weakness and anguish of sorrow which is in nature transitory, + and which with instinctive decency retires from notice. The passions + should be subdued, the emotions controlled; strong, indeed, but nothing + ungovernable or wholly involuntary. Seemliness requires this, and truth + requires it also: for how can the narrator otherwise be trusted? + Moreover, a grave is a tranquillising object: resignation in course of + time springs up from it as naturally as the wild flowers, besprinkling + the turf with which it may be covered, or gathering round the monument + by which it is defended. The very form and substance of the monument + which has received the inscription, and the appearance of the letters, + testifying with what a slow and laborious hand they must have been + engraven, might seem to reproach the author who had given way upon this + occasion to transports of mind, or to quick turns of conflicting + passion; though the same might <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage39" + id="Bpage39"></a>{39}</span> constitute the life and beauty of a funeral + oration or elegiac poem. + </p> + <p> + These sensations and judgments, acted upon perhaps unconsciously, have + been one of the main causes why epitaphs so often personate the + deceased, and represent him as speaking from his own tomb-stone. The + departed Mortal is introduced telling you himself that his pains are + gone; that a state of rest is come; and he conjures you to weep for him + no longer. He admonishes with the voice of one experienced in the vanity + of those affections which are confined to earthly objects, and gives a + verdict like a superior Being, performing the office of a judge, who has + no temptations to mislead him, and whose decision cannot but be + dispassionate. Thus is death disarmed of its sting, and affliction + unsubstantialised. By this tender fiction, the survivors bind themselves + to a sedater sorrow, and employ the intervention of the imagination in + order that the reason may speak her own language earlier than she would + otherwise have been enabled to do. This shadowy interposition also + harmoniously unites the two worlds of the living and the dead by their + appropriate affections. And it may be observed, that here we have an + additional proof of the propriety with which sepulchral inscriptions + were referred to the consciousness of immortality as their primal + source. + </p> + <p> + I do not speak with a wish to recommend that an epitaph should be cast + in this mould preferably to the still more common one, in which what is + said comes from the survivors directly; but rather to point out how + natural those feelings are which have induced men, in all states and + ranks of society, so frequently to adopt this mode. And this I have done + chiefly in order that the laws, which ought to govern the composition of + the other, may be better understood. This latter mode, namely, that in + which the survivors speak in their own persons, seems to me upon the + whole greatly preferable: as it admits a wider range of notices; and, + above all, because, excluding the fiction which is the ground-work of + the other, it rests upon a more solid basis. + </p> + <p> + Enough has been a said to convey our notion of a perfect epitaph; but it + must be borne in mind that one is meant which will best answer the <i>general</i> + ends of that species of composition. According to the course pointed + out, the worth of private life, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage40" + id="Bpage40"></a>{40}</span> through all varieties of situation and + character, will be most honourably and profitably preserved in memory. + Nor would the model recommended less suit public men, in all instances + save of those persons who by the greatness of their services in the + employments of peace or war, or by the surpassing excellence of their + works in art, literature, or science, have made themselves not only + universally known, but have filled the heart of their country with + everlasting gratitude. Yet I must here pause to correct myself. In + describing the general tenor of thought which epitaphs ought to hold, I + have omitted to say, that if it be the <i>actions</i> of a man, or even + some <i>one</i> conspicuous or beneficial act of local or general + utility, which have distinguished him, and excited a desire that he + should be remembered, then, of course, ought the attention to be + directed chiefly to those actions or that act: and such sentiments dwelt + upon as naturally arise out of them or it. Having made this necessary + distinction, I proceed.—The mighty benefactors of mankind, as they + are not only known by the immediate survivors, but will continue to be + known familiarly to latest posterity, do not stand in need of biographic + sketches, in such a place; nor of delineations of character to + individualise them. This is already done by their Works, in the memories + of men. Their naked names, and a grand comprehensive sentiment of civic + gratitude, patriotic love, or human admiration—or the utterance of + some elementary principle most essential in the constitution of true + virtue;—or a declaration touching that pious humility and + self-abasement, which are ever most profound as minds are most + susceptible of genuine exaltation—or an intuition, communicated in + adequate words, of the sublimity of intellectual power;—these are + the only tribute which can here be paid—the only offering that + upon such an altar would not be unworthy. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>What needs my Shakspeare for his honoured bones<br /></span> + <span>The labour of an age in piled stones,<br /></span> <span>Or that + his hallowed reliques should be hid<br /></span> <span>Under a star + y-pointing pyramid?<br /></span> <span>Dear Son of Memory, great Heir + of Fame,<br /></span> <span>What need'st thou such weak witness of thy + name?<br /></span> <span>Thou in our wonder and astonishment<br /></span> + <span>Hast built thyself a livelong monument,<br /></span> <span>And so + sepulchred, in such pomp dost lie,<br /></span> <span>That kings for + such a tomb would wish to die.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage41" id="Bpage41"></a>{41}</span> + <h3> + <a name="b_THE_COUNTRY_CHURCH_YARD_AND_CRITICAL_EXAMINATION_OF_ANCIENT" + id="b_THE_COUNTRY_CHURCH_YARD_AND_CRITICAL_EXAMINATION_OF_ANCIENT"></a>(<i>b</i>) + THE COUNTRY CHURCH-YARD, AND CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ANCIENT EPITAPHS + </h3> + <h4> + <i>From the Author's Mss.</i> + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Yet even these bones from insult to protect<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Some frail memorial still erected nigh,<br /></span> <span>With + uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture deck'd,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Implores the passing tribute of a sigh.<br /></span> <span>Their + name, their years, spelt by the unletter'd Muse,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">The place of fame and elegy supply,<br /></span> <span>And + many a holy text around she strews,<br /></span> <span class="i2">That + teach the rustic moralist to die.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + When a Stranger has walked round a Country Church-yard and glanced his + eye over so many brief chronicles, as the tomb-stones usually contain, + of faithful wives, tender husbands, dutiful children, and good men of + all classes; he will be tempted to exclaim in the language of one of the + characters of a modern Tale, in a similar situation, 'Where are all the + <i>bad</i> people buried?' He may smile to himself an answer to this + question, and may regret that it has intruded upon him so soon. For my + own part such has been my lot; and indeed a man, who is in the habit of + suffering his mind to be carried passively towards truth as well as of + going with conscious effort in search of it, may be forgiven, if he has + sometimes insensibly yielded to the delusion of those flattering + recitals, and found a pleasure in believing that the prospect of real + life had been as fair as it was in that picture represented. And such a + transitory oversight will without difficulty be forgiven by those who + have observed a trivial fact in daily life, namely, how apt, in a series + of calm weather, we are to forget that rain and storms have been, and + will return to interrupt any scheme of business or pleasure which our + minds are occupied in arranging. Amid the quiet of a church-yard thus + decorated as it seemed by the hand of Memory, and shining, if I may so + say, in the light of love, I have been affected by sensations akin to + those which have risen in my mind <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage42" + id="Bpage42"></a>{42}</span> while I have been standing by the side of a + smooth sea, on a Summer's day. It is such a happiness to have, in an + unkind world, one enclosure where the voice of Detraction is not heard; + where the traces of evil inclinations are unknown; where contentment + prevails, and there is no jarring tone in the peaceful concert of amity + and gratitude. I have been rouzed from this reverie by a consciousness + suddenly flashing upon me, of the anxieties, the perturbations, and in + many instances, the vices and rancorous dispositions, by which the + hearts of those who lie under so smooth a surface and so fair an outside + have been agitated. The image of an unruffled sea has still remained; + but my fancy has penetrated into the depths of that sea,—with + accompanying thoughts of shipwreck, of the destruction of the mariner's + hopes, the bones of drowned men heaped together, monsters of the deep, + and all the hideous and confused sights which Clarence saw in his dream. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I have been able to return (and who may <i>not</i>?) to a + steady contemplation of the benign influence of such a favourable + Register lying open to the eyes of all. Without being so far lulled as + to imagine I saw in a village church-yard the eye or central point of a + rural Arcadia, I have felt that with all the vague and general + expressions of love, gratitude, and praise, with which it is usually + crowded, it is a far more faithful representation of homely life as + existing among a community in which circumstances have not been + untoward, than any report which might be made by a rigorous observer + deficient in that spirit of forbearance and those kindly prepossessions, + without which human life can in no condition be profitably looked at or + described. For we must remember that it is the nature of vice to force + itself upon notice, both in the act and by its consequences. + Drunkenness, cruelty, brutal manners, sensuality and impiety, + thoughtless prodigality and idleness, are obstreperous while they are in + the height and heyday of their enjoyment; and when that is passed away, + long and obtrusive is the train of misery which they draw after them. + But on the contrary, the virtues, especially those of humble life, are + retired; and many of the highest must be sought for or they will be + overlooked. Industry, economy, temperance, and cleanliness, are indeed + made obvious by flourishing fields, rosy complexions, and smiling + countenances; but how few know anything of the trials to which men <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage43" id="Bpage43"></a>{43}</span> in a + lonely condition are subject, or of the steady and triumphant manner in + which those trials are often sustained, but they themselves? The + afflictions which peasants and rural citizens have to struggle with are + for the most part secret; the tears which they wipe away, and the sighs + which they stifle,—this is all a labour of privacy. In fact their + victories are to themselves known only imperfectly; for it is + inseparable from virtue, in the pure sense of the word, to be + unconscious of the might of her own prowess. This is true of minds the + most enlightened by reflection; who have forecast what they may have to + endure, and prepared themselves accordingly. It is true even of these, + when they are called into action, that they necessarily lose sight of + their own accomplishments and support their conflicts in + self-forgetfulness and humility. That species of happy ignorance, which + is the consequence of these noble qualities, must exist still more + frequently, and in a greater degree, in those persons to whom duty has + never been matter of laborious speculation, and who have no intimations + of the power to act and to resist which is in them, till they are + summoned to put it forth. I could illustrate this by many examples, + which are now before my eyes; but it would detain me too long from my + principal subject which was to suggest reasons for believing that the + encomiastic language of rural tomb-stones does not so far exceed reality + as might lightly be supposed. Doubtless, an inattentive or ill-disposed + Observer, who should apply to surrounding cottages the knowledge which + he may possess of any rural neighbourhood, would upon the first impulse + confidently report that there was little in their living inhabitants + which reflected the concord and the virtue there dwelt upon so fondly. + Much has been said in a former Paper tending to correct this + disposition; and which will naturally combine with the present + considerations. Besides, to slight the uniform language of these + memorials as on that account not trustworthy would obviously be + unjustifiable. + </p> + <p> + Enter a church-yard by the sea-coast, and you will be almost sure to + find the tomb-stones crowded with metaphors taken from the sea and a + sea-faring life. These are uniformly in the same strain; but surely we + ought not thence to infer that the words are used of course, without any + heartfelt sense of their propriety. Would not the contrary conclusion be + right? But I will adduce <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage44" + id="Bpage44"></a>{44}</span> a fact which more than a hundred analogical + arguments will carry to the mind a conviction of the strength and + sanctity of those feelings which persons in humble stations of society + connect with their departed friends and kindred. We learn from the + Statistical Account of Scotland that in some districts, a general + transfer of inhabitants has taken place; and that a great majority of + those who live, and labour, and attend public worship in one part of the + country, are buried in another. Strong and unconquerable still continues + to be the desire of all, that their bones should rest by the side of + their forefathers, and very poor persons provide that their bodies + should be conveyed if necessary to a great distance to obtain that last + satisfaction. Nor can I refrain from saying that this natural + interchange by which the living inhabitants of a parish have small + knowledge of the dead who are buried in their church-yard is grievously + to be lamented, wherever it exists. For it cannot fail to preclude not + merely much but the best part of the wholesome influence of that + communion between living and dead which the conjunction in rural + districts of the place of burial and place of worship tends so + effectually to promote. Finally, let us remember that if it be the + nature of man to be insensible to vexations and afflictions when they + have passed away, he is equally insensible to the height and depth of + his blessings till they are removed from him. An experienced and + well-regulated mind, will not, therefore, be insensible to this + monotonous language of sorrow and affectionate admiration; but will find + under that veil a substance of individual truth. Yet upon all men, and + upon such a mind in particular, an Epitaph must strike with a gleam of + pleasure, when the expression is of that kind which carries conviction + to the heart at once that the author was a sincere mourner, and that the + inhabitant of the grave deserved to be so lamented. This may be done + sometimes by a naked ejaculation; as in an instance which a friend of + mine met with in a church-yard in Germany, thus literally translated: + 'Ah! they have laid in the grave a brave man: he was to me more than + many!' + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ach! sie haben<br /></span> <span>Einen Braven<br /></span> <span>Mann + begraben<br /></span> <span>Mir war er mehr als viele.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + An effect as pleasing is often produced by the recital of an <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage45" id="Bpage45"></a>{45}</span> + affliction endured with fortitude, or of a privation submitted to with + contentment; or by a grateful display of the temporal blessings with + which Providence had favoured the deceased, and the happy course of life + through which he had passed. And where these individualities are + untouched upon, it may still happen that the estate of man in his + helplessness, in his dependence upon his Maker, or some other inherent + of his nature shall be movingly and profitably expressed. Every Reader + will be able to supply from his own observation instances of all these + kinds, and it will be more pleasing for him to refer to his memory than + to have the page crowded with unnecessary quotations. I will however + give one or two from an old book cited before. The following of general + application, was a great favourite with our forefathers: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Farwel my Frendys, the tyd abidyth no man,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">I am departed hens, and so sal ye,<br /></span> <span>But in + this passage the best song I can<br /></span> <span class="i2">Is <i>Requiem + Eternam</i>, now Jesu grant it me.<br /></span> <span>When I have ended + all myn adversity<br /></span> <span>Grant me in Paradys to have a + mansion<br /></span> <span>That shedst Thy bloud for my redemption.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This epitaph might seem to be of the age of Chaucer, for it has the very + tone and manner of the Prioress's Tale. + </p> + <p> + The next opens with a thought somewhat interrupting that complacency and + gracious repose which the language and imagery of a church-yard tend to + diffuse, but the truth is weighty and will not be less acceptable for + the rudeness of the expression. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>When the bells be mearely roung<br /></span> <span>And the Masse + devoutly soung<br /></span> <span>And the meate merrely eaten<br /></span> + <span>Then sall Robert Trappis his Wyffs and his Chyldren be<br /></span> + <span class="i7">forgotten.<br /></span> <span>Wherfor Iesu that of + Mary sproung<br /></span> <span>Set their soulys Thy Saynts among,<br /></span> + <span>Though it be undeservyd on their syde<br /></span> <span>Yet good + Lord let them evermor Thy mercy abyde!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + It is well known how fond our ancestors were of a play upon the name of + the deceased when it admitted of a double sense. The following is an + instance of this propensity not idly indulged. It brings home a general + truth to the individual by the medium of a pun, which will be readily + pardoned for the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage46" id="Bpage46"></a>{46}</span> + sake of the image suggested by it, for the happy mood of mind in which + the epitaph is composed, for the beauty of the language, and for the + sweetness of the versification, which indeed, the date considered, is + not a little curious. It is upon a man whose name was Palmer. I have + modernized the spelling in order that its uncouthness may not interrupt + the Reader's gratification. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Palmers all our Fathers were<br /></span> <span>I a Palmer livèd + here<br /></span> <span>And travelled still till worn with age<br /></span> + <span>I ended this world's pilgrimage,<br /></span> <span>On the blest + Ascension-day<br /></span> <span>In the chearful month of May;<br /></span> + <span>One thousand with four hundred seven,<br /></span> <span>And took + my journey hence to heaven.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + With this join the following, which was formerly to be seen upon a fair + marble under the portraiture of one of the abbots of St. Albans. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Hic quidem terra tegitur<br /></span> <span>Peccati solvens + debitum<br /></span> <span>Cujus nomen non impositum<br /></span> <span>In + libro vitae sit inscriptum.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The spirit of it may be thus given: 'Here lies, covered by the earth, + and paying his debt to sin, one whose name is not set forth: may it be + inscribed in the Book of Life!' + </p> + <p> + But these instances, of the humility, the pious faith and simplicity of + our forefathers, have led me from the scene of our contemplations—a + Country Church-yard! and from the memorials at this day commonly found + in it. I began with noticing such as might be wholly uninteresting from + the uniformity of the language which they exhibit; because, without + previously participating the truths upon which these general + attestations are founded, it is impossible to arrive at that state of + disposition of mind necessary to make those epitaphs thoroughly felt + which have an especial recommendation. With the same view, I will + venture to say a few words upon another characteristic of these + compositions almost equally striking; namely, the homeliness of some of + the inscriptions, the strangeness of the illustrative images, the + grotesque spelling, with the equivocal meaning often struck out by it, + and the quaint jingle of the rhymes. These have often excited regret in + serious minds, and provoked the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage47" + id="Bpage47"></a>{47}</span> unwilling to good-humoured laughter. Yet, + for my own part, without affecting any superior sanctity, I must say + that I have been better satisfied with myself, when in these evidences I + have seen a proof how deeply the piety of the rude forefathers of the + hamlet, is seated in their natures; I mean how habitual and + constitutional it is, and how awful the feeling which they attach to the + situation of their departed friends,—a proof of this rather than + of their ignorance or of a deadness in their faculties to a sense of the + ridiculous. And that this deduction may be just, is rendered probable by + the frequent occurrence of passages according to our present notion, + full as ludicrous, in the writings of the most wise and learned men of + former ages, divines and poets, who in the earnestness of their souls + have applied metaphors and illustrations, taken either from Holy Writ or + from the usages of their own country, in entire confidence that the + sacredness of the theme they were discussing would sanctify the meanest + object connected with it; or rather without ever conceiving it was + possible that a ludicrous thought could spring up in any mind engaged in + such meditations. And certainly, these odd and fantastic combinations + are not confined to epitaphs of the peasantry, or of the lower orders of + society, but are perhaps still more commonly produced among the higher, + in a degree equally or more striking. For instance, what shall we say to + this upon Sir George Vane, the noted Secretary of State to King Charles + I.? + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>His Honour wonne i'th' field lies here in dust,<br /></span> + <span>His Honour got by grace shall never rust:<br /></span> <span>The + former fades, the latter shall fade never<br /></span> <span>For why? + He was Sr George once but St George ever.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The date is 1679. When we reflect that the father of this personage must + have had his taste formed in the punning Court of James I., and that the + epitaph was composed at a time when our literature was stuffed with + quaint or out-of-the-way thoughts, it will seem not unlikely that the + author prided himself upon what he might call a clever hit: I mean his + better affections were less occupied with the several associations + belonging to the two ideas than his vanity delighted with that act of + ingenuity by which they had been combined. But the first couplet + consists of a just thought naturally expressed; and I should rather + conclude the whole to be a work of honest simplicity; and that the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage48" id="Bpage48"></a>{48}</span> sense of + worldly dignity associated with the title, in a degree habitual to our + ancestors, but which at this time we can but feebly sympathize with, and + the imaginative feeling involved—viz. the saintly and chivalrous + name of the champion of England, were unaffectedly linked together: and + that both were united and consolidated in the author's mind, and in the + minds of his contemporaries whom no doubt he had pleased, by a devout + contemplation of a happy immortality, the reward of the just. + </p> + <p> + At all events, leaving this particular case undecided, the general + propriety of these notices cannot be doubted; and I gladly avail myself + of this opportunity to place in a clear view the power and majesty of + impassioned faith, whatever be its object: to shew how it subjugates the + lighter motions of the mind, and sweeps away superficial difference in + things. And this I have done, not to lower the witling and the worldling + in their own esteem, but with a wish to bring the ingenuous into still + closer communion with those primary sensations of the human heart, which + are the vital springs of sublime and pathetic composition, in this and + in every other kind. And as from these primary sensations such + composition speaks, so, unless correspondent ones listen promptly and + submissively in the inner cell of the mind to whom it is addressed, the + voice cannot be heard; its highest powers are wasted. + </p> + <p> + These suggestions may be further useful to establish a criterion of + sincerity, by which a writer may be judged; and this is of high import. + For, when a man is treating an interesting subject, or one which he + ought not to treat at all unless he be interested, no faults have such a + killing power as those which prove that he is not in earnest, that he is + acting a part, has leisure for affectation, and feels that without it he + could do nothing. This is one of the most odious of faults; because it + shocks the moral sense, and is worse in a sepulchral inscription, + precisely in the same degree as that mode of composition calls for + sincerity more urgently than any other. And indeed where the internal + evidence proves that the writer was moved, in other words where this + charm of sincerity lurks in the language of a tomb-stone and secretly + pervades it, there are no errors in style or manner for which it will + not be, in some degree, a recompence; but without habits of reflection a + test of this inward <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage49" id="Bpage49"></a>{49}</span> + simplicity cannot be come at; and as I have said, I am now writing with + a hope to assist the well-disposed to attain it. + </p> + <p> + Let us take an instance where no one can be at a loss. The following + lines are said to have been written by the illustrious Marquis of + Montrose with the point of his sword, upon being informed of the death + of his master, Charles I.: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Great, good, and just, could I but rate<br /></span> <span>My + griefs, and thy so rigid fate;<br /></span> <span>I'd weep the world to + such a strain,<br /></span> <span>As it should deluge once again.<br /></span> + <span>But since thy loud-tongued blood demands supplies,<br /></span> + <span>More from Briareus' hands than Argus' eyes,<br /></span> <span>I'll + sing thy obsequies with trumpets' sounds<br /></span> <span>And write + thy epitaph with blood and wounds.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + These funereal verses would certainly be wholly out of their place upon + a tomb-stone; but who can doubt that the writer was transported to the + height of the occasion? that he was moved as it became an heroic + soldier, holding those principles and opinions, to be moved? His soul + labours;—the most tremendous event in the history of the planet—namely, + the deluge, is brought before his imagination by the physical image of + tears,—a connection awful from its very remoteness and from the + slender band that unites the ideas:—it passes into the region of + fable likewise; for all modes of existence that forward his purpose are + to be pressed into the service. The whole is instinct with spirit, and + every word has its separate life; like the chariot of the Messiah, and + the wheels of that chariot, as they appeared to the imagination of + Milton aided by that of the prophet Ezekiel. It had power to move of + itself, but was conveyed by cherubs. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10">— with stars their bodies all<br /></span> + <span>And wings were set with eyes, with eyes the wheels<br /></span> + <span>Of beryl, and careering fires between.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage50" id="Bpage50"></a>{50}</span> + <p> + Compare with the above verses of Montrose the following epitaph upon Sir + Philip Sidney, which was formerly placed over his grave in St. Paul's + Church. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>England, Netherland, the Heavens, and the Arts,<br /></span> + <span>The Soldiers, and the World, have made six parts<br /></span> + <span>Of noble Sidney; for who will suppose<br /></span> <span>That a + small heap of stones can Sidney enclose?<br /></span> <span>England + hath his Body, for she it fed,<br /></span> <span>Netherland his Blood, + in her defence shed:<br /></span> <span>The Heavens have his Soul, the + Arts have his Fame,<br /></span> <span>The Soldiers the grief, the + World his good Name.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + There were many points in which the case of Sidney resembled that of + Charles I. He was a sovereign, but of a nobler kind—a sovereign in + the hearts of men; and after his premature death he was truly, as he + hath been styled, 'the world-mourned Sidney.' So fondly did the + admiration of his contemporaries settle upon him, that the sudden + removal of a man so good, great, and thoroughly accomplished, wrought + upon many even to repining, and to the questioning the dispensations of + Providence. Yet he, whom Spenser and all the men of genius of his age + had tenderly bemoaned, is thus commemorated upon his tomb-stone; and to + add to the indignity, the memorial is nothing more than the second-hand + coat of a French commander! It is a servile translation from a French + epitaph, which says Weever, 'was by some English Wit happily imitated + and ingeniously applied to the honour of our worthy chieftain.' Yet + Weever in a foregoing paragraph thus expresses himself upon the same + subject; giving without his own knowledge, in my opinion, an example of + the manner in which an epitaph ought to have been composed: 'But I + cannot pass over in silence Sir Philip Sidney, the elder brother, being + (to use Camden's words) the glorious star of this family, a lively + pattern of virtue, and the lovely joy of all the learned sort; who + fighting valiantly with the enemy before Zutphen in Geldesland, dyed + manfully. This is that Sidney, whom, as God's will was, he should + therefore be born into the world even to shew unto our age a sample of + ancient virtues: so His good pleasure was, before any man looked for it, + to call for him again and take him out of the world, as being more + worthy of heaven than earth. Thus we may see perfect virtue suddenly + vanisheth out of sight, and the best men continue not long.' + </p> + <p> + There can be no need to analyse this simple effusion of the moment in + order to contrast it with the laboured composition before given; the + difference will flash upon the Reader at once. But I may say it is not + likely that such a frigid composition as the former would have ever been + applied to a man whose death had so stirred up the hearts of his + contemporaries, if it <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage51" + id="Bpage51"></a>{51}</span> had not been felt that something different + from that nature which each man carried in his own breast was in his + case requisite; and that a certain straining of mind was inseparable + from the subject. Accordingly, an epitaph is adopted in which the Writer + had turned from the genuine affections and their self-forgetting + inspirations, to the end that his understanding, or the faculty + designated by the word <i>head</i> as opposed to <i>heart</i>, might + curiously construct a fabric to be wondered at. Hyperbole in the + language of Montrose is a mean instrument made mighty because wielded by + an afflicted soul, and strangeness is here the order of Nature. Montrose + stretched after remote things, but was at the same time propelled + towards them; the French Writer goes deliberately in search of them: no + wonder then if what he brings home does not prove worth the carriage. + </p> + <p> + Let us return to an instance of common life. I quote it with reluctance, + not so much for its absurdity as that the expression in one place will + strike at first sight as little less than impious; and it is indeed, + though unintentionally so, most irreverent. But I know no other example + that will so forcibly illustrate the important truth I wish to + establish. The following epitaph is to be found in a church-yard in + Westmoreland; which the present Writer has reason to think of with + interest as it contains the remains of some of his ancestors and + kindred. The date is 1678. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Under this Stone, Reader, inter'd doth lye,<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Beauty and Virtue's true epitomy.<br /></span> <span>At her + appearance the noone-son<br /></span> <span class="i2">Blush'd and + shrunk in 'cause quite outdon.<br /></span> <span>In her concentered + did all graces dwell:<br /></span> <span class="i2">God pluck'd my rose + that He might take a smel.<br /></span> <span>I'll say no more: but + weeping wish I may<br /></span> <span class="i2">Soone with thy dear + chaste ashes com to lay.<br /></span> <span class="i14">Sic efflevit + Maritus.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Can anything go beyond this in extravagance? yet, if the fundamental + thoughts be translated into a natural style, they will be found + reasonable and affecting—'The woman who lies here interred, was in + my eyes a perfect image of beauty and virtue; she was to me a brighter + object than the sun in heaven: God took her, who was my delight, from + this earth to bring her nearer to Himself. Nothing further is worthy to + be <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage52" id="Bpage52"></a>{52}</span> + said than that weeping I wish soon to lie by thy dear chaste ashes. Thus + did the husband pour out his tears.' + </p> + <p> + These verses are preceded by a brief account of the lady, in Latin + prose, in which the little that is said is the uncorrupted language of + affection. But, without this introductory communication I should myself + have had no doubt, after recovering from the first shock of surprize and + disapprobation, that this man, notwithstanding his extravagant + expressions, was a sincere mourner; and that his heart, during the very + act of composition, was moved. These fantastic images, though they stain + the writing, stained not her soul,—they did not even touch it; but + hung like globules of rain suspended above a green leaf, along which + they may roll and leave no trace that they have passed over it. This + simple-hearted man must have been betrayed by a common notion that what + was natural in prose would be out of place in verse;—that it is + not the Muse which puts on the garb but the garb which makes the Muse. + And having adopted this notion at a time when vicious writings of this + kind accorded with the public taste, it is probable that, in the excess + of his modesty, the blankness of his inexperience, and the intensity of + his affection, he thought that the further he wandered from Nature in + his language the more would he honour his departed consort, who now + appeared to him to have surpassed humanity in the excellence of her + endowments. The quality of his fault and its very excess are both in + favour of this conclusion. + </p> + <p> + Let us contrast this epitaph with one taken from a celebrated Writer of + the last century. + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + <i>To the memory of</i> LUCY LYTTLETON, <i>Daughter &c. who + departed this life &c. aged</i> 20.<i> Having employed the short + time assigned to her here in the uniform practice of religion and + virtue</i>. + </p> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Made to engage all hearts, and charm all eyes,<br /></span> <span>Though + meek, magnanimous; though witty, wise;<br /></span> <span>Polite, as + all her life in Courts had been;<br /></span> <span>Yet good, as she + the world had never seen;<br /></span> <span>The noble fire of an + exalted mind,<br /></span> <span>With gentle female tenderness + combined.<br /></span> <span>Her speech was the melodious voice of + love,<br /></span> <span>Her song the warbling of the vernal grove;<br /></span> + <span>Her eloquence was sweeter than her song,<br /></span> <span>Soft + as her heart, and as her reason strong;<br /></span> <span>Her form + each beauty of the mind express'd,<br /></span> <span>Her mind was + Virtue by the Graces drest.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage53" id="Bpage53"></a>{53}</span> + <p> + The prose part of this inscription has the appearance of being intended + for a tomb-stone; but there is nothing in the verse that would suggest + such a thought. The composition is in the style of those laboured + portraits in words which we sometimes see placed at the bottom of a + print to fill up lines of expression which the bungling Artist had left + imperfect. We know from other evidence that Lord Lyttleton dearly loved + his wife; he has indeed composed a monody to her memory which proves + this, and she was an amiable woman; neither of which facts could have + been gathered from these inscriptive verses. This epitaph would derive + little advantage from being translated into another style as the former + was; for there is no under current; no skeleton or staminae of thought + and feeling. The Reader will perceive at once that nothing in the heart + of the Writer had determined either the choice, the order or the + expression, of the ideas; that there is no interchange of action from + within and from without; that the connections are mechanical and + arbitrary, and the lowest kind of these—heart and eyes: petty + alliterations, as meek and magnanimous, witty and wise, combined with + oppositions in thoughts where there is no necessary or natural + opposition. Then follow voice, song, eloquence, form, mind—each + enumerated by a separate act as if the Author had been making a <i>Catalogue + Raisonné</i>. + </p> + <p> + These defects run through the whole; the only tolerable verse is, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Her speech was the melodious voice of love.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Observe, the question is not which of these epitaphs is better or worse; + but which faults are of a worse kind. In the former case we have a + mourner whose soul is occupied by grief and urged forward by his + admiration. He deems in his simplicity that no hyperbole can transcend + the perfections of her whom he has lost; for the version which I have + given fairly demonstrates that, in spite of his outrageous expressions, + the under current of his thoughts was natural and pure. We have + therefore in him the example of a mind during the act of composition + misled by false taste to the highest possible degree; and, in that of + Lord Lyttleton, we have one of a feeling heart, not merely misled, but + wholly laid asleep by the same power. Lord Lyttleton could not have + written in this way upon such a subject, if he had not been seduced by + the example of Pope, whose sparkling <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage54" id="Bpage54"></a>{54}</span> and tuneful manner had + bewitched the men of letters his contemporaries, and corrupted the + judgment of the nation through all ranks of society. So that a great + portion of original genius was necessary to embolden a man to write + faithfully to Nature upon any affecting subject if it belonged to a + class of composition in which Pope had furnished examples. + </p> + <p> + I am anxious not to be misunderstood. It has already been stated that in + this species of composition above every other, our sensations and + judgments depend upon our opinion or feeling of the Author's state of + mind. Literature is here so far identified with morals, the quality of + the act so far determined by our notion of the aim and purpose of the + agent, that nothing can please us, however well executed in its kind, if + we are persuaded that the primary virtues of sincerity, earnestness and + a moral interest in the main object are wanting. Insensibility here + shocks us, and still more so if manifested by a Writer going wholly out + of his way in search of supposed beauties, which if he were truly moved + he could set no value upon, could not even think of. We are struck in + this case not merely with a sense of disproportion and unfitness, but we + cannot refrain from attributing no small part of his intellectual to a + moral demerit. And here the difficulties of the question begin, namely + in ascertaining what errors in the choice of or the mode of expressing + the thoughts, most surely indicate the want of that which is most + indispensible. Bad taste, whatever shape it may put on, is injurious to + the heart and the understanding. If a man attaches much interest to the + faculty of taste as it exists in himself and employs much time in those + studies of which this faculty (I use the word taste in its comprehensive + though most unjustifiable sense) is reckoned the arbiter, certain it is + his moral notions and dispositions must either be purified and + strengthened or corrupted and impaired. How can it be otherwise, when + his ability to enter into the spirit of works in literature must depend + upon his feelings, his imagination and his understanding, that is upon + his recipient, upon his creative or active and upon his judging powers, + and upon the accuracy and compass of his knowledge, in fine upon all + that makes up the moral and intellectual man. What is true of + individuals is equally true of nations. Nevertheless a man called to a + task in which he is not practised, may have his expression thoroughly + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage55" id="Bpage55"></a>{55}</span> + defiled and clogged by the style prevalent in his age, yet still, + through the force of circumstances that have roused him, his under + feeling may remain strong and pure; yet this may be wholly concealed + from common view. Indeed the favourite style of different ages is so + different and wanders so far from propriety that if it were not that + first rate Writers in all nations and tongues are governed by common + principles, we might suppose that truth and nature were things not to be + looked for in books; hence to an unpractised Reader the productions of + every age will present obstacles in various degrees hard to surmount; a + deformity of style not the worst in itself but of that kind with which + he is least familiar will on the one hand be most likely to render him + insensible to a pith and power which may be within, and on the other + hand he will be the least able to see through that sort of falsehood + which is most prevalent in the works of his own time. Many of my + Readers, to apply these general observations to the present case, must + have derived pleasure from the epitaph of Lord Lyttleton and no doubt + will be startled at the comparison I have made; but bring it to the test + recommended it will then be found that its faults, though not in degree + so intolerable, are in kind more radical and deadly than those of the + strange composition with which it has been compared. + </p> + <p> + The course which we have taken having brought us to the name of this + distinguished Writer—Pope—I will in this place give a few + observations upon his Epitaphs,—the largest collection we have in + our language, from the pen of any Writer of eminence. As the epitaphs of + Pope and also those of Chiabrera, which occasioned this dissertation, + are in metre, it may be proper here to enquire how far the notion of a + perfect epitaph, as given in a former Paper, may be modified by the + choice of metre for the vehicle, in preference to prose. If our opinions + be just, it is manifest that the basis must remain the same in either + case; and that the difference can only lie in the superstructure; and it + is equally plain, that a judicious man will be less disposed in this + case than in any other to avail himself of the liberty given by metre to + adopt phrases of fancy, or to enter into the more remote regions of + illustrative imagery. For the occasion of writing an epitaph is + matter-of-fact in its intensity, and forbids more authoritatively than + any other species of composition all <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage56" id="Bpage56"></a>{56}</span> modes of fiction, except + those which the very strength of passion has created; which have been + acknowledged by the human heart, and have become so familiar that they + are converted into substantial realities. When I come to the epitaphs of + Chiabrera, I shall perhaps give instances in which I think he has not + written under the impression of this truth; where the poetic imagery + does not elevate, deepen, or refine the human passion, which it ought + always to do or not to act at all, but excludes it. In a far greater + degree are Pope's epitaphs debased by faults into which he could not I + think have fallen if he had written in prose as a plain man and not as a + metrical Wit. I will transcribe from Pope's Epitaphs the one upon Mrs. + Corbet (who died of a cancer), Dr. Johnson having extolled it highly and + pronounced it the best of the collection. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Here rests a woman, good without pretence,<br /></span> <span>Blest + with plain reason and with sober sense;<br /></span> <span>No conquest + she but o'er herself desir'd;<br /></span> <span>No arts essayed, but + not to be admir'd.<br /></span> <span>Passion and pride were to her + soul unknown,<br /></span> <span>Convinc'd that virtue only is our own.<br /></span> + <span>So unaffected, so compos'd a mind,<br /></span> <span>So firm yet + soft, so strong yet so refin'd,<br /></span> <span>Heaven as its purest + gold by tortures tried,<br /></span> <span>The saint sustain'd it, but + the woman died.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This <i>may</i> be the best of Pope's Epitaphs; but if the standard + which we have fixed be a just one, it cannot be approved of. First, it + must be observed, that in the epitaphs of this Writer, the true impulse + is wanting, and that his motions must of necessity be feeble. For he has + no other aim than to give a favourable portrait of the character of the + deceased. Now mark the process by which this is performed. Nothing is + represented implicitly, that is, with its accompaniment of + circumstances, or conveyed by its effects. The Author forgets that it is + a living creature that must interest us and not an intellectual + existence, which a mere character is. Insensible to this distinction the + brain of the Writer is set at work to report as flatteringly as he may + of the mind of his subject; the good qualities are separately abstracted + (can it be otherwise than coldly and unfeelingly?) and put together + again as coldly and unfeelingly. The epitaph now before us owes what + exemption it may have from these defects in its general plan to the + excruciating disease of which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage57" + id="Bpage57"></a>{57}</span> the lady died; but it is liable to the same + censure, and is, like the rest, further objectionable in this; namely, + that the thoughts have their nature changed and moulded by the vicious + expression in which they are entangled, to an excess rendering them + wholly unfit for the place they occupy. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Here rests a woman, good without pretence,<br /></span> <span>Blest + with plain reason—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + from which <i>sober sense</i> is not sufficiently distinguishable. This + verse and a half, and the one 'so unaffected, so composed a mind,' are + characteristic, and the expression is true to nature; but they are, if I + may take the liberty of saying it, the only parts of the epitaph which + have this merit. Minute criticism is in its nature irksome, and as + commonly practiced in books and conversation, is both irksome and + injurious. Yet every mind must occasionally be exercised in this + discipline, else it cannot learn the art of bringing words rigorously to + the test of thoughts; and these again to a comparison with things, their + archetypes, contemplated first in themselves, and secondly in relation + to each other; in all which processes the mind must be skilful, + otherwise it will be perpetually imposed upon. In the next couplet the + word <i>conquest</i>, is applied in a manner that would have been + displeasing even from its triteness in a copy of complimentary verses to + a fashionable Beauty; but to talk of making conquests in an epitaph is + not to be endured. 'No arts essayed, but not to be admired,'—are + words expressing that she had recourse to artifices to conceal her + amiable and admirable qualities; and the context implies that there was + a merit in this; which surely no sane mind would allow. But the meaning + of the Author, simply and honestly given, was nothing more than that she + shunned admiration, probably with a more apprehensive modesty than was + common; and more than this would have been inconsistent with the praise + bestowed upon her—that she had an unaffected mind. This couplet is + further objectionable, because the sense of love and peaceful admiration + which such a character naturally inspires, is disturbed by an oblique + and ill-timed stroke of satire. She is not praised so much as others are + blamed, and is degraded by the Author in thus being made a covert or + stalking-horse for gratifying a propensity the most abhorrent from her + own nature—'Passion and pride were to her soul unknown.' It cannot + be meant that she had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage58" + id="Bpage58"></a>{58}</span> no passions, but that they were moderate + and kept in subordination to her reason; but the thought is not here + expressed; nor is it clear that a conviction in the understanding that + 'virtue only is our own,' though it might suppress her pride, would be + itself competent to govern or abate many other affections and passions + to which our frail nature is, and ought in various degrees, to be + subject. In fact, the Author appears to have had no precise notion of + his own meaning. If she was 'good without pretence,' it seems + unnecessary to say that she was not proud. Dr. Johnson, making an + exception of the verse, 'Convinced that virtue only is our own,' praises + this epitaph for 'containing nothing taken from common places.' Now in + fact, as may be deduced from the principles of this discourse, it is not + only no fault but a primary requisite in an epitaph that it shall + contain thoughts and feelings which are in their substance common-place, + and even trite. It is grounded upon the universal intellectual property + of man,—sensations which all men have felt and feel in some degree + daily and hourly;—truths whose very interest and importance have + caused them to be unattended to, as things which could take care of + themselves. But it is required that these truths should be instinctively + ejaculated or should rise irresistibly from circumstances; in a word + that they should be uttered in such connection as shall make it felt + that they are not adopted, not spoken by rote, but perceived in their + whole compass with the freshness and clearness of an original intuition. + The Writer must introduce the truth with such accompaniment as shall + imply that he has mounted to the sources of things, penetrated the dark + cavern from which the river that murmurs in every one's ear has flowed + from generation to generation. The line 'Virtue only is our own,'—is + objectionable, not from the common-placeness of the truth, but from the + vapid manner in which it is conveyed. A similar sentiment is expressed + with appropriate dignity in an epitaph by Chiabrera, where he makes the + Archbishop of Albino say of himself, that he was + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i5">— smitten by the great ones of the world,<br /></span> + <span>But did not fall; for virtue braves all shocks,<br /></span> + <span>Upon herself resting immoveably.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + 'So firm yet soft, so strong yet so refined': These intellectual + operations (while they can be conceived of as operations of intel<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage59" id="Bpage59"></a>{59}</span> lect at + all, for in fact one half of the process is mechanical, words doing + their own work and one half of the line manufacturing the rest) remind + me of the motions of a Posture-master, or of a man balancing a sword + upon his finger, which must be kept from falling at all hazards. 'The + saint sustained it, but the woman died.' Let us look steadily at this + antithesis: the <i>saint</i>, that is her soul strengthened by religion, + supported the anguish of her disease with patience and resignation; but + the <i>woman</i>, that is her body (for if anything else is meant by the + word woman, it contradicts the former part of the proposition and the + passage is nonsense), was overcome. Why was not this simply expressed; + without playing with the Reader's fancy, to the delusion and dishonour + of his understanding, by a trifling epigramatic point? But alas! ages + must pass away before men will have their eyes open to the beauty and + majesty of Truth, and will be taught to venerate Poetry no further than + as she is a handmaid pure as her mistress—the noblest handmaid in + her train! + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage60" id="Bpage60"></a>{60}</span> + <h3> + <a name="c_CELEBRATED_EPITAPHS_CONSIDERED_From_the_Authors_Mss" + id="c_CELEBRATED_EPITAPHS_CONSIDERED_From_the_Authors_Mss"></a><i>(c)</i> + CELEBRATED EPITAPHS CONSIDERED. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>From the Author's Mss</i>. + </h4> + <p> + I vindicate the rights and dignity of Nature; and as long as I condemn + nothing without assigning reasons not lightly given, I cannot suffer any + individual, however highly and deservedly honoured by my countrymen, to + stand in my way. If my notions are right, the epitaphs of Pope cannot + well be too severely condemned; for not only are they almost wholly + destitute of those universal feelings and simple movements of mind which + we have called for as indispensible, but they are little better than a + tissue of false thoughts, languid and vague expressions, unmeaning + antithesis, and laborious attempts at discrimination. Pope's mind had + been employed chiefly in observation upon the vices and follies of men. + Now, vice and folly are in contradiction with the moral principle which + can never be extinguished in the mind; and therefore, wanting the + contrast, are irregular, capricious, and inconsistent with themselves. + If a man has once said (see <i>Friend</i>, No......), 'Evil, be thou my + good!' and has acted accordingly, however strenuous may have been his + adherence to this principle, it will be well known by those who have had + an opportunity of observing him narrowly that there have been perpetual + obliquities in his course; evil passions thwarting each other in various + ways; and now and then, revivals of his better nature, which check him + for a short time or lead him to remeasure his steps:—not to speak + of the various necessities of counterfeiting virtue, which the + furtherance of his schemes will impose upon him, and the division which + will be consequently introduced into his nature. + </p> + <p> + It is reasonable then that Cicero, when holding up Catiline to + detestation; and (without going to such an extreme case) that Dryden and + Pope, when they are describing characters like Buckingham, Shaftsbury, + and the Duchess of Marlborough, should represent qualities and actions + at war with each other and with themselves; and that the page should be + suitably crowded with antithetical expressions. But all this argues an + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage61" id="Bpage61"></a>{61}</span> + obtuse moral sensibility and a consequent want of knowledge, if applied + where virtue ought to be described in the language of affectionate + admiration. In the mind of the truly great and good everything that is + of importance is at peace with itself; all is stillness, sweetness and + stable grandeur. Accordingly the contemplation of virtue is attended + with repose. A lovely quality, if its loveliness be clearly perceived, + fastens the mind with absolute sovereignty upon itself; permitting or + inciting it to pass, by smooth gradation or gentle transition, to some + other kindred quality. Thus a perfect image of meekness (I refer to an + instance before given) when looked at by a tender mind in its happiest + mood, might easily lead on to thoughts of magnanimity; for assuredly + there is nothing incongruous in those virtues. But the mind would not + then be separated from the person who is the object of its thoughts; it + would still be confined to that person or to others of the same general + character; that is, would be kept within the circle of qualities which + range themselves quietly by each other's sides. Whereas, when meekness + and magnanimity are represented antithetically, the mind is not only + carried from the main object, but is compelled to turn to a subject in + which the quality exists divided from some other as noble, its natural + ally: a painful feeling! that checks the course of love, and repels the + sweet thoughts that might be settling round the person whom it was the + Author's wish to endear to us; but for whom, after this interruption, we + no longer care. If then a man, whose duty it is to praise departed + excellence not without some sense of regret or sadness, to do this or to + be silent, should upon all occasions exhibit that mode of connecting + thoughts, which is only natural while we are delineating vice under + certain relations, we may be assured that the nobler sympathies are not + alive in him; that he has no clear insight into the internal + constitution of virtue; nor has himself been soothed, cheared, + harmonized, by those outward effects which follow everywhere her goings,—declaring + the presence of the invisible Deity. And though it be true that the most + admirable of them must fall far short of perfection, and that the + majority of those whose work is commemorated upon their tomb-stones must + have been persons in whom good and evil were intermixed in various + proportions and stood in various degrees of opposition to each other, + yet the Reader will <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage62" id="Bpage62"></a>{62}</span> + remember what has been said before upon that medium of love, sorrow and + admiration, through which a departed friend is viewed; how it softens + down or removes these harshnesses and contradictions, which moreover + must be supposed never to have been grievous: for there can be no true + love but between the good; and no epitaph ought to be written upon a bad + man, except for a warning. + </p> + <p> + The purpose of the remarks given in the last Essay was chiefly to assist + the Reader in separating truth and sincerity from falsehood and + affectation; presuming that if the unction of a devout heart be wanting + everything else is of no avail. It was shewn that a current of just + thought and feeling may flow under a surface of illustrative imagery so + impure as to produce an effect the opposite of that which was intended. + Yet, though this fault may be carried to an intolerable <i>degree</i>, + the Reader will have gathered that in our estimation it is not <i>in + kind</i> the most offensive and injurious. We have contrasted it in its + excess with instances where the genuine current or vein was wholly + wanting; where the thoughts and feelings had no vital union, but were + artificially connected, or formally accumulated, in a manner that would + imply discontinuity and feebleness of mind upon any occasion, but still + more reprehensible here! + </p> + <p> + I will proceed to give milder examples not in this last kind but in the + former; namely of failure from various causes where the ground-work is + good. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Take holy earth! all that my soul holds dear:<br /></span> <span>Take + that best gift which Heaven so lately gave:<br /></span> <span>To + Bristol's fount I bore with trembling care,<br /></span> <span>Her + faded form. She bow'd to taste the wave—<br /></span> <span>And + died. Does youth, does beauty read the line?<br /></span> <span>Does + sympathetic fear their breasts alarm?<br /></span> <span>Speak, dead + Maria! breathe a strain divine;<br /></span> <span>Even from the grave + thou shalt have power to charm.<br /></span> <span>Bid them in duty's + sphere as meekly move:<br /></span> <span>And if so fair, from vanity + as free,<br /></span> <span>As firm in friendship, and as fond in love;<br /></span> + <span>Tell them, tho 'tis an awful thing to die,<br /></span> <span>('Twas + e'en to thee) yet, the dread path once trod;<br /></span> <span>Heaven + lifts its everlasting portals high,<br /></span> <span>And bids 'the + pure in heart behold their God.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This epitaph has much of what we have demanded; but it is debased in + some instances by weakness of expression, in others <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage63" id="Bpage63"></a>{63}</span> by false prettiness. 'She + bow'd to taste the wave, and died.' The plain truth was, she drank the + Bristol waters which failed to restore her, and her death soon followed; + but the expression involves a multitude of petty occupations for the + fancy. 'She bow'd': was there any truth in this? 'to taste the wave': + the water of a mineral spring which must have been drunk out of a + goblet. Strange application of the word 'wave' and 'died': This would + have been a just expression if the water had killed her; but, as it is, + the tender thought involved in the disappointment of a hope however + faint is left unexpressed; and a shock of surprise is given, + entertaining perhaps to a light fancy but to a steady mind + unsatisfactory, because false. 'Speak! dead Maria, breathe a strain + divine'! This sense flows nobly from the heart and the imagination; but + perhaps it is not one of those impassioned thoughts which should be + fixed in language upon a sepulchral stone. It is in its nature too + poignant and transitory. A husband meditating by his wife's grave would + throw off such a feeling, and would give voice to it; and it would be in + its place in a Monody to her memory; but if I am not mistaken, ought to + have been suppressed here, or uttered after a different manner. The + implied impersonation of the deceased (according to the tenor of what + has before been said) ought to have been more general and shadowy. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And if so fair, from vanity as free,<br /></span> <span>As firm + in friendship and as fond in love;<br /></span> <span>Tell them—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + These are two sweet verses, but the word 'fair' is improper; for + unquestionably it was not intended that their title to receive this + assurance should depend at all upon their personal beauty. Moreover in + this couplet and in what follows, the long suspension of the sense + excites the expectation of a thought less common than the concluding + one; and is an instance of a failure in doing what is most needful and + most difficult in an epitaph to do; namely to give to universally + received truths a pathos and spirit which shall re-admit them into the + soul like revelations of the moment. + </p> + <p> + I have said that this excellence is difficult to attain; and why? Is it + because nature is weak? No! Where the soul has been thoroughly stricken + (and Heaven knows the course of life must have placed all men, at some + time or other, in that condi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage64" + id="Bpage64"></a>{64}</span> tion) there is never a want of <i>positive</i> + strength; but because the adversary of Nature (call that adversary Art + or by what name you will) is <i>comparatively</i> strong. The + far-searching influence of the power, which, for want of a better name, + we will denominate Taste, is in nothing more evinced than in the + changeful character and complexion of that species of composition which + we have been reviewing. Upon a call so urgent, it might be expected that + the affections, the memory, and the imagination would be <i>constrained</i> + to speak their genuine language. Yet, if the few specimens which have + been given in the course of this enquiry, do not demonstrate the fact, + the Reader need only look into any collection of Epitaphs to be + convinced, that the faults predominant in the literature of every age + will be as strongly reflected in the sepulchral inscriptions as any + where; nay perhaps more so, from the anxiety of the Author to do justice + to the occasion: and especially if the composition be in verse; for then + it comes more avowedly in the shape of a work of art; and of course, is + more likely to be coloured by the work of art holden in most esteem at + the time. In a bulky volume of Poetry entitled ELEGANT EXTRACTS IN + VERSE, which must be known to most of my Readers, as it is circulated + everywhere and in fact constitutes at this day the poetical library of + our Schools, I find a number of epitaphs in verse, of the last century; + and there is scarcely one which is not thoroughly tainted by the + artifices which have over-run our writings in metre since the days of + Dryden and Pope. Energy, stillness, grandeur, tenderness, those feelings + which are the pure emanations of Nature, those thoughts which have the + infinitude of truth, and those expressions which are not what the garb + is to the body but what the body is to the soul, themselves a + constituent part and power or function in the thought—all these + are abandoned for their opposites,—as if our countrymen, through + successive generations, had lost the sense of solemnity and pensiveness + (not to speak of deeper emotions) and resorted to the tombs of their + forefathers and contemporaries, only to be tickled and surprised. Would + we not recoil from such gratification, in such a place, if the general + literature of the country had not co-operated with other causes + insidiously to weaken our sensibilities and deprave our judgments? + Doubtless, there are shocks of event and circumstance, public and + private, by which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage65" id="Bpage65"></a>{65}</span> + for all minds the truths of Nature will be elicited; but sorrow for that + individual or people to whom these special interferences are necessary, + to bring them into communion with the inner spirit of things! for such + intercourse must be profitless in proportion as it is unfrequently + irregular and transient. Words are too awful an instrument for good and + evil, to be trifled with; they hold above all other external powers a + dominion over thoughts. If words be not (recurring to a metaphor before + used) an incarnation of the thought, but only a clothing for it, then + surely will they prove an ill gift; such a one as those possessed + vestments, read of in the stories of superstitious times, which had + power to consume and to alienate from his right mind the victim who put + them on. Language, if it do not uphold, and feed, and leave in quiet, + like the power of gravitation or the air we breathe, is a + counter-spirit, unremittingly and noiselessly at work, to subvert, to + lay waste, to vitiate, and to dissolve. From a deep conviction then that + the excellence of writing, whether in prose or verse, consists in a + conjunction of Reason and Passion, a conjunction which must be of + necessity benign; and that it might be deduced from what has been said + that the taste, intellectual power and morals of a country are + inseparably linked in mutual dependence, I have dwelt thus long upon + this argument. And the occasion justifies me; for how could the tyranny + of bad taste be brought home to the mind more aptly than by showing in + what degree the feelings of nature yield to it when we are rendering to + our friends the solemn testimony of our love? more forcibly than by + giving proof that thoughts cannot, even upon this impulse, assume an + outward life without a transmutation and a fall. + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>Epitaph on Miss Drummond in the Church of Broadsworth, Yorkshire</i>.<br /> + MASON. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Here sleeps what once was beauty, once was grace;<br /></span> + <span>Grace, that with tenderness and sense combin'd<br /></span> <span>To + form that harmony of soul and face,<br /></span> <span>Where beauty + shines, the mirror of the mind.<br /></span> <span>Such was the maid, + that in the morn of youth,<br /></span> <span>In virgin innocence, in + Nature's pride,<br /></span> <span>Blest with each art, that owes its + charm to truth,<br /></span> <span>Sunk in her Father's fond embrace, + and died.<br /></span> <span>He weeps: O venerate the holy tear!<br /></span> + <span>Faith lends her aid to ease Affliction's load;<br /></span><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage66" id="Bpage66"></a>{66}</span> <span>The + parent mourns his child upon the bier,<br /></span> <span>The Christian + yields an angel to his God.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The following is a translation from the Latin, communicated to a Lady in + her childhood and by her preserved in memory. I regret that I have not + seen the original. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">She is gone—my beloved daughter Eliza is gone,<br /></span> + <span class="i6">Fair, cheerful, benign, my child is gone.<br /></span> + <span class="i2">Thee long to be regretted a Father mourns,<br /></span> + <span>Regretted—but thanks to the most perfect God! not lost.<br /></span> + <span class="i6">For a happier age approaches<br /></span> <span + class="i2">When again, my child, I shall behold<br /></span> <span + class="i6">And live with thee for ever.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Matthew Dobson to his dear, engaging, happy Eliza<br /></span> + <span class="i8">Who in the 18th year of her age<br /></span> <span + class="i8">Passed peaceably into heaven.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The former of these epitaphs is very far from being the worst of its + kind, and on that account I have placed the two in contrast. + Unquestionably, as the Father in the latter speaks in his own person, + the situation is much more pathetic; but, making due allowance for this + advantage, who does not here feel a superior truth and sanctity, which + is not dependent upon this circumstance but merely the result of the + expression and the connection of the thoughts? I am not so fortunate as + to have any knowledge of the Author of this affecting composition, but I + much fear if he had called in the assistance of English verse the better + to convey his thoughts, such sacrifices would, from various influences, + have been made <i>even by him</i>, that, though he might have excited + admiration in thousands, he would have truly moved no one. The latter + part of the following by Gray is almost the only instance among the + metrical epitaphs in our language of the last century, which I remember, + of affecting thoughts rising naturally and keeping themselves pure from + vicious diction; and therefore retaining their appropriate power over + the mind. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i3"><i>Epitaph on Mrs. Clark</i>.<br /></span> <span>Lo! + where the silent marble weeps,<br /></span> <span>A friend, a wife, a + mother, sleeps;<br /></span> <span>A heart, within whose sacred cell<br /></span> + <span>The peaceful virtues lov'd to dwell.<br /></span> <span>Affection + warm, and love sincere,<br /></span> <span>And soft humanity were + there.<br /></span> <span>In agony, in death resigned,<br /></span> + <span>She felt the wound she left behind.<br /></span><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage67" id="Bpage67"></a>{67}</span> <span>Her + infant image, here below,<br /></span> <span>Sits smiling on a father's + woe;<br /></span> <span>Whom what awaits, while yet he strays<br /></span> + <span>Along the lonely vale of days?<br /></span> <span>A pang to + secret sorrow dear;<br /></span> <span>A sigh, an unavailing tear,<br /></span> + <span>Till time shall every grief remove,<br /></span> <span>With life, + with meaning, and with love.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + I have been speaking of faults which are aggravated by temptations + thrown in the way of modern Writers when they compose in metre. The + first six lines of this epitaph are vague and languid, more so than I + think would have been possible had it been written in prose. Yet Gray, + who was so happy in the remaining part, especially the last four lines, + has grievously failed <i>in prose</i> upon a subject which it might have + been expected would have bound him indissolubly to the propriety of + Nature and comprehensive reason. I allude to the conclusion of the + epitaph upon his mother, where he says, 'she was the careful tender + mother of many children, one of whom alone had the misfortune to survive + her.' This is a searching thought, but wholly out of place. Had it been + said of an idiot, of a palsied child, or of an adult from any cause + dependent upon his mother to a degree of helplessness which nothing but + maternal tenderness and watchfulness could answer, that he had the + misfortune to survive his mother, the thought would have been just. The + same might also have been wrung from any man (thinking of himself) when + his soul was smitten with compunction or remorse, through the + consciousness of a misdeed from which he might have been preserved (as + he hopes or believes) by his mother's prudence, by her anxious care if + longer continued, or by the reverential fear of offending or disobeying + her. But even then (unless accompanied with a detail of extraordinary + circumstances), if transferred to her monument, it would have been + misplaced, as being too peculiar, and for reasons which have been before + alleged, namely, as too transitory and poignant. But in an ordinary + case, for a man permanently and conspicuously to record that this was + his fixed feeling; what is it but to run counter to the course of + nature, which has made it matter of expectation and congratulation that + parents should die before their children? What is it, if searched to the + bottom, but lurking and sickly selfishness? Does not the regret include + a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage68" id="Bpage68"></a>{68}</span> + wish that the mother should have survived all her offspring, have + witnessed that bitter desolation where the order of things is disturbed + and inverted? And finally, does it not withdraw the attention of the + Reader from the subject to the Author of the Memorial, as one to be + commiserated for his strangely unhappy condition, or to be condemned for + the morbid constitution of his feelings, or for his deficiency in + judgment? A fault of the same kind, though less in degree, is found in + the epitaph of Pope upon Harcourt; of whom it is said that 'he never + gave his father grief but when he died.' I need not point out how many + situations there are in which such an expression of feeling would be + natural and becoming; but in a permanent inscription things only should + be admitted that have an enduring place in the mind; and a nice + selection is required even among these. The Duke of Ormond said of his + son Ossory, 'that he preferred his dead son to any living son in + Christendom,'—a thought which (to adopt an expression used before) + has the infinitude of truth! But though in this there is no momentary + illusion, nothing fugitive, it would still have been unbecoming, had it + been placed in open view over the son's grave; inasmuch as such + expression of it would have had an ostentatious air, and would have + implied a disparagement of others. The sublimity of the sentiment + consists in its being the secret possession of the Father. + </p> + <p> + Having been engaged so long in the ungracious office of sitting in + judgment where I have found so much more to censure than to approve, + though, wherever it was in my power, I have placed good by the side of + evil, that the Reader might intuitively receive the truths which I + wished to communicate, I now turn back with pleasure to Chiabrera; of + whose productions in this department the Reader of the <i>Friend</i> may + be enabled to form a judgment who has attentively perused the few + specimens only which have been given. 'An epitaph,' says Weever, 'is a + superscription (either in verse or prose) or an astrict pithic diagram, + writ, carved, or engraven upon the tomb, grave, or sepulchre of the + defunct, briefly declaring (<i>and that with a kind of commiseration</i>) + the name, the age, the deserts, the dignities, the state, <i>the praises + both of body and minde</i>, the good and bad fortunes in the life, and + the manner and time of the death of the person therein interred.' This + account of an epitaph, which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage69" + id="Bpage69"></a>{69}</span> as far as it goes is just, was no doubt + taken by Weever from the monuments of our own country, and it shews that + in his conception an epitaph was not to be an abstract character of the + deceased but an epitomized biography blended with description by which + an impression of the character was to be conveyed. Bring forward the one + incidental expression, a kind of commiseration, unite with it a concern + on the part of the dead for the well-being of the living made known by + exhortation and admonition, and let this commiseration and concern + pervade and brood over the whole, so that what was peculiar to the + individual shall still be subordinate to a sense of what he had in + common with the species, our notion of a perfect epitaph would then be + realized; and it pleases me to say that this is the very model upon + which those of Chiabrera are for the most part framed. Observe how + exquisitely this is exemplified in the one beginning 'Pause, courteous + stranger! Balbi supplicates,' given in the <i>Friend</i> some weeks ago. + The subject of the epitaph is introduced intreating, not directly in his + own person but through the mouth of the author, that according to the + religious belief of his country a prayer for his soul might be preferred + to the Redeemer of the world: placed in counterpoize with this right + which he has in common with all the dead, his individual earthly + accomplishments appear light to his funeral Biographer as they did to + the person of whom he speaks when alive, nor could Chiabrera have + ventured to touch upon them but under the sanction of this person's + acknowledgment. He then goes on to say how various and profound was his + learning, and how deep a hold it took upon his affections, but that he + weaned himself from these things as vanities, and was devoted in later + life exclusively to the divine truths of the Gospel as the only + knowledge in which he could find perfect rest. Here we are thrown back + upon the introductory supplication and made to feel its especial + propriety in this case; his life was long, and every part of it bore + appropriate fruits. Urbina his birth-place might be proud of him, and + the passenger who was entreated to pray for his soul has a wish breathed + for his welfare. This composition is a perfect whole, there is nothing + arbitrary or mechanical, but it is an organized body, of which the + members are bound together by a common life and are all justly + proportioned. If I had not gone so much into detail I should have given + further <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage70" id="Bpage70"></a>{70}</span> + instances of Chiabrera's Epitaphs, but I must content myself with saying + that if he had abstained from the introduction of heathen mythology, of + which he is lavish—an inexcusable fault for an inhabitant of a + Christian country, yet admitting of some palliation in an Italian who + treads classic soil and has before his eyes the ruins of the temples + which were dedicated to those fictitious beings of objects of worship by + the majestic people his ancestors—had omitted also some + uncharacteristic particulars, and had not on some occasions forgotten + that truth is the soul of passion, he would have left his Readers little + to regret. I do not mean to say that higher and nobler thoughts may not + be found in sepulchral inscriptions than his contain; but he understood + his work, the principles upon which he composed are just. The Reader of + the <i>Friend</i> has had proofs of this: one shall be given of his + mixed manner, exemplifying some of the points in which he has erred. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>O Lelius beauteous flower of gentleness,<br /></span> <span>The + fair Anglaia's friend above all friends:<br /></span> <span>O darling + of the fascinating Loves<br /></span> <span>By what dire envy moved did + Death uproot<br /></span> <span>Thy days e'er yet full blown, and what + ill chance<br /></span> <span>Hath robbed Savona of her noblest grace?<br /></span> + <span>She weeps for thee and shall for ever weep,<br /></span> <span>And + if the fountain of her tears should fail<br /></span> <span>She would + implore Sabete to supply<br /></span> <span>Her need: Sabete, + sympathizing stream,<br /></span> <span>Who on his margin saw thee + close thine eyes<br /></span> <span>On the chaste bosom of thy Lady + dear,<br /></span> <span>Ah, what do riches, what does youth avail?<br /></span> + <span>Dust are our hopes, I weeping did inscribe<br /></span> <span>In + bitterness thy monument, and pray<br /></span> <span>Of every gentle + spirit bitterly<br /></span> <span>To read the record with as copious + tears.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This epitaph is not without some tender thoughts, but a comparison of it + with the one upon the youthful Pozzobonelli (see <i>Friend</i>, No....) + will more clearly shew that Chiabrera has here neglected to ascertain + whether the passions expressed were in kind and degree a dispensation of + reason, or at least commodities issued under her licence and authority. + </p> + <p> + The epitaphs of Chiabrera are twenty-nine in number, all of them save + two probably little known at this day in their own country and scarcely + at all beyond the limits of it; and the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage71" id="Bpage71"></a>{71}</span> Reader is generally made + acquainted with the moral and intellectual excellence which + distinguished them by a brief history of the course of their lives or a + selection of events and circumstances, and thus they are individualized; + but in the two other instances, namely those of Tasso and Raphael, he + enters into no particulars, but contents himself with four lines + expressing one sentiment upon the principle laid down in the former part + of this discourse, where the subject of an epitaph is a man of prime + note. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Torquato Tasso rests within this tomb:<br /></span> <span>This + figure weeping from her inmost heart<br /></span> <span>Is Poesy: from + such impassioned grief<br /></span> <span>Let every one conclude what + this man was.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The epitaph which Chiabrera composed for himself has also an appropriate + brevity and is distinguished for its grandeur, the sentiment being the + same as that which the Reader has before seen so happily enlarged upon. + </p> + <p> + As I am brought back to men of first rate distinction and public + benefactors, I cannot resist the pleasure of transcribing the metrical + part of an epitaph which formerly was inscribed in the church of St. + Paul's to that Bishop of London who prevailed with William the Conqueror + to secure to the inhabitants of the city all the liberties and + privileges which they had enjoyed in the time of Edward the Confessor. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>These marble monuments to thee thy citizens assigne,<br /></span> + <span>Rewards (O Father) farre unfit to those deserts of thine:<br /></span> + <span>Thee unto them a faithful friend, thy London people found,<br /></span> + <span>And to this towne of no small weight, a stay both sure and + sound.<br /></span> <span>Their liberties restorde to them, by means of + thee have beene,<br /></span> <span>Their publicke weale by means of + thee, large gifts have felt and seene:<br /></span> <span>Thy riches, + stocke, and beauty brave, one hour hath them supprest,<br /></span> + <span>Yet these thy virtues and good deeds with us for ever rest.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Thus have I attempted to determine what a sepulchral inscription ought + to be, and taken at the same time a survey of what epitaphs are good and + bad, and have shewn to what deficiencies in sensibility and to what + errors in taste and judgement most commonly are to be ascribed. It was + my intention to have given a few specimens from those of the ancients; + but I have already I fear taken up too much of the Reader's time. I have + not animadverted upon such, alas! far too numerous, as are reprehensible + from the want of moral rectitude in those <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage72" id="Bpage72"></a>{72}</span> who have composed them or + given it to be understood that they should he so composed; boastful and + haughty panegyrics ludicrously contradicting the solid remembrance of those + who knew the deceased; shocking the common sense of mankind by their + extravagance, and affronting the very altar with their impious + falsehood. Those I leave to general scorn, not however without a general + recommendation that they who have offended or may be disposed to offend + in this manner, would take into serious thought the heinousness of their + transgression. + </p> + <p> + Upon reviewing what has been written I think it better here to add a few + favourable specimens such as are ordinarily found in our country + church-yards at this day. If those primary sensations upon which I have + dwelt so much be not stifled in the heart of the Reader, they will be + read with pleasure, otherwise neither these nor more exalted strains can + by him be truly interpreted. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><i>Aged 87 and 83</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Not more with silver hairs than virtue crown'd<br /></span> <span>The + good old pair take up this spot of ground:<br /></span> <span>Tread in + their steps and you will surely find<br /></span> <span>Their Rest + above, below their peace of mind.<br /></span> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <br /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>At the Last Day I'm sure I shall appear,<br /></span> <span>To + meet with Jesus Christ my Saviour dear:<br /></span> <span>Where I do + hope to live with Him in bliss.<br /></span> <span>Oh, what a joy at my + last hour was this!<br /></span> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><i>Aged 3 Months</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>What Christ said once He said to all,<br /></span> <span>Come + unto Me, ye children small:<br /></span> <span>None shall do you any + wrong,<br /></span> <span>For to My Kingdom you belong.<br /></span> + </div> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><i>Aged 10 Weeks</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The Babe was sucking at the breast<br /></span> <span>When God + did call him to his rest.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In an obscure corner of a country church-yard I once espied, half + overgrown with hemlock and nettles, a very small stone laid upon the + ground, bearing nothing more than the name of the deceased with the date + of birth and death, importing that it was an infant which had been born + one day and died the following. I know not how far the Reader may be in + sympathy <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage73" id="Bpage73"></a>{73}</span> + with me; but more awful thoughts of rights conferred, of hopes awakened, + of remembrances stealing away or vanishing, were imparted to my mind by + that inscription there before my eyes than by any other that it has ever + been my lot to meet with upon a tomb-stone. + </p> + <p> + The most numerous class of sepulchral inscriptions do indeed record + nothing else but the name of the buried person; but that he was born + upon one day and died upon another. Addison in the <i>Spectator</i> + making this observation says, 'that he cannot look upon those registers + of existence, whether of brass or marble, but as a kind of satire upon + the departed persons who had left no other memorial of them than that + they were born and that they died.' In certain moods of mind this is a + natural reflection; yet not perhaps the most salutary which the + appearance might give birth to. As in these registers the name is mostly + associated with others of the same family, this is a prolonged + companionship, however shadowy: even a tomb like this is a shrine to + which the fancies of a scattered family may return in pilgrimage; the + thoughts of the individuals without any communication with each other + must oftentimes meet here. Such a frail memorial then is not without its + tendency to keep families together. It feeds also local attachment, + which is the tap-root of the tree of Patriotism. + </p> + <p> + I know not how I can withdraw more satisfactorily from this long + disquisition than by offering to the Reader as a farewell memorial the + following Verses, suggested to me by a concise epitaph which I met with + some time ago in one of the most retired vales among the mountains of + Westmoreland. There is nothing in the detail of the poem which is not + either founded upon the epitaph or gathered from enquiries concerning + the deceased, made in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Beneath that pine which rears its dusky head<br /></span> <span>Aloft, + and covered by a plain blue stone<br /></span> <span>Briefly inscribed, + a gentle Dalesman lies;<br /></span> <span>From whom in early childhood + was withdrawn<br /></span> <span>The precious gift of hearing. He grew + up<br /></span> <span>From year to year in loneliness of soul;<br /></span> + <span>And this deep mountain valley was to him<br /></span> <span>Soundless + with all its streams. The bird of dawn<br /></span> <span>Did never + rouse this Cottager from sleep<br /></span> <span>With startling + summons; not for his delight<br /></span> <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage74" id="Bpage74"></a>{74}</span> <span>The vernal cuckoo + shouted, not for him<br /></span> <span>Murmured the labouring bee. + When stormy winds<br /></span> <span>Were working the broad bosom of + the Lake<br /></span> <span>Into a thousand thousand sparkling waves,<br /></span> + <span>Rocking the trees, or driving cloud on cloud<br /></span> <span>Along + the sharp edge of yon lofty crags,<br /></span> <span>The agitated + scene before his eye<br /></span> <span>Was silent as a picture; + evermore<br /></span> <span>Were all things silent wheresoe'er he + moved.<br /></span> <span>Yet by the solace of his own calm thoughts<br /></span> + <span>Upheld, he duteously pursued the round<br /></span> <span>Of + rural labours: the steep mountain side<br /></span> <span>Ascended with + his staff and faithful dog;<br /></span> <span>The plough he guided and + the scythe he swayed,<br /></span> <span>And the ripe corn before his + sickle fell<br /></span> <span>Among the jocund reapers. For himself,<br /></span> + <span>All watchful and industrious as he was,<br /></span> <span>He + wrought not; neither field nor flock he owned;<br /></span> <span>No + wish for wealth had place within his mind,<br /></span> <span>No + husband's love nor father's hope or care;<br /></span> <span>Though + born a younger brother, need was none<br /></span> <span>That from the + floor of his paternal home<br /></span> <span>He should depart to plant + himself anew;<br /></span> <span>And when mature in manhood he beheld<br /></span> + <span>His parents laid in earth, no loss ensued<br /></span> <span>Of + rights to him, but he remained well pleased<br /></span> <span>By the + pure bond of independent love,<br /></span> <span>An inmate of a second + family,<br /></span> <span>The fellow-labourer and friend of him<br /></span> + <span>To whom the small inheritance had fallen.<br /></span> <span>Nor + deem that his mild presence was a weight<br /></span> <span>That + pressed upon his brother's house; for books<br /></span> <span>Were + ready comrades whom he could not tire;<br /></span> <span>Of whose + society the blameless man<br /></span> <span>Was never satiate; their + familiar voice<br /></span> <span>Even to old age with unabated charm<br /></span> + <span>Beguiled his leisure hours, refreshed his thoughts,<br /></span> + <span>Beyond its natural elevation raised<br /></span> <span>His + introverted spirit, and bestowed<br /></span> <span>Upon his life an + outward dignity<br /></span> <span>Which all acknowledged. The dark + winter night,<br /></span> <span>The stormy day had each its own + resource;<br /></span> <span>Song of the Muses, sage historic tale,<br /></span> + <span>Science severe, or word of Holy Writ<br /></span> <span>Announcing + immortality and joy<br /></span> <span>To the assembled spirits of the + just<br /></span> <span>From imperfection and decay secure:<br /></span> + <span>Thus soothed at home, thus busy in the field,<br /></span> <span>To + no perverse suspicion he gave way;<br /></span> <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage75" id="Bpage75"></a>{75}</span> <span>No languour, + peevishness, nor vain complaint.<br /></span> <span>And they who were + about him did not fail<br /></span> <span>In reverence or in courtesy; + they prized<br /></span> <span>His gentle manners, and his peaceful + smiles;<br /></span> <span>The gleams of his slow-varying countenance<br /></span> + <span>Were met with answering sympathy and love.<br /></span> <span + class="i3">At length when sixty years and five were told<br /></span> + <span>A slow disease insensibly consumed<br /></span> <span>The powers + of nature, and a few short steps<br /></span> <span>Of friends and + kindred bore him from his home,<br /></span> <span>Yon cottage shaded + by the woody cross,<br /></span> <span>To the profounder stillness of + the grave.<br /></span> <span>Nor was his funeral denied the grace<br /></span> + <span>Of many tears, virtuous and thoughtful grief,<br /></span> <span>Heart-sorrow + rendered sweet by gratitude;<br /></span> <span>And now that monumental + stone preserves<br /></span> <span>His name, and unambitiously relates<br /></span> + <span>How long and by what kindly outward aids<br /></span> <span>And + in what pure contentedness of mind<br /></span> <span>The sad privation + was by him endured.<br /></span> <span>And yon tall pine-tree, whose + composing sound<br /></span> <span>Was wasted on the good man's living + ear,<br /></span> <span>Hath now its own peculiar sanctity,<br /></span> + <span>And at the touch of every wandering breeze<br /></span> <span>Murmurs + not idly o'er his peaceful grave.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage77" id="Bpage77"></a>{77}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a + name="III_ESSAYS_LETTERS_AND_NOTES_ELUCIDATORY_AND_CONFIRMATORY_OF_THE_POEMS" + id="III_ESSAYS_LETTERS_AND_NOTES_ELUCIDATORY_AND_CONFIRMATORY_OF_THE_POEMS"></a>III. + ESSAYS, LETTERS, AND NOTES ELUCIDATORY AND CONFIRMATORY OF THE POEMS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + 1798-1835. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <i>(a)</i> OF THE PRINCIPLES OF POETRY AND THE 'LYRICAL BALLADS' + (1798-1802).<br /> <i>(b)</i> OF POETIC DICTION.<br /> <i>(c)</i> POETRY AS + A STUDY (1815).<br /> <i>(d)</i> OF POETRY AS OBSERVATION AND DESCRIPTION, + AND DEDICATION OF 1815.<br /> <i>(e)</i> OF 'THE EXCURSION:' PREFACE.<br /> + <i>(f)</i> LETTERS TO SIR GEORGE AND LADY BEAUMONT AND OTHERS ON THE POEMS + AND RELATED SUBJECTS.<br /> <i>(g)</i> LETTER TO CHARLES FOX WITH THE + 'LYRICAL BALLADS,' AND HIS ANSWER, &c.<br /> <i>(h)</i> LETTER ON THE + PRINCIPLES OF POETRY AND HIS OWN POEMS TO (AFTERWARDS) PROFESSOR JOHN + WILSON.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage78" id="Bpage78"></a>{78}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> Of the occasion and sources, &c. of the several portions of + the present division see <a href="#PREFACE">Preface in Vol. I.</a> G. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage79" id="Bpage79"></a>{79}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="a_OF_THE_PRINCIPLES_OF_POETRY_AND_THE_LYRICAL_BALLADS" + id="a_OF_THE_PRINCIPLES_OF_POETRY_AND_THE_LYRICAL_BALLADS"></a><i>(a)</i> + OF THE PRINCIPLES OF POETRY AND THE 'LYRICAL BALLADS' (1798-1802). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first Volume of these Poems has already been submitted to general + perusal. It was published, as an experiment, which, I hoped, might be of + some use to ascertain, how far, by fitting to metrical arrangement a + selection of the real language of men in a state of vivid sensation, that + sort of pleasure and that quantity of pleasure may be imparted, which a + Poet may rationally endeavour to impart. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I had formed no very inaccurate estimate of the probable effect of those + Poems: I flattered myself that they who should be pleased with them would + read them with more than common pleasure: and, on the other hand, I was + well aware, that by those who should dislike them, they would be read with + more than common dislike. The result has differed from my expectation in + this only, that a greater number have been pleased than I ventured to hope + I should please. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Several of my Friends are anxious for the success of these Poems, from a + belief, that, if the views with which they were composed were indeed + realised, a class of Poetry would be produced, well adapted to interest + mankind permanently, and not unimportant in the quality, and in the + multiplicity of its moral relations: and on this account they have advised + me to prefix a systematic defence of the theory upon which the Poems were + written. But I was unwilling to undertake the task, knowing that on this + occasion the Reader would look coldly upon my arguments, since I might be + suspected of having been principally influenced by the selfish and foolish + hope of <i>reasoning</i> him into an approbation of these particular + Poems: and I was still more unwilling to undertake the task, because, + adequately to display the opinions, and fully to enforce the arguments, + would require a space wholly disproportionate to a preface. For, to treat + the subject with the clearness and coherence of which it is suscepti<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage80" id="Bpage80"></a>{80}</span> ble, it + would be necessary to give a full account of the present state of the + public taste in this country, and to determine how far this taste is + healthy or depraved; which, again, could not be determined, without + pointing out in what manner language and the human mind act and re-act on + each other, and without retracing the revolutions, not of literature + alone, but likewise of society itself. I have therefore altogether + declined to enter regularly upon this defence; yet I am sensible, that + there would be something like impropriety in abruptly obtruding upon the + Public, without a few words of introduction, Poems so materially different + from those upon which general approbation is at present bestowed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is supposed, that by the act of writing in verse an Author makes a + formal engagement that he will gratify certain known habits of + association; that he not only thus apprises the Reader that certain + classes of ideas and expressions will be found in his book, but that + others will be carefully excluded. This exponent or symbol held forth by + metrical language must in different eras of literature have excited very + different expectations: for example, in the age of Catullus, Terence, and + Lucretius, and that of Statius or Claudian; and in our own country, in the + age of Shakspeare and Beaumont and Fletcher, and that of Donne and Cowley, + or Dryden, or Pope. I will not take upon me to determine the exact import + of the promise which, by the act of writing in verse, an Author in the + present day makes to his reader: but it will undoubtedly appear to many + persons that I have not fulfilled the terms of an engagement thus + voluntarily contracted. They who have been accustomed to the gaudiness and + inane phraseology of many modern writers, if they persist in reading this + book to its conclusion, will, no doubt, frequently have to struggle with + feelings of strangeness and awkwardness: they will look round for poetry, + and will be induced to inquire by what species of courtesy these attempts + can be permitted to assume that title. I hope therefore the reader will + not censure me for attempting to state what I have proposed to myself to + perform; and also (as far as the limits of a preface will permit) to + explain some of the chief reasons which have determined me in the choice + of my purpose: that at least he may be spared any unpleasant feeling of + disappointment, and that I myself may be protected from one of the most + dishonourable accusations which <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage81" + id="Bpage81"></a>{81}</span> can be brought against an Author; namely, + that of an indolence which prevents him from endeavouring to ascertain + what is his duty, or, when his duty is ascertained, prevents him from + performing it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The principal object, then, proposed in these Poems was to choose + incidents and situations from common life, and to relate or describe them, + throughout, as far as was possible in a selection of language really used + by men, and, at the same time, to throw over them a certain colouring of + imagination, whereby ordinary things should be presented to the mind in an + unusual aspect; and, further, and above all, to make these incidents and + situations interesting by tracing in them, truly though not + ostentatiously, the primary laws of our nature: chiefly, as far as regards + the manner in which we associate ideas in a state of excitement. Humble + and rustic life was generally chosen, because, in that condition, the + essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can + attain their maturity, are less under restraint, and speak a plainer and + more emphatic language; because in that condition of life our elementary + feelings co-exist in a state of greater simplicity, and, consequently, may + be more accurately contemplated, and more forcibly communicated; because + the manners of rural life germinate from those elementary feelings, and, + from the necessary character of rural occupations, are more easily + comprehended, and are more durable; and, lastly, because in that condition + the passions of men are incorporated with the beautiful and permanent + forms of Nature. The language, too, of these men has been adopted + (purified indeed from what appear to be its real defects, from all lasting + and rational causes of dislike or disgust) because such men hourly + communicate with the best objects from which the best part of language is + originally derived; and because, from their rank in society and the + sameness and narrow circle of their intercourse, being less under the + influence of social vanity, they convey their feelings and notions in + simple and unelaborated expressions. Accordingly, such a language, arising + out of repeated experience and regular feelings, is a more permanent, and + a far more philosophical language, than that which is frequently + substituted for it by Poets, who think that they are conferring honour + upon themselves and their art, in proportion as they separate themselves + from the sympathies of men, and indulge in arbitrary and <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage82" id="Bpage82"></a>{82}</span> capricious + habits of expression, in order to furnish food for fickle tastes, and + fickle appetites, of their own creation.<a name="BFNanchor_8_8" + id="BFNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#BFootnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot, however, be insensible to the present outcry against the + triviality and meanness, both of thought and language, which some of my + contemporaries have occasionally introduced into their metrical + compositions; and I acknowledge that this defect, where it exists, is more + dishonourable to the Writer's own character than false refinement or + arbitrary innovation, though I should contend at the same time, that it is + far less pernicious in the sum of its consequences. From such verses the + Poems in these volumes will be found distinguished at least by one mark of + difference, that each of them has a worthy <i>purpose</i>. Not that I + always began to write with a distinct purpose formally conceived; but + habits of meditation have, I trust, so prompted and regulated my feelings, + that my descriptions of such objects as strongly excite those feelings, + will be found to carry along with them a <i>purpose</i>. If this opinion + be erroneous, I can have little right to name of a Poet. For all good + poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: and though this + be true, Poems to which any value can be attached were never produced on + any variety of subjects but by a man who, being possessed of more than + usual organic sensibility, had also thought long and deeply. For our + continued influxes of feeling are modified and directed by our thoughts, + which are indeed the representatives of all our past feelings; and, as by + contemplating the relation of these general representatives to each other, + we discover what is really important to men, so, by the repetition and + continuance of this act, our feelings will be connected with important + subjects, till at length, if we be originally possessed of much + sensibility, such habits of mind will be produced, that, by obeying + blindly and mechanically the impulses of those habits, we shall describe + objects, and utter sentiments, of such a nature, and in such connection + with each other, that the understanding of the Reader must necessarily be + in some degree enlightened, and his affections strengthened and purified. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It has been said that each of these poems has a purpose. Another + circumstance must be mentioned which distinguishes <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage83" id="Bpage83"></a>{83}</span> these Poems from the popular + Poetry of the day; it is this, that the feeling therein developed gives + importance to the action and situation, and not the action and situation + to the feeling. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A sense of false modesty shall not prevent me from asserting, that the + Reader's attention is pointed to this mark of distinction, far less for + the sake of these particular Poems than from the general importance of the + subject. The subject is indeed important! For the human mind is capable of + being excited without the application of gross and violent stimulants; and + he must have a very faint perception of its beauty and dignity who does + not know this, and who does not further know, that one being is elevated + above another, in proportion as he possesses this capability. It has + therefore appeared to me, that to endeavour to produce or enlarge this + capability is one of the best services in which, at any period, a Writer + can be engaged; but this service, excellent at all times, is especially so + at the present day. For a multitude of causes, unknown to former times, + are now acting with a combined force to blunt the discriminating powers of + the mind, and, unfitting it for all voluntary exertion, to reduce it to a + state of almost savage torpor. The most effective of these causes are the + great national events which are daily taking place, and the increasing + accumulation of men in cities, where the uniformity of their occupations + produces a craving for extraordinary incident, which the rapid + communication of intelligence hourly gratifies. To this tendency of life + and manners the literature and theatrical exhibitions of the country have + conformed themselves. The invaluable works of our elder writers, I had + almost said the works of Shakspeare and Milton, are driven into neglect by + frantic novels, sickly and stupid German Tragedies, and deluges of idle + and extravagant stories in verse.—When I think upon this degrading + thirst after outrageous stimulation, I am almost ashamed to have spoken of + the feeble endeavour made in these volumes to counteract it; and, + reflecting upon the magnitude of the general evil, I should be oppressed + with no dishonourable melancholy, had I not a deep impression of certain + inherent and indestructible qualities of the human mind, and likewise of + certain powers in the great and permanent objects that act upon it, which + are equally inherent and indestructible; and were there not added to this + impression a belief, that the time is approaching when the evil will be + sys<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage84" id="Bpage84"></a>{84}</span> + tematically opposed, by men of greater powers, and with far more + distinguished success. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having dwelt thus long on the subjects and aim of these Poems, I shall + request the Reader's permission to apprise him of a few circumstances + relating to their <i>style</i>, in order, among other reasons, that he may + not censure me for not having performed what I never attempted. The Reader + will find that personifications of abstract ideas rarely occur in these + volumes; and are utterly rejected, as an ordinary device to elevate the + style, and raise it above prose. My purpose was to imitate, and, as far as + is possible, to adopt the very language of men; and assuredly such + personifications do not make any natural or regular part of that language. + They are, indeed, a figure of speech occasionally prompted by passion, and + I have made use of them as such; but have endeavoured utterly to reject + them as a mechanical device of style, or as a family language which + Writers in metre seem to lay claim to by prescription. I have wished to + keep the Reader in the company of flesh and blood, persuaded that by so + doing I shall interest him. Others who pursue a different track will + interest him likewise; I do not interfere with their claim, but wish to + prefer a claim of my own. There will also be found in these volumes little + of what is usually called <a name="pd" id="pd"></a> poetic diction; as + much pains has been taken to avoid it as is ordinarily taken to produce + it; this has been done for the reason already alleged, to bring my + language near to the language of men; and further, because the pleasure + which I have proposed to myself to impart, is of a kind very different + from that which is supposed by many persons to be the proper object of + poetry. Without being culpably particular, I do not know how to give my + Reader a more exact notion of the style in which it was my wish and + intention to write, than by informing him that I have at all times + endeavoured to look steadily at my subject; consequently, there is I hope + in these Poems little falsehood of description, and my ideas are expressed + in language fitted to their respective importance. Something must have + been gained by this practice, as it is friendly to one property of all + good poetry, namely, good sense: but it has necessarily cut me off from a + large portion of phrases and figures of speech which from father to son + have long been regarded as the common inheritance of Poets. I have also + thought it expedient to restrict myself still <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage85" id="Bpage85"></a>{85}</span> further, having abstained from + the use of many expressions, in themselves proper and beautiful, but which + have been foolishly repeated by bad Poets, till such feelings of disgust + are connected with them as it is scarcely possible by any art of + association to overpower. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If in a poem there should be found a series of lines, or even a single + line, in which the language, though naturally arranged, and according to + the strict laws of metre, does not differ from that of prose, there is a + numerous class of critics, who, when they stumble upon these prosaisms, as + they call them, imagine that they have made a notable discovery, and exult + over the Poet as over a man ignorant of his own profession. Now these men + would establish a canon of criticism which the Reader will conclude he + must utterly reject, if he wishes to be pleased with these volumes. And it + would be a most easy task to prove to him, that not only the language of a + large portion of every good poem, even of the most elevated character, + must necessarily, except with reference to the metre, in no respect differ + from that of good prose, but likewise that some of the most interesting + parts of the best poems will be found to be strictly the language of prose + when prose is well written. The truth of this assertion might be + demonstrated by innumerable passages from almost all the poetical + writings, even of Milton himself. To illustrate the subject in a general + manner, I will here adduce a short composition of Gray, who was at the + head of those who, by their reasonings, have attempted to widen the space + of separation betwixt Prose and Metrical composition, and was more than + any other man curiously elaborate in the structure of his own poetic + diction. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>In vain to me the smiling mornings shine,<br /></span> <span>And + reddening Phoebus lifts his golden fire:<br /></span> <span>The birds in + vain their amorous descant join,<br /></span> <span>Or cheerful fields + resume their green attire.<br /></span> <span>These ears, alas! for other + notes repine;<br /></span> <span><i>A different object do these eyes + require</i>;<br /></span> <span><i>My lonely anguish melts no heart but + mine</i>;<br /></span> <span><i>And in my breast the imperfect joys + expire</i>;<br /></span> <span><i>Yet morn to cheer</i>,<br /></span> + <span><i>And new-born pleasure brings to happier men</i>;<br /></span> + <span>The fields to all their wonted tribute bear;<br /></span> <span>To + warm their little loves the birds complain.<br /></span> <span><i>I + fruitless mourn to Him that cannot hear</i>,<br /></span> <span><i>And + weep the more because I weep in vain</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage86" id="Bpage86"></a>{86}</span> + </p> + <p> + It will easily be perceived, that the only part of this Sonnet which is of + any value is the lines printed in Italics; it is equally obvious, that, + except in the rhyme, and in the use of the single word 'fruitless' for + fruitlessly, which is so far a defect, the language of these lines does in + no respect differ from that of prose. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By the foregoing quotation it has been shown that the language of Prose + may yet be well adapted to Poetry; and it was previously asserted, that a + large portion of the language of every good poem can in no respect differ + from that of good Prose. We will go further. It may be safely affirmed, + that there neither is, nor can be, any <i>essential</i> difference between + the language of prose and metrical composition. We are fond of tracing the + resemblance between Poetry and Painting, and, accordingly, we call them + Sisters: but where shall we find bonds of connection sufficiently strict + to typify the affinity betwixt metrical and prose composition? They both + speak by and to the same organs; the bodies in which both of them are + clothed may be said to be of the same substance, their affections are + kindred, and almost identical, not necessarily differing even in degree; + Poetry<a name="BFNanchor_9_9" id="BFNanchor_9_9"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> sheds no tears 'such as + Angels weep,' but natural and human tears; she can boast of no celestial + ichor that distinguishes her vital juices from those of prose; the same + human blood circulates through the veins of them both. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If it be affirmed that rhyme and metrical arrangement of themselves + constitute a distinction which overturns what has just been said on the + strict affinity of metrical language with that of prose, and paves the way + for other artificial distinctions which the mind voluntarily admits, I + answer that the language of such Poetry as is here recommended is, as far + as is possible, a selection of the language really spoken by men; that + this selection, wherever it is made with true taste and feeling, will of + itself form a distinction far greater than would at first be imagined, and + will entirely separate the composition from the vulgarity and meanness of + ordinary life; and, if metre be super<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage87" id="Bpage87"></a>{87}</span> added thereto, I believe that + a dissimilitude will he produced altogether sufficient for the + gratification of a rational mind. What other distinction would we have? + Whence is it to come? And where is it to exist? Not, surely, where the + Poet speaks through the mouths of his characters: it cannot be necessary + here, either for elevation of style, or any of its supposed ornaments: + for, if the Poet's subject be judiciously chosen, it will naturally, and + upon fit occasion, lead him to passions the language of which, if selected + truly and judiciously, must necessarily be dignified and variegated, and + alive with metaphors and figures. I forbear to speak of an incongruity + which would shock the intelligent Reader, should the Poet interweave any + foreign splendour of his own with that which the passion naturally + suggests: it is sufficient to say that such addition is unnecessary. And, + surely, it is more probable that those passages, which with propriety + abound with metaphors and figures, will have their due effect, if, upon + other occasions where the passions are of a milder character, the style + also be subdued and temperate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, as the pleasure which I hope to give by the Poems now presented to + the Reader must depend entirely on just notions upon this subject, and, as + it is in itself of high importance to our taste and moral feelings, I + cannot content myself with these detached remarks. And if, in what I am + about to say, it shall appear to some that my labour is unnecessary, and + that I am like a man fighting a battle without enemies, such persons may + be reminded, that, whatever be the language outwardly holden by men, a + practical faith in the opinions which I am wishing to establish is almost + unknown. If my conclusions are admitted, and carried as far as they must + be carried if admitted at all, our judgments concerning the works of the + greatest Poets both ancient and modern will be far different from what + they are at present, both when we praise, and when we censure: and our + moral feelings influencing and influenced by these judgments will, I + believe, be corrected and purified. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Taking up the subject, then, upon general grounds, let me ask, what is + meant by the word Poet? What is a Poet? To whom does he address himself? + And what language is to be expected from him?—He is a man speaking + to men: a man, it is true, endowed with more lively sensibility, more + enthusiasm <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage88" id="Bpage88"></a>{88}</span> + and tenderness, who has a greater knowledge of human nature, and a more + comprehensive soul, than are supposed to be common among mankind; a man + pleased with his own passions and volitions, and who rejoices more than + other men in the spirit of life that is in him; delighting to contemplate + similar volitions and passions as manifested in the goings-on of the + Universe, and habitually impelled to create them where he does not find + them. To these qualities he has added a disposition to be affected more + than other men by absent things as if they were present; an ability of + conjuring up in himself passions, which are indeed far from being the same + as those produced by real events, yet (especially in those parts of the + general sympathy which are pleasing and delightful) do more nearly + resemble the passions produced by real events, than anything which, from + the motions of their own minds merely, other men are accustomed to feel in + themselves:—whence, and from practice, he has acquired a greater + readiness and power in expressing what he thinks and feels, and especially + those thoughts and feelings which, by his own choice, or from the + structure of his own mind, arise in him without immediate external + excitement. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But whatever portion of this faculty we may suppose even the greatest Poet + to possess, there cannot be a doubt that the language which it will + suggest to him, must often, in liveliness and truth, fall short of that + which is uttered by men in real life, under the actual pressure of those + passions, certain shadows of which the Poet thus produces, or feels to be + produced, in himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + However exalted a notion we would wish to cherish of the character of a + Poet, it is obvious, that while he describes and imitates passions, his + employment is in some degree mechanical, compared with the freedom and + power of real and substantial action and suffering. So that it will be the + wish of the Poet to bring his feelings near to those of the persons whose + feelings he describes, nay, for short spaces of time, perhaps, to let + himself slip into an entire delusion, and even confound and identify his + own feelings with theirs; modifying only the language which is thus + suggested to him by a consideration that he describes for a particular + purpose, that of giving pleasure. Here, then, he will apply the principle + of selection which has been already insisted upon. He will depend upon + this for removing what <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage89" id="Bpage89"></a>{89}</span> + would otherwise be painful or disgusting in the passion; he will feel that + there is no necessity to trick out or to elevate nature: and, the more + industriously he applies this principle, the deeper will be his faith that + no words, which <i>his</i> fancy or imagination can suggest, will be to be + compared with those which are the emanations of reality and truth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it may be said by those who do not object to the general spirit of + these remarks, that, as it is impossible for the Poet to produce upon all + occasions language as exquisitely fitted for the passion as that which the + real passion itself suggests, it is proper that he should consider himself + as in the situation of a translator, who does not scruple to substitute + excellencies of another kind for those which are unattainable by him; and + endeavours occasionally to surpass his original, in order to make some + amends for the general inferiority to which he feels that he must submit. + But this would be to encourage idleness and unmanly despair. Further, it + is the language of men who speak of what they do not understand; who talk + of Poetry as of a matter of amusement and idle pleasure; who will converse + with us as gravely about a <i>taste</i> for Poetry, as they express it, as + if it were a thing as indifferent as a taste for rope-dancing, or + Frontiniac or Sherry. Aristotle, I have been told, has said, that Poetry + is the most philosophic of all writing: it is so: its object is truth, not + individual and local, but general, and operative; not standing upon + external testimony, but carried alive into the heart by passion; truth + which is its own testimony, which gives competence and confidence to the + tribunal to which it appeals, and receives them from the same tribunal. + Poetry is the image of man and nature. The obstacles which stand in the + way of the fidelity of the Biographer and Historian, and of their + consequent utility, are incalculably greater than those which are to be + encountered by the Poet who comprehends the dignity of his art. The Poet + writes under one restriction only, namely, the necessity of giving + immediate pleasure to a human Being possessed of that information which + may be expected from him, not as a lawyer, a physician, a mariner, an + astronomer, or a natural philosopher, but as a Man. Except this one + restriction, there is no object standing between the Poet and the image of + things; between this, and the Biographer and Historian, there are a + thousand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage90" id="Bpage90"></a>{90}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nor let this necessity of producing immediate pleasure be considered as a + degradation of the Poet's art. It is far otherwise. It is an + acknowledgment of the beauty of the universe, an acknowledgment the more + sincere, because not formal, but indirect; it is a task light and easy to + him who looks at the world in the spirit of love: further, it is a homage + paid to the native and naked dignity of man, to the grand elementary + principle of pleasure, by which he knows, and feels, and lives, and moves. + We have no sympathy but what is propagated by pleasure: I would not be + misunderstood; but wherever we sympathise with pain, it will be found that + the sympathy is produced and carried on by subtle combinations with + pleasure. We have no knowledge, that is, no general principles drawn from + the contemplation of particular facts, but what has been built up by + pleasure, and exists in us by pleasure alone. The Man of science, the + Chemist and Mathematician, whatever difficulties and disgusts they may + have had to struggle with, know and feel this. However painful may be the + objects with which the Anatomist's knowledge is connected, he feels that + his knowledge is pleasure; and where he has no pleasure he has no + knowledge. What then does the Poet? He considers man and the objects that + surround him as acting and re-acting upon each other, so as to produce an + infinite complexity of pain and pleasure; he considers man in his own + nature and in his ordinary life as contemplating this with a certain + quantity of immediate knowledge, with certain convictions, intuitions, and + deductions, which from habit acquire the quality of intuitions; he + considers him as looking upon this complex scene of ideas and sensations, + and finding every where object that immediately excite in him sympathies + which, from the necessities of his nature, are accompanied by an + overbalance of enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To this knowledge which all men carry about with them, and to these + sympathies in which, without any other discipline than that of our daily + life, we are fitted to take delight, the Poet principally directs his + attention. He considers man and nature as essentially adapted to each + other, and the mind of man as naturally the mirror of the fairest and most + interesting properties of nature. And thus the Poet, prompted by this + feeling of pleasure, which accompanies him through the whole course of his + studies, converses with general nature, with affections akin <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage91" id="Bpage91"></a>{91}</span> to those, + which, through labour and length of time, the Man of science has raised up + in himself, by conversing with those particular parts of nature which are + the objects of his studies. The knowledge both of the Poet and the Man of + science is pleasure; but the knowledge of the one cleaves to us as a + necessary part of our existence, our natural and unalienable inheritance; + the other is a personal and individual acquisition, slow to come to us, + and by no habitual and direct sympathy connecting us with our + fellow-beings. The Man of science seeks truth as a remote and unknown + benefactor; he cherishes and loves it in his solitude: the Poet, singing a + song in which all human beings join with him, rejoices in the presence of + truth as our visible friend and hourly companion. Poetry is the breath and + finer spirit of all knowledge; it is the impassioned expression which is + in the countenance of all Science. Emphatically may it be said of the + Poet, as Shakspeare hath said of man, 'that he looks before and after.' He + is the rock of defence for human nature; an upholder and preserver, + carrying every where with him relationship and love. In spite of + difference of soil and climate, of language and manners, of laws and + customs: in spite of things silently gone out of mind, and things + violently destroyed; the Poet binds together by passion and knowledge the + vast empire of human society, as it is spread over the whole earth, and + over all time. The objects of the Poet's thoughts are every where; though + the eyes and senses of man are, it is true, his favourite guides, yet he + will follow wheresoever he can find an atmosphere of sensation in which to + move his wings. Poetry is the first and last of all knowledge—it is + as immortal as the heart of man. If the labours of Men of science should + ever create any material revolution, direct or indirect, in our condition, + and in the impressions which we habitually receive, the Poet will sleep + then no more than at present; he will be ready to follow the steps of the + Man of science, not only in those general indirect effects, but he will be + at his side, carrying sensation into the midst of the objects of the + science itself. The remotest discoveries of the Chemist, the Botanist, or + Mineralogist, will be as proper objects of the Poet's art as any upon + which it can be employed, if the time should ever come when these things + shall be familiar to us, and the relations under which they are + contemplated by the followers of these respective sciences shall be <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage92" id="Bpage92"></a>{92}</span> manifestly + and palpably material to us as enjoying and suffering beings. If the time + should ever come when what is now called science, thus familiarised to + men, shall be ready to put on, as it were, a form of flesh and blood, the + Poet will lend his divine spirit to aid the transfiguration, and will + welcome the Being thus produced, as a dear and genuine inmate of the + household of man.—It is not, then, to be supposed that any one, who + holds that sublime notion of Poetry which I have attempted to convey, will + break in upon the sanctity and truth of his pictures by transitory and + accidental ornaments, and endeavour to excite admiration of himself by + arts, the necessity of which must manifestly depend upon the assumed + meanness of his subject. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What has been thus far said applies to Poetry in general; but especially + to those parts of composition where the Poet speaks through the mouths of + his characters; and upon this point it appears to authorise the conclusion + that there are few persons of good sense, who would not allow that the + dramatic parts of composition are defective, in proportion as they deviate + from the real language of nature, and are coloured by a diction of the + Poet's own, either peculiar to him as an individual Poet or belonging + simply to Poets in general; to a body of men who, from the circumstance of + their composition being in metre, it is expected will employ a particular + language. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not, then, in the dramatic parts of composition that we look for + this distinction of language; but still it may be proper and necessary + where the Poet speaks to us in his own person and character. To this I + answer by referring the Reader to the description before given of a Poet. + Among the qualities there enumerated as principally conducing to form a + Poet, is implied nothing differing in kind from other men, but only in + degree. The sum of what was said is, that the Poet is chiefly + distinguished from other men by a greater promptness to think and feel + without immediate external excitement, and a greater power in expressing + such thoughts and feelings as are produced in him in that manner. But + these passions and thoughts and feelings are the general passions and + thoughts and feelings of men. And with what are they connected? + Undoubtedly with our moral sentiments and animal sensations, and with the + causes which excite these; with the operations of the elements, and the + appearances of the visible universe; with storm and sunshine, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage93" id="Bpage93"></a>{93}</span> with the + revolutions of the seasons, with cold and heat, with loss of friends and + kindred, with injuries and resentments, gratitude and hope, with fear and + sorrow. These, and the like, are the sensations and objects which the Poet + describes, as they are the sensations of other men, and the objects which + interest them. The Poet thinks and feels in the spirit of human passions. + How, then, can his language differ in any material degree from that of all + other men who feel vividly and see clearly? It might be <i>proved</i> that + it is impossible. But supposing that this were not the case, the Poet + might then be allowed to use a peculiar language when expressing his + feelings for his own gratification, or that of men like himself. But Poets + do not write for Poets alone, but for men. Unless therefore we are + advocates for that admiration which subsists upon ignorance, and that + pleasure which arises from hearing what we do not understand, the Poet + must descend from this supposed height; and, in order to excite rational + sympathy, he must express himself as other men express themselves. To this + it may be added, that while he is only selecting from the real language of + men, or, which amounts to the same thing, composing accurately in the + spirit of such selection, he is treading upon safe ground, and we know + what we are to expect from him. Our feelings are the same with respect to + metre; for, as it may be proper to remind the Reader, the distinction of + metre is regular and uniform, and not, like that which is produced by what + is usually called POETIC DICTION, arbitrary, and subject to infinite + caprices, upon which no calculation whatever can be made. In the one case, + the Reader is utterly at the mercy of the Poet, respecting what imagery or + diction he may choose to connect with the passion; whereas, in the other, + the metre obeys certain laws, to which the Poet and Reader both willingly + submit because they are certain, and because no interference is made by + them with the passion but such as the concurring testimony of ages has + shown to heighten and improve the pleasure which co-exists with it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It will now be proper to answer an obvious question, namely, Why, + professing these opinions, have I written in verse? To this, in addition + to such answer as is included in what has been already said, I reply, in + the first place, Because, however I may have restricted myself, there is + still left open to me what confessedly constitutes the most valuable + object of all writing, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage94" id="Bpage94"></a>{94}</span> + whether in prose or verse; the great and universal passions of men, the + most general and interesting of their occupations, and the entire world of + nature before me—to supply endless combinations of forms and + imagery. Now, supposing for a moment that whatever is interesting in these + objects may be as vividly described in prose, why should I be condemned + for attempting to superadd to such description, the charm which, by the + consent of all nations, is acknowledged to exist in metrical language? To + this, by such as are yet unconvinced, it may be answered that a very small + part of the pleasure given by Poetry depends upon the metre, and that it + is injudicious to write in metre, unless it be accompanied with the other + artificial distinctions of style with which metre is usually accompanied, + and that, by such deviation, more will be lost from the shock which will + thereby be given to the Reader's associations than will be counterbalanced + by any pleasure which he can derive from the general power of numbers. In + answer to those who still contend for the necessity of accompanying metre + with certain appropriate colours of style in order to the accomplishment + of its appropriate end, and who also, in my opinion, greatly under-rate + the power of metre in itself, it might, perhaps, as far as relates to + these Volumes, have been almost sufficient to observe, that poems are + extant, written upon more humble subjects, and in a still more naked and + simple style, which have continued to give pleasure from generation to + generation. Now, if nakedness and simplicity be a defect, the fact here + mentioned affords a strong presumption that poems somewhat less naked and + simple are capable of affording pleasure at the present day; and, what I + wished <i>chiefly</i> to attempt, at present, was to justify myself for + having written under the impression of this belief. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But various causes might be pointed out why, when the style is manly, and + the subject of some importance, words metrically arranged will long + continue to impart such a pleasure to mankind as he who proves the extent + of that pleasure will be desirous to impart. The end of Poetry is to + produce excitement in co-existence with an overbalance of pleasure; but, + by the supposition, excitement is an unusual and irregular state of the + mind; ideas and feelings do not, in that state, succeed each other in + accustomed order. If the words, however, by which this excitement is + produced be in themselves powerful, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage95" + id="Bpage95"></a>{95}</span> or the images and feelings have an undue + proportion of pain connected with them, there is some danger that the + excitement may he carried beyond its proper bounds. Now the co-presence of + something regular, something to which the mind has been accustomed in + various moods and in a less excited state, cannot but have great efficacy + in tempering and restraining the passion by an intertexture of ordinary + feeling, and of feeling not strictly and necessarily connected with the + passion. This is unquestionably true; and hence, though the opinion will + at first appear paradoxical, from the tendency of metre to divest + language, in a certain degree, of its reality, and thus to throw a sort of + half-consciousness of unsubstantial existence over the whole composition, + there can be little doubt but that more pathetic situations and + sentiments, that is, those which have a greater proportion of pain + connected with them, may be endured in metrical composition, especially in + rhyme, than in prose. The metre of the old ballads is very artless; yet + they contain many passages which would illustrate this opinion; and I + hope, if the following Poems be attentively perused, similar instances + will be found in them. This opinion may be further illustrated by + appealing to the Reader's own experience of the reluctance with which he + comes to the re-perusal of the distressful parts of <i>Clarissa Harlowe</i>, + or the <i>Gamester</i>; while Shakspeare's writings, in the most pathetic + scenes, never act upon us, as pathetic, beyond the bounds of pleasure—an + effect which, in a much greater degree than might at first be imagined, is + to be ascribed to small, but continual and regular impulses of pleasurable + surprise from the metrical arrangement.—On the other hand (what it + must be allowed will much more frequently happen) if the Poet's words + should be incommensurate with the passion, and inadequate to raise the + Reader to a height of desirable excitement, then, (unless the Poet's + choice of his metre has been grossly injudicious) in the feelings of + pleasure which the Reader has been accustomed to connect with metre in + general, and in the feeling, whether cheerful or melancholy, which he has + been accustomed to connect with that particular movement of metre, there + will be found something which will greatly contribute to impart passion to + the words, and to effect the complex end which the Poet proposes to + himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If I had undertaken a SYSTEMATIC defence of the theory here <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage96" id="Bpage96"></a>{96}</span> maintained, + it would have been my duty to develop the various causes upon which the + pleasure received from metrical language depends. Among the chief of these + causes is to be reckoned a principle which must be well known to those who + have made any of the Arts the object of accurate reflection; namely, the + pleasure which the mind derives from the perception of similitude in + dissimilitude. This principle is the great spring of the activity of our + minds, and their chief feeder. From this principle the direction of the + sexual appetite, and all the passions connected with it, take their + origin: it is the life of our ordinary conversation; and upon the accuracy + with which similitude in dissimilitude, and dissimilitude in similitude + are perceived, depend our taste and our moral feelings. It would not be a + useless employment to apply this principle to the consideration of metre, + and to show that metre is hence enabled to afford much pleasure, and to + point out in what manner that pleasure is produced. But my limits will not + permit me to enter upon this subject, and I must content myself with a + general summary. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have said that poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: + it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity: the emotion + is contemplated till, by a species of re-action, the tranquillity + gradually disappears, and an emotion, kindred to that which was before the + subject of contemplation, is gradually produced, and does itself actually + exist in the mind. In this mood successful composition generally begins, + and in a mood similar to this it is carried on; but the emotion, of + whatever kind, and in whatever degree, from various causes, is qualified + by various pleasures, so that in describing any passions whatsoever, which + are voluntarily described, the mind will, upon the whole, be in a state of + enjoyment. If Nature be thus cautious to preserve in a state of enjoyment + a being so employed, the Poet ought to profit by the lesson held forth to + him, and ought especially to take care, that, whatever passions he + communicates to his Reader, those passions, if his Reader's mind be sound + and vigorous, should always be accompanied with an overbalance of + pleasure. Now the music of harmonious metrical language, the sense of + difficulty overcome, and the blind association of pleasure which has been + previously received from works of rhyme or metre of the same or similar + construction, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage97" id="Bpage97"></a>{97}</span> + an indistinct perception perpetually renewed of language closely + resembling that of real life, and yet, in the circumstance of metre, + differing from it so widely—all these imperceptibly make up a + complex feeling of delight, which is of the most important use in + tempering the painful feeling always found intermingled with powerful + descriptions of the deeper passions. This effect is always produced in + pathetic and impassioned poetry; while, in lighter compositions, the ease + and gracefulness with which the Poet manages his numbers are themselves + confessedly a principal source of the gratification of the Reader. All + that it is <i>necessary</i> to say, however, upon this subject, may be + effected by affirming, what few persons will deny, that, of two + descriptions, either of passions, manners, or characters, each of them + equally well executed, the one in prose and the other in verse, the verse + will be read a hundred times where the prose is read once. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having thus explained a few of my reasons for writing in verse, and why I + have chosen subjects from common life, and endeavoured to bring my + language near to the real language of men, if I have been too minute in + pleading my own cause, I have at the same time been treating a subject of + general interest; and for this reason a few words shall be added with + reference solely to these particular poems, and to some defects which will + probably be found in them. I am sensible that my associations must have + sometimes been particular instead of general, and that, consequently, + giving to things a false importance, I may have sometimes written upon + unworthy subjects; but I am less apprehensive on this account, than that + my language may frequently have suffered from those arbitrary connections + of feelings and ideas with particular words and phrases, from which no man + can altogether protect himself. Hence I have no doubt, that, in some + instances, feelings, even of the ludicrous, may be given to my Readers by + expressions which appeared to me tender and pathetic. Such faulty + expressions, were I convinced they were faulty at present, and that they + must necessarily continue to be so, I would willingly take all reasonable + pains to correct. But it is dangerous to make these alterations on the + simple authority of a few individuals, or even of certain classes of men; + for where the understanding of an Author is not convinced, or his feelings + altered, this cannot be done without great injury to himself: for his own + feelings are his stay and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage98" + id="Bpage98"></a>{98}</span> support; and, if he set them aside in one + instance, he may be induced to repeat this act till his mind shall lose + all confidence in itself, and become utterly debilitated. To this it may + be added, that the Critic ought never to forget that he is himself exposed + to the same errors as the Poet, and, perhaps, in a much greater degree: + for there can be no presumption in saying of most readers, that it is not + probable they will be so well acquainted with the various stages of + meaning through which words have passed, or with the fickleness or + stability of the relations of particular ideas to each other; and, above + all, since they are so much less interested in the subject, they may + decide lightly and carelessly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Long as the Reader has been detained, I hope he will permit me to caution + him against a mode of false criticism which has been applied to Poetry, in + which the language closely resembles that of life and nature. Such verses + have been triumphed over in parodies, of which Dr. Johnson's stanza is a + fair specimen:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>I put my hat upon my head<br /></span> <span>And walked into the + Strand,<br /></span> <span>And there I met another man<br /></span> <span>Whose + hat was in his hand.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Immediately under these lines let us place one of the most justly-admired + stanzas of the 'Babes in the Wood.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>These pretty Babes with hand in hand<br /></span> <span>Went + wandering up and down;<br /></span> <span>But never more they saw the Man<br /></span> + <span>Approaching from the Town.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In both these stanzas the words, and the order of the words, in no respect + differ from the most unimpassioned conversation. There are words in both, + for example, 'the Strand,' and 'the Town,' connected with none but the + most familiar ideas; yet the one stanza we admit as admirable, and the + other as a fair example of the superlatively contemptible. Whence arises + this difference? Not from the metre, not from the language, not from the + order of the words; but the <i>matter</i> expressed in Dr. Johnson's + stanza is contemptible. The proper method of treating trivial and simple + verses, to which Dr. Johnson's stanza would be a fair parallelism, is not + to say, this is a bad kind of poetry, or, this is not poetry; but, this + wants sense; it is <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage99" id="Bpage99"></a>{99}</span> + neither interesting in itself, nor can <i>lead</i> to any thing + interesting; the images neither originate in that sane state of feeling + which arises out of thought, nor can excite thought or feeling in the + Reader. This is the only sensible manner of dealing with such verses. Why + trouble yourself about the species till you have previously decided upon + the genus? Why take pains to prove that an ape is not a Newton, when it is + self-evident that he is not a man? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One request I must make of my reader, which is, that in judging these + Poems he would decide by his own feelings genuinely, and not by reflection + upon what will probably be the judgment of others. How common is it to + hear a person say, I myself do not object to this style of composition, or + this or that expression, but, to such and such classes of people it will + appear mean or ludicrous! This mode of criticism, so destructive of all + sound unadulterated judgment, is almost universal: let the Reader then + abide, independently, by his own feelings, and, if he finds himself + affected, let him not suffer such conjectures to interfere with his + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If an Author, by any single composition, has impressed us with respect for + his talents, it is useful to consider this as affording a presumption, + that on other occasions where we have been displeased, he, nevertheless, + may not have written ill or absurdly; and further, to give him so much + credit for this one composition as may induce us to review what has + displeased us, with more care than we should otherwise have bestowed upon + it. This is not only an act of justice, but, in our decisions upon poetry + especially, may conduce, in a high degree, to the improvement of our own + taste: for an <i>accurate</i> taste in poetry, and in all the other arts, + as Sir Joshua Reynolds has observed, is an <i>acquired</i> talent, which + can only be produced by thought and a long-continued intercourse with the + best models of composition. This is mentioned, not with so ridiculous a + purpose as to prevent the most inexperienced Reader from judging for + himself, (I have already said that I wish him to judge for himself;) but + merely to temper the rashness of decision, and to suggest, that, if Poetry + be a subject on which much time has not been bestowed, the judgment may be + erroneous; and that, in many cases, it necessarily will be so. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nothing would, I know, have so effectually contributed to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage100" id="Bpage100"></a>{100}</span> further + the end which I have in view, as to have shown of what kind the pleasure + is, and how that pleasure is produced, which is confessedly produced by + metrical composition essentially different from that which I have here + endeavoured to recommend: for the Reader will say that he has been pleased + by such composition; and what more can be done for him? The power of any + art is limited; and he will suspect, that, if it be proposed to furnish + him with new friends, that can be only upon condition of his abandoning + his old friends. Besides, as I have said, the Reader is himself conscious + of the pleasure which he has received from such composition, composition + to which he has peculiarly attached the endearing name of Poetry; and all + men feel an habitual gratitude, and something of an honourable bigotry, + for the objects which have long continued to please them: we not only wish + to be pleased, but to be pleased in that particular way in which we have + been accustomed to be pleased. There is in these feelings enough to resist + a host of arguments; and I should be the less able to combat them + successfully, as I am willing to allow, that, in order entirely to enjoy + the Poetry which I am recommending, it would be necessary to give up much + of what is ordinarily enjoyed. But, would my limits have permitted me to + point out how this pleasure is produced, many obstacles might have been + removed, and the Reader assisted in perceiving that the powers of language + are not so limited as he may suppose; and that it is possible for Poetry + to give other enjoyments, of a purer, more lasting, and more exquisite + nature. This part of the subject has not been altogether neglected, but it + has not been so much my present aim to prove, that the interest excited by + some other kinds of poetry is less vivid, and less worthy of the nobler + powers of the mind, as to offer reasons for presuming, that if my purpose + were fulfilled, a species of poetry would be produced, which is genuine + poetry; in its nature well adapted to interest mankind permanently, and + likewise important in the multiplicity and quality of its moral relations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From what has been said, and from a perusal of the Poems, the Reader will + be able clearly to perceive the object which I had in view: he will + determine how far it has been attained; and, what is a much more important + question, whether it be worth attaining: and upon the decision of these + two questions will rest my claim to the approbation of the Public. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage101" id="Bpage101"></a>{101}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="b_OF_POETIC_DICTION" id="b_OF_POETIC_DICTION"></a>(b) OF POETIC + DICTION. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + 'What is usually called Poetic Diction' (<a href="#pd">Essay i. page 84, + line 22</a>). + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, as I have no right to expect that attentive perusal, without + which, confined, as I have been, to the narrow limits of a Preface, my + meaning cannot be thoroughly understood, I am anxious to give an exact + notion of the sense in which the phrase poetic diction has been used; and + for this purpose, a few words shall here be added, concerning the origin + and characteristics of the phraseology, which I have condemned under that + name. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The earliest poets of all nations generally wrote from passion excited by + real events; they wrote naturally, and as men: feeling powerfully as they + did, their language was daring, and figurative. In succeeding times, + Poets, and Men ambitious of the fame of Poets, perceiving the influence of + such language, and desirous of producing the same effect without being + animated by the same passion, set themselves to a mechanical adoption of + these figures of speech, and made use of them, sometimes with propriety, + but much more frequently applied them to feelings and thoughts with which + they had no natural connection whatsoever. A language was thus insensibly + produced, differing materially from the real language of men in <i>any + situation</i>. The Reader or Hearer of this distorted language found + himself in a perturbed and unusual state of mind: when affected by the + genuine language of passion he had been in a perturbed and unusual state + of mind also: in both cases he was willing that his common judgment and + understanding should be laid asleep, and he had no instinctive and + infallible perception of the true to make him reject the false; the one + served as a passport for the other. The emotion was in both cases + delightful, and no wonder if he confounded the one with the other, and + believed them both to be produced by the same, or similar causes. Besides, + the Poet spake to him in the character of a man to be looked up to, a man + of genius and authority. Thus, and from a variety of other causes, this + distorted language was received with admiration; and Poets, it is + probable, who had before contented themselves for the most part with + misapplying <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage102" id="Bpage102"></a>{102}</span> + only expressions which at first had been dictated by real passion, carried + the abuse still further, and introduced phrases composed apparently in the + spirit of the original figurative language of passion, yet altogether of + their own invention, and characterised by various degrees of wanton + deviation from good sense and Nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is indeed true, that the language of the earliest Poets was felt to + differ materially from ordinary language, because it was the language of + extraordinary occasions; but it was really spoken by men, language which + the Poet himself had uttered when he had been affected by the events which + he described, or which he had heard uttered by those around him. To this + language it is probable that metre of some sort or other was early + superadded. This separated the genuine language of Poetry still further + from common life, so that whoever read or heard the poems of these + earliest Poets felt himself moved in a way in which he had not been + accustomed to be moved in real life, and by causes manifestly different + from those which acted upon him in real life. This was the great + temptation to all the corruptions which have followed: under the + protection of this feeling succeeding Poets constructed a phraseology + which had one thing, it is true, in common with the genuine language of + poetry, namely, that it was not heard in ordinary conversation; that it + was unusual. But the first Poets, as I have said, spake a language which, + though unusual, was still the language of men. This circumstance, however, + was disregarded by their successors; they found that they could please by + easier means: they became proud of modes of expression which they + themselves had invented, and which were uttered only by themselves. In + process of time metre became a symbol or promise of this unusual language, + and whoever took upon him to write in metre, according as he possessed + more or less of true poetic genius, introduced less or more of this + adulterated phraseology into his compositions, and the true and the false + were inseparably interwoven until, the taste of men becoming gradually + perverted, this language was received as a natural language: and at length + by the influence of books upon men, did to a certain degree really become + so. Abuses of this kind were imported from one nation to another, and with + the progress of refinement this diction became daily more and more + corrupt, thrusting out of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage103" + id="Bpage103"></a>{103}</span> sight the plain humanities of Nature by a + motley masquerade of tricks, quaintnesses, hieroglyphics, and enigmas. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It would not be uninteresting to point out the causes of the pleasure + given by this extravagant and absurd diction. It depends upon a great + variety of causes, but upon none, perhaps, more than its influence in + impressing a notion of the peculiarity and exaltation of the Poet's + character, and in flattering the Reader's self-love by bringing him nearer + to a sympathy with that character; an effect which is accomplished by + unsettling ordinary habits of thinking, and thus assisting the Reader to + approach to that perturbed and dizzy state of mind in which if he does not + find himself, he imagines that he is <i>balked</i> of a peculiar enjoyment + which poetry can and ought to bestow. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sonnet quoted from Gray, in the Preface, except the lines printed in + Italics, consists of little else but this diction, though not of the worst + kind; and indeed, if one may be permitted to say so, it is far too common + in the best writers both ancient and modern. Perhaps in no way, by + positive example, could more easily be given a notion of what I mean by + the phrase <i>poetic diction</i> than by referring to a comparison between + the metrical paraphrase which we have of passages in the Old and New + Testament, and those passages as they exist in our common Translation. See + Pope's 'Messiah' throughout; Prior's 'Did sweeter sounds adorn my flowing + tongue,' etc., etc., 'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of + angels,' etc., etc. 1st Corinthians, chap. xiii. By way of immediate + example, take the following of Dr. Johnson: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Turn on the prudent Ant thy heedless eyes,<br /></span> <span>Observe + her labours, Sluggard, and be wise;<br /></span> <span>No stern command, + no monitory voice,<br /></span> <span>Prescribes her duties, or directs + her choice;<br /></span> <span>Yet, timely provident, she hastes away<br /></span> + <span>To snatch the blessings of a plenteous day;<br /></span> <span>When + fruitful Summer loads the teeming plain,<br /></span> <span>She crops the + harvest, and she stores the grain.<br /></span> <span>How long shall + sloth usurp thy useless hours,<br /></span> <span>Unnerve thy vigour, and + enchain thy powers?<br /></span> <span>While artful shades thy downy + couch enclose,<br /></span> <span>And soft solicitation courts repose,<br /></span> + <span>Amidst the drowsy charms of dull delight,<br /></span> <span>Year + chases year with unremitted flight,<br /></span> <span>Till Want now + following, fraudulent and slow,<br /></span> <span>Shall spring to seize + thee, like an ambush'd foe.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage104" id="Bpage104"></a>{104}</span> + </p> + <p> + From this hubbub of words pass to the original. 'Go to the Ant, thou + Sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, + or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the + harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O Sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of + thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the + hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy + want as an armed man.' Proverbs, chap. vi. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One more quotation, and I have done. It is from Cowper's Verses supposed + to be written by Alexander Selkirk:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Religion! what treasure untold<br /></span> <span>Resides in that + heavenly word!<br /></span> <span>More precious than silver and gold,<br /></span> + <span>Or all that this earth can afford.<br /></span> <span>But the sound + of the church-going bell<br /></span> <span>These valleys and rocks never + heard,<br /></span> <span>Ne'er sigh'd at the sound of a knell,<br /></span> + <span>Or smiled when a Sabbath appeared.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ye winds, that have made me your sport,<br /></span> <span>Convey + to this desolate shore<br /></span> <span>Some cordial endearing report<br /></span> + <span>Of a land I must visit no more.<br /></span> <span>My Friends, do + they now and then send<br /></span> <span>A wish or a thought after me?<br /></span> + <span>O tell me I yet have a friend,<br /></span> <span>Though a friend I + am never to see.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This passage is quoted as an instance of three different styles of + composition. The first four lines are poorly expressed; some Critics would + call the language prosaic; the fact is, it would be bad prose, so bad, + that it is scarcely worse in metre. The epithet 'church-going' applied to + a bell, and that by so chaste a writer as Cowper, is an instance of the + strange abuses which Poets have introduced into their language, till they + and their Readers take them as matters of course, if they do not single + them out expressly as objects of admiration. The two lines 'Ne'er sigh'd + at the sound,' &c., are, in my opinion, an instance of the language of + passion wrested from its proper use, and, from the mere circumstance of + the composition being in metre, applied upon an occasion that does not + justify such violent expressions; and I should condemn the passage, though + perhaps few Readers will agree with me, as vicious poetic diction.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage105" id="Bpage105"></a>{105}</span> The last + stanza is throughout admirably expressed: it would be equally good whether + in prose or verse, except that the Reader has an exquisite pleasure in + seeing such natural language so naturally connected with metre. The beauty + of this stanza tempts me to conclude with a principle which ought never to + be lost sight of, and which has been my chief guide in all I have said,—namely, + that in works <i>of imagination and sentiment</i>, for of these only have + I been treating, in proportion as ideas and feelings are valuable, whether + the composition be in prose or in verse, they require and exact one and + the same language. Metre is but adventitious to composition, and the + phraseology for which that passport is necessary, even where it may be + graceful at all, will be little valued by the judicious. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage106" id="Bpage106"></a>{106}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="c_POETRY_AS_A_STUDY" id="c_POETRY_AS_A_STUDY"></a>(c) POETRY AS A + STUDY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With the young of both sexes, Poetry is, like love, a passion; but, for + much the greater part of those who have been proud of its power over their + minds, a necessity soon arises of breaking the pleasing bondage; or it + relaxes of itself;—the thoughts being occupied in domestic cares, or + the time engrossed by business. Poetry then becomes only an occasional + recreation; while to those whose existence passes away in a course of + fashionable pleasure, it is a species of luxurious amusement. In middle + and declining age, a scattered number of serious persons resort to poetry, + as to religion, for a protection against the pressure of trivial + employments, and as a consolation for the afflictions of life. And, + lastly, there are many, who, having been enamoured of this art in their + youth, have found leisure, after youth was spent, to cultivate general + literature; in which poetry has continued to be comprehended <i>as a study</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Into the above classes the Readers of poetry may be divided; Critics + abound in them all; but from the last only can opinions be collected of + absolute value, and worthy to be depended upon, as prophetic of the + destiny of a new work. The young, who in nothing can escape delusion, are + especially subject to it in their intercourse with Poetry. The cause, not + so obvious as the fact is unquestionable, is the same as that from which + erroneous judgments in this art, in the minds of men of all ages, chiefly + proceed; but upon Youth it operates with peculiar force. The appropriate + business of poetry, (which, nevertheless, if genuine, is as permanent as + pure science,) her appropriate employment, her privilege and her <i>duty</i>, + is to treat of things not as they <i>are</i>, but as they <i>appear</i>; + not as they exist in themselves, but as they <i>seem</i> to exist to the + <i>senses</i>, and to the <i>passions</i>. What a world of delusion does + this acknowledged obligation prepare for the inexperienced! what + temptations to go astray are here held forth for them whose thoughts have + been little disciplined by the understanding, and whose feelings revolt + from the sway of reason!—When a juvenile Reader is in the height of + his rapture with some vicious passage, should experience throw in doubts, + or common-sense suggest suspicions, a lurking consciousness <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage107" id="Bpage107"></a>{107}</span> that the + realities of the Muse are but shows, and that her liveliest excitements + are raised by transient shocks of conflicting feeling and successive + assemblages of contradictory thoughts—is ever at hand to justify + extravagance, and to sanction absurdity. But, it may be asked, as these + illusions are unavoidable, and, no doubt, eminently useful to the mind as + a process, what good can be gained by making observations, the tendency of + which is to diminish the confidence of youth in its feelings, and thus to + abridge its innocent and even profitable pleasures? The reproach implied + in the question could not be warded off, if Youth were incapable of being + delighted with what is truly excellent; or, if these errors always + terminated of themselves in due season. But, with the majority, though + their force be abated, they continue through life. Moreover, the fire of + youth is too vivacious an element to be extinguished or damped by a + philosophical remark; and, while there is no danger that what has been + said will be injurious or painful to the ardent and the confident, it may + prove beneficial to those who, being enthusiastic, are, at the same time, + modest and ingenuous. The intimation may unite with their own misgivings + to regulate their sensibility, and to bring in, sooner than it would + otherwise have arrived, a more discreet and sound judgment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If it should excite wonder that men of ability, in later life, whose + understandings have been rendered acute by practice in affairs, should be + so easily and so far imposed upon when they happen to take up a new work + in verse, this appears to be the cause;—that, having discontinued + their attention to poetry, whatever progress may have been made in other + departments of knowledge, they have not, as to this art, advanced in true + discernment beyond the age of youth. If, then, a new poem fall in their + way, whose attractions are of that kind which would have enraptured them + during the heat of youth, the judgment not being improved to a degree that + they shall be disgusted, they are dazzled; and prize and cherish the + faults for having had power to make the present time vanish before them, + and to throw the mind back, as by enchantment, into the happiest season of + life. As they read, powers seem to be revived, passions are regenerated, + and pleasures restored. The Book was probably taken up after an escape + from the burden of business, and with a wish to forget the world, and all + its vexations and anxieties.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage108" + id="Bpage108"></a>{108}</span> Having obtained this wish, and so much + more, it is natural that they should make report as they have felt. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If Men of mature age, through want of practice, be thus easily beguiled + into admiration of absurdities, extravagances, and misplaced ornaments, + thinking it proper that their understandings should enjoy a holiday, while + they are unbending their minds with verse, it may be expected that such + Readers will resemble their former selves also in strength of prejudice, + and an inaptitude to be moved by the unostentatious beauties of a pure + style. In the higher poetry, an enlightened Critic chiefly looks for a + reflection of the wisdom of the heart and the grandeur of the imagination. + Wherever these appear, simplicity accompanies them; Magnificence herself, + when legitimate, depending upon a simplicity of her own, to regulate her + ornaments. But it is a well-known property of human nature, that our + estimates are ever governed by comparisons, of which we are conscious with + various degrees of distinctness. Is it not, then, inevitable (confining + these observations to the effects of style merely) that an eye, accustomed + to the glaring hues of diction by which such Readers are caught and + excited, will for the most part be rather repelled than attracted by an + original Work, the colouring of which is disposed according to a pure and + refined scheme of harmony? It is in the fine arts as in the affairs of + life, no man can <i>serve</i> (i.e. obey with zeal and fidelity) two + Masters. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As Poetry is most just to its own divine origin when it administers the + comforts and breathes the spirit of religion, they who have learned to + perceive this truth, and who betake themselves to reading verse for sacred + purposes, must be preserved from numerous illusions to which the two + Classes of Readers, whom we have been considering, are liable. But, as the + mind grows serious from the weight of life, the range of its passions is + contracted accordingly; and its sympathies become so exclusive, that many + species of high excellence wholly escape, or but languidly excite its + notice. Besides, men who read from religious or moral inclinations, even + when the subject is of that kind which they approve, are beset with + misconceptions and mistakes peculiar to themselves. Attaching so much + importance to the truths which interest them, they are prone to over-rate + the Authors by whom those truths are expressed and enforced.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage109" id="Bpage109"></a>{109}</span> They + come prepared to impart so much passion to the Poet's language, that they + remain unconscious how little, in fact, they receive from it. And, on the + other hand, religious faith is to him who holds it so momentous a thing, + and error appears to be attended with such tremendous consequences, that, + if opinions touching upon religion occur which the Reader condemns, he not + only cannot sympathise with them, however animated the expression, but + there is, for the most part, an end put to all satisfaction and enjoyment. + Love, if it before existed, is converted into dislike; and the heart of + the Reader is set against the Author and his book.—To these + excesses, they, who from their professions ought to be the most guarded + against them, are perhaps the most liable; I mean those sects whose + religion, being from the calculating understanding, is cold and formal. + For when Christianity, the religion of humility, is founded upon the + proudest faculty of our nature, what can be expected but contradictions? + Accordingly, believers of this cast are at one time contemptuous; at + another, being troubled, as they are and must be, with inward misgivings, + they are jealous and suspicious;—and at all seasons, they are under + temptation to supply, by the heat with which they defend their tenets, the + animation which is wanting to the constitution of the religion itself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Faith was given to man that his affections, detached from the treasures of + time, might be inclined to settle upon those of eternity:—the + elevation of his nature, which this habit produces on earth, being to him + a presumptive evidence of a future state of existence; and giving him a + title to partake of its holiness. The religious man values what he sees + chiefly as an 'imperfect shadowing forth' of what he is incapable of + seeing. The concerns of religion refer to indefinite objects, and are too + weighty for the mind to support them without relieving itself by resting a + great part of the burthen upon words and symbols. The commerce between Man + and his Maker cannot be carried on but by a process where much is + represented in little, and the Infinite Being accommodates himself to a + finite capacity. In all this may be perceived the affinity between + religion and poetry; between religion—making up the deficiencies of + reason by faith; and poetry—passionate for the instruction of + reason; between religion—whose element is infinitude, and whose ulti<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage110" id="Bpage110"></a>{110}</span> mate + trust is the supreme of things, submitting herself to circumscription, and + reconciled to substitutions; and poetry—ethereal and transcendent, + yet incapable to sustain her existence without sensuous incarnation. In + this community of nature may be perceived also the lurking incitements of + kindred error;—so that we shall find that no poetry has been more + subject to distortion, than that species, the argument and scope of which + is religious; and no lovers of the art have gone farther astray than the + pious and the devout. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whither then shall we turn for that union of qualifications which must + necessarily exist before the decisions of a critic can be of absolute + value? For a mind at once poetical and philosophical; for a critic whose + affections are as free and kindly as the spirit of society, and whose + understanding is severe as that of dispassionate government? Where are we + to look for that initiatory composure of mind which no selfishness can + disturb? For a natural sensibility that has been tutored into correctness + without losing anything of its quickness; and for active faculties, + capable of answering the demands which an Author of original imagination + shall make upon them, associated with a judgment that cannot be duped into + admiration by aught that is unworthy of it?—among those and those + only, who, never having suffered their youthful love of poetry to remit + much of its force, have applied to the consideration of the laws of this + art the best power of their understandings. At the same time it must be + observed—that, as this Class comprehends the only judgments which + are trustworthy, so does it include the most erroneous and perverse. For + to be mistaught is worse than to be untaught; and no perverseness equals + that which is supported by system, no errors are so difficult to root out + as those which the understanding has pledged its credit to uphold. In this + Class are contained censors, who, if they be pleased with what is good, + are pleased with it only by imperfect glimpses, and upon false principles; + who, should they generalise rightly, to a certain point, are sure to + suffer for it in the end; who, if they stumble upon a sound rule, are + fettered by misapplying it, or by straining it too far; being incapable of + perceiving when it ought to yield to one of higher order. In it are found + critics too petulant to be passive to a genuine poet, and too feeble to + grapple with him; men, who take upon them to report of the course which <i>he</i> + holds whom <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage111" id="Bpage111"></a>{111}</span> + they are utterly unable to accompany,—confounded if he turn quick + upon the wing, dismayed if he soar steadily 'into the region;'—men + of palsied imaginations and indurated hearts; in whose minds all healthy + action is languid, who therefore feed as the many direct them, or, with + the many, are greedy after vicious provocatives;—judges, whose + censure is auspicious, and whose praise ominous! In this class meet + together the two extremes of best and worst. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The observations presented in the foregoing series are of too ungracious a + nature to have been made without reluctance; and, were it only on this + account, I would invite the reader to try them by the test of + comprehensive experience. If the number of judges who can be confidently + relied upon be in reality so small, it ought to follow that partial notice + only, or neglect, perhaps long continued, or attention wholly inadequate + to their merits—must have been the fate of most works in the higher + departments of poetry; and that, on the other hand, numerous productions + have blazed into popularity, and have passed away, leaving scarcely a + trace behind them; it will be further found, that when Authors shall have + at length raised themselves into general admiration and maintained their + ground, errors and prejudices have prevailed concerning their genius and + their works, which the few who are conscious of those errors and + prejudices would deplore; if they were not recompensed by perceiving that + there are select Spirits for whom it is ordained that their fame shall be + in the world an existence like that of Virtue, which owes its being to the + struggles it makes, and its vigour to the enemies whom it provokes;—a + vivacious quality, ever doomed to meet with opposition, and still + triumphing over it; and, from the nature of its dominion, incapable of + being brought to the sad conclusion of Alexander, when he wept that there + were no more worlds for him to conquer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us take a hasty retrospect of the poetical literature of this Country + for the greater part of the last two centuries, and see if the facts + support these inferences. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Who is there that now reads the 'Creation' of Dubartas? Yet all Europe + once resounded with his praise; he was caressed by kings; and, when his + Poem was translated into our language, the 'Faery Queen' faded before it. + The name of Spenser, whose genius is of a higher order than even that of + Ariosto, is at this <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage112" id="Bpage112"></a>{112}</span> + day scarcely known beyond the limits of the British Isles. And if the + value of his works is to be estimated from the attention now paid to them + by his countrymen, compared with that which they bestow on those of some + other writers, it must be pronounced small indeed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The laurel, meed of mighty conquerors<br /></span> <span>And poets + <i>sage</i>—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + are his own words; but his wisdom has, in this particular, been his worst + enemy: while its opposite, whether in the shape of folly or madness, has + been <i>their</i> best friend. But he was a great power, and bears a high + name: the laurel has been awarded to him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A dramatic Author, if he write for the stage, must adapt himself to the + taste of the audience, or they will not endure him; accordingly the mighty + genius of Shakspeare was listened to. The people were delighted: but I am + not sufficiently versed in stage antiquities to determine whether they did + not flock as eagerly to the representation of many pieces of contemporary + Authors, wholly undeserving to appear upon the same boards. Had there been + a formal contest for superiority among dramatic writers, that Shakspeare, + like his predecessors Sophocles and Euripides, would have often been + subject to the mortification of seeing the prize adjudged to sorry + competitors, becomes too probable, when we reflect that the admirers of + Settle and Shadwell were, in a later age, as numerous, and reckoned as + respectable in point of talent, as those of Dryden. At all events, that + Shakspeare stooped to accommodate himself to the People, is sufficiently + apparent; and one of the most striking proofs of his almost omnipotent + genius, is, that he could turn to such glorious purpose those materials + which the prepossessions of the age compelled him to make use of. Yet even + this marvellous skill appears not to have been enough to prevent his + rivals from having some advantage over him in public estimation; else how + can we account for passages and scenes that exist in his works, unless + upon a supposition that some of the grossest of them, a fact which in my + own mind I have no doubt of, were foisted in by the Players, for the + gratification of the many? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But that his Works, whatever might be their reception upon the stage, made + but little impression upon the ruling Intellects of the time, may be + inferred from the fact that Lord Bacon, in <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage113" id="Bpage113"></a>{113}</span> his multifarious writings, + nowhere either quotes or alludes to him.<a name="BFNanchor_10_10" + id="BFNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#BFootnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a>—His + dramatic excellence enabled him to resume possession of the stage after + the Restoration; but Dryden tells us that in his time two of the plays of + Beaumont and Fletcher were acted for one of Shakspeare's. And so faint and + limited was the perception of the poetic beauties of his dramas in the + time of Pope, that, in his Edition of the Plays, with a view of rendering + to the general reader a necessary service, he printed between inverted + commas those passages which he thought most worthy of notice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At this day, the French Critics have abated nothing of their aversion to + this darling of our Nation: 'the English, with their bouffon de + Shakspeare,' is as familiar an expression among them as in the time of + Voltaire. Baron Grimm is the only French writer who seems to have + perceived his infinite superiority to the first names of the French + theatre; an advantage which the Parisian critic owed to his German blood + and German education. The most enlightened Italians, though well + acquainted with our language, are wholly incompetent to measure the + proportions of Shakspeare. The Germans only, of foreign nations, are + approaching towards a knowledge and feeling of what he is. In some + respects they have acquired a superiority over the fellow-countrymen of + the Poet: for among us it is a current, I might say, an established + opinion, that Shakspeare is justly praised when he is pronounced to be 'a + wild irregular genius, in whom great faults are compensated by great + beauties.' How long may it be before this misconception passes away, and + it becomes universally acknowledged that the judgment of Shakspeare in the + selection of his materials, and in the manner in which he has made them, + heterogeneous as they often are, constitute a unity of their own, and + contribute all to one great end, is not less admirable than his + imagination, his invention, and his intuitive knowledge of human Nature! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is extant a small Volume of miscellaneous poems, in which Shakspeare + expresses his own feelings in his own person. It is not difficult to + conceive that the Editor, George<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage114" + id="Bpage114"></a>{114}</span> Steevens, should have been insensible to + the beauties of one portion of that Volume, the Sonnets; though in no part + of the writings of this Poet is found, in an equal compass, a greater + number of exquisite feelings felicitously expressed. But, from regard to + the Critic's own credit, he would not have ventured to talk of an<a + name="BFNanchor_11_11" id="BFNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#BFootnote_11_11" + class="fnanchor">[11]</a> act of parliament not being strong enough to + compel the perusal of those little pieces, if he had not known that the + people of England were ignorant of the treasures contained in them: and if + he had not, moreover, shared the too common propensity of human nature to + exult over a supposed fall into the mire of a genius whom he had been + compelled to regard with admiration, as an inmate of the celestial regions—'there + sitting where he durst not soar.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nine years before the death of Shakspeare, Milton was born: and early in + life he published several small poems, which, though on their first + appearance they were praised by a few of the judicious, were afterwards + neglected to that degree, that Pope in his youth could borrow from them + without risk of its being known. Whether these poems are at this day + justly appreciated, I will not undertake to decide: nor would it imply a + severe reflection upon the mass of readers to suppose the contrary; seeing + that a man of the acknowledged genius of Voss, the German poet, could + suffer their spirit to evaporate; and could change their character, as is + done in the translation made by him of the most popular of those pieces. + At all events, it is certain that these Poems of Milton are now much read, + and loudly praised; yet were they little heard of till more than 150 years + after their publication; and of the Sonnets, Dr. Johnson, as appears from + Boswell's Life of him, was in the habit of thinking and speaking as + contemptuously as Steevens wrote upon those of Shakspeare. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + About the time when the Pindaric odes of Cowley and his imitators, and the + productions of that class of curious thinkers whom Dr. Johnson has + strangely styled metaphysical Poets, were beginning to lose something of + that extravagant admiration which they had excited, the 'Paradise Lost' + made its appearance. 'Fit audience find though few,' was the petition + addressed by the Poet <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage115" + id="Bpage115"></a>{115}</span> to his inspiring Muse. I have said + elsewhere that he gained more than he asked; this I believe to be true; + but Dr. Johnson has fallen into a gross mistake when he attempts to prove, + by the sale of the work, that Milton's Countrymen were '<i>just</i> to it' + upon its first appearance. Thirteen hundred Copies were sold in two years; + an uncommon example, he asserts, of the prevalence of genius in opposition + to so much recent enmity as Milton's public conduct had excited. But, be + it remembered that, if Milton's political and religious opinions, and the + manner in which he announced them had raised him many enemies, they had + procured him numerous friends; who, as all personal danger was passed away + at the time of publication, would be eager to procure the master-work of a + man whom they revered, and whom they would be proud of praising. Take, + from the number of purchasers, persons of this class, and also those who + wished to possess the Poem as a religious work, and but few I fear would + be left who sought for it on account of its poetical merits. The demand + did not immediately increase; 'for,' says Dr. Johnson, 'many more readers' + (he means persons in the habit of reading poetry) 'than were supplied at + first the Nation did not afford.' How careless must a writer be who can + make this assertion in the face of so many existing title-pages to belie + it! Turning to my own shelves, I find the folio of Cowley, seventh + edition, 1681. A book near it is Flatman's Poems, fourth edition, 1686; + Waller, fifth edition, same date. The Poems of Norris of Bemerton not long + after went, I believe, through nine editions. What further demand there + might be for these works I do not know; but I well remember, that, + twenty-five years ago, the booksellers' stalls in London swarmed with the + folios of Cowley. This is not mentioned in disparagement of that able + writer and amiable man; but merely to show—that, if Milton's work + were not more read, it was not because readers did not exist at the time. + The early editions of the 'Paradise Lost' were printed in a shape which + allowed them to be sold at a low price, yet only three thousand copies of + the Work were sold in eleven years; and the Nation, says Dr. Johnson, had + been satisfied from 1623 to 1664, that is, forty-one years, with only two + editions of the Works of Shakspeare; which probably did not together make + one thousand Copies; facts adduced by the critic to prove the 'paucity of + Readers.'—There were readers in multitudes; but their money <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage116" id="Bpage116"></a>{116}</span> went for + other purposes, as their admiration was fixed elsewhere. We are + authorized, then, to affirm, that the reception of the 'Paradise Lost,' + and the slow progress of its fame, are proofs as striking as can be + desired that the positions which I am attempting to establish are not + erroneous.<a name="BFNanchor_12_12" id="BFNanchor_12_12"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>—How amusing to + shape to one's self such a critique as a Wit of Charles's days, or a Lord + of the Miscellanies or trading Journalist of King William's time, would + have brought forth, if he had set his faculties industriously to work upon + this Poem, every where impregnated with <i>original</i> excellence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + So strange indeed are the obliquities of admiration, that they whose + opinions are much influenced by authority will often be tempted to think + that there are no fixed principles<a name="BFNanchor_13_13" + id="BFNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#BFootnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> + in human nature for this art to rest upon. I have been honoured by being + permitted to peruse in MS. a tract composed between the period of the + Revolution and the close of that century. It is the Work of an English + Peer of high accomplishments, its object to form the character and direct + the studies of his son. Perhaps nowhere does a more beautiful treatise of + the kind exist. The good sense and wisdom of the thoughts, the delicacy of + the feelings, and the charm of the style, are, throughout, equally + conspicuous. Yet the Author, selecting among the Poets of his own country + those whom he deems most worthy of his son's perusal, particularises only + Lord Rochester, Sir John Denham, and Cowley. Writing about the same time, + Shaftesbury, an author at present unjustly depreciated, describes the + English Muses as only yet lisping in their cradles. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The arts by which Pope, soon afterwards, contrived to procure to himself a + more general and a higher reputation than perhaps any English Poet ever + attained during his life-time, are known to the judicious. And as well + known is it to them, that the undue exertion of those arts is the cause + why Pope has for some time held a rank in literature, to which, if he had + not been seduced by an over-love of immediate popularity, and had confided + more in his native genius, he never could have descended. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage117" id="Bpage117"></a>{117}</span> He + bewitched the nation by his melody, and dazzled it by his polished style, + and was himself blinded by his own success. Having wandered from humanity + in his Eclogues with boyish inexperience, the praise, which these + compositions obtained, tempted him into a belief that Nature was not to be + trusted, at least in pastoral Poetry. To prove this by example, he put his + friend Gay upon writing those Eclogues which their author intended to be + burlesque. The instigator of the work, and his admirers, could perceive in + them nothing but what was ridiculous. Nevertheless, though these Poems + contain some detestable passages, the effect, as Dr. Johnson well + observes, 'of reality and truth became conspicuous even when the intention + was to show them grovelling and degraded.' The Pastorals, ludicrous to + such as prided themselves upon their refinement, in spite of those + disgusting passages, 'became popular, and were read with delight, as just + representations of rural manners and occupations.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Something less than sixty years after the publication of the 'Paradise + Lost' appeared Thomson's 'Winter;' which was speedily followed by his + other 'Seasons.' It is a work of inspiration: much of it is written from + himself, and nobly from himself. How was it received? 'It was no sooner + read,' says one of his contemporary biographers, 'than universally + admired: those only excepted who had not been used to feel, or to look for + any thing in poetry, beyond a <i>point</i> of satirical or epigrammatic + wit, a smart <i>antithesis</i> richly trimmed with rhyme, or the softness + of an <i>elegiac</i> complaint. To such his manly classical spirit could + not readily commend itself; till, after a more attentive perusal, they had + got the better of their prejudices, and either acquired or affected a + truer taste. A few others stood aloof, merely because they had long before + fixed the articles of their poetical creed, and resigned themselves to an + absolute despair of ever seeing any thing new and original. These were + somewhat mortified to find their notions disturbed by the appearance of a + poet, who seemed to owe nothing but to Nature and his own genius. But, in + a short time, the applause became unanimous; every one wondering how so + many pictures, and pictures so familiar, should have moved them but + faintly to what they felt in his descriptions. His digressions too, the + overflowings of a tender benevolent heart, charmed the reader no less; + leaving him in <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage118" id="Bpage118"></a>{118}</span> + doubt, whether he should more admire the Poet or love the Man.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This case appears to bear strongly against us:—but we must + distinguish between wonder and legitimate admiration. The subject of the + work is the changes produced in the appearances of Nature by the + revolution of the year: and, by undertaking to write in verse, Thomson + pledged himself to treat his subject as became a Poet. Now it is + remarkable that, excepting the nocturnal 'Reverie' of Lady Winchilsea, and + a passage or two in the 'Windsor Forest' of Pope, the poetry of the period + intervening between the publication of the 'Paradise Lost' and the + 'Seasons' does not contain a single new image of external Nature; and + scarcely presents a familiar one from which it can be inferred that the + eye of the Poet had been steadily fixed upon his object, much less that + his feelings had urged him to work upon it in the spirit of genuine + imagination. To what a low state knowledge of the most obvious and + important phenomena had sunk, is evident from the style in which Dryden + has executed a description of Night in one of his Tragedies, and Pope his + translation of the celebrated moonlight scene in the 'Iliad.' A blind man, + in the habit of attending accurately to descriptions casually dropped from + the lips of those around him, might easily depict these appearances with + more truth. Dryden's lines are vague, bombastic, and senseless;<a + name="BFNanchor_14_14" id="BFNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#BFootnote_14_14" + class="fnanchor">[14]</a> those of Pope, though he had Homer to guide him, + are throughout false and contradictory. The verses of Dryden, once highly + celebrated, are forgotten; those of Pope still retain their hold upon + public estimation,—nay, there is not a passage of descriptive + poetry, which at this day finds so many and such ardent admirers. Strange + to think of an enthusiast, as may have been the case with thousands, + reciting those verses under the cope of a moonlight sky, without having + his raptures in the least disturbed by a suspicion of their absurdity!—If + these two distinguished writers could habitually think that the visible + universe was of so little consequence to a <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage119" id="Bpage119"></a>{119}</span> poet, that it was scarcely + necessary for him to cast his eyes upon it, we may be assured that those + passages of the older poets which faithfully and poetically describe the + phenomena of Nature, were not at that time holden in much estimation, and + that there was little accurate attention paid to those appearances. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wonder is the natural product of Ignorance; and as the soil was <i>in such + good condition</i> at the time of the publication of the 'Seasons,' the + crop was doubtless abundant. Neither individuals nor nations become + corrupt all at once, nor are they enlightened in a moment. Thomson was an + inspired poet, but he could not work miracles; in cases where the art of + seeing had in some degree been learned, the teacher would further the + proficiency of his pupils, but he could do little <i>more</i>; though so + far does vanity assist men in acts of self-deception, that many would + often fancy they recognised a likeness when they knew nothing of the + original. Having shown that much of what his biographer deemed genuine + admiration must in fact have been blind wonderment—how is the rest + to be accounted for?—Thomson was fortunate in the very title of his + poem, which seemed to bring it home to the prepared sympathies of every + one: in the next place, notwithstanding his high powers, he writes a + vicious style; and his false ornaments are exactly of that kind which + would be most likely to strike the undiscerning. He likewise abounds with + sentimental common-places, that, from the manner in which they were + brought forward, bore an imposing air of novelty. In any well-used copy of + the 'Seasons' the book generally opens of itself with the rhapsody on + love, or with one of the stories (perhaps 'Damon and Musidora'); these + also are prominent in our collections of Extracts, and are the parts of + his Work, which, after all, were probably most efficient in first + recommending the author to general notice. Pope, repaying praises which he + had received, and wishing to extol him to the highest, only styles him 'an + elegant and philosophical poet;' nor are we able to collect any + unquestionable proofs that the true characteristics of Thomson's genius as + an imaginative poet<a name="BFNanchor_15_15" id="BFNanchor_15_15"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> were perceived, till the + elder Warton, almost forty years after the publication of the 'Seasons,' + pointed them out by <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage120" id="Bpage120"></a>{120}</span> + a note in his Essay on the Life and Writings of Pope. In the 'Castle of + Indolence' (of which Gray speaks so coldly) these characteristics were + almost as conspicuously displayed, and in verse more harmonious, and + diction more pure. Yet that fine poem was neglected on its appearance, and + is at this day the delight only of a few! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When Thomson died, Collins breathed forth his regrets in an Elegiac Poem, + in which he pronounces a poetical curse upon <i>him</i> who should regard + with insensibility the place where the Poet's remains were deposited. The + Poems of the mourner himself have now passed through innumerable editions, + and are universally known; but if, when Collins died, the same kind of + imprecation had been pronounced by a surviving admirer, small is the + number whom it would not have comprehended. The notice which his poems + attained during his life-time was so small, and of course the sale so + insignificant, that not long before his death he deemed it right to repay + to the bookseller the sum which he had advanced for them, and threw the + edition into the fire. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Next in importance to the 'Seasons' of Thomson, though at considerable + distance from that work in order of time, come the <i>Reliques of Ancient + English Poetry</i>; collected, new-modelled, and in many instances (if + such a contradiction in terms may be used) composed by the Editor, Dr. + Percy. This work did not steal silently into the world, as is evident from + the number of legendary tales, that appeared not long after its + publication; and had been modelled, as the authors persuaded themselves, + after the old Ballad. The Compilation was however ill suited to the then + existing taste of city society; and Dr. Johnson, 'mid the little senate to + which he gave laws, was not sparing in his exertions to make it an object + of contempt. The critic triumphed, the legendary imitators were deservedly + disregarded, and, as undeservedly, their ill-imitated models sank, in this + country, into temporary neglect; while Bürger, and other able writers + of Germany, were translating, or imitating these <i>Reliques</i>, and + composing, with the aid of inspiration thence derived, poems which are the + delight of the German nation. Dr. Percy was so abashed by the ridicule + flung upon his labours from the ignorance and insensibility of the persons + with whom he lived, that, though while he was writing under a mask he had + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage121" id="Bpage121"></a>{121}</span> + not wanted resolution to follow his genius into the regions of true + simplicity and genuine pathos (as is evinced by the exquisite ballad of + 'Sir Cauline' and by many other pieces), yet when he appeared in his own + person and character as a poetical writer, he adopted, as in the tale of + the 'Hermit of Warkworth,' a diction scarcely in any one of its features + distinguishable from the vague, the glossy, and unfeeling language of his + day. I mention this remarkable fact<a name="BFNanchor_16_16" + id="BFNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#BFootnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> + with regret, esteeming the genius of Dr. Percy in this kind of writing + superior to that of any other man by whom in modern times it has been + cultivated. That even Bürger (to whom Klopstock gave, in my hearing, + a commendation which he denied to Goethe and Schiller, pronouncing him to + be a genuine poet, and one of the few among the Germans whose works would + last) had not the fine sensibility of Percy, might be shown from many + passages, in which he has deserted his original only to go astray. For + example, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Now daye was gone, and night was come,<br /></span> <span>And all + were fast asleepe,<br /></span> <span>All save the Lady Emeline,<br /></span> + <span>Who sate in her bowre to weepe:<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And soone she heard her true Love's voice<br /></span> <span>Low + whispering at the walle,<br /></span> <span>Awake, awake, my clear Ladye,<br /></span> + <span>'Tis I thy true-love call.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Which is thus tricked out and dilated: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Als nun die Nacht Gebirg' und Thal<br /></span> <span>Vermummt in + Rabenschatten,<br /></span> <span>Und Hochburgs Lampen überall<br /></span> + <span>Schon ausgeflimmert hatten,<br /></span> <span>Und alles tief + entschlafen war;<br /></span> <span>Doch nur das Fräulein immerdar,<br /></span> + <span>Voll Fieberangst, noch wachte,<br /></span> <span>Und seinen Ritter + dachte:<br /></span> <span>Da horch! Ein süsser Liebeston<br /></span> + <span>Kam leis' empor geflogen.<br /></span> <span>'Ho, Trüdchen, + ho! Da bin ich schon!<br /></span> <span>Frisch auf! Dich angezogen!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage122" id="Bpage122"></a>{122}</span> + But from humble ballads we must ascend to heroics. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All hail, Macpherson! hail to thee, Sire of Ossian! The Phantom was + begotten by the smug embrace of an impudent Highlander upon a cloud of + tradition—it travelled southward, where it was greeted with + acclamation, and the thin Consistence took its course through Europe, upon + the breath of popular applause. The Editor of the <i>Reliques</i> had + indirectly preferred a claim to the praise of invention, by not concealing + that his supplementary labours were considerable! how selfish his conduct, + contrasted with that of the disinterested Gael, who, like Lear, gives his + kingdom away, and is content to become a pensioner upon his own issue for + a beggarly pittance!—Open this far-famed Book!—I have done so + at random, and the beginning of the 'Epic Poem Temora,' in eight Books, + presents itself. 'The blue waves of Ullin roll in light. The green hills + are covered with day. Trees shake their dusky heads in the breeze. Grey + torrents pour their noisy streams. Two green hills with aged oaks surround + a narrow plain. The blue course of a stream is there. On its banks stood + Cairbar of Atha. His spear supports the king; the red eyes of his fear are + sad. Cormac rises on his soul with all his ghastly wounds.' Precious + memorandums from the pocket-book of the blind Ossian! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If it be unbecoming, as I acknowledge that for the most part it is, to + speak disrespectfully of Works that have enjoyed for a length of time a + widely-spread reputation, without at the same time producing irrefragable + proofs of their unworthiness, let me be forgiven upon this occasion.—Having + had the good fortune to be born and reared in a mountainous country, from + my very childhood I have felt the falsehood that pervades the volumes + imposed upon the world under the name of Ossian. From what I saw with my + own eyes, I knew that the imagery was spurious. In Nature everything is + distinct, yet nothing defined into absolute independent singleness. In + Macpherson's work, it is exactly the reverse; every thing (that is not + stolen) is in this manner defined, insulated, dislocated, deadened,—yet + nothing distinct. It will always be so when words are substituted for + things. To say that the characters never could exist, that the manners are + impossible, and that a dream has more substance than the whole state of + society, as there depicted, is doing nothing more than pronouncing a + censure which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage123" id="Bpage123"></a>{123}</span> + Macpherson defied; when, with the steeps of Morven before his eyes, he + could talk so familiarly of his Car-borne heroes;—of Morven, which, + if one may judge from its appearance at the distance of a few miles, + contains scarcely an acre of ground sufficiently accommodating for a + sledge to be trailed along its surface.—Mr. Malcolm Laing has ably + shown that the diction of this pretended translation is a motley + assemblage from all quarters; but he is so fond of making out parallel + passages as to call poor Macpherson to account for his '<i>ands</i>' and + his '<i>buts</i>!' and he has weakened his argument by conducting it as if + he thought that every striking resemblance was a <i>conscious</i> + plagiarism. It is enough that the coincidences are too remarkable for its + being probable or possible that they could arise in different minds + without communication between them. Now as the Translators of the Bible, + and Shakspeare, Milton, and Pope, could not be indebted to Macpherson, it + follows that he must have owed his fine feathers to them; unless we are + prepared gravely to assert, with Madame de Staël, that many of the + characteristic beauties of our most celebrated English Poets are derived + from the ancient Fingallian; in which case the modern translator would + have been but giving back to Ossian his own.—It is consistent that + Lucien Buonaparte, who could censure Milton for having surrounded Satan in + the infernal regions with courtly and regal splendour, should pronounce + the modern Ossian to be the glory of Scotland;—a country that has + produced a Dunbar, a Buchanan, a Thomson, and a Burns! These opinions are + of ill-omen for the Epic ambition of him who has given them to the world. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yet, much as those pretended treasures of antiquity have been admired, + they have been wholly uninfluential upon the literature of the Country. No + succeeding writer appears to have caught from them a ray of inspiration; + no author, in the least distinguished, has ventured formally to imitate + them—except the boy, Chatterton, on their first appearance. He had + perceived, from the successful trials which he himself had made in + literary forgery, how few critics were able to distinguish between a real + ancient medal and a counterfeit of modern manufacture; and he set himself + to the work of filling a magazine with <i>Saxon Poems</i>,—counterparts + of those of Ossian, as like his as one of his misty stars is to another. + This incapability to amalgamate <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage124" + id="Bpage124"></a>{124}</span> with the literature of the Island, is, in + my estimation, a decisive proof that the book is essentially unnatural; + nor should I require any other to demonstrate it to be a forgery, + audacious as worthless. Contrast, in this respect, the effect of + Macpherson's publication with the <i>Reliques</i> of Percy, so unassuming, + so modest in their pretensions!—I have already stated how much + Germany is indebted to this latter work; and for our own country, its + poetry has been absolutely redeemed by it. I do not think that there is an + able writer in verse of the present day who would not be proud to + acknowledge his obligations to the <i>Reliques</i>; I know that it is so + with my friends; and, for myself, I am happy in this occasion to make a + public avowal of my own. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Dr. Johnson, more fortunate in his contempt of the labours of Macpherson + than those of his modest friend, was solicited not long after to furnish + Prefaces biographical and critical for the works of some of the most + eminent English Poets. The booksellers took upon themselves to make the + collection; they referred probably to the most popular miscellanies, and, + unquestionably, to their books of accounts; and decided upon the claim of + authors to be admitted into a body of the most eminent, from the + familiarity of their names with the readers of that day, and by the + profits, which, from the sale of his works, each had brought and was + bringing to the Trade. The Editor was allowed a limited exercise of + discretion, and the Authors whom he recommended are scarcely to be + mentioned without a smile. We open the volume of Prefatory Lives, and to + our astonishment the <i>first</i> name we find is that of Cowley!—What + is become of the morning-star of English Poetry? Where is the bright + Elizabethan constellation? Or, if names be more acceptable than images, + where is the ever-to-be-honoured Chaucer? Where is Spenser? where Sidney? + and, lastly, where he, whose rights as a poet, contradistinguished from + those which he is universally allowed to possess as a dramatist, we have + vindicated,—where Shakspeare?—These, and a multitude of others + not unworthy to be placed near them, their contemporaries and successors, + we have <i>not</i>. But in their stead, we have (could better be expected + when precedence was to be settled by an abstract of reputation at any + given period made, as in this case before us?) Roscommon, and Stepney, and + Phillips, and Walsh, and Smith, and Duke, and King, and Spratt—Halifax, + Granville, Sheffield,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage125" id="Bpage125"></a>{125}</span> + Congreve, Broome, and other reputed Magnates—metrical writers + utterly worthless and useless, except for occasions like the present, when + their productions are referred to as evidence what a small quantity of + brain is necessary to procure a considerable stock of admiration, provided + the aspirant will accommodate himself to the likings and fashions of his + day. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As I do not mean to bring down this retrospect to our own times, it may + with propriety be closed at the era of this distinguished event. From the + literature of other ages and countries, proofs equally cogent might have + been adduced, that the opinions announced in the former part of this Essay + are founded upon truth. It was not an agreeable office, nor a prudent + undertaking, to declare them; but their importance seemed to render it a + duty. It may still be asked, where lies the particular relation of what + has been said to these Volumes?—The question will be easily answered + by the discerning Reader who is old enough to remember the taste that + prevailed when some of these poems were first published, seventeen years + ago; who has also observed to what degree the poetry of this Island has + since that period been coloured by them; and who is further aware of the + unremitting hostility with which, upon some principle or other, they have + each and all been opposed. A sketch of my own notion of the constitution + of Fame has been given; and, as far as concerns myself, I have cause to be + satisfied. The love, the admiration, the indifference, the slight, the + aversion, and even the contempt, with which these Poems have been + received, knowing, as I do, the source within my own mind, from which they + have proceeded, and the labour and pains, which, when labour and pains + appeared needful, have been bestowed upon them, must all, if I think + consistently, be received as pledges and tokens, bearing the same general + impression, though widely different in value;—they are all proofs + that for the present time I have not laboured in vain; and afford + assurances, more or less authentic, that the products of my industry will + endure. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If there be one conclusion more forcibly pressed upon us than another by + the review which has been given of the fortunes and fate of poetical + Works, it is this,—that every author, as far as he is great and at + the same time <i>original</i>, has had the task of <i>creating</i> the + taste by which he is to be enjoyed; so has it been, so will it continue to + be. This remark was long since <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage126" + id="Bpage126"></a>{126}</span> made to me by the philosophical Friend for + the separation of whose poems from my own I have previously expressed my + regret. The predecessors of an original Genius of a high order will have + smoothed the way for all that he has in common with them;—and much + he will have in common; but, for what is peculiarly his own, he will be + called upon to clear and often to shape his own road:—he will be in + the condition of Hannibal among the Alps. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And where lies the real difficulty of creating that taste by which a truly + original poet is to be relished? Is it in breaking the bonds of custom, in + overcoming the prejudices of false refinement, and displacing the + aversions of inexperience? Or, if he labour for an object which here and + elsewhere I have proposed to myself, does it consist in divesting the + reader of the pride that induces him to dwell upon those points wherein + men differ from each other, to the exclusion of those in which all men are + alike, or the same; and in making him ashamed of the vanity that renders + him insensible of the appropriate excellence which civil arrangements, + less unjust than might appear, and Nature illimitable in her bounty, have + conferred on men who may stand below him in the scale of society? Finally, + does it lie in establishing that dominion over the spirits of readers by + which they are to be humbled and humanised, in order that they may be + purified and exalted? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If these ends are to be attained by the mere communication of <i>knowledge</i>, + it does <i>not</i> lie here.—TASTE, I would remind the reader, like + IMAGINATION, is a word which has been forced to extend its services far + beyond the point to which philosophy would have confined them. It is a + metaphor, taken from a <i>passive</i> sense of the human body, and + transferred to things which are in their essence <i>not</i> passive,—to + intellectual <i>acts</i> and <i>operations</i>. The word, Imagination, has + been overstrained, from impulses honourable to mankind, to meet the + demands of the faculty which is perhaps the noblest of our nature. In the + instance of Taste, the process has been reversed; and from the prevalence + of dispositions at once injurious and discreditable, being no other than + that selfishness which is the child of apathy,—which, as Nations + decline in productive and creative power, makes them value themselves upon + a presumed refinement of judging. Poverty of language is the primary cause + of the use <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage127" id="Bpage127"></a>{127}</span> + which we make of the word, Imagination; but the word, Taste, has been + stretched to the sense which it bears in modern Europe by habits of + self-conceit, inducing that inversion in the order of things whereby a + passive faculty is made paramount among the faculties conversant with the + fine arts. Proportion and congruity, the requisite knowledge being + supposed, are subjects upon which taste may be trusted; it is competent to + this office;—for in its intercourse with these the mind is <i>passive</i>, + and is affected painfully or pleasurably as by an instinct. But the + profound and the exquisite in feeling, the lofty and universal in thought + and imagination; or, in ordinary language, the pathetic and the sublime;—are + neither of them, accurately speaking, objects of a faculty which could + ever without a sinking in the spirit of Nations have been designated by + the metaphor—<i>Taste</i>. And why? Because without the exertion of + a co-operating <i>power</i> in the mind of the Reader, there can be no + adequate sympathy with either of these emotions: without this auxiliary + impulse, elevated or profound passion cannot exist. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Passion, it must be observed, is derived from a word which signifies <i>suffering</i>; + but the connection which suffering has with effort, with exertion, and <i>action</i>, + is immediate and inseparable. How strikingly is this property of human + nature exhibited by the fact, that, in popular language, to be in a + passion, is to be angry!—But, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Anger in hasty <i>words</i> or <i>blows</i><br /></span> <span>Itself + discharges on its foes.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To be moved, then, by a passion, is to be excited, often to external, and + always to internal, effort: whether for the continuance and strengthening + of the passion, or for its suppression, accordingly as the course which it + takes may be painful or pleasurable. If the latter, the soul must + contribute to its support, or it never becomes vivid,—and soon + languishes, and dies. And this brings us to the point. If every great poet + with whose writings men are familiar, in the highest exercise of his + genius, before he can be thoroughly enjoyed, has to call forth and to + communicate <i>power</i>, this service, in a still greater degree, falls + upon an original writer, at his first appearance in the world.—Of + genius the only proof is, the act of doing well what is worthy to be done, + and what was never done before: Of genius, in the fine arts, the only + infallible sign is the widening the sphere of human sensibility, for the + delight, honour, and benefit of human nature.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage128" id="Bpage128"></a>{128}</span> Genius is the introduction + of a new element into the intellectual universe: or, if that be not + allowed, it is the application of powers to objects on which they had not + before been exercised, or the employment of them in such a manner as to + produce effects hitherto unknown. What is all this but an advance, or a + conquest, made by the soul of the poet? Is it to be supposed that the + reader can make progress of this kind, like an Indian prince or general—stretched + on his palanquin, and borne by his slaves? No; he is invigorated and + inspirited by his leader, in order that he may exert himself; for he + cannot proceed in quiescence, he cannot be carried like a dead weight. + Therefore to create taste is to call forth and bestow power, of which + knowledge is the effect; and <i>there</i> lies the true difficulty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As the pathetic participates of an <i>animal</i> sensation, it might seem—that, + if the springs of this emotion were genuine, all men, possessed of + competent knowledge of the facts and circumstances, would be + instantaneously affected. And, doubtless, in the works of every true poet + will be found passages of that species of excellence, which is proved by + effects immediate and universal. But there are emotions of the pathetic + that are simple and direct, and others—that are complex and + revolutionary; some—to which the heart yields with gentleness; + others—against which it struggles with pride; these varieties are + infinite as the combinations of circumstance and the constitutions of + character. Remember, also, that the medium through which, in poetry, the + heart is to be affected—is language; a thing subject to endless + fluctuations and arbitrary associations. The genius of the poet melts + these down for his purpose; but they retain their shape and quality to him + who is not capable of exerting, within his own mind, a corresponding + energy. There is also a meditative, as well as a human, pathos; an + enthusiastic, as well as an ordinary, sorrow; a sadness that has its seat + in the depths of reason, to which the mind cannot sink gently of itself—but + to which it must descend by treading the steps of thought. And for the + sublime,—if we consider what are the cares that occupy the passing + day, and how remote is the practice and the course of life from the + sources of sublimity in the soul of Man, can it be wondered that there is + little existing preparation for a poet charged with a new mission to + extend its kingdom, and to augment and spread its enjoyments?<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage129" id="Bpage129"></a>{129}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Away, then, with the senseless iteration of the word <i>popular</i>, + applied to new works in poetry, as if there were no test of excellence in + this first of the fine arts but that all men should run after its + productions, as if urged by an appetite, or constrained by a spell!—The + qualities of writing best fitted for eager reception are either such as + startle the world into attention by their audacity and extravagance; or + they are chiefly of a superficial kind lying upon the surfaces of manners; + or arising out of a selection and arrangement of incidents, by which the + mind is kept upon the stretch of curiosity and the fancy amused without + the trouble of thought. But in every thing which is to send the soul into + herself, to be admonished of her weakness, or to be made conscious of her + power:—wherever life and Nature are described as operated upon by + the creative or abstracting virtue of the imagination; wherever the + instinctive wisdom of antiquity and her heroic passions uniting, in the + heart of the poet, with the meditative wisdom of later ages, have produced + that accord of sublimated humanity, which is at once a history of the + remote past and a prophetic enunciation of the remotest future, <i>there</i>, + the poet must reconcile himself for a season to few and scattered hearers.—Grand + thoughts (and Shakspeare must often have sighed over this truth), as they + are most naturally and most fitly conceived in solitude, so can they not + be brought forth in the midst of plaudits, without some violation of their + sanctity. Go to a silent exhibition of the productions of the Sister Art, + and be convinced that the qualities which dazzle at first sight, and + kindle the admiration of the multitude, are essentially different from + those by which permanent influence is secured. Let us not shrink from + following up these principles as far as they will carry us, and conclude + with observing—that there never has been a period, and perhaps never + will be, in which vicious poetry, of some kind or other, has not excited + more zealous admiration, and been far more generally read, than good; but + this advantage attends the good, that the <i>individual</i>, as well as + the species, survives from age to age; whereas, of the depraved, though + the species be immortal, the individual quickly <i>perishes</i>; the + object of present admiration vanishes, being supplanted by some other as + easily produced; which, though no better, brings with it at least the + irritation of novelty,—with adaptation, more or less skilful, to the + changing humours of the majority of those who <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage130" id="Bpage130"></a>{130}</span> are most at leisure to + regard poetical works when they first solicit their attention. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Is it the result of the whole, that, in the opinion of the Writer, the + judgment of the People is not to be respected? The thought is most + injurious; and, could the charge be brought against him, he would repel it + with indignation. The People have already been justified, and their + eulogium pronounced by implication, when it was said, above—that, of + <i>good</i> poetry, the <i>individual</i>, as well as the species, <i>survives</i>. + And how does it survive but through the People? What preserves it but + their intellect and their wisdom? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—Past and future, are the wings<br /></span> <span>On whose + support, harmoniously conjoined,<br /></span> <span>Moves the great + Spirit of human knowledge—MS.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The voice that issues from this Spirit, is that Vox Populi which the Deity + inspires. Foolish must he be who can mistake for this a local acclamation, + or a transitory outcry—transitory though it be for years, local + though from a Nation. Still more lamentable is his error who can believe + that there is any thing of divine infallibility in the clamour of that + small though loud portion of the community, ever governed by factitious + influence, which, under the name of the PUBLIC, passes itself, upon the + unthinking, for the PEOPLE. Towards the Public, the Writer hopes that he + feels as much deference as it is entitled to: but to the People, + philosophically characterised, and to the embodied spirit of their + knowledge, so far as it exists and moves, at the present, faithfully + supported by its two wings, the past and the future, his devout respect, + his reverence, is due. He offers it willingly and readily; and, this done, + takes leave of his Readers, by assuring them—that, if he were not + persuaded that the contents of these Volumes, and the Work to which they + are subsidiary, evince something of the 'Vision and the Faculty divine;' + and that, both in words and things, they will operate in their degree, to + extend the domain of sensibility for the delight, the honour, and the + benefit of human nature, notwithstanding the many happy hours which he has + employed in their composition, and the manifold comforts and enjoyments + they have procured to him, he would not, if a wish could do it, save them + from immediate destruction;—from becoming at this moment, to the + world, as a thing that had never been. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1815 + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage131" id="Bpage131"></a>{131}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="d_OF_POETRY_AS_OBSERVATION_AND_DESCRIPTION" + id="d_OF_POETRY_AS_OBSERVATION_AND_DESCRIPTION"></a><i>(d)</i> OF POETRY + AS OBSERVATION AND DESCRIPTION. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The powers requisite for the production of poetry are: first, those of + Observation and Description,—<i>i.e.</i>, the ability to observe + with accuracy things as they are in themselves, and with fidelity to + describe them, unmodified by any passion or feeling existing in the mind + of the describer: whether the things depicted be actually present to the + senses, or have a place only in the memory. This power, though + indispensable to a Poet, is one which he employs only in submission to + necessity, and never for a continuance of time: as its exercise supposes + all the higher qualities of the mind to be passive, and in a state of + subjection to external objects, much in the same way as a translator or + engraver ought to be to his original. 2ndly, Sensibility,—which, the + more exquisite it is, the wider will be the range of a poet's perceptions; + and the more will he be incited to observe objects, both as they exist in + themselves, and as re-acted upon by his own mind. (The distinction between + poetic and human sensibility has been marked in the character of the Poet + delineated in the original preface.) 3dly, Reflection,—which makes + the Poet acquainted with the value of actions, images, thoughts, and + feelings; and assists the sensibility in perceiving their connection with + each other. 4thly, Imagination and Fancy,—to modify, to create, and + to associate. 5thly, Invention,—by which characters are composed out + of materials supplied by observation; whether of the Poet's own heart and + mind, or of external life and nature; and such incidents and situations + produced as are most impressive to the imagination, and most fitted to do + justice to the characters, sentiments, and passions, which the Poet + undertakes to illustrate. And, lastly, Judgment,—to decide how and + where, and in what degree, each of these faculties ought to be exerted; so + that the less shall not be sacrificed to the greater; nor the greater, + slighting the less, arrogate, to its own injury, more than its due. By + judgment, also, is determined what are the laws and appropriate graces of + every species of composition.<a name="BFNanchor_17_17" id="BFNanchor_17_17"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage132" id="Bpage132"></a>{132}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The materials of Poetry, by these powers collected and produced, are cast, + by means of various moulds, into divers forms. The moulds may be + enumerated, and the forms specified, in the following order. 1st, The + Narrative,—including the Epopoeia, the Historic Poem, the Tale, the + Romance, the Mock-Heroic, and, if the spirit of Homer will tolerate such + neighbourhood, that dear production of our days, the metrical Novel. Of + this class, the distinguishing mark is, that the Narrator, however + liberally his speaking agents be introduced, is himself the source from + which every thing primarily flows. Epic Poets, in order that their mode of + composition may accord with the elevation of their subject, represent + themselves as <i>singing</i> from the inspiration of the Muse, 'Arma + virumque <i>cano</i>;' but this is a fiction, in modern times, of slight + value; the 'Iliad' or the 'Paradise Lost' would gain little in our + estimation by being chanted. The other poets who belong to this class are + commonly content to <i>tell</i> their tale;—so that of the whole it + may be affirmed that they neither require nor reject the accompaniment of + music. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 2ndly, The Dramatic,—consisting of Tragedy, Historic Drama, Comedy, + and Masque, in which the poet does not appear at all in his own person, + and where the whole action is carried on by speech and dialogue of the + agents; music being admitted only incidentally and rarely. The Opera may + be placed here, inasmuch as it proceeds by dialogue; though depending, to + the degree that it does, upon music, it has a strong claim to be ranked + with the lyrical. The characteristic and impassioned Epistle, of which + Ovid and Pope have given examples, considered as a species of monodrama, + may, without impropriety, be placed in this class. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 3dly, The Lyrical,—containing the Hymn, the Ode, the Elegy, the + Song, and the Ballad; in all which, for the production of their <i>full</i> + effect, an accompaniment of music is indispensable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 4thly, The Idyllium,—descriptive chiefly either of the processes and + appearances of external nature, as the 'Seasons' of Thomson; or of + characters, manners, and sentiments, as are Shenstone's 'Schoolmistress,' + 'The Cotter's Saturday Night' of Burns, 'The Twa Dogs' of the same Author; + or of these in conjunction with the appearances of Nature, as most of the + pieces of Theocritus, the 'Allegro' and 'Penseroso' of Milton, Beattie's<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage133" id="Bpage133"></a>{133}</span> + 'Minstrel,' Goldsmith's 'Deserted Village.' The Epitaph, the Inscription, + the Sonnet, most of the epistles of poets writing in their own persons, + and all loco-descriptive poetry, belong to this class. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 5thly, Didactic,—the principal object of which is direct + instruction; as the Poem of Lucretius, the 'Georgics' of Virgil, 'The + Fleece' of Dyer, Mason's 'English Garden,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And, lastly, philosophical Satire, like that of Horace and Juvenal; + personal and occasional Satire rarely comprehending sufficient of the + general in the individual to be dignified with the name of poetry. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Out of the three last has been constructed a composite order, of which + Young's 'Night Thoughts,' and Cowper's 'Task,' are excellent examples. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is deducible from the above, that poems, apparently miscellaneous, may + with propriety be arranged either with reference to the powers of mind <i>predominant</i> + in the production of them; or to the mould in which they are cast; or, + lastly, to the subjects to which they relate. From each of these + considerations, the following Poems have been divided into classes; which, + that the work may more obviously correspond with the course of human life, + and for the sake of exhibiting in it the three requisites of a legitimate + whole, a beginning, a middle, and an end, have been also arranged, as far + as it was possible, according to an order of time, commencing with + Childhood, and terminating with Old Age, Death, and Immortality. My + guiding wish was, that the small pieces of which these volumes consist, + thus discriminated, might be regarded under a twofold view; as composing + an entire work within themselves, and as adjuncts to the philosophical + Poem, 'The Recluse.' This arrangement has long presented itself habitually + to my own mind. Nevertheless, I should have preferred to scatter the + contents of these volumes at random, if I had been persuaded that, by the + plan adopted, any thing material would be taken from the natural effect of + the pieces, individually, on the mind of the unreflecting Reader. I trust + there is a sufficient variety in each class to prevent this; while, for + him who reads with reflection, the arrangement will serve as a commentary + unostentatiously directing his attention to my purposes, both particular + and general. But, as I wish to guard against the possibility of misleading + by this classification, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage134" + id="Bpage134"></a>{134}</span> it is proper first to remind the Reader, + that certain poems are placed according to the powers of mind, in the + Author's conception, predominant in the production of them; <i>predominant</i>, + which implies the exertion of other faculties in less degree. Where there + is more imagination than fancy in a poem, it is placed under the head of + imagination, and <i>vice versâ</i>. Both the above classes might + without impropriety have been enlarged from that consisting of 'Poems + founded on the Affections;' as might this latter from those, and from the + class 'proceeding from Sentiment and Reflection.' The most striking + characteristics of each piece, mutual illustration, variety, and + proportion, have governed me throughout. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + None of the other Classes, except those of Fancy and Imagination, require + any particular notice. But a remark of general application may be made. + All Poets, except the dramatic, have been in the practice of feigning that + their works were composed to the music of the harp or lyre: with what + degree of affectation this has been done in modern times, I leave to the + judicious to determine. For my own part, I have not been disposed to + violate probability so far, or to make such a large demand upon the + Reader's charity. Some of these pieces are essentially lyrical; and, + therefore, cannot have their due force without a supposed musical + accompaniment; but, in much the greatest part, as a substitute for the + classic lyre or romantic harp, I require nothing more than an animated or + impassioned recitation, adapted to the subject. Poems, however humble in + their kind, if they be good in that kind, cannot read themselves; the law + of long syllable and short must not be so inflexible,—the letter of + metre must not be so impassive to the spirit of versification,—as to + deprive the Reader of all voluntary power to modulate, in subordination to + the sense, the music of the poem;—in the same manner as his mind is + left at liberty, and even summoned, to act upon its thoughts and images. + But, though the accompaniment of a musical instrument be frequently + dispensed with, the true Poet does not therefore abandon his privilege + distinct from that of the mere Proseman; + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>He murmurs near the running brooks<br /></span> <span>A music + sweeter than their own.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us come now to the consideration of the words Fancy and Imagination, + as employed in the classification of the follow<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage135" id="Bpage135"></a>{135}</span> ing Poems. 'A man,' says an + intelligent author, 'has imagination in proportion as he can distinctly + copy in idea the impressions of sense: it is the faculty which <i>images</i> + within the mind the phenomena of sensation. A man has fancy in proportion + as he can call up, connect, or associate, at pleasure, those internal + images (φαντἁζειν is to + cause to appear) so as to complete ideal representations of absent + objects. Imagination is the power of depicting, and fancy of evoking and + combining. The imagination is formed by patient observation; the fancy by + a voluntary activity in shifting the scenery of the mind. The more + accurate the imagination, the more safely may a painter, or a poet, + undertake a delineation, or a description, without the presence of the + objects to be characterised. The more versatile the fancy, the more + original and striking will be the decorations produced.'—<i>British + Synonyms discriminated, by W. Taylor</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Is not this as if a man should undertake to supply an account of a + building, and be so intent upon what he had discovered of the foundation, + as to conclude his task without once looking up at the superstructure? + Here, as in other instances throughout the volume, the judicious Author's + mind is enthralled by Etymology; he takes up the original word as his + guide and escort, and too often does not perceive how soon he becomes its + prisoner, without liberty to tread in any path but that to which it + confines him. It is not easy to find out how imagination, thus explained, + differs from distinct remembrance of images; or fancy from quick and vivid + recollection of them: each is nothing more than a mode of memory. If the + two words bear the above meaning and no other, what term is left to + designate that faculty of which the Poet is 'all compact;' he whose eye + glances from earth to heaven, whose spiritual attributes body forth what + his pen is prompt in turning to shape; or what is left to characterise + Fancy, as insinuating herself into the heart of objects with creative + activity? Imagination, in the sense of the word as giving title to a class + of the following Poems, has no reference to images that are merely a + faithful copy, existing in the mind, of absent external objects; but is a + word of higher import, denoting operations of the mind upon those objects + and processes of creation or of composition, governed by certain fixed + laws. I proceed to illustrate my meaning by instances. A parrot <i>hangs</i> + from the wires of his cage by his beak or by his claws; or a <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage136" id="Bpage136"></a>{136}</span> monkey + from the bough of a tree by his paws or his tail. Each creature does so + literally and actually. In the first Eclogue of Virgil, the shepherd, + thinking of the time when he is to take leave of his farm, thus addresses + his goats:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Non ego vos posthac viridi projectus in antro<br /></span> <span>Dumosa + <i>pendere</i> procul de rupe videbo.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">— half way down<br /></span> <span><i>Hangs</i> + one who gathers samphire,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + is the well-known expression of Shakspeare, delineating an ordinary image + upon the cliffs of Dover. In these two instances is a slight exertion of + the faculty which I denominate imagination, in the use of one word: + neither the goats nor the samphire-gatherer do literally hang, as does the + parrot or the monkey; but, presenting to the senses something of such an + appearance, the mind in its activity, for its own gratification, + contemplates them as hanging. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>As when far off at sea a fleet descried<br /></span> <span><i>Hangs</i> + in the clouds, by equinoctial wind;<br /></span> <span>Close sailing from + Bengala, or the isles<br /></span> <span>Of Ternate or Tidore, whence + merchants bring<br /></span> <span>Their spicy drugs; they on the trading + flood<br /></span> <span>Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape<br /></span> + <span>Ply, stemming nightly toward the Pole; so seemed<br /></span> <span>Far + off the flying Fiend.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here is the full strength of the imagination involved in the word <i>hangs</i>, + and exerted upon the whole image: First, the fleet, an aggregate of many + ships, is represented as one mighty person, whose track, we know and feel, + is upon the waters; but, taking advantage of its appearance to the senses, + the Poet dares to represent it as <i>hanging in the clouds</i>, both for + the gratification of the mind in contemplating the image itself, and in + reference to the motion and appearance of the sublime objects to which it + is compared. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From impressions of sight we will pass to those of sound; which, as they + must necessarily be of a less definite character, shall be selected from + these volumes: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove <i>broods</i>;<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + of the same bird, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>His voice was <i>buried</i> among trees.<br /></span> <span>Yet to + be come at by the breeze;<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>O, Cuckoo! shall I call thee <i>Bird</i>,<br /></span> <span>Or but + a wandering <i>Voice</i>?<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage137" id="Bpage137"></a>{137}</span> + </p> + <p> + The stock-dove is said to <i>coo</i>, a sound well imitating the note of + the bird; but, by the intervention of the metaphor <i>broods</i>, the + affections are called in by the imagination to assist in marking the + manner in which the bird reiterates and prolongs her soft note, as if + herself delighting to listen to it, and participating of a still and quiet + satisfaction, like that which may be supposed inseparable from the + continuous process of incubation. 'His voice was buried among the trees,' + a metaphor expressing the love of <i>seclusion</i> by which this Bird is + marked; and characterising its note as not partaking of the shrill and the + piercing, and therefore more easily deadened by the intervening shade; yet + a note so peculiar and withal so pleasing, that the breeze, gifted with + that love of the sound which the Poet feels, penetrates the shades in + which it is entombed, and conveys it to the ear of the listener. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Shall I call thee Bird,<br /></span> <span>Or but a wandering + Voice?<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This concise interrogation characterises the seeming ubiquity of the voice + of the cuckoo, and dispossesses the creature almost of a corporeal + existence; the Imagination being tempted to this exertion of her power by + a consciousness in the memory that the cuckoo is almost perpetually heard + throughout the season of spring, but seldom becomes an object of sight. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus far of images independent of each other, and immediately endowed by + the mind with properties that do not inhere in them, upon an incitement + from properties and qualities the existence of which is inherent and + obvious. These processes of imagination are carried on either by + conferring additional properties upon an object, or abstracting from it + some of those which it actually possesses, and thus enabling it to re-act + upon the mind which hath performed the process, like a new existence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I pass from the Imagination acting upon an individual image to a + consideration of the same faculty employed upon images in a conjunction by + which they modify each other. The Reader has already had a fine instance + before him in the passage quoted from Virgil, where the apparently + perilous situation of the goat, hanging upon the shaggy precipice, is + contrasted with that of the shepherd contemplating it from the seclusion + of the cavern in which he lies stretched at ease and in security. Take + these <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage138" id="Bpage138"></a>{138}</span> + images separately, and how unaffecting the picture compared with that + produced by their being thus connected with, and opposed to, each other! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>As a huge stone is sometimes seen to lie<br /></span> <span>Couched + on the bald top of an eminence,<br /></span> <span>Wonder to all who do + the same espy<br /></span> <span>By what means it could thither come, and + whence,<br /></span> <span>So that it seems a thing endued with sense,<br /></span> + <span>Like a sea-beast crawled forth, which on a shelf<br /></span> <span>Of + rock or sand reposeth, there to sun himself.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Such seemed this Man; not all alive or dead<br /></span> <span>Nor + all asleep, in his extreme old age.<br /></span> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood,<br /></span> <span>That + heareth not the loud winds when they call,<br /></span> <span>And moveth + altogether if it move at all.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In these images, the conferring, the abstracting, and the modifying powers + of the Imagination, immediately and mediately acting, are all brought into + conjunction. The stone is endowed with something of the power of life to + approximate it to the sea-beast; and the sea-beast stripped of some of its + vital qualities to assimilate it to the stone; which intermediate image is + thus treated for the purpose of bringing the original image, that of the + stone, to a nearer resemblance to the figure and condition of the aged + Man; who is divested of so much of the indications of life and motion as + to bring him to the point where the two objects unite and coalesce in just + comparison. After what has been said, the image of the cloud need not be + commented upon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus far of an endowing or modifying power: but the Imagination also + shapes and <i>creates</i>; and how? By innumerable processes; and in none + does it more delight than in that of consolidating numbers into unity, and + dissolving and separating unity into number,—alternations proceeding + from, and governed by, a sublime consciousness of the soul in her own + mighty and almost divine powers. Recur to the passage already cited from + Milton. When the compact Fleet, as one Person, has been introduced + 'Sailing from Bengala.' 'They,' <i>i.e.</i> the 'merchants,' representing + the fleet resolved into a multitude of ships, 'ply' their voyage towards + the extremities of the earth: 'So' (referring to the word 'As' in the + commencement) 'seemed the flying Fiend;' the image of his person acting to + recombine the multi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage139" id="Bpage139"></a>{139}</span> + tude of ships into one body,—the point from which the comparison set + out. 'So seemed,' and to whom seemed? To the heavenly Muse who dictates + the poem, to the eye of the Poet's mind, and to that of the Reader, + present at one moment in the wide Ethiopian, and the next in the + solitudes, then first broken in upon, of the infernal regions! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Modo me Thebis, modo ponit Athenis.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here again this mighty Poet,—speaking of the Messiah going forth to + expel from heaven the rebellious angels, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Attended by ten thousand thousand Saints<br /></span> <span>He + onward came: far off his coming shone,—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + the retinue of Saints, and the Person of the Messiah himself, lost almost + and merged in the splendour of that indefinite abstraction 'His coming!' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As I do not mean here to treat this subject further than to throw some + light upon the present Volumes, and especially upon one division of them, + I shall spare myself and the Reader the trouble of considering the + Imagination as it deals with thoughts and sentiments, as it regulates the + composition of characters, and determines the course of actions: I will + not consider it (more than I have already done by implication) as that + power which, in the language of one of my most esteemed Friends, 'draws + all things to one; which makes things animate or inanimate, beings with + their attributes, subjects with their accessaries, take one colour and + serve to one effect.'<a name="BFNanchor_18_18" id="BFNanchor_18_18"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> The grand store-houses + of enthusiastic and meditative Imagination, of poetical, as + contradistinguished from human and dramatic Imagination, are the prophetic + and lyrical parts of the Holy Scriptures, and the works of Milton; to + which I cannot forbear to add those of Spenser. I select these writers in + preference to those of ancient Greece and Rome, because the + anthropomorphitism of the Pagan religion subjected the minds of the + greatest poets in those countries too much to the bondage of definite + form; from which the Hebrews were preserved by their abhorrence of + idolatry. This abhorrence was almost as strong in our great epic Poet, + both from circumstances of his life, and from the constitution of his + mind. However imbued the surface might be with classical literature, he + was a Hebrew in soul; and all <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage140" + id="Bpage140"></a>{140}</span> things tended in him towards the sublime. + Spenser, of a gentler nature, maintained his freedom by aid of his + allegorical spirit, at one time inciting him to create persons out of + abstractions; and, at another, by a superior effort of genius, to give the + universality and permanence of abstractions to his human beings, by means + of attributes and emblems that belong to the highest moral truths and the + purest sensations,—of which his character of Una is a glorious + example. Of the human and dramatic Imagination the works of Shakspeare are + an inexhaustible source. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>I tax not you, ye Elements, with unkindness,<br /></span> <span>I + never gave you kingdoms, call'd you Daughters!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And if, bearing in mind the many Poets distinguished by this prime + quality, whose names I omit to mention; yet justified by recollection of + the insults which the ignorant, the incapable and the presumptuous, have + heaped upon these and my other writings, I may be permitted to anticipate + the judgment of posterity upon myself, I shall declare (censurable, I + grant, if the notoriety of the fact above stated does not justify me) that + I have given in these unfavourable times, evidence of exertions of this + faculty upon its worthiest objects, the external universe, the moral and + religious sentiments of Man, his natural affections, and his acquired + passions; which have the same ennobling tendency as the productions of + men, in this kind, worthy to be holden in undying remembrance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To the mode in which Fancy has already been characterised as the power of + evoking and combining, or, as my friend Mr. Coleridge has styled it, 'the + aggregative and associative power,' my objection is only that the + definition is too general. To aggregate and to associate, to evoke and to + combine, belong as well to the Imagination as to the Fancy; but either the + materials evoked and combined are different; or they are brought together + under a different law, and for a different purpose. Fancy does not require + that the materials which she makes use of should be susceptible of change + in their constitution, from her touch; and, where they admit of + modification, it is enough for her purpose if it be slight, limited, and + evanescent. Directly the reverse of these, are the desires and demands of + the Imagination. She recoils from everything but the plastic, the pliant, + and the indefinite. She leaves it to Fancy to describe Queen Mab as + coming, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage141" id="Bpage141"></a>{141}</span> + <span>In shape no bigger than an agate-stone<br /></span> <span>On the + fore-finger of an alderman.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having to speak of stature, she does not tell you that her gigantic Angel + was as tall as Pompey's Pillar; much less that he was twelve cubits, or + twelve hundred cubits high; or that his dimensions equalled those of + Teneriffe or Atlas;—because these, and if they were a million times + as high it would be the same, are bounded: The expression is, 'His stature + reached the sky!' the illimitable firmament!—When the Imagination + frames a comparison, if it does not strike on the first presentation, a + sense of the truth of the likeness, from the moment that it is perceived, + grows—and continues to grow—upon the mind; the resemblance + depending less upon outline of form and feature, than upon expression and + effect; less upon casual and outstanding, than upon inherent and internal, + properties: moreover, the images invariably modify each other.—The + law under which the processes of Fancy are carried on is as capricious as + the accidents of things, and the effects are surprising, playful, + ludicrous, amusing, tender, or pathetic, as the objects happen to be + appositely produced or fortunately combined. Fancy depends upon the + rapidity and profusion with which she scatters her thoughts and images; + trusting that their number, and the felicity with which they are linked + together, will make amends for the want of individual value: or she prides + herself upon the curious subtilty and the successful elaboration with + which she can detect their lurking affinities. If she can win you over to + her purpose, and impart to you her feelings, she cares not how unstable or + transitory may be her influence, knowing that it will not be out of her + power to resume it upon an apt occasion. But the Imagination is conscious + of an indestructible dominion;—the Soul may fall away from it, not + being able to sustain its grandeur; but, if once felt and acknowledged, by + no act of any other faculty of the mind can it be relaxed, impaired, or + diminished.—Fancy is given to quicken and to beguile the temporal + part of our nature, Imagination to incite and to support the eternal.—Yet + is it not the less true that Fancy, as she is an active, is also, under + her own laws and in her own spirit, a creative faculty. In what manner + Fancy ambitiously aims at a rivalship with Imagination, and Imagination + stoops to work with materials of Fancy, might be illustrated from the + compositions of all eloquent writers, whether <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage142" id="Bpage142"></a>{142}</span> in prose or verse; and + chiefly from those of our own Country. Scarcely a page of the impassioned + parts of Bishop Taylor's Works can be opened that shall not afford + examples.—Referring the Reader to those inestimable volumes, I will + content myself with placing a conceit (ascribed to Lord Chesterfield) in + contrast with a passage from the 'Paradise Lost:'— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The dews of the evening most carefully shun,<br /></span> <span>They + are the tears of the sky for the loss of the sun.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After the transgression of Adam, Milton, with other appearances of + sympathising Nature, thus marks the immediate consequence, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Sky lowered, and, muttering thunder, some sad drops<br /></span> + <span>Wept at completion of the mortal sin.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The associating link is the same in each instance: Dew and rain, not + distinguishable from the liquid substance of tears, are employed as + indications of sorrow. A flash of surprise is the effect in the former + case; a flash of surprise, and nothing more; for the nature of things does + not sustain the combination. In the latter, the effects from the act, of + which there is this immediate consequence and visible sign, are so + momentous, that the mind acknowledges the justice and reasonableness of + the sympathy in nature so manifested; and the sky weeps drops of water as + if with human eyes, as 'Earth had before trembled from her entrails, and + Nature given a second groan.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Finally, I will refer to Cotton's 'Ode upon Winter,' an admirable + composition, though stained with some peculiarities of the age in which he + lived, for a general illustration of the characteristics of Fancy. The + middle part of this ode contains a most lively description of the entrance + of Winter, with his retinue, as 'A palsied king,' and yet a military + monarch,—advancing for conquest with his army; the several bodies of + which, and their arms and equipments, are described with a rapidity of + detail, and a profusion of <i>fanciful</i> comparisons, which indicate on + the part of the poet extreme activity of intellect, and a correspondent + hurry of delightful feeling. Winter retires from the foe into his + fortress, where + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i3">— a magazine<br /></span> <span>Of sovereign juice + is cellared in;<br /></span> <span>Liquor that will the siege maintain<br /></span> + <span>Should Phoebus ne'er return again.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage143" id="Bpage143"></a>{143}</span> + Though myself a water-drinker, I cannot resist the pleasure of + transcribing what follows, as an instance still more happy of Fancy + employed in the treatment of feeling than, in its preceding passages, the + Poem supplies of her management of forms. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Tis that, that gives the poet rage,<br /></span> <span>And thaws + the gelly'd blood of age;<br /></span> <span>Matures the young, restores + the old,<br /></span> <span>And makes the fainting coward bold.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>It lays the careful head to rest,<br /></span> <span>Calms + palpitations in the breast.<br /></span> <span>Renders our lives' + misfortune sweet;<br /></span> + </div> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Then let the chill Sirocco blow,<br /></span> <span>And gird us + round with hills of snow,<br /></span> <span>Or else go whistle to the + shore,<br /></span> <span>And make the hollow mountains roar.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Whilst we together jovial sit<br /></span> <span>Careless, and + crowned with mirth and wit,<br /></span> <span>Where, though bleak winds + confine us home,<br /></span> <span>Our fancies round the world shall + roam.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>We'll think of all the Friends we know.<br /></span> <span>And + drink to all worth drinking to;<br /></span> <span>When having drunk all + thine and mine,<br /></span> <span>We rather shall want healths than + wine.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>But where Friends fail us, we'll supply<br /></span> <span>Our + friendships with our charity;<br /></span> <span>Men that remote in + sorrows live,<br /></span> <span>Shall by our lusty brimmers thrive.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>We'll drink the wanting into wealth,<br /></span> <span>And those + that languish into health,<br /></span> <span>The afflicted into joy; th' + opprest<br /></span> <span>Into security and rest.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The worthy in disgrace shall find<br /></span> <span>Favour return + again more kind,<br /></span> <span>And in restraint who stifled lie,<br /></span> + <span>Shall taste the air of liberty.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The brave shall triumph in success,<br /></span> <span>The lovers + shall have mistresses,<br /></span> <span>Poor unregarded Virtue, praise,<br /></span> + <span>And the neglected Poet, bays.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Thus shall our healths do others good,<br /></span> <span>Whilst we + ourselves do all we would;<br /></span> <span>For, freed from envy and + from care,<br /></span> <span>What would we be but what we are?<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage144" id="Bpage144"></a>{144}</span> + When I sate down to write this Preface, it was my intention to have made + it more comprehensive; but, thinking that I ought rather to apologise for + detaining the reader so long, I will here conclude. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + DEDICATION: PREFIXED TO THE EDITION OF 1815.<br /> <i>To Sir George Howland + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Accept my thanks for the permission given me to dedicate these Volumes to + you. In addition to a lively pleasure derived from general considerations, + I feel a particular satisfaction; for, by inscribing these Poems with your + Name, I seem to myself in some degree to repay, by an appropriate honour, + the great obligation which I owe to one part of the Collection—as + having been the means of first making us personally known to each other. + Upon much of the remainder, also, you have a peculiar claim,—for + some of the best pieces were composed under the shade of your own groves, + upon the classic ground of Coleorton; where I was animated by the + recollection of those illustrious Poets of your name and family, who were + born in that neighbourhood; and, we may be assured, did not wander with + indifference by the dashing stream of Grace Dieu, and among the rocks that + diversify the forest of Charnwood.—Nor is there any one to whom such + parts of this Collection as have been inspired or coloured by the + beautiful Country from which I now address you, could be presented with + more propriety than to yourself—to whom it has suggested so many + admirable pictures. Early in life, the sublimity and beauty of this region + excited your admiration; and I know that you are bound to it in mind by a + still strengthening attachment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wishing and hoping that this Work, with the embellishments it has received + from your pencil, may survive as a lasting memorial of a friendship which + I reckon among the blessings of my life, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have the honour to be, my dear Sir George, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Yours most affectionately and + faithfully,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">WILLIAM + WORDSWORTH.</span><br /><br /> RYDAL MOUNT, WESTMORELAND,<br /> <span + style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>February</i> 1, 1815.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage145" id="Bpage145"></a>{145}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="e_OF_THE_EXCURSION" id="e_OF_THE_EXCURSION"></a><i>(e)</i> OF + 'THE EXCURSION.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Title-page announces that this is only a portion of a poem; and the + Reader must be here apprised that it belongs to the second part of a long + and laborious Work, which is to consist of three parts.—The Author + will candidly acknowledge that, if the first of these had been completed, + and in such a manner as to satisfy his own mind, he should have preferred + the natural order of publication, and have given that to the world first; + but, as the second division of the Work was designed to refer more to + passing events, and to an existing state of things, than the others were + meant to do, more continuous exertion was naturally bestowed upon it, and + greater progress made here than in the rest of the poem; and as this part + does not depend upon the preceding, to a degree which will materially + injure its own peculiar interest, the Author, complying with the earnest + entreaties of some valued Friends, presents the following pages to the + Public. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may be proper to state whence the poem, of which 'The Excursion' is a + part, derives its Title of THE RECLUSE.-Several years ago, when the Author + retired to his native mountains, with the hope of being enabled to + construct a literary Work that might live, it was a reasonable thing that + he should take a review of his own mind, and examine how far Nature and + Education had qualified him for such employment. As subsidiary to this + preparation, he undertook to record, in verse, the origin and progress of + his own powers, as far as he was acquainted with them. That Work, + addressed to a dear Friend, most distinguished for his knowledge and + genius, and to whom the Author's Intellect is deeply indebted, has been + long finished; and the result of the investigation which gave rise to it + was a determination to compose a philosophical poem, containing views of + Man, Nature, and Society; and to be entitled, 'The Recluse;' as having for + its principal subject the sensations and opinions of a poet living in + retirement.—The preparatory poem is biographical, and conducts the + history of the Author's mind to the point when he was emboldened to hope + that his faculties <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage146" id="Bpage146"></a>{146}</span> + were sufficiently matured for entering upon the arduous labour which he + had proposed to himself: and the two Works have the same kind of relation + to each other, if he may so express himself, as the ante-chapel has to the + body of a gothic church. Continuing this allusion, he may be permitted to + add, that his minor Pieces, which have been long before the Public, when + they shall be properly arranged, will be found by the attentive Reader to + have such connection with the main Work as may give them claim to be + likened to the little cells, oratories, and sepulchral recesses, + ordinarily included in those edifices. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Author would not have deemed himself justified in saying, upon this + occasion, so much of performances either unfinished, or unpublished, if he + had not thought that the labour bestowed by him upon what he has + heretofore and now laid before the Public entitled him to candid attention + for such a statement as he thinks necessary to throw light upon his + endeavours to please and, he would hope, to benefit his countrymen.—Nothing + further need be added, than that the first and third parts of 'The + Recluse' will consist chiefly of meditations in the Author's own person; + and that in the intermediate part ('The Excursion') the intervention of + characters speaking is employed, and something of a dramatic form adopted. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not the Author's intention formally to announce a system: it was + more animating to him to proceed in a different course; and if he shall + succeed in conveying to the mind clear thoughts, lively images, and strong + feelings, the Reader will have no difficulty in extracting the system for + himself. And in the mean time the following passage, taken from the + conclusion of the first book of 'The Recluse,' may be acceptable as a kind + of <i>Prospectus</i> of the design and scope of the whole Poem. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>On Man, on Nature, and on Human Life,<br /></span> <span>Musing in + solitude, I oft perceive<br /></span> <span>Fair trains of imagery before + me rise.<br /></span> <span>Accompanied by feelings of delight<br /></span> + <span>Pure, or with no unpleasing sadness mixed;<br /></span> <span>And I + am conscious of affecting thoughts<br /></span> <span>And dear + remembrances, whose presence soothes<br /></span> <span>Or elevates the + Mind, intent to weigh<br /></span> <span>The good and evil of our mortal + state.<br /></span> <span>—To these emotions, whencesoe'er they + come,<br /></span> <span>Whether from breath of outward circumstance,<br /></span> + <span>Or from the Soul—an impulse to herself—<br /></span><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage147" id="Bpage147"></a>{147}</span> <span>I + would give utterance in numerous verse.<br /></span> <span>Of Truth, of + Grandeur, Beauty, Love, and Hope,<br /></span> <span>And melancholy Fear + subdued by Faith;<br /></span> <span>Of blessed consolations in distress;<br /></span> + <span>Of moral strength, and intellectual Power;<br /></span> <span>Of + joy in widest commonalty spread;<br /></span> <span>Of the individual + Mind that keeps her own<br /></span> <span>Inviolate retirement, subject + there<br /></span> <span>To Conscience only, and the law supreme<br /></span> + <span>Of that Intelligence which governs all—<br /></span> <span>I + sing:—'fit audience let me find though few!'<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>So prayed, more gaining than he asked, the Bard—<br /></span> + <span>In holiest mood. Urania, I shall need<br /></span> <span>Thy + guidance, or a greater Muse, if such<br /></span> <span>Descend to earth + or dwell in highest heaven!<br /></span> <span>For I must tread on + shadowy ground, must sink<br /></span> <span>Deep—and, aloft + ascending, breathe in worlds<br /></span> <span>To which the heaven of + heavens is but a veil.<br /></span> <span>All strength—all terror, + single or in bands,<br /></span> <span>That ever was put forth in + personal form—<br /></span> <span>Jehovah—with His thunder, + and the choir<br /></span> <span>Of shouting Angels, and the empyreal + thrones—<br /></span> <span>I pass them unalarmed. Not Chaos, not<br /></span> + <span>The darkest pit of lowest Erebus,<br /></span> <span>Nor aught of + blinder vacancy, scooped out<br /></span> <span>By help of dreams—can + breed such fear and awe<br /></span> <span>As fall upon us often when we + look<br /></span> <span>Into our Minds, into the Mind of Man—<br /></span> + <span>My haunt, and the main region of my song.<br /></span> <span>—Beauty—a + living Presence of the earth,<br /></span> <span>Surpassing the most fair + ideal Forms<br /></span> <span>Which craft of delicate Spirits hath + composed<br /></span> <span>From earth's materials—waits upon my + steps;<br /></span> <span>Pitches her tents before me as I move,<br /></span> + <span>An hourly neighbour. Paradise, and groves<br /></span> <span>Elysian, + Fortunate Fields—like those of old<br /></span> <span>Sought in the + Atlantic Main—why should they be<br /></span> <span>A history only + of departed things,<br /></span> <span>Or a mere fiction of what never + was?<br /></span> <span>For the discerning intellect of Man,<br /></span> + <span>When wedded to this goodly universe<br /></span> <span>In love and + holy passion, shall find these<br /></span> <span>A simple produce of the + common day.<br /></span> <span>—I, long before the blissful hour + arrives,<br /></span> <span>Would chant, in lonely peace, the spousal + verse<br /></span> <span>Of this great consummation:—and, by words<br /></span> + <span>Which speak of nothing more than what we are,<br /></span> <span>Would + I arouse the sensual from their sleep<br /></span> <span>Of Death, and + win the vacant and the vain<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage148" id="Bpage148"></a>{148}</span> <span>To noble raptures; + while my voice proclaims<br /></span> <span>How exquisitely the + individual Mind<br /></span> <span>(And the progressive powers perhaps no + less<br /></span> <span>Of the whole species) to the external World<br /></span> + <span>Is fitted:—and how exquisitely, too—<br /></span> <span>Theme + this but little heard of among men—<br /></span> <span>The external + World is fitted to the Mind;<br /></span> <span>And the creation (by no + lower name<br /></span> <span>Can it be called) which they with blended + might<br /></span> <span>Accomplish:—this is our high argument.<br /></span> + <span>—Such grateful haunts foregoing, if I oft<br /></span> <span>Must + turn elsewhere—to travel near the tribes<br /></span> <span>And + fellowships of men, and see ill sights<br /></span> <span>Of madding + passions mutually inflamed;<br /></span> <span>Must hear Humanity in + fields and groves<br /></span> <span>Pipe solitary anguish; or must hang<br /></span> + <span>Brooding above the fierce confederate storm<br /></span> <span>Of + sorrow, barricadoed evermore<br /></span> <span>Within the walls of + cities—may these sounds<br /></span> <span>Have their authentic + comment; that even these<br /></span> <span>Hearing, I be not downcast or + forlorn!—<br /></span> <span>Descend, prophetic Spirit! that + inspir'st<br /></span> <span>The human Soul of universal earth,<br /></span> + <span>Dreaming on things to come; and dost possess<br /></span> <span>A + metropolitan temple in the hearts<br /></span> <span>Of mighty Poets: + upon me bestow<br /></span> <span>A gift of genuine insight; that my Song<br /></span> + <span>With star-like virtue in its place may shine.<br /></span> <span>Shedding + benignant influence, and secure,<br /></span> <span>Itself, from all + malevolent effect<br /></span> <span>Of those mutations that extend their + sway<br /></span> <span>Throughout the nether sphere!—And if with + this<br /></span> <span>I mix more lowly matter: with the thing<br /></span> + <span>Contemplated, describe the Mind and Man<br /></span> <span>Contemplating: + and who, and what he was—<br /></span> <span>The transitory Being + that beheld<br /></span> <span>This Vision: when and where, and how he + lived;<br /></span> <span>Be not this labour useless. If such theme<br /></span> + <span>May sort with highest objects, then—dread Power!<br /></span> + <span>Whose gracious favour is the primal source<br /></span> <span>Of + all illumination—may my Life<br /></span> <span>Express the image + of a better time,<br /></span> <span>More wise desires, and simpler + manners;—nurse<br /></span> <span>My Heart in genuine freedom:—all + pure thoughts<br /></span> <span>Be with me;—so shall Thy unfailing + love<br /></span> <span>Guide, and support, and cheer me to the end!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage149" id="Bpage149"></a>{149}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a + name="f_LETTERS_TO_SIR_GEORGE_AND_LADY_BEAUMONT_AND_OTHERS_ON_THE_POEMS_AND" + id="f_LETTERS_TO_SIR_GEORGE_AND_LADY_BEAUMONT_AND_OTHERS_ON_THE_POEMS_AND"></a>(<i>f</i>) + LETTERS TO SIR GEORGE AND LADY BEAUMONT AND + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + OTHERS ON THE POEMS AND RELATED SUBJECTS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + GRATITUDE FOR KINDNESSES, DIFFICULTY OF<br /> LETTER-WRITING, &c.<br /> + <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. Beaumont, Bart</i>.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 24em;">Grasmere, 14th October, 1803.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If any Person were to be informed of the particulars of your kindness to + me,—if it were described to him in all its delicacy and nobleness,—and + he should afterwards be told that I suffered eight weeks to elapse without + writing to you one word of thanks or acknowledgment, he would deem it a + thing absolutely <i>impossible</i>. It is nevertheless true. This is, in + fact, the first time that I have taken up a pen, not for writing letters, + but on any account whatsoever, except once, since Mr. Coleridge showed me + the writings of the Applethwaite Estate, and told me the little history of + what you had done for me, the motives, &c. I need not say that it gave + me the most heartfelt pleasure, not for my own sake chiefly, though in + that point of view it might well be most highly interesting to me, but as + an act which, considered in all its relations as to matter and manner, it + would not be too much to say, did honour to human nature; at least, I felt + it as such, and it overpowered me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Owing to a set of painful and uneasy sensations which I have, more or + less, at all times about my chest, from a disease which chiefly affects my + nerves and digestive organs, and which makes my aversion from writing + little less than madness, I deferred writing to you, being at first made + still more uncomfortable by travelling, and loathing to do violence to + myself, in what ought to be an act of pure pleasure and enjoyment, viz., + the expression of my deep sense of your goodness. This feeling was, + indeed, so strong in me, as to make me look upon the act of writing to + you, not as the work of a moment, but as a business with some<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage150" id="Bpage150"></a>{150}</span> thing + little less than awful in it, a task, a duty, a thing not to be done but + in my best, my purest, and my happiest moments. Many of these I had, but + then I had not my pen and ink (and) my paper before me, my conveniences, + 'my appliances and means to boot;' all which, the moment that I thought of + them, seemed to disturb and impair the sanctity of my pleasure. I + contented myself with thinking over my complacent feelings, and breathing + forth solitary gratulations and thanksgivings, which I did in many a sweet + and many a wild place, during my late Tour. In this shape, procrastination + became irresistible to me; at last I said, I will write at home from my + own fire-side, when I shall be at ease and in comfort. I have now been + more than a fortnight at home, but the uneasiness in my chest has made me + beat off the time when the pen was to be taken up. I do not know from what + cause it is, but during the last three years I have never had a pen in my + hand for five minutes, before my whole frame becomes one bundle of + uneasiness; a perspiration starts out all over me, and my chest is + oppressed in a manner which I cannot describe. This is a sad weakness; for + I am sure, though it is chiefly owing to the state of my body, that by + exertion of mind I might in part control it. So, however, it is; and I + mention it, because I am sure when you are made acquainted with the + circumstances, though the extent to which it exists nobody can well + conceive, you will look leniently upon my silence, and rather pity than + blame me; though I must still continue to reproach myself, as I have done + bitterly every day for these last eight weeks. One thing in particular has + given me great uneasiness: it is, least in the extreme delicacy of your + mind, which is well known to me, you for a moment may have been perplexed + by a single apprehension that there might be any error, anything which I + might misconceive, in your kindness to me. When I think of the possibility + of this, I am vexed beyond measure that I had not resolution to write + immediately. But I hope that these fears are all groundless, and that you + have (as I know your nature will lead you to do) suspended your judgment + upon my silence, blaming me indeed but in that qualified way in which a + good man blames what he believes will be found an act of venial infirmity, + when it is fully explained. But I have troubled you far too much with + this. Such I am however, and deeply I regret that I am such. I shall + conclude with solemnly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage151" + id="Bpage151"></a>{151}</span> assuring you, late as it is, that nothing + can wear out of my heart, as long as my faculties remain, the deep feeling + which I have of your delicate and noble conduct towards me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is now high time to speak of the estate, and what is to be done with + it. It is a most delightful situation, and few things would give me + greater pleasure than to realise the plan which you had in view for me, of + building a house there. But I am afraid, I am sorry to say, that the + chances are very much against this, partly on account of the state of my + own affairs, and still more from the improbability of Mr. Coleridge's + continuing in the country. The writings are at present in my possession, + and what I should wish is, that I might be considered at present as + steward of the land, with liberty to lay out the rent in planting, or any + other improvement which might be thought advisable, with a view to + building upon it. And if it should be out of my power to pitch my own tent + there, I would then request that you would give me leave to restore the + property to your own hands, in order that you might have the opportunity + of again presenting it to some worthy person who might be so fortunate as + to be able to make that pleasant use of it which it was your wish that I + should have done. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Coleridge informed me, that immediately after you left Keswick, he + had, as I requested, returned you thanks for those two elegant drawings + which you were so good as to leave for me. The present is valuable in + itself, and I consider it as a high honour conferred on me. How often did + we wish for five minutes' command of your pencil while we were in + Scotland! or rather that you had been with us. Sometimes I am sure you + would have been highly delighted. In one thing Scotland is superior to + every country I have travelled in; I mean the graceful beauty of the + dresses and figures. There is a tone of imagination about them beyond + anything I have seen elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Coleridge, I understand, has written to you several times lately; so + of course he will have told you when and why he left us. I am glad he did, + as I am sure the solitary part of his tour did him much the most service. + He is still unwell, though wonderfully strong. He is attempting to bring + on a fit of the gout, which he is sure will relieve him greatly. I was at + Keswick last Sunday and saw both him and Mr. Southey, whom I liked very + much. Coleridge looks better, I think, than when you saw <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage152" id="Bpage152"></a>{152}</span> him; and + is, I also think, upon the whole, much better. Lady Beaumont will be + pleased to hear that our carriage (though it did not suit Mr. Coleridge, + the noise of it being particularly unpleasant to him) answered wonderfully + well for my sister and me, and that the whole tour far surpassed our most + sanguine expectations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + They are sadly remiss at Keswick in putting themselves to trouble in + defence of the country; they came forward very cheerfully some time ago, + but were so thwarted by the orders and counter-orders of the ministry and + their servants, that they have thrown up the whole in disgust. At + Grasmere, we have turned out almost to a man. We are to go to Ambleside on + Sunday to be mustered, and put on, for the first time, our military + apparel. I remain, dear Sir George, with the most affectionate and + respectful regard for you and Lady Beaumont, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Yours sincerely,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 28em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister will transcribe three sonnets,<a name="BFNanchor_19_19" + id="BFNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#BFootnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> + which I do not send you from any notion I have of their merit, but merely + because they are the only verses I have written since I had the pleasure + of seeing you and Lady Beaumont. At the sight of Kilchurn Castle, an + ancient residence of the Breadalbanes, upon an island in Loch Awe, I felt + a real poetical impulse: but I did not proceed. I began a poem + (apostrophising the castle) thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Child of loud-throated war! the mountain stream<br /></span> <span>Roars + in thy hearing; but thy hour of rest<br /></span> <span>Is come, and thou + art silent in thine age;<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + but I stopp'd.<a name="BFNanchor_20_20" id="BFNanchor_20_20"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage153" id="Bpage153"></a>{153}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS, &c.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, July 20. 1804. </span> + </p> + <p> + DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lady Beaumont in a letter to my sister told her some time ago that it was + your intention to have written to me, but knowing my aversion to letter + writing you were unwilling to impose upon me the trouble of answering. I + am much obliged to you for the honour you intended me, and deeply sensible + of your delicacy. If a man were what he ought to be, with such feelings + and such motives as I have, it would be as easy for him to write to Sir + George Beaumont as to take his food when he was hungry or his repose when + he was weary. But we suffer bad habits to grow upon us, and that has been + the case with me, as you have had reason to find and forgive already. I + cannot quit the subject without regretting that any weakness of mine + should have prevented my hearing from you, which would always give me + great delight, and though I cannot presume to say that I should be a <i>punctual</i> + correspondent, I am sure I should not be insensible of your kindness, but + should also do my best to deserve it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A few days ago I received from Mr. Southey your very acceptable present of + Sir Joshua Reynolds's Works, which, with the Life, I have nearly read + through. Several of the Discourses I had read before, though never + regularly together: they have very much added to the high opinion which I + before entertained of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Of a great part of them, never + having had an opportunity of <i>studying</i> any pictures whatsoever, I + can be but a very inadequate judge; but of such parts of the Discourses as + relate to general philosophy, I may be entitled to speak with more + confidence; and it gives me great pleasure to say to you, knowing your + great regard for Sir Joshua, that they appear to me highly honourable to + him. The sound judgment universally displayed in these Discourses is truly + admirable,—I mean the deep conviction of the necessity of unwearied + labour and diligence, the reverence for the great men of his art, and the + comprehensive and unexclusive character of his taste. Is it not a pity, + Sir George, that a man with such a high sense of <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage154" id="Bpage154"></a>{154}</span> the <i>dignity</i> of his + art, and with such industry, should not have given more of his time to the + nobler departments of painting? I do not say this so much on account of + what the world would have gained by the superior excellence and interest + of his pictures, though doubtless that would have been very considerable, + but for the sake of example. It is such an animating sight to see a man of + genius, regardless of temporary gains, whether of money or praise, fixing + his attention solely upon what is intrinsically interesting and permanent, + and finding his happiness in an entire devotion of himself to such + pursuits as shall most ennoble human nature. We have not yet seen enough + of this in modern times; and never was there a period in society when such + examples were likely to do more good than at present. The industry and + love of truth which distinguish Sir Joshua's mind are most admirable; but + he appears to me to have lived too much for the age in which he lived, and + the people among whom he lived, though this in an infinitely less degree + than his friend Burke, of whom Goldsmith said, with such truth, long ago, + that— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Born for the universe, he narrowed his mind,<br /></span> <span>And + to party gave up what was meant for mankind.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I should not have said thus much of Reynolds, which I have not said + without pain, but because I have so great a respect for his character, and + because he lived at a time when, being the first Englishman distinguished + for excellence in the higher department of painting, he had the field + fairly open for him to have given an example, upon which all eyes needs + must have been fixed, of a man preferring the cultivation and exertion of + his own powers in the highest possible degree to any other object of + regard. My writing is growing quite illegible. I must therefore either + mend it, or throw down the pen. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How sorry we all are under this roof that we cannot have the pleasure of + seeing you and Lady Beaumont down this summer! The weather has been most + glorious, and the country, of course, most delightful. Our own valley in + particular was last night, by the light of the full moon, and in the + perfect stillness of the lake, a scene of loveliness and repose as + affecting as was ever beheld by the eye of man. We have had a day and a + half of Mr. Davy's company at Grasmere, and no more: he seemed to leave us + with great regret, being post-haste on his way to Edin<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage155" id="Bpage155"></a>{155}</span> burgh. I went with him to + Paterdale, on his road to Penrith, where he would take coach. We had a + deal of talk about you and Lady Beaumont: he was in your debt a letter, as + I found, and exceedingly sorry that he had not been able to get over to + see you, having been engaged at Mr. Coke's sheep-shearing, which had not + left him time to cross from the Duke of Bedford's to your place. We had a + very pleasant interview, though far too short. He is a most interesting + man, whose views are fixed upon worthy objects. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That Loughrigg Tarn, beautiful pool of water as it is, is a perpetual + mortification to me when I think that you and Lady Beaumont were so near + having a summer-nest there. This is often talked over among us; and we + always end the subject with a heigh ho! of regret. But I must think of + concluding. My sister thanks Lady Beaumont for her last letter, and will + write to her in a few days; but I must say to her myself how happy I was + to hear that her sister had derived any consolation from Coleridge's poems + and mine. I must also add how much pleasure it gives me that Lady Beaumont + is so kindly, so affectionately disposed to my dear and good sister, and + also to the other unknown parts of my family. Could we but have Coleridge + back among us again! There is no happiness in this life but in intellect + and virtue. Those were very pretty verses which Lady Beaumont sent; and we + were much obliged to her for them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What shocking bad writing I have sent you; I don't know [how] it is, but + [it] seems as if I could not write any better. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Farewell. Believe me, with the sincerest love and affection for you and + Lady Beaumont, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">YOURS,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_21_21" + id="BFNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#BFootnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + FAMILY NEWS, REYNOLDS, &c.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 24em;">Grasmere, August 30. (?) 1804. + </span> <br /> + </p> + <p> + DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wednesday last, Mrs. Coleridge, as she may, perhaps, herself have informed + you or Lady Beaumont, received <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage156" + id="Bpage156"></a>{156}</span> a letter from Coleridge. I happened to be + at Keswick when it arrived; and she has sent it over to us to-day. I will + transcribe the most material parts of it, first assuring you, to remove + anxiety on your part, that the contents are, we think, upon the whole, + promising. He begins thus (date, June 5. 1804, Tuesday noon; Dr. + Stoddart's, Malta):—'I landed, in more than usual health, in the + harbour of Valetta, about four o'clock, Friday afternoon, April 18. Since + then I have been waiting, day after day, for the departure of Mr. Laing, + tutor of the only child of Sir A. Ball, our civil governor.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister has to thank Lady Beaumont for a letter; but she is at present + unable to write, from a violent inflammation in her eyes, which I hope is + no more than the complaint going about: but as she has lately been + over-fatigued, and is in other respects unwell, I am not without fear that + the indisposition in her eyes may last some time. As soon as she is able, + she will do herself the pleasure of writing to Lady Beaumont. Mrs. + Wordsworth and Lady B.'s little god-daughter<a name="BFNanchor_22_22" + id="BFNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#BFootnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> + are both doing very well. Had the child been a boy, we should have + persisted in our right to avail ourselves of Lady Beaumont's goodness in + offering to stand sponsor for it. The name of <i>Dorothy</i>, obsolete as + it is now grown, had been so long devoted in my own thoughts to the first + daughter that I might have, that I could not break this promise to myself—a + promise in which my wife participated; though the name of <i>Mary</i>, to + my ear the most musical and truly English in sound we have, would have + otherwise been most welcome to me, including, as it would, Lady Beaumont + and its mother. This last sentence, though in a letter to you, Sir George, + is intended for Lady Beaumont. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I ventured to express my regret at Sir Joshua Reynolds giving so much + of his time to portrait-painting and to his friends, I did not mean to + recommend absolute solitude and seclusion from the world as an advantage + to him or anybody else. I think it a great evil; and indeed, in the case + of a painter, frequent intercourse with the living world seems absolutely + necessary to keep the mind in health and vigour. I spoke, in some + respects, in compliment to Sir Joshua Reynolds, feeling deeply, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage157" id="Bpage157"></a>{157}</span> as I do, + the power of his genius, and loving passionately the labours of genius in + every way in which I am capable of comprehending them. Mr. Malone, in the + account prefixed to the Discourses, tells us that Sir Joshua generally + passed the time from eleven till four every day in portrait-painting. This + it was that grieved me, as a sacrifice of great things to little ones. It + will give me great pleasure to hear from you at your leisure. I am anxious + to know that you are satisfied with the site and intended plan of your + house. I suppose no man ever built a house without finding, when it was + finished, that something in it might have been better done. <i>Internal</i> + architecture seems to have arrived at great excellence in England; but, I + don't know how it is, I scarcely ever see the <i>outside</i> of a new + house that pleases me. But I must break off. Believe me, with best + remembrances from my wife and sister to yourself and Lady Beaumont, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 6em;">Yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 5em;">With the greatest respect and regard,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 15.5em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My poetical labours have been entirely suspended during the last two + months: I am most anxious to return to them<a name="BFNanchor_23_23" + id="BFNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#BFootnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF NATURE AND ART, &c.<br /><br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. Beaumont</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">August 28. 1811, Cottage, 7 minutes' walk + from</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">the sea-side, near + Bootle, Cumberland.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How shall I appear before you again after so long an interval? It seems + that now I ought rather to begin with an apology for writing, than for not + having written during a space of almost twelve months. I have blamed + myself not a little; yet not so much as I should have done had I not known + that the main cause of my silence has been the affection I feel for you; + on which account it is not so easy to me to write upon trifling or daily + occurrences to you as it would be to write to another whom I loved less. + Accordingly these have not had power to tempt me to take up the pen; and + in the mean while, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage158" id="Bpage158"></a>{158}</span> + from my more intimate concerns I have abstained, partly because I do not, + in many cases, myself like to see the reflection of them upon paper, and + still more because it is my wish at all times, when I think of the state + in which your health and spirits may happen to be, that my letter should + be wholly free from melancholy, and breathe nothing but cheerfulness and + pleasure. Having made this avowal, I trust that what may be wanting to my + justification will be made up by your kindness and forgiving disposition. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was near about this time last year that we were employed in our + pleasant tour to the Leasowes and Hagley. The twelve months that have + elapsed have not impaired the impressions which those scenes made upon me, + nor weakened my remembrance of the delight which the places and objects, + and the conversations they led to, awakened in our minds. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is very late to mention, that when in Wales, last autumn, I contrived + to pass a day and a half with your friend Price at Foxley. He was very + kind, and took due pains to show me all the beauties of his place. I + should have been very insensible not to be pleased with, and grateful for, + his attentions; and certainly I was gratified by the sight of the scenes + through which he conducted me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was less able to do justice in my own mind to the scenery of Foxley. You + will, perhaps, think it a strange fault that I am going to find with it, + considering the acknowledged taste of the owner, viz. that, small as it is + compared with hundreds of places, the domain is too extensive for the + character of the country. Wanting both rock and water, it necessarily + wants variety; and in a district of this kind, the portion of a + gentleman's estate which he keeps exclusively to himself, and which he + devotes, wholly or in part, to ornament, may very easily exceed the proper + bounds,—not, indeed, as to the preservation of wood, but most easily + as to every thing else. A man by little and little becomes so delicate and + fastidious with respect to forms in scenery, where he has a power to + exercise a control over them, that if they do not exactly please him in + all moods and every point of view, his power becomes his law; he banishes + one, and then rids himself of another; impoverishing and <i>mono<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage159" id="Bpage159"></a>{159}</span> tonising</i> + landscapes, which, if not originally distinguished by the bounty of + Nature, must be ill able to spare the inspiriting varieties which art, and + the occupations and wants of life in a country left more to itself, never + fail to produce. This relish of humanity Foxley wants, and is therefore to + me, in spite of all its recommendations, a melancholy spot,—I mean + that part of it which the owner keeps to himself, and has taken so much + pains with. I heard the other day of two artists who thus expressed + themselves upon the subject of a scene among our lakes: 'Plague upon those + vile enclosures!' said one; 'they spoil everything.' 'Oh,' said the other, + 'I never <i>see</i> them.' Glover was the name of this last. Now, for my + part, I should not wish to be either of these gentlemen; but to have in my + own mind the power of turning to advantage, wherever it is possible, every + object of art and nature as they appear before me. What a noble instance, + as you have often pointed out to me, has Rubens given of this in that + picture in your possession, where he has brought, as it were, a whole + county into one landscape, and made the most formal partitions of + cultivation, hedge-rows of pollard willows, conduct the eye into the + depths and distances of his picture; and thus, more than by any other + means, has given it that appearance of immensity which is so striking. As + I have slipped into the subject of painting, I feel anxious to inquire + whether your pencil has been busy last winter in the solitude and + uninterrupted quiet of Dunmow. Most likely you know that we have changed + our residence in Grasmere, which I hope will be attended with a great + overbalance of advantages. One we are certain of—that we have at + least one sitting-room clear of smoke, I trust, in all winds.... Over the + chimney-piece is hung your little picture, from the neighbourhood of + Coleorton. In our other house, on account of the frequent fits of smoke + from the chimneys, both the pictures which I have from your hand were + confined to bed-rooms. A few days after I had enjoyed the pleasure of + seeing, in different moods of mind, your Coleorton landscape from my + fire-side, it <i>suggested</i> to me the following sonnet, which, having + walked out to the side of Grasmere brook, where it murmurs through the + meadows near the church, I composed immediately: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Praised be the art whose subtle power could stay<br /></span> <span>Yon + cloud, and fix it in that glorious shape;<br /></span><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage160" id="Bpage160"></a>{160}</span> <span>Nor + would permit the thin smoke to escape.<br /></span> <span>Nor those + bright sunbeams to forsake the day;<br /></span> <span>Which stopped that + band of travellers on their way,<br /></span> <span>Ere they were lost + within the shady wood;<br /></span> <span>And showed the bark upon the + glassy flood<br /></span> <span>For ever anchored in her sheltering bay.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The images of the smoke and the travellers are taken from your picture; + the rest were added, in order to place the thought in a clear point of + view, and for the sake of variety. I hope Coleorton continues to improve + upon you and Lady Beaumont; and that Mr. Taylor's new laws and regulations + are at least <i>peaceably</i> submitted to. Mrs. W. and I return in a few + days to Grasmere. We cannot say that the child for whose sake we came down + to the sea-side has derived much benefit from the bathing. The weather has + been very unfavourable: we have, however, contrived to see every thing + that lies within a reasonable walk of our present residence; among other + places, Mulcaster—at least as much of it as can be seen from the + public road; but the noble proprietor has contrived to shut himself up so + with plantations and chained gates and locks, that whatever prospects he + may command from his stately prison, or rather fortification, can only be + guessed at by the passing traveller. In the state of blindness and + unprofitable peeping in which we were compelled to pursue our way up a + long and steep hill, I could not help observing to my companion that the + Hibernian peer had completely given the lie to the poet Thomson, when, in + a strain of proud enthusiasm, he boasts, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>I care not, Fortune, what you me deny,<br /></span> <span class="i4">You + cannot rob me of free Nature's grace;<br /></span> <span>You cannot shut + the windows of the sky,<br /></span> <span class="i4">Through which + Aurora shows her brightening face;<br /></span> <span>You cannot bar my + constant feet to trace<br /></span> <span class="i4">The woods and lawns + by living stream, &c.<br /></span> <span class="i10">(<i>Castle of + Indolence</i>.)<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The <i>windows of the sky</i> were not <i>shut</i>, indeed, but the + business was done more thoroughly; for the sky was nearly shut out + altogether. This is like most others, a bleak and treeless coast, but + abounding in corn-fields, and with a noble beach, which is delightful + either for walking or riding. The Isle of Man is right opposite our + window; and though in this unsettled weather often invisible, its + appearance has afforded us great amusement.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage161" id="Bpage161"></a>{161}</span> One afternoon, above the + whole length of it was stretched a body of clouds, shaped and coloured + like a magnificent grove in winter when whitened with snow and illuminated + by the morning sun, which, having melted the snow in part, has + intermingled black masses among the brightness. The whole sky was + scattered over with fleecy dark clouds, such as any sunshiny day produces, + and which were changing their shapes and position every moment. But this + line of clouds immoveably attached themselves to the island, and + manifestly took their shape from the influence of its mountains. There + appeared to be just span enough of sky to allow the hand to slide between + the top of Snâfell, the highest peak in the island, and the base of + this glorious forest, in which little change was noticeable for more than + the space of half an hour. We had another fine sight one evening, walking + along a rising ground, about two miles distant from the shore. It was + about the hour of sunset, and the sea was perfectly calm; and in a quarter + where its surface was indistinguishable from the western sky, hazy, and + luminous with the setting sun, appeared a tall sloop-rigged vessel, + magnified by the atmosphere through which it was viewed, and seeming + rather to hang in the air than to float upon the waters. Milton compares + the appearance of Satan to a <i>fleet</i> descried far off at sea. The + visionary grandeur and beautiful form of this <i>single</i> vessel, could + words have conveyed to the mind the picture which nature presented to the + eye, would have suited his purpose as well as the largest company of + vessels that ever associated together with the help of a trade wind in the + wide ocean; yet not exactly so, and for this reason, that his image is a + permanent one, not dependent upon accident. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have not left myself room to assure you how sincerely I remain, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Your affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14.5em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_24_24" + id="BFNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#BFootnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'THE RECLUSE,' REYNOLDS, &c.<br /> <br /> <i>To Sir George Beaumont, + Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Dec. 25th. 1804.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Long since ought I to have thanked you for your last affectionate letter; + but I knew how indulgent you were, and <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage162" id="Bpage162"></a>{162}</span> therefore fell, I won't say + more easily, but surely with far less pain to myself, into my old trick of + procrastination. I was deeply sensible of your kindness in inviting me to + Grosvenor Square, and then felt and still feel a strong inclination to + avail myself of the opportunity of cultivating your friendship and that of + Lady Beaumont, and of seeing a little of the world at the same time. But + as the wish is strong there are also strong obstacles against it; first, + though I have lately been tolerably industrious, I am far behind-hand with + my appointed work; and next, my nervous system is so apt to be deranged by + going from home, that I am by no means sure that I should not be so much + of a dependent invalid, I mean a person obliged to manage himself, as to + make it absolutely improper for me to obtrude myself where neither my + exertions of mind or body, could enable me to be tolerable company. I say + nothing of my family, because a short absence would be abundantly + recompensed by the pleasure of a 'sweet return.' At all events, I must + express my sincere thanks for your kindness and the pleasure which I + received from your letter, breathing throughout such favourable + dispositions, I may say, such earnest friendship towards me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I think we are completely agreed upon the subject of Sir Joshua, that is, + we both regret that he did not devote more of his time to the higher + branches of the Art, and further, I think you join with me in lamenting to + a certain degree at least that he did not live more to himself. I have + since read the rest of his Discourses, with which I have been greatly + pleased, and, wish most heartily that I could have an opportunity of + seeing in your company your own collection of pictures and some others in + town, Mr. Angerstein's, for instance, to have pointed out to me some of + those finer and peculiar beauties of painting which I am afraid I shall + never have an occasion of becoming sufficiently familiar with pictures to + discover of myself. There is not a day in my life when I am at home in + which that exquisite little drawing of yours of Applethwaite does not + affect me with a sense of harmony and grace, which I cannot describe. Mr. + Edridge, an artist whom you know, saw this drawing along with a Mr. Duppa, + another artist, who published <i>Hints from Raphael and Michael Angelo</i>; + and they were both most enthusiastic in their praise of it, to my great + delight. By the bye, I thought Mr. Edridge a man of very mild and pleasing + manners, and as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage163" id="Bpage163"></a>{163}</span> + far as I could judge, of delicate feelings, in the province of his Art. + Duppa is publishing a life of Michael Angelo, and I received from him a + few days ago two proof-sheets of an Appendix which contains the poems of + M.A., which I shall read, and translate one or two of them, if I can do it + with decent success. I have peeped into the Sonnets, and they do not + appear at all unworthy of their great Author. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will be pleased to hear that I have been advancing with my work: I + have written upwards of 2000 verses during the last ten weeks. I do not + know if you are exactly acquainted with the plan of my poetical labour: it + is twofold; first, a Poem, to be called 'The Recluse;' in which it will be + my object to express in verse my most interesting feelings concerning man, + nature, and society; and next, a poem (in which I am at present chiefly + engaged) on my earlier life, or the growth of my own mind, taken up upon a + large scale. This latter work I expect to have finished before the month + of May; and then I purpose to fall with all my might on the former, which + is the chief object upon which my thoughts have been fixed these many + years. Of this poem, that of 'The Pedlar,'<a name="BFNanchor_25_25" + id="BFNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#BFootnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> + which Coleridge read you, is part, and I may have written of it altogether + about 2000 lines. It will consist, I hope, of about ten or twelve + thousand. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May we not hope for the pleasure of seeing you and Lady Beaumont down here + next Summer? I flatter myself that Coleridge will then be return'd, and + though we would not [on] any account that he should fix himself in this + rainy part of England, yet perhaps we may have the happiness of meeting + all together for a few weeks. We have lately built in our little rocky + orchard, a little circular Hut, lined with moss, like a wren's nest, and + coated on the outside with heath, that stands most charmingly, with + several views from the different sides of it, of the Lake, the Valley, and + the Church—sadly spoiled, however, lately by being white-washed. The + little retreat is most delightful, and I am sure you and Lady Beaumont + would be highly pleased with it. Coleridge has never seen it. What a + happiness would it be to us to see him there, and entertain you all next + Summer in our homely way under its shady thatch. I will <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage164" id="Bpage164"></a>{164}</span> copy a + dwarf inscription which I wrote for it the other day, before the building + was entirely finished, which indeed it is not yet. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>No whimsy of the purse is here,<br /></span> <span>No + Pleasure-House forlorn;<br /></span> <span>Use, comfort, do this roof + endear;<br /></span> <span>A tributary Shed to chear<br /></span> <span>The + little Cottage that is near,<br /></span> <span>To help it and adorn.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope the young Roscius, if he go on as he has begun, will rescue the + English theatre from the infamy that has fallen upon it, and restore the + reign of good sense and nature. From what you have seen, Sir George, do + you think he could manage a character of Shakspeare? Neither Selin nor + Douglas require much power; but even to perform them as he does, talents + and genius I should think must be necessary. I had very little hope I + confess, thinking it very natural that a theatre which had brought a dog + upon the stage as a principal performer, would catch at a wonder whatever + shape it might put on. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have had no tidings of Coleridge these several months. He spoke of + papers which he had sent by private hands, none of which <i>we</i> have + received. It must be most criminal neglect somewhere if the fever be + suffered to enter Malta. Farewell, and believe me, my dear Sir George, + your affectionate and sincere friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_26_26" + id="BFNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#BFootnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'THE RECLUSE; YOUNG ROSCIUS, &c.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, May 1st. 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have wished to write to you every day this long time, but I have also + had another wish, which has interfered to prevent me; I mean the wish to + resume my poetical labours: time was stealing away fast from me, and + nothing done, and my mind still seeming unfit to do anything. At first I + had a strong impulse to write a poem that should record my brother's + virtues, and be worthy of his memory. I began to give vent to my feelings, + with this view, but I was overpowered by my subject, and could not + proceed. I composed much, but it is all lost except <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage165" id="Bpage165"></a>{165}</span> a few lines, as it came + from me in such a torrent that I was unable to remember it. I could not + hold the pen myself, and the subject was such that I could not employ Mrs. + Wordsworth or my sister as my amanuensis. This work must therefore rest + awhile till I am something calmer; I shall, however, never be at peace + till, as far as in me lies, I have done justice to my departed brother's + memory. His heroic death (the particulars of which I have now accurately + collected from several of the survivors) exacts this from me, and still + more his singularly interesting character, and virtuous and innocent life. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Unable to proceed with this work, I turned my thoughts again to the Poem + on my own Life, and you will be glad to hear that I have added 300 lines + to it in the course of last week. Two books more will conclude it. It will + be not much less than 9000 lines,—not hundred but thousand lines + long,—an alarming length! and a thing unprecedented in literary + history that a man should talk so much about himself. It is not + self-conceit, as you will know well, that has induced me to do this, but + real humility. I began the work because I was unprepared to treat any more + arduous subject, and diffident of my own powers. Here, at least, I hoped + that to a certain degree I should be sure of succeeding, as I had nothing + to do but describe what I had felt and thought; therefore could not easily + be bewildered. This might certainly have been done in narrower compass by + a man of more address; but I have done my best. If, when the work shall be + finished, it appears to the judicious to have redundancies, they shall be + lopped off, if possible; but this is very difficult to do, when a man has + written with thought; and this defect, whenever I have suspected it or + found it to exist in any writings of mine, I have always found incurable. + The fault lies too deep, and is in the first conception. If you see + Coleridge before I do, do not speak of this to him, as I should like to + have his judgment unpreoccupied by such an apprehension. I wish much to + have your further opinion of the young Roscius, above all of his 'Hamlet.' + It is certainly impossible that he should understand the character, that + is, the composition of the character. But many of the sentiments which are + put into Hamlet's mouth he may be supposed to be capable of feeling, and + to a certain degree of entering into the spirit of some of the situations. + I never saw 'Hamlet' acted myself, nor do I know <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage166" id="Bpage166"></a>{166}</span> what kind of a play they + make of it. I think I have heard that some parts which I consider among + the finest are omitted: in particular, Hamlet's wild language after the + ghost has disappeared. The players have taken intolerable liberties with + Shakspeare's Plays, especially with 'Richard the Third,' which, though a + character admirably conceived and drawn, is in some scenes bad enough in + Shakspeare himself; but the play, as it is now acted, has always appeared + to me a disgrace to the English stage. 'Hamlet,' I suppose, is treated by + them with more reverence. They are both characters far, far above the + abilities of any actor whom I have ever seen. Henderson was before my + time, and, of course, Garrick. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We are looking anxiously for Coleridge: perhaps he may be with you now. We + were afraid that he might have had to hear other bad news of our family, + as Lady Beaumont's little god-daughter has lately had that dangerous + complaint, the croup, particularly dangerous here, where we are thirteen + miles from any medical advice on which we can have the least reliance. Her + case has been a mild one, but sufficient to alarm us much, and Mrs. + Wordsworth and her aunt have undergone much fatigue in sitting up, as for + nearly a fortnight she had very bad nights. She yet requires much care and + attention. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Is your building going on? I was mortified that the sweet little valley, + of which you spoke some time ago, was no longer in the possession of your + family: it is the place, I believe, where that illustrious and most + extraordinary man, Beaumont the Poet, and his brother, were born. One is + astonished when one thinks of that man having been only eight-and-twenty + years of age, for I believe he was no more, when he died. Shakspeare, we + are told, had scarcely written a single play at that age. I hope, for the + sake of poets, you are proud of these men. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lady Beaumont mentioned some time ago that you were painting a picture + from 'The Thorn:' is it finished? I should like to see it; the poem is a + favourite with me, and I shall love it the better for the honour you have + done it. We shall be most happy to have the other drawing which you + promised us some time ago. The dimensions of the Applethwaite one are + eight inches high, and a very little above ten broad; this, of course, + exclusive of the margin. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am anxious to know how your health goes on: we are bet<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage167" id="Bpage167"></a>{167}</span> ter than + we had reason to expect. When we look back upon this Spring, it seems like + a dreary dream to us. But I trust in God that we shall yet 'bear up and + steer right onward.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Farewell. I am, your affectionate friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 16em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister thanks Lady Beaumont for her letter, the short one of the other + day, and hopes to be able to write soon. Have you seen Southey's 'Madoc'? + We have it in the house, but have deferred reading it, having been too + busy with the child. I should like to know how it pleases you.<a + name="BFNanchor_27_27" id="BFNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#BFootnote_27_27" + class="fnanchor">[27]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + PORTRAIT OF COLERIDGE: 'THE EXCURSION' FINISHED: SOUTHEY'S MADOC; &c.<br /> + <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, June 3d. 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I write to you from the moss-hut at the top of my orchard, the sun just + sinking behind the hills in front of the entrance, and his light falling + upon the green moss of the side opposite me. A linnet is singing in the + tree above, and the children of some of our neighbours, who have been + to-day little John's visitors, are playing below equally noisy and happy. + The green fields in the level area of the vale, and part of the lake, lie + before me in quietness. I have just been reading two newspapers, full of + factious brawls about Lord Melville and his delinquencies, ravage of the + French in the West Indies, victories of the English in the East, fleets of + ours roaming the sea in search of enemies whom they cannot find, &c. + &c. &c.; and I have asked myself more than once lately, if my + affections can be in the right place, caring as I do so little about what + the world seems to care so much for. All this seems to me, 'a tale told by + an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' It is pleasant in + such a mood to turn one's thoughts to a good man and a dear friend. I + have, therefore, taken up the pen to write to you. And, first, let me + thank you (which I ought to have done long <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage168" id="Bpage168"></a>{168}</span> ago, and should have done, + but that I knew I had a licence from you to procrastinate) for your most + acceptable present of Coleridge's portrait, welcome in itself, and more so + as coming from you. It is as good a resemblance as I expect to see of + Coleridge, taking it all together, for I consider C.'s as a face + absolutely impracticable. Mrs. Wordsworth was overjoyed at the sight of + the print; Dorothy and I much pleased. We think it excellent about the + eyes and forehead, which are the finest parts of C.'s face, and the + general contour of the face is well given; but, to my sister and me, it + seems to fail sadly about the middle of the face, particularly at the + bottom of the nose. Mrs. W. feels this also; and my sister so much, that, + except when she covers the whole of the middle of the face, it seems to + her so entirely to alter the expression, as rather to confound than revive + in her mind the remembrance of the original. We think, as far as mere + likeness goes, Hazlitt's is better; but the expression in Hazlitt's is + quite dolorous and funereal; that in this is much more pleasing, though + certainly falling far below what one would wish to see infused into a + picture of C. Mrs. C. received a day or two ago a letter from a friend who + had letters from Malta, not from Coleridge, but a Miss Stoddart, who is + there with her brother. These letters are of the date of the fifth of + March, and speak of him as looking well and quite well, and talking of + coming home, but doubtful whether by land or sea. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have the pleasure to say, that I finished my poem about a fortnight ago. + I had looked forward to the day as a most happy one; and I was indeed + grateful to God for giving me life to complete the work, such as it is. + But it was not a happy day for me; I was dejected on many accounts: when I + looked back upon the performance, it seemed to have a dead weight about + it,—the reality so far short of the expectation. It was the first + long labour that I had finished; and the doubt whether I should ever live + to write The Recluse,' and the sense which I had of this poem being so far + below what I seemed capable of executing, depressed me much; above all, + many heavy thoughts of my poor departed brother hung upon me, the joy + which I should have had in showing him the manuscript, and a thousand + other vain fancies and dreams. I have spoken of this, because it was a + state of feeling new to me, the occasion being new. This work may be + considered as a sort <i>of portico</i> to 'The Recluse,'<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage169" id="Bpage169"></a>{169}</span> part of + the same building, which I hope to be able, ere long, to begin with in + earnest; and if I am permitted to bring it to a conclusion, and to write, + further, a narrative poem of the epic kind, I shall consider the task of + my life as over. I ought to add, that I have the satisfaction of finding + the present poem not quite of so alarming a length as I apprehended. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I wish much to hear from you, if you have leisure; but as you are so + indulgent to me, it would be the highest injustice were I otherwise to + you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have read 'Madoc,' and been highly pleased with it. It abounds in + beautiful pictures and descriptions, happily introduced, and there is an + animation diffused through the whole story, though it cannot, perhaps, be + said that any of the characters interest you much, except, perhaps, young + Llewellyn, whose situation is highly interesting, and he appears to me the + best conceived and sustained character in the piece. His speech to his + uncle at their meeting in the island is particularly interesting. The poem + fails in the highest gifts of the poet's mind, imagination in the true + sense of the word, and knowledge of human nature and the human heart. + There is nothing that shows the hand of the great master; but the beauties + in description are innumerable; for instance, that of the figure of the + bard, towards the beginning of the convention of the bards, receiving the + poetic inspiration; that of the wife of Tlalala, the savage, going out to + meet her husband; that of Madoc, and the Atzecan king with a long name, + preparing for battle; everywhere, indeed, you have beautiful descriptions, + and it is a work which does the author high credit, I think. I should like + to know your opinion of it. Farewell! Best remembrances and love to Lady + Beaumont. Believe me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 6.5em;">My dear Sir George,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your most sincere friend,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister thanks Lady Beaumont for her letter, and will write in a few + days. I find that Lady B. has been pleased much by 'Madoc.'<a + name="BFNanchor_28_28" id="BFNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#BFootnote_28_28" + class="fnanchor">[28]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage170" id="Bpage170"></a>{170}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + COLERIDGE: VISIT TO COLEORTON: HOUBRAKEN: 'MADOC,' &c.<br /> <br /> <i>To + Sir George H. Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, July 29th. [1805.]</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have all here been made happy in hearing that you are so much better. I + write now chiefly on account of a mistake which you seem to be under + concerning Coleridge. I guess from your letter that you suppose him to be + appointed to the place of Secretary to Sir A. Ball. This is by no means + the case. He is an occasional substitute for Mr. Chapman, who is + secretary, and no doubt must have resumed his office long before this; as + he had been expected every day some time before the date of C.'s last + letter. The paragraph in the Paper (which we also saw) positively states + that C. is appointed Secretary. This is an error, and has been merely put + in upon common rumour. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When you were ill I had a thought which I will mention to you. It was + this: I wished to know how you were at present situated as to house-room + at Coleorton, that is, whether you could have found a corner for me to put + my head in, in case I could have contrived to have commanded three weeks' + time, or so. I am at present, and shall be for some time, engaged with a + sick friend, who has come all the way from Bristol on purpose to see us, + and has taken lodgings in the Village; but should you be unwell again, and + my company be like to tend in the least to exhilarate you, I should like + to know, that were it in my power to go and see you, I might have the + liberty to do so. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having such reason to expect Coleridge at present (were we at liberty in + other respects), I cannot think of taking my family on tour, agreeable to + your kind suggestion. Something has, however, already been added by your + means to our comforts, in the way of Books, and probably we shall be able + to make an excursion ere the Summer be over. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By the bye, are you possessed of Houbraken and Vertue's <i>Heads of + Illustrious Persons</i>, with anecdotes of their Lives by Birch? I had an + opportunity of purchasing a handsome copy (far below the price at which it + now sells, I believe, in London) at Penrith, a few weeks ago; and if you + have not a copy, and think <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage171" + id="Bpage171"></a>{171}</span> the work has any merit, you would please me + greatly by giving it a place in your Library. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am glad you like the passage in 'Madoc' about Llewellyn. Southey's mind + does not seem strong enough to draw the picture of a hero. The character + of Madoc is often very insipid and contemptible; for instance, when he is + told that the Foemen have surprised Caer, Madoc, and of course (he has + reason to believe) butchered or carried away all the women and children, + what does the Author make him do? Think of Goervyl and Llayan very + tenderly forsooth; but not a word about his people! In short, according to + my notion, the character is throughout languidly conceived, and, as you + observe, the contrast between her and Llewellyn makes him look very mean. + I made a mistake when I pointed out a beautiful passage as being in the + beginning of the meeting of the bards; it occurs before, and ends thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i12">—His eyes were closed;<br /></span> <span>His + head, as if in reverence to receive<br /></span> <span>The inspiration, + bent; and as he raised<br /></span> <span>His glowing countenance and + brighter eye<br /></span> <span>And swept with passionate hands the + ringing harp.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The verses of your ancestor Francis Beaumont, the younger, are very + elegant and harmonious, and written with true feeling. Is this the only + poem of his extant? There are some pleasing Verses (I think by Corbet, + Bishop of Norwich) on the death of Francis Beaumont the elder. They end, I + remember, thus, alluding to his short life: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">—by whose sole death appears,<br /></span> <span>Wit's + a disease consumes men in few years.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have never seen the works of the brother of the dramatic Poet; but I + know he wrote a poem upon the Battle of Bosworth Field. Probably it will + be in the volume which you have found, which it would give me great + pleasure to see, as also Charnwood Rocks, which must have a striking + effect in that country. I am highly flattered by Lady Beaumont's + favourable opinion of me and my poems. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My Sister will answer her affectionate letter very soon; she would have + done it before now, but she has been from home three days and unwell, or + entirely engrossed with some visitors whom we have had, the rest of her + time. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The letter which you will find accompanying this is from an <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage172" id="Bpage172"></a>{172}</span> + acquaintance of ours to his wife. He lives at Patterdale, and she was over + at Grasmere. We thought it would interest you. Farewell. I remain, in + hopes of good news of your health, your affectionate and sincere friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>From Mr. Luff of Patterdale to his Wife</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 24em;">Patterdale, July 23d. [1805.]</span> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + An event happened here last night which has greatly affected the whole + village, and particularly myself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The body, or more properly speaking, bones of a poor fellow were yesterday + found by Willy Harrison, in the rocks at the head of red Tarn. It appears + that he was attempting to descend the Pass from Helvellyn to the Tarn, + when he lost his footing and was dashed to pieces. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + His name appears to have been Charles Gough. Several things were found in + his pockets; fishing tackle, memorandums, a gold watch, silver pencil, + Claude Lorraine glasses, &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! It is very strange, but we met him when we were last reviewed + in April; and he then wanted John Harrison to turn back with him and go to + the Tarn; but he was told that his request could not be complied with. It + appears that he proceeded [forward] and met his fate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will be much interested to know that a spaniel bitch was found alive + by his side, where she has remained upwards of three months, guarding the + bones of her master; but she had become so wild that it was with + difficulty she was taken. She is in good condition; and what is more odd, + had whelped a pup, which from its size must have lived some weeks, but + when found was lying dead by the bones. The bones are as completely freed + from flesh as if they had been anatomised, and perfectly white and dry. + The head can nowhere be found. The arms, one thigh and a leg were all that + remained in the clothes. All the rest were scattered about here and there. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I reflect on my own wanderings and the many dangerous situations I + have found myself in, in the pursuit of game, I cannot help thanking + Providence that I am now here to relate to you this melancholy tale. I + wonder whether poor Fan's affection would under similar circumstances have + equalled that of the little spaniel. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage173" id="Bpage173"></a>{173}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF LORD NELSON AND 'THE HAPPY WARRIOR,' AND PITT; AND ON BUILDING, + GARDENING, &c.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Feb. 11th. 1806.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon opening this letter, you must have seen that it is accompanied with a + copy of verses.<a name="BFNanchor_29_29" id="BFNanchor_29_29"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> I hope they will give + you some pleasure, as it will be the best way in which they can repay me + for a little vexation, of which they have been the cause. They were + written several weeks ago, and I wished to send them to you, but could not + muster up resolution, as I felt that they were so unworthy of the subject. + Accordingly, I kept them by me from week to week, with a hope (which has + proved vain) that, in some happy moment, a new fit of inspiration would + help me to mend them; and hence my silence, which, with your usual + goodness, I know you will excuse. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will find that the verses are allusive to Lord Nelson; and they will + show that I must have sympathised with you in admiration of the man, and + sorrow for our loss. Yet, considering the matter coolly, there was little + to regret. The state of Lord Nelson's health, I suppose, was such, that he + could not have lived long; and the first burst of exultation upon landing + in his native country, and his reception here, would have been dearly + bought, perhaps, by pain and bodily weakness, and distress among his + friends, which he could neither remove nor alleviate. Few men have ever + died under circumstances so likely to make their deaths of benefit to + their country: it is not easy to see what his life could have done + comparable to it. The loss of such men as Lord Nelson is, indeed, great + and real; but surely not for the reason which makes most people grieve, a + supposition that no other such man is in the country. The old ballad has + taught us how to feel on these occasions: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>I trust I have within my realm<br /></span> <span>Five hundred good + as he.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But this is the evil, that nowhere is merit so much under the power of + what (to avoid a more serious expression) one may call that of fortune, as + in military and naval service; and it is <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage174" id="Bpage174"></a>{174}</span> five hundred to one that + such men will not have attained situations where they can show themselves, + so that the country may know in whom to trust. Lord Nelson had attained + that situation; and, therefore, I think (and not for the other reason), + ought we chiefly to lament that he is taken from us. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pitt is also gone! by tens of thousands looked upon in like manner as + a great loss. For my own part, as probably you know, I have never been + able to regard his political life with complacency. I believe him, + however, to have been as disinterested a man, and as true a lover of his + country, as it was possible for so ambitious a man to be. His first wish + (though probably unknown to himself) was that his country should prosper + under his administration; his next that it should prosper. Could the order + of these wishes have been reversed, Mr. Pitt would have avoided many of + the grievous mistakes into which, I think, he fell. I know, my dear Sir + George, you will give me credit for speaking without arrogance; and I am + aware it is not unlikely you may differ greatly from me in these points. + But I like, in some things, to differ with a friend, and that he should <i>know</i> + I differ from him; it seems to make a more healthy friendship, to act as a + relief to those notions and feelings which we have in common, and to give + them a grace and spirit which they could not otherwise possess. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There were some parts in the long letter which I wrote about laying out + grounds, in which the expression must have been left imperfect. I like + splendid mansions in their proper places, and have no objection to large + or even obtrusive houses in themselves. My dislike is to that system of + gardening which, because a house happens to be large or splendid, and + stands at the head of a large domain, establishes it therefore as a + principle that the house ought to <i>dye</i> all the surrounding country + with a strength of colouring and to an extent proportionate to its own + importance. This system, I think, is founded in false taste, false + feeling, and its effects disgusting in the highest degree. The reason you + mention as having induced you to build was worthy of you, and gave me the + highest pleasure. But I hope God will grant you and Lady Beaumont life to + enjoy yourselves the fruit of your exertions for many years. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have lately had much anxiety about Coleridge. What can have become of + him? It must be upwards of three months <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage175" id="Bpage175"></a>{175}</span> since he landed at Trieste. + Has he returned to Malta think you, or what can have befallen him? He has + never since been heard of. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lady Beaumont spoke of your having been ill of a cold; I hope you are + better. We have all here been more or less deranged in the same way. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have to thank you for a present of game, which arrived in good time. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Never have a moment's uneasiness about answering my letters. We are all + well at present, and unite in affectionate wishes to you and Lady + Beaumont. Believe me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Your sincere friend,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have thoughts of sending the Verses to a Newspaper.<a + name="BFNanchor_30_30" id="BFNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#BFootnote_30_30" + class="fnanchor">[30]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF HIS OWN POEMS AS FALSELY CRITICISED.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Lady + Beaumont</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Coleorton, May 21. 1807.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR LADY BEAUMONT, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Though I am to see you so soon, I cannot but write a word or two, to thank + you for the interest you take in my poems, as evinced by your solicitude + about their immediate reception. I write partly to thank you for this, and + to express the pleasure it has given me, and partly to remove any + uneasiness from your mind which the disappointments you sometimes meet + with, in this labour of love, may occasion. I see that you have many + battles to fight for me,—more than, in the ardour and confidence of + your pure and elevated mind, you had ever thought of being summoned to; + but be assured that this opposition is nothing more than what I distinctly + foresaw that you and my other friends would have to encounter. I say this, + not to give myself credit for an eye of prophecy, but to allay any + vexatious thoughts on my account which this opposition may have produced + in you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is impossible that any expectations can be lower than <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage176" id="Bpage176"></a>{176}</span> mine + concerning the immediate effect of this little work upon what is called + the public. I do not here take into consideration the envy and + malevolence, and all the bad passions which always stand in the way of a + work of any merit from a living poet; but merely think of the pure, + absolute, honest ignorance in which all worldlings of every rank and + situation must be enveloped, with respect to the thoughts, feelings, and + images, on which the life of my poems depends. The things which I have + taken, whether from within or without, what have they to do with routs, + dinners, morning calls, hurry from door to door, from street to street, on + foot or in carriage; with Mr. Pitt or Mr. Fox, Mr. Paul or Sir Francis + Burdett, the Westminster election or the borough of Honiton? In a word—for + I cannot stop to make my way through the hurry of images that present + themselves to me—what have they to do with endless talking about + things nobody cares any thing for except as far as their own vanity is + concerned, and this with persons they care nothing for but as their vanity + or <i>selfishness</i> is concerned?—what have they to do (to say all + at once) with a life without love? In such a life there can be no thought; + for we have no thought (save thoughts of pain) but as far as we have love + and admiration. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is an awful truth, that there neither is, nor can be, any genuine + enjoyment of poetry among nineteen out of twenty of those persons who + live, or wish to live, in the broad light of the world—among those + who either are, or are striving to make themselves, people of + consideration in society. This is a truth, and an awful one, because to be + incapable of a feeling of poetry, in my sense of the word, is to be + without love of human nature and reverence for God. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon this I shall insist elsewhere; at present let me confine myself to my + object, which is to make you, my dear friend, as easy-hearted as myself + with respect to these poems. Trouble not yourself upon their present + reception; of what moment is that compared with what I trust is their + destiny?—to console the afflicted; to add sunshine to daylight, by + making the happy happier; to teach the young and the gracious of every age + to see, to think, and feel, and, therefore, to become more actively and + securely virtuous; this is their office, which I trust they will + faithfully perform, long after we (that is, all that is mortal of us) are + mouldered in our graves. I am well aware how far <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage177" id="Bpage177"></a>{177}</span> it would seem to many I + over-rate my own exertions, when I speak in this way, in direct connection + with the volume I have just made public. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not, however, afraid of such censure, insignificant as probably the + majority of those poems would appear to very respectable persons. I do not + mean London wits and witlings, for these have too many foul passions about + them to be respectable, even if they had more intellect than the benign + laws of Providence will allow to such a heartless existence as theirs is; + but grave, kindly-natured, worthy persons, who would be pleased if they + could. I hope that these volumes are not without some recommendations, + even for readers of this class: but their imagination has slept; and the + voice which is the voice of my poetry, without imagination, cannot be + heard. Leaving these, I was going to say a word to such readers as Mr. + ——. Such!—how would he be offended if he knew I + considered him only as a representative of a class, and not an unique! + 'Pity,' says Mr. —— 'that so many trifling things should be + admitted to obstruct the view of those that have merit.' Now, let this + candid judge take, by way of example, the sonnets, which, probably, with + the exception of two or three other poems, for which I will not contend, + appear to him the most trifling, as they are the shortest. I would say to + him, omitting things of higher consideration, there is one thing which + must strike you at once, if you will only read these poems,—that + those 'to Liberty,' at least, have a connection with, or a bearing upon, + each other; and, therefore, if individually they want weight, perhaps, as + a body, they may not be so deficient. At least, this ought to induce you + to suspend your judgment, and qualify it so far as to allow that the + writer aims at least at comprehensiveness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, dropping this, I would boldly say at once, that these sonnets, while + they each fix the attention upon some important sentiment, separately + considered, do, at the same time, collectively make a poem on the subject + of civil liberty and national independence, which, either for simplicity + of style or grandeur of moral sentiment, is, alas! likely to have few + parallels in the poetry of the present day. Again, turn to the 'Moods of + my own Mind.' There is scarcely a poem here of above thirty lines, and + very trifling these poems will appear to many; but, omitting to speak of + them individually, do they not, taken col<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage178" id="Bpage178"></a>{178}</span> lectively, fix the + attention upon a subject eminently poetical, viz., the interest which + objects in Nature derive from the predominance of certain affections, more + or less permanent, more or less capable of salutary renewal in the mind of + the being contemplating these objects? This is poetic, and essentially + poetic. And why? Because it is creative. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I am wasting words, for it is nothing more than you know; and if said + to those for whom it is intended, it would not be understood. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I see by your last letter, that Mrs. Fermor has entered into the spirit of + these 'Moods of my own Mind.' Your transcript from her letter gave me the + greatest pleasure; but I must say that even she has something yet to + receive from me. I say this with confidence, from her thinking that I have + fallen below myself in the sonnet, beginning, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>With ships the sea was sprinkled far and nigh.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to the other which she objects to, I will only observe, that there is a + misprint in the last line but two, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And <i>though</i> this wilderness,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + for + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And <i>through</i> this wilderness,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + that makes it unintelligible. This latter sonnet, for many reasons (though + I do not abandon it), I will not now speak of; but upon the other, I could + say something important in conversation, and will attempt now to + illustrate it by a comment, which, I feel, will be inadequate to convey my + meaning. There is scarcely one of my poems which does not aim to direct + the attention to some moral sentiment, or to some general principle, or + law of thought, or of our intellectual constitution. For instance, in the + present case, who is there that has not felt that the mind can have no + rest among a multitude of objects, of which it either cannot make one + whole, or from which it cannot single out one individual whereupon may be + concentrated the attention, divided among or distracted by a multitude? + After a certain time, we must either select one image or object, which + must put out of view the rest wholly, or must subordinate them to itself + while it stands forth as a head: + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage179" id="Bpage179"></a>{179}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i4">How glowed the firmament<br /></span> <span>With living + sapphires! Hesperus, that <i>led</i><br /></span> <span>The starry host, + rode brightest; till the moon,<br /></span> <span>Rising in clouded + majesty, at length,<br /></span> <span>Apparent <i>Queen</i>, unveiled <i>her + peerless</i> light,<br /></span> <span>And o'er the dark her silver + mantle threw.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having laid this down as a general principle, take the case before us. I + am represented in the sonnet as casting my eyes over the sea, sprinkled + with a multitude of ships, like the heavens with stars. My mind may be + supposed to float up and down among them, in a kind of dreamy indifference + with respect either to this or that one, only in a pleasurable state of + feeling with respect to the whole prospect. 'Joyously it showed.' This + continued till that feeling may be supposed to have passed away, and a + kind of comparative listlessness or apathy to have succeeded, as at this + line, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Some veering up and down, one knew not why.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All at once, while I am in this state, comes forth an object, an + individual; and my mind, sleepy and unfixed, is awakened and fastened in a + moment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i11">Hesperus, that <i>led</i><br /></span> <span>The starry + host,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + is a poetical object, because the glory of his own nature gives him the + pre-eminence the moment he appears. He calls forth the poetic faculty, + receiving its exertions as a tribute. But this ship in the sonnet may, in + a manner still more appropriate, be said to come upon a mission of the + poetic spirit, because, in its own appearance and attributes, it is barely + sufficiently distinguished to rouse the creative faculty of the human + mind, to exertions at all times welcome, but doubly so when they come upon + us when in a state of remissness. The mind being once fixed and roused, + all the rest comes from itself; it is merely a lordly ship, nothing more: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>This ship was nought to me, nor I to her,<br /></span> <span>Yet I + pursued her with a lover's look.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My mind wantons with grateful joy in the exercise of its own powers, and, + loving its own creation, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>This ship to all the rest I did prefer,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + making her a sovereign or a regent, and thus giving body and life to all + the rest; mingling up this idea with fondness and praise— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>where she comes the winds must stir;<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and concluding the whole with, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>On went she, and due north her journey took;<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage180" id="Bpage180"></a>{180}</span> + thus taking up again the reader with whom I began, letting him know how + long I must have watched this favourite vessel, and inviting him to rest + his mind as mine is resting. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having said so much upon mere fourteen lines, which Mrs. Fermor did not + approve, I cannot but add a word or two upon my satisfaction in finding + that my mind has so much in common with hers, and that we participate so + many of each other's pleasures. I collect this from her having singled out + the two little poems, 'The Daffodils,' and 'The Rock crowned with + Snowdrops.' I am sure that whoever is much pleased with either of these + quiet and tender delineations must be fitted to walk through the recesses + of my poetry with delight, and will there recognise, at every turn, + something or other in which, and over which, it has that property and + right which knowledge and love confer. The line, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Come, blessed barrier, &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + in the 'Sonnet upon Sleep,' which Mrs. F. points out, had before been + mentioned to me by Coleridge, and, indeed, by almost every body who had + heard it, as eminently beautiful. My letter (as this second sheet, which I + am obliged to take, admonishes me) is growing to an enormous length; and + yet, saving that I have expressed my calm confidence that these poems will + live, I have said nothing which has a particular application to the object + of it, which was to remove all disquiet from your mind on account of the + condemnation they may at present incur from that portion of my + contemporaries who are called the public. I am sure, my dear Lady + Beaumont, if you attach any importance to it, it can only be from an + apprehension that it may affect me, upon which I have already set you at + ease; or from a fear that this present blame is ominous of their future or + final destiny. If this be the case, your tenderness for me betrays you. Be + assured that the decision of these persons has nothing to do with the + question; they are altogether incompetent judges. These people, in the + senseless hurry of their idle lives, do not <i>read</i> books, they merely + snatch a glance at them, that they may talk about them. And even if this + were not so, never forget what, I believe, was observed to you by + Coleridge, that every great and original writer, in proportion as he is + great or original, must himself create the taste by which he is to be + relished; he must teach the art by which he is to <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage181" id="Bpage181"></a>{181}</span> be seen; this, in a certain + degree, even to all persons, however wise and pure may be their lives, and + however unvitiated their taste. But for those who dip into books in order + to give an opinion of them, or talk about them to take up an opinion—for + this multitude of unhappy, and misguided, and misguiding beings, an entire + regeneration must be produced; and if this be possible, it must be a work + <i>of time</i>. To conclude, my ears are stone-dead to this idle buzz, and + my flesh as insensible as iron to these petty stings; and, after what I + have said, I am sure yours will be the same. I doubt not that you will + share with me an invincible confidence that my writings (and among them + these little poems) will co-operate with the benign tendencies in human + nature and society, wherever found; and that they will, in their degree, + be efficacious in making men wiser, better, and happier. Farewell! I will + not apologise for this letter, though its length demands an apology. + Believe me, eagerly wishing for the happy day when I shall see you and Sir + George here, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Do not hurry your coming hither on our account: my sister regrets that she + did not press this upon you, as you say in your letter, 'we cannot <i>possibly</i> + come before the first week in June;' from which we infer that your + kindness will induce you to make sacrifices for our sakes. Whatever + pleasure we may have in thinking of Grasmere, we have no impatience to be + gone, and think with full as much regret of leaving Coleorton. I had, for + myself, indeed, a wish to be at Grasmere with as much of the summer before + me as might be; but to this I attach no importance whatever, as far as the + gratification of that wish interferes with any inclination or duty of + yours. I could not be satisfied without seeing you here, and shall have + great pleasure in waiting.<a name="BFNanchor_31_31" id="BFNanchor_31_31"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage182" id="Bpage182"></a>{182}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF 'PETER BELL' AND OTHER POEMS.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am quite delighted to hear of your picture for 'Peter Bell;' I was much + pleased with the sketch, and I have no doubt that the picture will surpass + it as far as a picture ought to do. I long much to see it. I should + approve of any engraver approved by you. But remember that no poem of mine + will ever be popular; and I am afraid that the sale of 'Peter' would not + carry the expence of the engraving, and that the poem, in the estimation + of the public, would be a weight upon the print. I say not this in modest + disparagement of the poem, but in sorrow for the sickly taste of the + public in verse. The <i>people</i> would love the poem of 'Peter Bell,' + but the <i>public</i> (a very different being) will never love it. Thanks + for dear Lady B.'s transcript from your friend's letter; it is written + with candour, but I must say a word or two not in praise of it. 'Instances + of what I mean,' says your friend, 'are to be found in a poem on a Daisy' + (by the by, it is on <i>the</i> Daisy, a mighty difference!) 'and on <i>Daffodils + reflected in the Water</i>.' Is this accurately transcribed by Lady + Beaumont? If it be, what shall we think of criticism or judgment founded + upon, and exemplified by, a poem which must have been so inattentively + perused? My language is precise; and, therefore, it would be false modesty + to charge myself with blame. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i7">Beneath the trees,<br /></span> <span>Ten thousand + dancing in the <i>breeze</i>.<br /></span> <span>The <i>waves beside</i> + them danced, but they<br /></span> <span>Outdid the <i>sparkling waves</i> + in glee.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Can expression be more distinct? And let me ask your friend how it is + possible for flowers to be <i>reflected</i> in water where there are <i>waves</i>? + They may, indeed, in <i>still</i> water; but the very object of my poem is + the trouble or agitation, both of the flowers and the water. I must needs + respect the understanding of every one honoured by your friendship; but + sincerity compels me to say that my poems must be more nearly looked at, + before they can give rise to any remarks of much value, even from the + strongest minds. With respect to this individual poem, Lady<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage183" id="Bpage183"></a>{183}</span> B. will + recollect how Mrs. Fermor expressed herself upon it. A letter also was + sent to me, addressed to a friend of mine, and by him communicated to me, + in which this identical poem was singled out for fervent approbation. What + then shall we say? Why, let the poet first consult his own heart, as I + have done, and leave the rest to posterity,—to, I hope, an improving + posterity. The fact is, the English <i>public</i> are at this moment in + the same state of mind with respect to my poems, if small things may be + compared with great, as the French are in respect to Shakspeare, and not + the French alone, but almost the whole Continent. In short, in your + friend's letter, I am condemned for the very thing for which I ought to + have been praised, viz., that I have not written down to the level of + superficial observers and unthinking minds. Every great poet is a teacher: + I wish either to be considered as a teacher, or as nothing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To turn to a more pleasing subject. Have you painted anything else beside + this picture from 'Peter Bell'? Your two oil-paintings (and, indeed, + everything I have of yours) have been much admired by the artists who have + seen them. And, for our own parts, we like them better every day; this, in + particular, is the case with the small picture from the neighbourhood of + Coleorton, which, indeed, pleased me much at the first sight, but less + impressed the rest of our household, who now see as many beauties in it as + I do myself. Havill, the water-colour painter, was much pleased with these + things; he is painting at Ambleside, and has done a view of Rydal Water, + looking down upon it from Rydal Park, of which I should like to know your + opinion; it will be exhibited in the Spring, in the water-colour + Exhibition. I have purchased a black-lead pencil sketch of Mr. Green, of + Ambleside, which, I think, has great merit, the materials being uncommonly + picturesque, and well put together: I should dearly like to have the same + subject (it is the cottage at Glencoign, by Ulleswater) treated by you. In + the poem I have just written, you will find one situation which, if the + work should ever become familiarly known, would furnish as fine a subject + for a picture as any thing I remember in poetry ancient or modern. I need + not mention what it is, as when you read the poem you cannot miss it. We + have at last had, by the same post, two letters from Coleridge, long and + melancholy; and also, from Keswick, an account so depressing as to the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage184" id="Bpage184"></a>{184}</span> + state of his health, that I should have set off immediately to London, to + see him, if I had not myself been confined by indisposition. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope that Davy is by this time perfectly restored to health. Believe me, + my dear Sir George, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most sincerely yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_32_32" + id="BFNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#BFootnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF BUILDING AND GARDENING AND LAYING OUT OF GROUNDS.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter + to Sir George H. Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">Grasmere, October 17th. 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was very glad to learn that you had room for me at Coleorton, and far + more so, that your health was so much mended. Lady Beaumont's last letter + to my sister has made us wish that you were fairly through your present + engagements with workmen and builders, and, as to improvements, had + smoothed over the first difficulties, and gotten things into a way of + improving themselves. I do not suppose that any man ever built a house, + without finding in the progress of it obstacles that were unforeseen, and + something that might have been better planned; things teazing and + vexatious when they come, however the mind may have been made up at the + outset to a general expectation of the kind. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With respect to the grounds, you have there the advantage of being in good + hands, namely, those of Nature; and, assuredly, whatever petty crosses + from contrariety of opinion or any other cause you may now meet with, + these will soon disappear, and leave nothing behind but satisfaction and + harmony. Setting out from the distinction made by Coleridge which you + mentioned, that your house will belong to the country, and not the country + be an appendage to your house, you cannot be wrong. Indeed, in the present + state of society, I see nothing interesting either to the imagination or + the heart, and, of course, nothing which true taste can approve, in any + interference with Nature, grounded upon any other principle. In times when + the feudal <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage185" id="Bpage185"></a>{185}</span> + system was in its vigor, and the personal importance of every chieftain + might be said to depend entirely upon the extent of his landed property + and rights of seignory; when the king, in the habits of people's minds, + was considered as the primary and true proprietor of the soil, which was + granted out by him to different lords, and again by them to their several + tenants under them, for the joint defence of all; there might have been + something imposing to the imagination in the whole face of a district, + testifying, obtrusively even, its dependence upon its chief. Such an image + would have been in the spirit of the society, implying power, grandeur, + military state, and security; and, less directly, in the person of the + chief, high birth, and knightly education and accomplishments; in short, + the most of what was then deemed interesting or affecting. Yet, with the + exception of large parks and forests, nothing of this kind was known at + that time, and these were left in their wild state, so that such display + of ownership, so far from taking from the beauty of Nature, was itself a + chief cause of that beauty being left unspoiled and unimpaired. The <i>improvements</i>, + when the place was sufficiently tranquil to admit of any, though absurd + and monstrous in themselves, were confined (as our present Laureate has + observed, I remember, in one of his essays) to an acre or two about the + house in the shape of garden with terraces, &c. So that Nature had + greatly the advantage in those days, when what has been called English + gardening was unheard of. This is now beginning to be perceived, and we + are setting out to travel backwards. Painters and poets have had the + credit of being reckoned the fathers of English gardening; they will also + have, hereafter, the better praise of being fathers of a better taste. + Error is in general nothing more than getting hold of good things, as + every thing has two handles, by the wrong one. It was a misconception of + the meaning and principles of poets and painters which gave countenance to + the modern system of gardening, which is now, I hope, on the decline; in + other words, we are submitting to the rule which you at present are guided + by, that of having our houses belong to the country, which will of course + lead us back to the simplicity of Nature. And leaving your own individual + sentiments and present work out of the question, what good can come of any + other guide, under any circumstances? We have, indeed, distinctions of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage186" id="Bpage186"></a>{186}</span> + rank, hereditary legislators, and large landed proprietors; but from + numberless causes the state of society is so much altered, that nothing of + that lofty or imposing interest, formerly attached to large property in + land, can now exist; none of the poetic pride, and pomp, and circumstance; + nor anything that can be considered as making amends for violation done to + the holiness of Nature. Let us take an extreme case, such as a residence + of a Duke of Norfolk, or Northumberland: of course you would expect a + mansion, in some degree answerable to their consequence, with all + conveniences. The names of Howard and Percy will always stand high in the + regards of Englishmen; but it is degrading, not only to such families as + these, but to every really interesting one, to suppose that their + importance will be most felt where most displayed, particularly in the way + I am now alluding to. This is contracting a general feeling into a local + one. Besides, were it not so, as to what concerns the Past, a man would be + sadly astray, who should go, for example, to modernise Alnwick and its + dependencies, with his head full of the ancient Percies: he would find + nothing there which would remind him of them, except by contrast; and of + that kind of admonition he would, indeed, have enough. But this by the + bye, for it is against the principle itself I am contending, and not the + misapplication of it. After what was said above, I may ask, if anything + connected with the families of Howard and Percy, and their rank and + influence, and thus with the state of government and society, could, in + the present age, be deemed a recompence for their thrusting themselves in + between us and Nature. Surely it is a substitution of little things for + great when we would put a whole country into a nobleman's livery. I know + nothing which to me would be so pleasing or affecting, as to be able to + say when I am in the midst of a large estate—This man is not the + victim of his condition; he is not the spoiled child of worldly grandeur; + the thought of himself does not take the lead in his enjoyments; he is, + where he ought to be, lowly-minded, and has human feelings; he has a true + relish of simplicity, and therefore stands the best chance of being happy; + at least, without it there is no happiness, because there can be no true + sense of the bounty and beauty of the creation, or insight into the + constitution of the human mind. Let a man of wealth and influence shew, by + the appearance of the country <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage187" + id="Bpage187"></a>{187}</span> in his neighbourhood, that he treads in the + steps of the good sense of the age, and occasionally goes foremost; let + him give countenance to improvements in agriculture, steering clear of the + pedantry of it, and showing that its grossest utilities will connect + themselves harmoniously with the more intellectual arts, and even thrive + the best under such connection; let him do his utmost to be surrounded + with tenants living comfortably, which will bring always with it the best + of all graces which a country can have—flourishing fields and + happy-looking houses; and, in that part of his estate devoted to park and + pleasure-ground, let him keep himself as much out of sight as possible; + let Nature be all in all, taking care that everything done by man shall be + in the way of being adopted by her. If people chuse that a great mansion + should be the chief figure in a country, let this kind of keeping prevail + through the picture, and true taste will find no fault. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am writing now rather for writing's sake than anything else, for I have + many remembrances beating about in my head which you would little suspect. + I have been thinking of you, and Coleridge, and our Scotch Tour, and Lord + Lowther's grounds, and Heaven knows what. I have had before me the + tremendously long ell-wide gravel walks of the Duke of Athol, among the + wild glens of Blair, Bruar Water, and Dunkeld, brushed neatly, without a + blade of grass or weed upon them, or anything that bore traces of a human + footstep; much indeed of human hands, but wear or tear of foot was none. + Thence I pass'd to our neighbour, Lord Lowther. You know that his + predecessor, greatly, without doubt, to the advantage of the place, left + it to take care of itself. The present lord seems disposed to do + something, but not much. He has a neighbour, a Quaker, an amiable, + inoffensive man<a name="BFNanchor_33_33" id="BFNanchor_33_33"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a>, and a little of a poet + too, who has amused himself, upon his own small estate upon the Emont, in + twining pathways along the banks of the river, making little cells and + bowers with inscriptions of his own writing, all very pretty as not + spreading far. This man is at present Arbiter Elegantiarum, or master of + the grounds, at Lowther, and what he has done hitherto is very well, as it + is little more than making accessible what could not before be got at. You + know something of Lowther. I believe a more delightful spot is not <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage188" id="Bpage188"></a>{188}</span> under + the sun. Last summer I had a charming walk along the river, for which I + was indebted to this man, whose intention is to carry the walk along the + river-side till it joins the great road at Lowther Bridge, which you will + recollect, just under Brougham, about a mile from Penrith. This to my + great sorrow! for the manufactured walk, which was absolutely necessary in + many places, will in one place pass through a few hundred yards of forest + ground, and will there efface the most beautiful specimen of a forest + pathway ever seen by human eyes, and which I have paced many an hour, when + I was a youth, with some of those I best love. This path winds on under + the trees with the wantonness of a river or a living creature; and even if + I may say so with the subtlety of a spirit, contracting or enlarging + itself, visible or invisible as it likes. There is a continued opening + between the trees, a narrow slip of green turf besprinkled with flowers, + chiefly daisies, and here it is, if I may use the same kind of language, + that this pretty path plays its pranks, wearing away the turf and flowers + at its pleasure. When I took the walk I was speaking of, last summer, it + was Sunday. I met several of the people of the country posting to and from + church, in different parts; and in a retired spot by the river-side were + two musicians (belonging probably to some corps of volunteers) playing + upon the hautboy and clarionet. You may guess I was not a little + delighted; and as you had been a visiter at Lowther, I could not help + wishing you were with me. And now I am brought to the sentiment which + occasioned this detail; I may say, brought back to my subject, which is + this,—that all just and solid pleasure in natural objects rests upon + two pillars, God and Man. Laying out grounds, as it is called, may be + considered as a liberal art, in some sort like poetry and painting; and + its object, like that of all the liberal arts, is, or ought to be, to move + the affections under the controul of good sense; that is, those of the + best and wisest: but, speaking with more precision, it is to assist Nature + in moving the affections, and, surely, as I have said, the affections of + those who have the deepest perception of the beauty of Nature; who have + the most valuable feelings, that is, the most permanent, the most + independent, the most ennobling, connected with Nature and human life. No + liberal art aims merely at the gratification of an individual or a class: + the painter or poet is degraded in proportion <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage189" id="Bpage189"></a>{189}</span> as he does so; the true + servants of the Arts pay homage to the human kind as impersonated in + unwarped and enlightened minds. If this be so when we are merely putting + together words or colours, how much more ought the feeling to prevail when + we are in the midst of the realities of things; of the beauty and harmony, + of the joy and happiness of living creatures; of men and children, of + birds and beasts, of hills and streams, and trees and flowers; with the + changes of night and day, evening and morning, summer and winter; and all + their unwearied actions and energies, as benign in the spirit that + animates them as they are beautiful and grand in that form and clothing + which is given to them for the delight of our senses! But I must stop, for + you feel these things as deeply as I; more deeply, if it were only for + this, that you have lived longer. What then shall we say of many great + mansions with their unqualified expulsion of human creatures from their + neighbourhood, happy or not; houses, which do what is fabled of the upas + tree, that they breathe out death and desolation! I know you will feel + with me here, both as a man and a lover and professor of the arts. I was + glad to hear from Lady Beaumont that you did not think of removing your + village. Of course much here will depend upon circumstances, above all, + with what kind of inhabitants, from the nature of the employments in that + district, the village is likely to be stocked. But, for my part, strip my + neighbourhood of human beings, and I should think it one of the greatest + privations I could undergo. You have all the poverty of solitude, nothing + of its elevation. In a word, if I were disposed to write a sermon (and + this is something like one) upon the subject of taste in natural beauty, I + should take for my text the little pathway in Lowther Woods, and all which + I had to say would begin and end in the human heart, as under the + direction of the Divine Nature, conferring value on the objects of the + senses, and pointing out what is valuable in them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I began this subject with Coleorton in my thoughts, and a confidence, that + whatever difficulties or crosses (as of many good things it is not easy to + chuse the best) you might meet with in the practical application of your + principles of Taste, yet, being what they are, you will soon be pleased + and satisfied. Only (if I may take the freedom to say so) do not give way + too much to others: considering what your studies and pursuits have been, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage190" id="Bpage190"></a>{190}</span> + your own judgment must be the best: professional men may suggest hints, + but I would keep the decision to myself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lady Beaumont utters something like an apprehension that the slowness of + workmen or other impediments may prevent our families meeting at Coleorton + next summer. We shall be sorry for this, the more so, as the same cause + will hinder your coming hither. At all events, we shall depend upon her + frankness, which we take most kindly indeed; I mean, on the promise she + has made, to let us know whether you are gotten so far through your work + as to make it comfortable for us all to be together. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot close this letter without a word about myself. I am sorry to say + I am not yet settled to any serious employment. The expectation of + Coleridge not a little unhinges me, and, still more, the number of + visitors we have had; but winter is approaching, and I have good hopes. I + mentioned Michael Angelo's poetry some time ago; it is the most difficult + to construe I ever met with, but just what you would expect from such a + man, shewing abundantly how conversant his soul was with great things. + There is a mistake in the world concerning the Italian language; the + poetry of Dante and Michael Angelo proves, that if there be little majesty + and strength in Italian verse, the fault is in the authors, and not in the + tongue. I can translate, and have translated, two books of Ariosto, at the + rate, nearly, of 100 lines a day; but so much meaning has been put by + Michael Angelo into so little room, and that meaning sometimes so + excellent in itself, that I found the difficulty of translating him + insurmountable. I attempted, at least, fifteen of the sonnets, but could + not anywhere succeed. I have sent you the only one I was able to finish: + it is far from being the best, or most characteristic, but the others were + too much for me.<a name="BFNanchor_34_34" id="BFNanchor_34_34"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I began this letter about a week ago, having been interrupted. I mention + this, because I have on this account to apologise to Lady Beaumont, and to + my sister also, whose intention it was to have written, but being very + much engaged, she put it off as I was writing. We have been weaning + Dorothy, and since, she has had a return of the croup from an imprudent + exposure on a very cold day. But she is doing well again; and <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage191" id="Bpage191"></a>{191}</span> my + sister will write very soon. Lady Beaumont inquired how game might be sent + us. There is a direct conveyance from Manchester to Kendal by the mail, + and a parcel directed for me, to be delivered at Kendal, immediately, to + John Brockbank, Ambleside, postman, would, I dare say, find its way to us + expeditiously enough; only you will have the goodness to mention in your + letters when you do send anything, otherwise we may not be aware of any + mistake. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am glad the Houbraken will be acceptable, and will send it any way you + shall think proper, though perhaps, as it would only make a small parcel, + there might be some risk in trusting it to the waggon or mail, unless it + could be conveniently inquired after. No news of Coleridge. The length of + this letter is quite formidable; forgive it. Farewell, and believe me, my + dear Sir George, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your truly affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_35_35" + id="BFNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#BFootnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF THE INSCRIPTIONS AT COLEORTON.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Had there been room at the end of the small avenue of lime-trees for + planting a spacious circle of the same trees, the urn might have been + placed in the centre, with the inscription thus altered: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ye lime-trees, ranged around this hallowed urn,<br /></span> <span>Shoot + forth with lively power at Spring's return!<br /></span> + </div> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Here may some painter sit in future days,<br /></span> <span>Some + future poet meditate his lays!<br /></span> <span>Not mindless of that + distant age, renowned,<br /></span> <span>When inspiration hovered o'er + this ground,<br /></span> <span>The haunt of him who sang, how spear and + shield<br /></span> <span>In civil conflict met on Bosworth field,<br /></span> + <span>And of that famous youth (full soon removed<br /></span> <span>From + earth!) by mighty Shakspeare's self approved.<br /></span> <span>Fletcher's + associate, Jonson's friend beloved.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first couplet of the above, as it before stood, would have appeared + ludicrous, if the stone had remained after the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage192" id="Bpage192"></a>{192}</span> tree might have been gone. + The couplet relating to the household virtues did not accord with the + painter and the poet; the former being allegorical figures; the latter, + living men. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What follows, I composed yesterday morning, thinking there might be no + impropriety in placing it, so as to be <i>visible only to a person sitting + within the niche</i> which we hollowed out of the sandstone in the + winter-garden. I am told that this is, in the present form of the niche, + impossible; but I shall be most ready, when I come to Coleorton, to scoop + out a place for it, if Lady Beaumont think it worth while. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>INSCRIPTION.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Oft is the medal faithful to its trust<br /></span> <span>When + temples, columns, towers, are laid in dust;<br /></span> <span>And 'tis a + common ordinance of fate<br /></span> <span>That things obscure and small + outlive the great.<br /></span> <span>Hence, &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These inscriptions have all one fault, they are too long; but I was unable + to do justice to the thoughts in less room. The second has brought Sir + John Beaumont and his brother Francis so lively to my mind, that I recur + to the plan of republishing the former's poems, perhaps in connection with + those of Francis. Could any further <i>search</i> be made after the 'Crown + of Thorns?' If I recollect right, Southey applied without effect to the + numerous friends he has among the collectors. The best way, perhaps, of + managing this republication would be, to print it in a very elegant type + and paper, and not many copies, to be sold high, so that it might be + prized by the collectors as a curiosity. Bearing in mind how many + excellent things there are in Sir John Beaumont's little volume, I am + somewhat mortified at this mode of honouring his memory; but in the + present state of the taste of this country, I cannot flatter myself that + poems of that character would win their way into general circulation. + Should it appear advisable, another edition might afterwards be published, + upon a plan which would place the book within the reach of those who have + little money to spare. I remain, my dear Sir George, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH<a name="BFNanchor_36_36" + id="BFNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#BFootnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage193" id="Bpage193"></a>{193}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF POEMS, COLERIDGE, &c. &c.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Sir George H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Sat., Nov. 16. 1811.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have to thank you for two letters. Lady Beaumont also will accept my + acknowledgments for the interesting letter with which she favoured me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I learn from Mrs. Coleridge, who has lately heard from C——, + that Alston, the painter, has arrived in London. Coleridge speaks of him + as a most interesting person. He has brought with him a few pictures from + his own pencil, among others, a Cupid and Psyche, which, in C.'s opinion, + has not, for colouring, been surpassed since Titian. C. is about to + deliver a Course of Lectures upon Poetry, at some Institution in the city. + He is well, and I learn that the 'Friend' has been a good deal inquired + after lately. For ourselves, we never hear from him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am glad that the inscriptions please you. It did always appear to me, + that inscriptions, particularly those in verse, or in a dead language, + were never supposed <i>necessarily</i> to be the composition of those in + whose name they appeared. If a more striking, or more dramatic effect + could be produced, I have always thought, that in an epitaph or memorial + of any kind, a father, or husband, &c. might be introduced, speaking, + without any absolute deception being intended: that is, the reader is + understood to be at liberty to say to himself,—these verses, or this + Latin, may be the composition of some unknown person, and not that of the + father, widow, or friend, from whose hand or voice they profess to + proceed. If the composition be natural, affecting, or beautiful, it is all + that is required. This, at least, was my view of the subject, or I should + not have adopted that mode. However, in respect to your scruples, which I + feel are both delicate and reasonable, I have altered the verses; and I + have only to regret that the alteration is not more happily done. But I + never found anything more difficult. I wished to preserve the expression + <i>patrimonial grounds</i>, but I found this impossible, on account of the + awkwardness of the pronouns, he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage194" + id="Bpage194"></a>{194}</span> and his, as applied to Reynolds, and to + yourself. This, even where it does not produce confusion, is always + inelegant. I was, therefore, obliged to drop it; so that we must be + content, I fear, with the inscription as it stands below. As you mention + that the first copy was mislaid, I will transcribe the first part from + that; but you can either choose the Dome or the Abbey as you like. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ye lime-trees, ranged before this hallowed urn,<br /></span> <span>Shoot + forth with lively power at Spring's return;<br /></span> <span>And be not + slow a stately growth to rear<br /></span> <span>Of pillars, branching + off from year to year,<br /></span> <span>Till ye have framed, at length, + a darksome aisle,<br /></span> <span>Like a recess within that sacred + pile<br /></span> <span>Where Reynolds, 'mid our country's noblest dead,<br /></span> + <span>In the last sanctity of fame is laid, &c. &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope this will do: I tried a hundred different ways, but cannot hit upon + anything better. I am sorry to learn from Lady Beaumont, that there is + reason to believe that our cedar is already perished. I am sorry for it. + The verses upon that subject you and Lady B. praise highly; and certainly, + if they have merit, as I cannot but think they have, your discriminating + praises have pointed it out. The alteration in the beginning, I think with + you, is a great improvement, and the first line is, to my ear, very rich + and grateful. As to the 'Female and Male,' I know not how to get rid of + it; for that circumstance gives the recess an appropriate interest. I + remember, Mr. Bowles, the poet, objected to the word ravishment at the end + of the sonnet to the winter-garden; yet it has the authority of all the + first-rate poets, for instance, Milton: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>In whose sight all things joy, with <i>ravishment</i>,<br /></span> + <span>Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Objections upon these grounds merit more attention in regard to + inscriptions than any other sort of composition; and on this account, the + lines (I mean those upon the niche) had better be suppressed, for it is + not improbable that the altering of them might cost me more trouble than + writing a hundred fresh ones. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We were happy to hear that your mother, Lady Beaumont, was so surprisingly + well. You do not mention the school at Coleorton. Pray how is Wilkie in + health, and also as to progress in his art? I do not doubt that I shall + like Arnold's picture; but he would have been a better painter, if his + genius <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage195" id="Bpage195"></a>{195}</span> + had led him to <i>read</i> more in the early part of his life. Wilkie's + style of painting does not require that the mind should be fed from books; + but I do not think it possible to <i>excel</i> in <i>landscape</i> + painting without a strong tincture of the poetic spirit.<a + name="BFNanchor_37_37" id="BFNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#BFootnote_37_37" + class="fnanchor">[37]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + OF THE INSCRIPTIONS AT COLEORTON.<br /> <br /> <i>Letter to Lady Beaumont</i>. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Wednesday, Nov. 20. 1811.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR LADY BEAUMONT, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When you see this you will think I mean to overrun you with inscriptions: + I do not mean to tax you with putting them up, only with reading them. The + following I composed yesterday morning, in a walk from Brathway, whither I + had been to accompany my sister. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>FOR A SEAT IN THE GROVES OF COLEORTON.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Beneath yon eastern ridge, the craggy bound<br /></span> <span>Rugged + and high of Charnwood's forest-ground,<br /></span> <span>Stand yet, but, + Stranger! hidden from thy view,<br /></span> <span>The ivied ruins of + forlorn Grace Dieu, &c. &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope that neither you nor Sir George will think that the above takes + from the effect of the mention of Francis Beaumont in the poem upon the + cedar. Grace Dieu is itself so interesting a spot, and has naturally and + historically such a connection with Coleorton, that I could not deny + myself the pleasure of paying it this mark of attention. The thought of + writing the inscription occurred to me many years ago. I took the liberty + of transcribing for Sir George an alteration which I had made in the + inscription for St. Herbert's island; I was not then quite satisfied with + it; I have since retouched it, and will trouble you to read him the + following, which I hope will give you pleasure. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>This island, guarded from profane approach<br /></span> <span>By + mountains high and waters widely spread,<br /></span> <span>Gave to St. + Herbert a benign retreat, &c. &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I ought to mention, that the line, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And things of holy use unhallowed lie,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + is taken from the following of Daniel, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Strait all that holy was unhallowed lies.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage196" id="Bpage196"></a>{196}</span> I + will take this occasion of recommending to you (if you happen to have + Daniel's poems) to read the epistle addressed to the Lady Margaret, + Countess of Cumberland, beginning, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>He that of such a height hath built his mind.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The whole poem is composed in a strain of meditative morality more + dignified and affecting than anything of the kind I ever read. It is, + besides, strikingly applicable to the revolutions of the present times. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My dear Lady Beaumont, your letter and the accounts it contains of the + winter-garden, gave me great pleasure. I cannot but think, that under your + care, it will grow up into one of the most beautiful and interesting spots + in England. We all here have a longing desire to see it. I have mentioned + the high opinion we have of it to a couple of my friends, persons of taste + living in this country, who are determined, the first time they are called + up to London, to turn aside to visit it; which I said they might without + scruple do, if they mentioned my name to the gardener. My sister begs me + to say, that she is aware how long she has been in your debt, and that she + should have written before now, but that, as I have, latterly, been in + frequent communication with Coleorton, she thought it as well to defer + answering your letter. Do you see the <i>Courier</i> newspaper at Dunmow? + I ask on account of a little poem upon the comet, which I have read in it + to-day. Though with several defects, and some feeble and constrained + expressions, it has great merit, and is far superior to the run, not + merely of newspaper, but of modern poetry in general. I half suspect it to + be Coleridge's, for though it is, in parts, inferior to him, I know no + other writer of the day who can do so well. It consists of five stanzas, + in the measure of the 'Fairy Queen.' It is to be found in last Saturday's + paper, November 16th. If you don't see the <i>Courier</i> we will + transcribe it for you. As so much of this letter is taken up with my + verses, I will e'en trespass still further on your indulgence, and + conclude with a sonnet, which I wrote some time ago upon the poet, John + Dyer. If you have not read the 'Fleece,' I would strongly recommend it to + you. The character of Dyer, as a patriot, a citizen, and a tender-hearted + friend of humanity was, in some respects, injurious to him as a poet, and + has induced him to dwell, in his poem, upon <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage197" id="Bpage197"></a>{197}</span> processes which, however + important in themselves, were unsusceptible of being poetically treated. + Accordingly, his poem is, in several places, dry and heavy; but its + beauties are innumerable, and of a high order. In point of <i>Imagination</i> + and purity of style, I am not sure that he is not superior to any writer + in verse since the time of Milton. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>SONNET.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Bard of the Fleece! whose skilful genius made<br /></span> <span>That + work a living landscape fair and bright;<br /></span> <span>Nor hallowed + less by musical delight<br /></span> <span>Than those soft scenes through + which thy childhood strayed,<br /></span> <span>Those southern tracts of + Cambria, deep embayed, &c. &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the above is one whole line from the 'Fleece,' and two other + expressions. When you read the 'Fleece' you will recognise them. I remain, + my dear Lady Beaumont, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your sincere friend,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_38_38" + id="BFNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#BFootnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + EXCURSION IN NORTH WALES.<br /> <br /><i>Letter to Sir George H. Beaumont</i>. + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Hindwell, Radnor, Sept. 20. 1824.</span> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After a three weeks' ramble in North Wales, Mrs. Wordsworth, Dora, and + myself are set down quietly here for three weeks more. The weather has + been delightful, and everything to our wishes. On a beautiful day we took + the steam-packet at Liverpool, passed the mouth of the Dee, coasted the + extremity of the Vale of Clwyd, sailed close under Great Orm's Head, had a + noble prospect of Penmaenmawr, and having almost touched upon Puffin's + Island, we reached Bangor Ferry, a little after six in the afternoon. We + admired the stupendous preparations for the bridge over the Menai; and + breakfasted next morning at Carnarvon. We employed several hours in + exploring the interior of the noble castle, and looking at it from + different points of view in the neighbourhood. At half-past four we + departed for Llanberris, having fine views as we looked back of C. Castle, + the sea, and Anglesey. A little before sunset <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage198" id="Bpage198"></a>{198}</span> we came in sight of + Llanberris Lake, Snowdon, and all the craggy hills and mountains + surrounding it; the foreground a beautiful contrast to this grandeur and + desolation—a green sloping hollow, furnishing a shelter for one of + the most beautiful collections of lowly Welsh cottages, with thatched + roofs, overgrown with plants, anywhere to be met with: the hamlet is + called Cum-y-glo. And here we took boat, while the solemn lights of + evening were receding towards the tops of the mountains. As we advanced, + Dolbardin Castle came in view, and Snowdon opened upon our admiration. It + was almost dark when we reached the quiet and comfortable inn at + Llanberris. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There being no carriage-road, we undertook to walk by the Pass of + Llanberris, eight miles, to Capel Cerig; this proved fatiguing, but it was + the only oppressive exertion we made during the course of our tour. We + arrived at Capel Cerig in time for a glance at the Snowdonian range, from + the garden of the inn, in connection with the lake (or rather pool) + reflecting the crimson clouds of evening. The outline of Snowdon is + perhaps seen nowhere to more advantage than from this place. Next morning, + five miles down a beautiful valley to the banks of the Conway, which + stream we followed to Llanrwst; but the day was so hot that we could only + make use of the morning and evening. Here we were joined, according to + previous arrangement, by Bishop Hobart, of New York, who remained with us + till two o'clock next day, and left us to complete his hasty tour through + North and South Wales. In the afternoon arrived my old college friend and + youthful companion among the Alps, the Rev. R. Jones, and in his car we + all proceeded to the Falls of the Conway, thence up that river to a + newly-erected inn on the Irish road, where we lodged; having passed + through bold and rocky scenery along the banks of a stream which is a + feeder of the Dee. Next morning we turned from the Irish road three or + four miles to visit the 'Valley of Meditation' (Glyn Mavyr) where Mr. + Jones has, at present, a curacy, with a comfortable parsonage. We slept at + Corwen, and went down the Dee to Llangollen, which you and dear Lady B. + know well. Called upon the celebrated Recluses,<a name="BFNanchor_39_39" + id="BFNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#BFootnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> + who hoped that you and Lady B. had not forgotten them; they certainly had + not forgotten you, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage199" + id="Bpage199"></a>{199}</span> they begged us to say that they retained a + lively remembrance of you both. We drank tea and passed a couple of hours + with them in the evening, having visited the aqueduct over the Dee and + Chirk Castle in the afternoon. Lady E. has not been well, and has suffered + much in her eyes, but she is surprisingly lively for her years. Miss P. is + apparently in unimpaired health. Next day I sent them the following sonnet + from Ruthin, which was conceived, and in a great measure composed, in + their grounds. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>A stream, to mingle with your favourite Dee,<br /></span> <span>Along + the <i>Vale of Meditation</i> flows;<br /></span> <span>So named by those + fierce Britons, pleased to see<br /></span> <span>In Nature's face the + expression of repose, &c. &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We passed three days with Mr. Jones's friends in the vale of Clwyd, + looking about us, and on the Tuesday set off again, accompanied by our + friend, to complete our tour. We dined at Conway, walked to Bennarth, the + view from which is a good deal choked up with wood. A small part of the + castle has been demolished for the sake of the new road to communicate + with the suspension-bridge, which they are about to make to the small + island opposite the castle, to be connected by a long embankment with the + opposite shore. The bridge will, I think, prove rather ornamental when + time has taken off the newness of its supporting masonry; but the mound + deplorably impairs the majesty of the water at high-tide; in fact it + destroys its lake-like appearance. Our drive to Aber in the evening was + charming; sun setting in glory. We had also a delightful walk next morning + up the vale of Aber, terminated by a lofty waterfall; not much in itself, + but most striking as a closing accompaniment to the secluded valley. Here, + in the early morning, I saw an odd sight—fifteen milk-maids + together, laden with their brimming pails. How cheerful and happy they + appeared! and not a little inclined to joke after the manner of the + pastoral persons in Theocritus. That day brought us to Capel Cerig again, + after a charming drive up the banks of the Ogwen, having previously had + beautiful views of Bangor, the sea, and its shipping. From Capel Cerig + down the justly celebrated vale of Nant Gwynant to Bethgelart. In this + vale are two small lakes, the higher of which is the only Welsh lake which + has any pretensions to compare with our own; and it has one great <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage200" id="Bpage200"></a>{200}</span> + advantage over them, that it remains wholly free from intrusive objects. + We saw it early in the morning; and with the greenness of the meadows at + its head, the steep rocks on one of its shores, and the bold mountains at + <i>both</i> extremities, a feature almost peculiar to itself, it appeared + to us truly enchanting. The village of Bethgelart is much altered for the + worse: new and formal houses have, in a great measure, supplanted the old + rugged and tufted cottages, and a smart hotel has taken the lead of the + lowly public-house in which I took refreshment almost thirty years ago, + previous to a midnight ascent to the summit of Snowdon. At B. we were + agreeably surprised by the appearance of Mr. Hare, of New College, Oxford. + We slept at Tan-y-bylch, having employed the afternoon in exploring the + beauties of the vale of Festiniog. Next day to Barmouth, whence, the + following morning, we took boat and rowed up its sublime estuary, which + may compare with the finest of Scotland, having the advantage of a + superior climate. From Dolgelly we went to Tal-y-llyn, a solitary and very + interesting lake under Cader Idris. Next day, being Sunday, we heard + service performed in Welsh, and in the afternoon went part of the way down + a beautiful valley to Machynleth, next morning to Aberystwith, and up the + Rhydiol to the Devil's Bridge, where we passed the following day in + exploring those two rivers, and Hafod in the neighbourhood. I had seen + these things long ago, but either my memory or my powers of observation + had not done them justice. It rained heavily in the night, and we saw the + waterfalls in perfection. While Dora was attempting to make a sketch from + the chasm in the rain, I composed by her side the following address to the + torrent: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>How art thou named? In search of what strange land,<br /></span> + <span>From what huge height descending? Can such force<br /></span> <span>Of + water issue from a British source?<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Next day, viz. last Wednesday, we reached this place, and found all our + friends well, except our good and valuable friend, Mr. Monkhouse, who is + here, and in a very alarming state of health. His physicians have ordered + him to pass the winter in Devonshire, fearing a consumption; but he is + certainly not suffering under a regular hectic pulmonary decline: his + pulse is good, so is his appetite, and he has no fever, but is deplorably + emaciated. He is a near relation of Mrs. W., and one, as <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage201" id="Bpage201"></a>{201}</span> you + know, of my best friends. I hope to see Mr. Price, at Foxley, in a few + days. Mrs. W.'s brother is about to change his present residence for a + farm close by Foxley. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now, my dear Sir George, what chance is there of your being in Wales + during any part of the autumn? I would strain a point to meet you + anywhere, were it only for a couple of days. Write immediately, or should + you be absent without Lady B. she will have the goodness to tell me of + your movements. I saw the Lowthers just before I set off, all well. You + probably have heard from my sister. It is time to make an end of this long + letter, which might have been somewhat less dry if I had not wished to + make you master of our whole route. Except ascending one of the high + mountains, Snowdon or Cader Idris, we omitted nothing, and saw as much as + the shortened days would allow. With love to Lady B. and yourself, dear + Sir George, from us all, I remain, ever, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_40_40" + id="BFNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#BFootnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage202" id="Bpage202"></a>{202}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="g_LETTER_TO_THE_RIGHT_HON_CHARLES_JAMES_FOX" + id="g_LETTER_TO_THE_RIGHT_HON_CHARLES_JAMES_FOX"></a>(g) LETTER TO THE + RIGHT HON. CHARLES JAMES FOX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>With the 'Lyrical Ballads'</i> (1801): <i>with critical Remarks on his + Poems</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Westmoreland, January + 14th. 1801.</span> <br /> + </p> + <p> + SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not without much difficulty that I have summoned the courage to + request your acceptance of these volumes. Should I express my real + feelings, I am sure that I should seem to make a parade of diffidence and + humility. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Several of the poems contained in these volumes are written upon subjects + which are the common property of all poets, and which, at some period of + your life, must have been interesting to a man of your sensibility, and + perhaps may still continue to be so. It would be highly gratifying to me + to suppose that even in a single instance the manner in which I have + treated these general topics should afford you any pleasure; but such a + hope does not influence me upon the present occasion; in truth I do not + feel it. Besides, I am convinced that there must be many things in this + collection which may impress you with an unfavourable idea of my + intellectual powers. I do not say this with a wish to degrade myself, but + I am sensible that this must be the case, from the different circles in + which we have moved, and the different objects with which we have been + conversant. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Being utterly unknown to you as I am, I am well aware that if I am + justified in writing to you at all, it is necessary my letter should be + short; but I have feelings within me, which I hope will so far show + themselves, as to excuse the trespass which I am afraid I shall make. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In common with the whole of the English people, I have observed in your + public character a constant predominance of sensibility of heart. + Necessitated as you have been from your public situation to have much to + do with men in bodies, and in classes, and accordingly to contemplate them + in that relation, it has been your praise that you have not thereby been + prevented from looking upon them as individuals, and that you have + habitually left your heart open to be influenced by them in that <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage203" id="Bpage203"></a>{203}</span> + capacity. This habit cannot but have made you dear to poets; and I am sure + that if, since your first entrance into public life, there has been a + single true poet living in England, he must have loved you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But were I assured that I myself had a just claim to the title of a poet, + all the dignity being attached to the word which belongs to it, I do not + think that I should have ventured for that reason to offer these volumes + to you; at present it is solely on account of two poems in the second + volume, the one entitled 'The Brothers,' and the other 'Michael,' that I + have been emboldened to take this liberty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It appears to me that the most calamitous effect which has followed the + measures which have lately been pursued in this country, is, a rapid decay + of the domestic affections among the lower orders of society. This effect + the present rulers of this country are not conscious of, or they disregard + it. For many years past, the tendency of society, amongst almost all the + nations of Europe, has been to produce it; but recently, by the spreading + of manufactures through every part of the country, by the heavy taxes upon + postage, by workhouses, houses of industry, and the invention of + soup-shops, &c., superadded to the increasing disproportion between + the price of labour and that of the necessaries of life, the bonds of + domestic feeling among the poor, as far as the influence of these things + has extended, have been weakened, and in innumerable instances entirely + destroyed. The evil would be the less to be regretted, if these + institutions were regarded only as palliatives to a disease; but the + vanity and pride of their promoters are so subtly interwoven with them, + that they are deemed great discoveries and blessings to humanity. In the + meantime, parents are separated from their children, and children from + their parents; the wife no longer prepares, with her own hands, a meal for + her husband, the produce of his labour; there is little doing in his house + in which his affections can be interested, and but little left in it that + he can love. I have two neighbours, a man and his wife, both upwards of + eighty years of age. They live alone. The husband has been confined to his + bed many months, and has never had, nor till within these few weeks has + ever needed, any body to attend to him but his wife. She has recently been + seized with a lameness which has often prevented her from being able to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage204" id="Bpage204"></a>{204}</span> + carry him his food to his bed. The neighbours fetch water for her from the + well, and do other kind offices for them both. But her infirmities + increase. She told my servant two days ago, that she was afraid they must + both be boarded out among some other poor of the parish (they have long + been supported by the parish); but she said it was hard, having kept house + together so long, to come to this, and she was sure that 'it would burst + her heart.' I mention this fact to show how deeply the spirit of + independence is, even yet, rooted in some parts of the country. These + people could not express themselves in this way without an almost sublime + conviction of the blessings of independent domestic life. If it is true, + as I believe, that this spirit is rapidly disappearing, no greater curse + can befall a Land. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I earnestly entreat your pardon for having detained you so long. In the + two poems, 'The Brothers,' and 'Michael,' I have attempted to draw a + picture of the domestic affections, as I know they exist among a class of + men who are now almost confined to the north of England. They are small + independent <i>proprietors</i> of land, here called statesmen, men of + respectable education, who daily labour on their own little properties. + The domestic affections will always be strong amongst men who live in a + country not crowded with population, if these men are placed above + poverty. But if they are proprietors of small estates, which have + descended to them from their ancestors, the power, which these affections + will acquire amongst such men, is inconceivable by those who have only had + an opportunity of observing hired labourers, farmers, and the + manufacturing poor. Their little tract of land serves as a kind of + permanent rallying point for their domestic feelings, as a tablet upon + which they are written, which makes them objects of memory in a thousand + instances, when they would otherwise be forgotten. It is a fountain fitted + to the nature of social man, from which supplies of affection, as pure as + his heart was intended for, are daily drawn. This class of men is rapidly + disappearing. You, Sir, have a consciousness, upon which every good man + will congratulate you, that the whole of your public conduct has, in one + way or other, been directed to the preservation of this class of men, and + those who hold similar situations. You have felt that the most sacred of + all property is the property of the poor. The two poems, which I have + mentioned, were written with a view to <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage205" id="Bpage205"></a>{205}</span> show that men who do not + wear fine clothes can feel deeply. 'Pectus enim est quod disertos facit, + et vis mentis. Ideoque imperitis quoque, si modo sint aliquo affectu + concitati, verba non desunt.' The poems are faithful copies from Nature; + and I hope whatever effect they may have upon you, you will at least be + able to perceive that they may excite profitable sympathies in many kind + and good hearts, and may in some small degree enlarge our feelings of + reverence for our species, and our knowledge of human nature, by showing + that our best qualities are possessed by men whom we are too apt to + consider, not with reference to the points in which they resemble us, but + to those in which they manifestly differ from us. I thought, at a time + when these feelings are sapped in so many ways, that the two poems might + co-operate, however feebly, with the illustrious efforts which you have + made to stem this and other evils with which the country is labouring; and + it is on this account alone that I have taken the liberty of thus + addressing you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wishing earnestly that the time may come when the country may perceive + what it has lost by neglecting your advice, and hoping that your latter + days may be attended with health and comfort, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 5em;">I remain,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 6em;">With the highest respect and admiration,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your most obedient and humble servant,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_41_41" + id="BFNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#BFootnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 15%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Fox's reply was as follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I owe you many apologies for having so long deferred thanking you for your + poems, and your obliging letter accompanying them, which I received early + in March. The poems have given me the greatest pleasure; and if I were + obliged to choose out of them, I do not know whether I should not say that + 'Harry Gill,' 'We are Seven,' 'The Mad Mother,' and 'The Idiot,' are my + favourites. I read with particular attention the two you pointed out; but + whether it be from early prepossessions, or whatever other cause, I am no + great friend to blank verse for subjects which are to be treated of with + simplicity. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage206" id="Bpage206"></a>{206}</span> + You will excuse my stating my opinion to you so freely, which I should not + do if I did not really admire many of the poems in the collection, and + many parts even of those in blank verse. Of the poems which you state not + to be yours, that entitled 'Love' appears to me to be the best, and I do + not know who is the author. 'The Nightingale' I understand to be Mr. + Coleridge's, who combats, I think, very successfully, the mistaken + prejudice of the nightingale's note being melancholy. I am, with great + truth, + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your most obedient servant,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">C. J. Fox.</span> <a name="BFNanchor_42_42" + id="BFNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#BFootnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a><br /> + </p> + <p> + St. Ann's Hill, May 25. [1801.] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 15%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In connection with the above the following observations addressed by + Wordsworth to some friends fitly find a place here. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Speaking of the poem of the <i>Leech-Gatherer</i>,<a name="BFNanchor_43_43" + id="BFNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#BFootnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> + sent in MS., he says: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'It is not a matter of indifference whether you are pleased with his + figure and employment, it may be comparatively whether you are pleased + with <i>this Poem</i>; but it is of the utmost importance that you should + have had pleasure in contemplating the fortitude, independence, + persevering spirit, and the general moral dignity of this old man's + character.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And again, on the same poem: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I will explain to you, in prose, my feelings in writing <i>that</i> + poem.... I describe myself as having been exalted to the highest pitch of + delight by the joyousness and beauty of Nature; and then as depressed, + even in the midst of those beautiful objects, to the lowest dejection and + despair. A young poet in the midst of the happiness of Nature is described + as overwhelmed by the thoughts of the miserable reverses which have + befallen the happiest of all men, viz. poets. I think of this till I am so + deeply impressed with it, that I consider the manner in which I was + rescued from my dejection and despair almost as an interposition of + Providence. A person reading the poem with feelings like mine will have + been awed and controlled, expecting something spiritual or supernatural. + What is brought forward? A <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage207" + id="Bpage207"></a>{207}</span> lonely place, "a pond, by which an old + man <i>was</i>, far from all house or home:" not <i>stood</i>, nor <i>sat</i>, + but <i>was</i>—the figure presented in the most naked simplicity + possible. This feeling of spirituality or supernaturalness is again + referred to as being strong in my mind in this passage. How came he here? + thought I, or what can he be doing? I then describe him, whether ill or + well is not for me to judge with perfect confidence; but this I <i>can</i> + confidently affirm, that though I believe God has given me a strong + imagination, I cannot conceive a figure more impressive than that of an + old man like this, the survivor of a wife and ten children, travelling + alone among the mountains and all lonely places, carrying with him his own + fortitude and the necessities which an unjust state of society has laid + upon him. You speak of his speech as tedious. Everything is tedious when + one does not read with the feelings of the author. "The Thorn" + is tedious to hundreds; and so is the "Idiot Boy" to hundreds. + It is in the character of the old man to tell his story, which an + impatient reader must feel tedious. But, good heavens! such a figure, in + such a place; a pious, self-respecting, miserably infirm and pleased old + man telling such a tale! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Your feelings upon the "Mother and the Boy, with the Butterfly," + were not indifferent: it was an affair of whole continents of moral + sympathy.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I am for the most part uncertain about my success in <i>altering</i> + poems; but in this case,' speaking of an insertion, 'I am sure I have + produced a great improvement.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="BFNanchor_44_44" id="BFNanchor_44_44"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage208" id="Bpage208"></a>{208}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="h_OF_THE_PRINCIPLES_OF_POETRY_AND_HIS_OWN_POEMS" + id="h_OF_THE_PRINCIPLES_OF_POETRY_AND_HIS_OWN_POEMS"></a>(<i>h</i>) OF THE + PRINCIPLES OF POETRY AND HIS OWN POEMS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>Letter to (afterwards) Professor John Wilson</i> ['<i>Christopher North</i>'].<br /> + <br /> <i>To</i> ————.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Had it not been for a very amiable modesty you could not have imagined + that your letter could give me any offence. It was on many accounts highly + grateful to me. I was pleased to find that I had given so much pleasure to + an ingenuous and able mind, and I further considered the enjoyment which + you had had from my Poems as an earnest that others might be delighted + with them in the same, or a like manner. It is plain from your letter that + the pleasure which I have given you has not been blind or unthinking; you + have studied the poems, and prove that you have entered into the spirit of + them. They have not given you a cheap or vulgar pleasure; therefore, I + feel that you are entitled to my kindest thanks for having done some + violence to your natural diffidence in the communication which you have + made to me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is scarcely any part of your letter that does not deserve particular + notice; but partly from some constitutional infirmities, and partly from + certain habits of mind, I do not write any letters unless upon business, + not even to my dearest friends. Except during absence from my own family I + have not written five letters of friendship during the last five years. I + have mentioned this in order that I may retain your good opinion, should + my letter be less minute than you are entitled to expect. You seem to be + desirous of my opinion on the influence of natural objects in forming the + character of Nations. This cannot be understood without first considering + their influence upon men in general, first, with reference to such objects + as are common to all countries; and, next, such as belong exclusively to + any particular country, or in a greater degree to it than to another. Now + it is manifest that no human being can be so besotted and debased by + oppression, penury, or any other evil which unhumanises man, as to be + utterly insensible to the colours, forms, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage209" id="Bpage209"></a>{209}</span> or smell of flowers, the + (voices)<a name="BFNanchor_45_45" id="BFNanchor_45_45"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> and motions of birds and + beasts, the appearances of the sky and heavenly bodies, the general warmth + of a fine day, the terror and uncomfortableness of a storm, &c. &c. + How dead soever many full-grown men may outwardly seem to these things, + all are more or less affected by them; and in childhood, in the first + practice and exercise of their senses, they must have been not the + nourishers merely, but often the fathers of their passions. There cannot + be a doubt that in tracts of country where images of danger, melancholy, + grandeur, or loveliness, softness, and ease prevail, that they will make + themselves felt powerfully in forming the characters of the people, so as + to produce an uniformity or national character, where the nation is small + and is not made up of men who, inhabiting different soils, climates, &c., + by their civil usages and relations materially interfere with each other. + It was so formerly, no doubt, in the Highlands of Scotland; but we cannot + perhaps observe much of it in our own island at the present day, because, + even in the most sequestered places, by manufactures, traffic, religion, + law, interchange of inhabitants, &c., distinctions are done away, + which would otherwise have been strong and obvious. This complex state of + society does not, however, prevent the characters of individuals from + frequently receiving a strong bias, not merely from the impressions of + general Nature, but also from local objects and images. But it seems that + to produce these effects, in the degree in which we frequently find them + to be produced, there must be a peculiar sensibility of original + organisation combining with moral accidents, as is exhibited in 'The + Brothers' and in 'Ruth;' I mean, to produce this in a marked degree; not + that I believe that any man was ever brought up in the country without + loving it, especially in his better moments, or in a district of + particular grandeur or beauty without feeling some stronger attachment to + it on that account than he would otherwise have felt. I include, you will + observe, in these considerations, the influence of climate, changes in the + atmosphere and elements, and the labours and occupations which particular + districts require. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You begin what you say upon the 'Idiot Boy,' with this observation, that + nothing is a fit subject for poetry which does not <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage210" id="Bpage210"></a>{210}</span> please. But here follows a + question, Does not please whom? Some have little knowledge of natural + imagery of any kind, and, of course, little relish for it; some are + disgusted with the very mention of the words pastoral poetry, sheep or + shepherds; some cannot tolerate a poem with a ghost or any supernatural + agency in it; others would shrink from an animated description of the + pleasures of love, as from a thing carnal and libidinous; some cannot bear + to see delicate and refined feelings ascribed to men in low conditions in + society, because their vanity and self-love tell them that these belong + only to themselves, and men like themselves in dress, station, and way of + life; others are disgusted with the naked language of some of the most + interesting passions of men, because either it is indelicate, or gross, or + vulgar; as many fine ladies could not bear certain expressions in the + 'Mother' and the 'Thorn,' and, as in the instance of Adam Smith, who, we + are told, could not endure the ballad of 'Clym of the Clough,' because the + author had not written like a gentleman. Then there are professional and + national prejudices for evermore. Some take no interest in the description + of a particular passion or quality, as love of solitariness, we will say, + genial activity of fancy, love of Nature, religion, and so forth, because + they have [little or] nothing of it in themselves; and so on without end. + I return then to [the] question, please whom? or what? I answer, human + nature as it has been (and ever) will be. But where are we to find the + best measure of this? I answer, [from with] in; by stripping our own + hearts naked, and by looking out of ourselves to [wards men] who lead the + simplest lives, and most according to Nature; men who have never known + false refinements, wayward and artificial desires, false criticisms, + effeminate habits of thinking and feeling, or who having known these + things have outgrown them. This latter class is the most to be depended + upon, but it is very small in number. People in our rank in life are + perpetually falling into one sad mistake, namely, that of supposing that + human nature and the persons they associate with are one and the same + thing. Whom do we generally associate with? Gentlemen, persons of fortune, + professional men, ladies, persons who can afford to buy, or can easily + procure books of half-a-guinea price, hot-pressed, and printed upon + superfine paper. These persons are, it is true, a part of human nature, + but we err lamentably if <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage211" + id="Bpage211"></a>{211}</span> we suppose them to be fair representatives + of the vast mass of human existence. And yet few ever consider books but + with reference to their power of pleasing these persons and men of a + higher rank; few descend lower, among cottages and fields, and among + children. A man must have done this habitually before his judgment upon + the 'Idiot Boy' would be in any way decisive with me. I <i>know</i> I have + done this myself habitually; I wrote the poem with exceeding delight and + pleasure, and whenever I read it I read it with pleasure. You have given + me praise for having reflected faithfully in my Poems the feelings of + human nature. I would fain hope that I have done so. But a great Poet + ought to do more than this; he ought, to a certain degree, to rectify + men's feelings, to give them new compositions of feeling, to render their + feelings more sane, pure, and permanent, in short, more consonant to + Nature, that is, to eternal Nature, and the great moving Spirit of things. + He ought to travel before men occasionally as well as at their sides. I + may illustrate this by a reference to natural objects. What false notions + have prevailed from generation to generation of the true character of the + Nightingale. As far as my Friend's Poem, in the 'Lyrical Ballads,' is + read, it will contribute greatly to rectify these. You will recollect a + passage in Cowper, where, speaking of rural sounds, he says, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">And <i>even</i> the boding Owl<br /></span> <span>That + hails the rising moon has charms for me.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Cowper was passionately fond of natural objects, yet you see he mentions + it as a marvellous thing that he could connect pleasure with the cry of + the owl. In the same poem he speaks in the same manner of that beautiful + plant, the gorse; making in some degree an amiable boast of his loving it + <i>'unsightly'</i> and unsmooth as it is. There are many aversions of this + kind, which, though they have some foundation in nature, have yet so + slight a one, that, though they may have prevailed hundreds of years, a + philosopher will look upon them as accidents. So with respect to many + moral feelings, either of love or dislike. What excessive admiration was + paid in former times to personal prowess and military success; it is so + with the latter even at the present day, but surely not nearly so much as + heretofore. So with regard to birth, and innumerable other modes of + sentiment, civil and religious. But you will be inclined to ask by this + time <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage212" id="Bpage212"></a>{212}</span> + how all this applies to the 'Idiot Boy.' To this I can only say that the + loathing and disgust which many people have at the sight of an idiot, is a + feeling which, though having some foundation in human nature, is not + necessarily attached to it in any virtuous degree, but is owing in a great + measure to a false delicacy, and, if I may say it without rudeness, a + certain want of comprehensiveness of thinking and feeling. Persons in the + lower classes of society have little or nothing of this: if an idiot is + born in a poor man's house, it must be taken care of, and cannot be + boarded out, as it would be by gentlefolks, or sent to a public or private + receptacle for such unfortunate beings. [Poor people] seeing frequently + among their neighbours such objects, easily [forget] whatever there is of + natural disgust about them, and have [therefore] a sane state, so that + without pain or suffering they [perform] their duties towards them. I + could with pleasure pursue this subject, but I must now strictly adopt the + plan which I proposed to myself when I began to write this letter, namely, + that of setting down a few hints or memorandums, which you will think of + for my sake. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have often applied to idiots, in my own mind, that sublime expression of + Scripture that <i>'their life is hidden with God.'</i> They are + worshipped, probably from a feeling of this sort, in several parts of the + East. Among the Alps, where they are numerous, they are considered, I + believe, as a blessing to the family to which they belong. I have, indeed, + often looked upon the conduct of fathers and mothers of the lower classes + of society towards idiots as the great triumph of the human heart. It is + there that we see the strength, disinterestedness, and grandeur of love; + nor have I ever been able to contemplate an object that calls out so many + excellent and virtuous sentiments without finding it hallowed thereby, and + having something in me which bears down before it, like a deluge, every + feeble sensation of disgust and aversion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are, in my opinion, several important mistakes in the latter part of + your letter which I could have wished to notice; but I find myself much + fatigued. These refer both to the Boy and the Mother. I must content + myself simply with observing that it is probable that the principal cause + of your dislike to this particular poem lies in the <i>word</i> Idiot. If + there had been any such word in our language, <i>to which we had attached + passion</i>, as <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage213" id="Bpage213"></a>{213}</span> + lack-wit, half-wit, witless, &c., I should have certainly employed it + in preference; but there is no such word. Observe (this is entirely in + reference to this particular poem), my 'Idiot' is not one of those who + cannot articulate, and such as are usually disgusting in their persons: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><i>Whether in cunning or in joy</i>,<br /></span> <span><i>And then + his words were not a few, &c.</i><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and the last speech at the end of the poem. The 'Boy' whom I had in my + mind was by no means disgusting in his appearance, quite the contrary; and + I have known several with imperfect faculties, who are handsome in their + persons and features. There is one, at present, within a mile of my own + house, remarkably so, though [he has something] of a stare and vacancy in + his countenance. A friend of mine, knowing that some persons had a dislike + to the poem, such as you have expressed, advised me to add a stanza, + describing the person of the Boy [so as] entirely to separate him in the + imaginations of my readers from that class of idiots who are disgusting in + their persons; but the narration in the poem is so rapid and impassioned, + that I could not find a place in which to insert the stanza without + checking the progress of it, and [so leaving] a deadness upon the feeling. + This poem has, I know, frequently produced the same effect as it did upon + you and your friends; but there are many also to whom it affords exquisite + delight, and who, indeed, prefer it to any other of my poems. This proves + that the feelings there delineated are such as men <i>may</i> sympathise + with. This is enough for my purpose. It is not enough for me as a Poet, to + delineate merely such feelings as all men <i>do</i> sympathise with; but + it is also highly desirable to add to these others, such as all men <i>may</i> + sympathise with, and such as there is reason to believe they would be + better and more moral beings if they did sympathise with. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I conclude with regret, because I have not said one half of [what I + intended] to say; but I am sure you will deem my excuse sufficient, [when + I] inform you that my head aches violently, and I am in other respects + unwell. I must, however, again give you my warmest thanks for your kind + letter. I shall be happy to hear from you again: and do not think it + unreasonable that I should request a letter from you, when I feel that the + answer which I may make to it will not perhaps be <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage214" id="Bpage214"></a>{214}</span> above three or four lines. + This I mention to you with frankness, and you will not take it ill after + what I have before said of my remissness in writing letters. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">I am, dear Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">With great respect,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">Yours sincerely,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 28em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="BFNanchor_46_46" + id="BFNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#BFootnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage215" id="Bpage215"></a>{215}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="IV_DESCRIPTIVE" id="IV_DESCRIPTIVE"></a>IV. DESCRIPTIVE. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) A GUIDE THROUGH THE DISTRICT OF THE LAKES.<br /> (<i>b</i>) + LETTERS, &C. ON KENDAL AND WINDERMERE RAILWAY. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage216" id="Bpage216"></a>{216}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> See <a href="#PREFACE">Preface in Vol. I.</a> for details on + the 'Guide' and these Letters. G. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage217" id="Bpage217"></a>{217}</span> + <a name="A_GUIDE_THROUGH_THE_DISTRICT_OF_THE_LAKES_IN_The_North_of_England" + id="A_GUIDE_THROUGH_THE_DISTRICT_OF_THE_LAKES_IN_The_North_of_England"></a> + </p> + <h4> + A + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + GUIDE + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + THROUGH THE + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + DISTRICT OF THE LAKES + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + IN + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + The North of England. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + WITH + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + A DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENERY, &c. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + FOR THE USE OF + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + TOURISTS AND RESIDENTS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 10%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + FIFTH EDITION, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONS. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="KENDAL" id="KENDAL"></a><i>KENDAL:</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + PUBLISHED BY HUDSON AND NICHOLSON, + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + AND IN LONDON BY + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + LONGMAN & CO., MOXON, AND WHITTAKER & CO. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + 1835. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage219" id="Bpage219"></a>{219}</span> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION FOR THE TOURIST. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Windermere.—Ambleside.—Coniston.—Ulpha Kirk.—Road + from Ambleside to Keswick.—Grasmere.—The Vale of Keswick.—Buttermere + and Crummock.—Lowes-water.—Wastdale.—Ullswater, with its + tributary Streams.—Haweswater, &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENERY OF THE LAKES. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + SECTION FIRST. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + VIEW OR THE COUNTRY AS FORMED BY NATURE. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Vales diverging from a common Centre.—Effect of Light and Shadow as + dependant upon the Position of the Vales.—Mountains,—their + Substance,—Surfaces,—and Colours.—Winter Colouring.—The + Vales,—Lakes,—Islands,—Tarns,—Woods,—Rivers,—Climate,—Night + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + SECTION SECOND. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + ASPECT OF THE COUNTRY AS AFFECTED BY ITS INHABITANTS. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Retrospect.—Primitive Aspect.—Roman and British Antiquities.—Feudal + Tenantry,—their Habitations and Enclosures—Tenantry reduced in + Number by the Union of the Two Crowns.—State of Society after that + Event.—Cottages,—Bridges,—Places of Worship,—Parks + and Mansions.—General Picture of Society + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + SECTION THIRD. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h5> + CHANGES, AND RULES OF TASTE FOR PREVENTING THEIR BAD EFFECTS. + </h5> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Tourists.—New Settlers.—The Country disfigured.—Causes + of false Taste in Grounds and Buildings.—Ancient Models recommended.—Houses.—Colouring + of Buildings.—Grounds and Plantations.—The Larch.—Planting.—Further + Changes Probable.—Conclusion + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Time for visiting the Country.—Order in which Objects should be + approached.—Views from the Heights.—Comparisons, how + injurious.—Alpine Scenes compared with Cumbrian, &c.—Phenomena.—Comparative + Estimate + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + EXCURSIONS + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE TOP OF SCAWFELL AND ON THE BANKS OF ULLSWATER + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ODE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + THE PASS OF KIRKSTONE + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ITINERARY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage221" id="Bpage221"></a>{221}</span> + </p> + <h2> + DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION FOR THE TOURIST. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In preparing this Manual, it was the Author's principal wish to furnish a + Guide or Companion for the <i>Minds</i> of Persons of taste, and feeling + for Landscape, who might be inclined to explore the District of the Lakes + with that degree of attention to which its beauty may fairly lay claim. + For the more sure attainment, however, of this primary object, he will + begin by undertaking the humble and tedious task of supplying the Tourist + with directions how to approach the several scenes in their best, or most + convenient, order. But first, supposing the approach to be made from the + south, and through Yorkshire, there are certain interesting spots which + may be confidently recommended to his notice, if time can be spared before + entering upon the Lake District; and the route may be changed in + returning. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are three approaches to the Lakes through Yorkshire; the least + adviseable is the great north road by Catterick and Greta Bridge, and + onwards to Penrith. The Traveller, however, taking this route, might halt + at Greta Bridge, and be well recompenced if he can afford to give an hour + or two to the banks of the Greta, and of the Tees, at Rokeby. Barnard + Castle also, about two miles up the Tees, is a striking object, and the + main North Road might be rejoined at Bowes. Every one has heard of the + great Fall of the Tees above Middleham, interesting for its grandeur, as + the avenue of rocks that leads to it, is to the geologist. But this place + lies so far out of the way as scarcely to be within the compass of our + notice. It might, however, be visited by a Traveller on foot, or on + horseback, who could rejoin the main road upon Stanemoor. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The second road leads through a more interesting tract of country, + beginning at Ripon, from which place see Fountain's Abbey, and thence by + Hackfall, and Masham, to Jervaux Abbey, and up the vale of Wensley; + turning aside before Askrigg is reached, to see Aysgarth-force, upon the + Ure; and again, near Hawes, to Hardraw Scar, of which, with its waterfall, + Turner <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage222" id="Bpage222"></a>{222}</span> + has a fine drawing. Thence over the fells to Sedbergh, and Kendal. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The third approach from Yorkshire is through Leeds. Four miles beyond that + town are the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, should that road to Skipton be + chosen; but the other by Otley may be made much more interesting by + turning off at Addington to Bolton Bridge, for the sake of visiting the + Abbey and grounds. It would be well, however, for a party previously to + secure beds, if wanted, at the inn, as there is but one, and it is much + resorted to in summer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Traveller on foot, or horseback, would do well to follow the banks of + the Wharf upwards, to Burnsall, and thence cross over the hills to Gordale—a + noble scene, beautifully described in Gray's Tour, and with which no one + can be disappointed. Thence to Malham, where there is a respectable + village inn, and so on, by Malham Cove, to Settle. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Travellers in carriages must go from Bolton Bridge to Skipton, where they + rejoin the main road; and should they be inclined to visit Gordale, a + tolerable road turns off beyond Skipton. Beyond Settle, under Giggleswick + Scar, the road passes an ebbing and flowing well, worthy the notice of the + Naturalist. Four miles to the right of Ingleton, is Weathercote Cave, a + fine object, but whoever diverges for this, must return to Ingleton. Near + Kirkby Lonsdale observe the view from the bridge over the Lune, and + descend to the channel of the river, and by no means omit looking at the + Vale of Lune from the Church-yard. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The journey towards the Lake country through Lancashire, is, with the + exception of the Vale of the Ribble, at Preston, uninteresting; till you + come near Lancaster, and obtain a view of the fells and mountains of + Lancashire and Westmoreland; with Lancaster Castle, and the Tower of the + Church seeming to make part of the Castle, in the foreground. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + They who wish to see the celebrated ruins of Furness Abbey, and are not + afraid of crossing the Sands, may go from Lancaster to Ulverston; from + which place take the direct road to Dalton; but by all means return + through Urswick, for the sake of the view from the top of the hill, before + descending into the grounds of Conishead Priory. From this quarter the + Lakes would be advantageously approached by Coniston; thence to Hawkshead, + and by the Ferry over Windermere, to Bowness:<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage223" id="Bpage223"></a>{223}</span> a much better introduction + than by going direct from Coniston to Ambleside, which ought not to be + done, as that would greatly take off from the effect of Windermere. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let us now go back to Lancaster. The direct road thence to Kendal is 22 + miles, but by making a circuit of eight miles, the Vale of the Lune to + Kirkby Lonsdale will be included. The whole tract is pleasing; there is + one view mentioned by Gray and Mason especially so. In West's Guide it is + thus pointed out:—'About a quarter of a mile beyond the third + mile-stone, where the road makes a turn to the right, there is a gate on + the left which leads into a field where the station meant, will be found.' + Thus far for those who approach the Lakes from the South. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Travellers from the North would do well to go from Carlisle by Wigton, and + proceed along the Lake of Bassenthwaite to Keswick; or, if convenience + should take them first to Penrith, it would still be better to cross the + country to Keswick, and begin with that vale, rather than with Ulswater. + It is worth while to mention, in this place, that the banks of the river + Eden, about Corby, are well worthy of notice, both on account of their + natural beauty, and the viaducts which have recently been carried over the + bed of the river, and over a neighbouring ravine. In the Church of + Wetherby, close by, is a fine piece of monumental sculpture by Nollekens. + The scenes of Nunnery, upon the Eden, or rather that part of them which is + upon Croglin, a mountain stream there falling into the Eden, are, in their + way, unrivalled. But the nearest road thither, from Corby, is so bad, that + no one can be advised to take it in a carriage. Nunnery may be reached + from Corby by making a circuit and crossing the Eden at Armathwaite + bridge. A portion of this road, however, is bad enough. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As much the greatest number of Lake Tourists begin by passing from Kendal + to Bowness, upon Windermere, our notices shall commence with that Lake. + Bowness is situated upon its eastern side, and at equal distance from each + extremity of the Lake of + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + WINDERMERE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The lower part of this Lake is rarely visited, but has many interesting + points of view, especially at Storr's Hall and at Fellfoot, where the + Coniston Mountains peer nobly over the western <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage224" id="Bpage224"></a>{224}</span> barrier, which elsewhere, + along the whole Lake, is comparatively tame. To one also who has ascended + the hill from Grathwaite on the western side, the Promontory called + Rawlinson's Nab, Storr's Hall, and the Troutbeck Mountains, about sun-set, + make a splendid landscape. The view from the Pleasure-house of the Station + near the Ferry has suffered much from Larch plantations; this mischief, + however, is gradually disappearing, and the Larches, under the management + of the proprietor, Mr. Curwen, are giving way to the native wood. + Windermere ought to be seen both from its shores and from its surface. + None of the other Lakes unfold so many fresh beauties to him who sails + upon them. This is owing to its greater size, to the islands, and to its + having <i>two</i> vales at the head, with their accompanying mountains of + nearly equal dignity. Nor can the grandeur of these two terminations be + seen at once from any point, except from the bosom of the Lake. The + Islands may be explored at any time of the day; but one bright unruffled + evening, must, if possible, be set apart for the splendour, the stillness, + and solemnity of a three hours' voyage upon the higher division of the + Lake, not omitting, towards the end of the excursion, to quit the expanse + of water, and peep into the close and calm River at the head; which, in + its quiet character, at such a time, appears rather like an overflow of + the peaceful Lake itself, than to have any more immediate connection with + the rough mountains whence it has descended, or the turbulent torrents by + which it is supplied. Many persons content themselves with what they see + of Windermere during their progress in a boat from Bowness to the head of + the Lake, walking thence to Ambleside. But the whole road from Bowness is + rich in diversity of pleasing or grand scenery; there is scarcely a field + on the road side, which, if entered, would not give to the landscape some + additional charm. Low-wood Inn, a mile from the head of Windermere, is a + most pleasant halting-place; no inn in the whole district is so agreeably + situated for water views and excursions; and the fields above it, and the + lane that leads to Troutbeck, present beautiful views towards each + extremity of the Lake. From this place, and from + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + AMBLESIDE, + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rides may be taken in numerous directions, and the interesting <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage225" id="Bpage225"></a>{225}</span> walks + are inexhaustible<a name="BFNanchor_47_47" id="BFNanchor_47_47"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a>; a few out of the main + road may be particularized;—- the lane that leads from Ambleside to + Skelgill; the ride, or walk by Rothay Bridge, and up the stream under + Loughrigg Fell, continued on the western side of Rydal Lake, and along the + fell to the foot of Grasmere Lake, and thence round by the church of + Grasmere; or, turning round Loughrigg Fell by Loughrigg Tarn and the River + Brathay, back to Ambleside. From Ambleside is another charming excursion + by Clappersgate, where cross the Brathay, and proceed with the river on + the right to the hamlet of Skelwith-fold; when the houses are passed, + turn, before you descend the hill, through a gate on the right, and from a + rocky point is a fine view of the Brathay River, Langdale Pikes, &c.; + then proceed to Colwith-force, and up Little Langdale to Blea Tarn. The + scene in which this small piece of water lies, suggested to the Author the + following description, (given in his Poem of the 'Excursion') supposing + the spectator to look down upon it, not from the road, but from one of its + elevated sides. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10">'Behold!<br /></span> <span>Beneath our feet, a little + lowly Vale,<br /></span> <span>A lowly Vale, and yet uplifted high<br /></span> + <span>Among the mountains; even as if the spot<br /></span> <span>Had + been, from eldest time by wish of theirs,<br /></span> <span>So placed, + to be shut out from all the world!<br /></span> <span>Urn-like it was in + shape, deep as an Urn;<br /></span> <span>With rocks encompassed, save + that to the South<br /></span> <span>Was one small opening, where a + heath-clad ridge<br /></span> <span>Supplied a boundary less abrupt and + close;<br /></span> <span>A quiet treeless nook,<a name="BFNanchor_48_48" + id="BFNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#BFootnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> + with two green fields,<br /></span> <span>A liquid pool that glittered in + the sun,<br /></span> <span>And one bare Dwelling; one Abode, no more!<br /></span> + <span>It seemed the home of poverty and toil,<br /></span> <span>Though + not of want: the little fields, made green<br /></span> <span>By + husbandry of many thrifty years,<br /></span> <span>Paid cheerful tribute + to the moorland House.<br /></span> <span>—There crows the Cock, + single in his domain:<br /></span> <span>The small birds find in Spring + no thicket there<br /></span> <span>To shroud them; only from the + neighbouring Vales<br /></span> <span>The Cuckoo, straggling up to the + hill tops,<br /></span> <span>Shouteth faint tidings of some gladder + place.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage226" id="Bpage226"></a>{226}</span> + From this little Vale return towards Ambleside by Great Langdale, + stopping, if there be time, to see Dungeon-ghyll waterfall. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Lake of + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + CONISTON + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May be conveniently visited from Ambleside, but is seen to most advantage + by entering the country over the Sands from Lancaster. The Stranger, from + the moment he sets his foot on those Sands, seems to leave the turmoil and + traffic of the world behind him; and, crossing the majestic plain whence + the sea has retired, he beholds, rising apparently from its base, the + cluster of mountains among which he is going to wander, and towards whose + recesses, by the Vale of Coniston, he is gradually and peacefully led. + From the Inn at the head of Coniston Lake, a leisurely Traveller might + have much pleasure in looking into Yewdale and Tilberthwaite, returning to + his Inn from the head of Yewdale by a mountain track which has the farm of + Tarn Hows, a little on the right: by this road is seen much the best view + of Coniston Lake from the south. At the head of Coniston Water there is an + agreeable Inn, from which an enterprising Tourist might go to the Vale of + the Duddon, over Walna Scar, down to Seathwaite, Newfield, and to the + rocks where the river issues from a narrow pass into the broad Vale. The + Stream is very interesting for the space of a mile above this point, and + below, by Ulpha Kirk, till it enters the Sands, where it is overlooked by + the solitary Mountain Black Comb, the summit of which, as that experienced + surveyor, Colonel Mudge, declared, commands a more extensive view than any + point in Britain. Ireland he saw more than once, but not when the sun was + above the horizon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Close by the Sea, lone sentinel,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Black-Comb + his forward station keeps;<br /></span> <span>He breaks the sea's + tumultuous swell,—<br /></span> <span class="i2">And ponders o'er + the level deeps.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>He listens to the bugle horn,<br /></span> <span class="i2">Where + Eskdale's lovely valley bends;<br /></span> <span>Eyes Walney's early + fields of corn;<br /></span> <span class="i2">Sea-birds to Holker's woods + he sends.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Beneath his feet the sunk ship rests,<br /></span> <span class="i2">In + Duddon Sands, its masts all bare:<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>The Minstrels of Windermere</i>, by Chas. Farish, B.D.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage227" id="Bpage227"></a>{227}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Tourist may either return to the Inn at Coniston by Broughton, or, by + turning to the left before he comes to that town, or, which would be much + better, he may cross from + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ULPHA KIRK + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Over Birker moor, to Birker-force, at the head of the finest ravine in the + country; and thence up the Vale of the Esk, by Hardknot and Wrynose, back + to Ambleside. Near the road, in ascending from Eskdale, are conspicuous + remains of a Roman fortress. Details of the Duddon and Donnerdale are + given in the Author's series of Sonnets upon the Duddon and in the + accompanying Notes. In addition to its two Vales at its head, Windermere + communicates with two lateral Vallies; that of Troutbeck, distinguished by + the mountains at its head—- by picturesque remains of cottage + architecture; and, towards the lower part, by bold foregrounds formed by + the steep and winding banks of the river. This Vale, as before mentioned, + may be most conveniently seen from Low Wood. The other lateral Valley, + that of Hawkshead, is visited to most advantage, and most conveniently, + from Bowness; crossing the Lake by the Ferry—- then pass the two + villages of Sawrey, and on quitting the latter, you have a fine view of + the Lake of Esthwaite, and the cone of one of the Langdale Pikes in the + distance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before you leave Ambleside give three minutes to looking at a passage of + the brook which runs through the town; it is to be seen from a garden on + the right bank of the stream, a few steps above the bridge—- the + garden at present is rented by Mrs. Airey.—- Stockgill-force, upon + the same stream, will have been mentioned to you as one of the sights of + the neighbourhood. And by a Tourist halting a few days in Ambleside, the + <i>Nook</i> also might be visited; a spot where there is a bridge over + Scandale-beck, which makes a pretty subject for the pencil. Lastly, for + residents of a week or so at Ambleside, there are delightful rambles over + every part of Loughrigg Fell and among the enclosures on its sides; + particularly about Loughrigg Tarn, and on its eastern side about Fox How + and the properties adjoining to the north-wards. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ROAD FROM AMBLESIDE TO KESWICK. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Waterfalls of Rydal are pointed out to every one. But it ought to be + observed here, that Rydal-mere is no where seen <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage228" id="Bpage228"></a>{228}</span> to advantage from the <i>main + road</i>. Fine views of it may be had from Rydal Park; but these grounds, + as well as those of Rydal Mount and Ivy Cottage, from which also it is + viewed to advantage, are private. A foot road passing behind Rydal Mount + and under Nab Scar to Grasmere, is very favourable to views of the Lake + and the Vale, looking back towards Ambleside. The horse road also, along + the western side of the Lake, under Loughrigg fell, as before mentioned, + does justice to the beauties of this small mere, of which the Traveller + who keeps the high road is not at all aware. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + GRASMERE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are two small Inns in the Vale of Grasmere, one near the Church, + from which it may be conveniently explored in every direction, and a + mountain walk taken up Easedale to Easedale Tarn, one of the finest tarns + in the country, thence to Stickle Tarn, and to the top of Langdale Pikes. + See also the Vale of Grasmere from Butterlip How. A boat is kept by the + innkeeper, and this circular Vale, in the solemnity of a fine evening, + will make, from the bosom of the Lake, an impression that will be scarcely + ever effaced. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The direct road from Grasmere to Keswick does not (as has been observed of + Rydal Mere) shew to advantage Thirlmere, or Wythburn Lake, with its + surrounding mountains. By a Traveller proceeding at leisure, a deviation + ought to be made from the main road, when he has advanced a little beyond + the sixth mile-stone short of Keswick, from which point there is a noble + view of the Vale of Legberthwaite, with Blencathra (commonly called + Saddle-back) in front. Having previously enquired, at the Inn near + Wythburn Chapel, the best way from this mile-stone to the bridge that + divides the Lake, he must cross it, and proceed with the Lake on the + right, to the hamlet a little beyond its termination, and rejoin the main + road upon Shoulthwaite Moss, about four miles from Keswick; or, if on + foot, the Tourist may follow the stream that issues from Thirlmere down + the romantic Vale of St. John's, and so (enquiring the way at some + cottage) to Keswick, by a circuit of little more than a mile. A more + interesting tract of country is scarcely any where to be seen, than the + road between Ambleside and Keswick, with the deviations that have been + pointed out. Helvellyn may be conveniently ascended from the Inn at + Wythburn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage229" id="Bpage229"></a>{229}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + THE VALE OF KESWICK. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Vale stretches, without winding, nearly North and South, from the + head of Derwent Water to the foot of Bassenthwaite Lake. It communicates + with Borrowdale on the South; with the river Greta, and Thirlmere, on the + East, with which the Traveller has become acquainted on his way from + Ambleside; and with the Vale of Newlands on the West—- which last + Vale he may pass through, in going to, or returning from, Buttermere. The + best views of Keswick Lake are from Crow Park; Frier's Crag; the + Stable-field, close by; the Vicarage, and from various points in taking + the circuit of the Lake. More distant views, and perhaps full as + interesting, are from the side of Latrigg, from Ormathwaite, and + Applethwaite; and thence along the road at the foot of Skiddaw towards + Bassenthwaite, for about a quarter of a mile. There are fine bird's eye + views from the Castle-hill; from Ashness, on the road to Watenlath, and by + following the Watenlath stream downwards to the Cataract of Lodore. This + Lake also, if the weather be fine, ought to be circumnavigated. There are + good views along the western side of Bassenthwaite Lake, and from + Armathwaite at its foot; but the eastern side from the high road has + little to recommend it. The Traveller from Carlisle, approaching by way of + Ireby, has, from the old road on the top of Bassenthwaite-hawse, much the + most striking view of the Plain and Lake of Bassenthwaite, flanked by + Skiddaw, and terminated by Wallow-crag on the south-east of Derwent Lake; + the same point commands an extensive view of Solway Frith and the Scotch + Mountains. They who take the circuit of Derwent Lake, may at the same time + include BORROWDALE, going as far as Bowder-stone, or Rosthwaite. + Borrowdale is also conveniently seen on the way to Wastdale over Sty-head; + or, to Buttermere, by Seatoller and Honister Crag; or, going over the + Stake, through Langdale, to Ambleside. Buttermere may be visited by a + shorter way through Newlands, but though the descent upon the Vale of + Buttermere, by this approach, is very striking, as it also is to one + entering by the head of the Vale, under Honister Crag, yet, after all, the + best entrance from Keswick is from the lower part of the Vale, having gone + over Whinlater to Scale Hill, where there is a roomy Inn, with very good + accommodation. The Mountains of the Vale of + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage230" id="Bpage230"></a>{230}</span> + </p> + <h3> + BUTTERMERE AND CRUMMOCK + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="noindent"> + are no where so impressive as from the bosom of Crummock Water. + Scale-force, near it, is a fine chasm, with a lofty, though but slender, + Fall of water. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From Scale Hill a pleasant walk may be taken to an eminence in Mr. + Marshall's woods, and another by crossing the bridge at the foot of the + hill, upon which the Inn stands, and turning to the right, after the + opposite hill has been ascended a little way, then follow the road for + half a mile or so that leads towards Lorton, looking back upon Crummock + Water, &c., between the openings of the fences. Turn back and make + your way to + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + LOWES-WATER. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But this small Lake is only approached to advantage from the other end; + therefore any Traveller going by this road to Wastdale, must look back + upon it. This road to Wastdale, after passing the village of Lamplugh + Cross, presents suddenly a fine view of the Lake of Ennerdale, with its + Mountains; and, six or seven miles beyond, leads down upon Calder Abbey. + Little of this ruin is left, but that little is well worthy of notice. At + Calder Bridge are two comfortable Inns, and, a few miles beyond, + accommodations may be had at the Strands, at the foot of Wastdale. Into + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + WASTDALE + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="noindent"> + are three horse-roads, viz. over the Stye, from Borrowdale; a short cut + from Eskdale by Burnmore Tarn, which road descends upon the head of the + Lake; and the principal entrance from the open country by the Strands at + its foot. This last is much the best approach. Wastdale is well worth the + notice of the Traveller who is not afraid of fatigue; no part of the + country is more distinguished by sublimity. Wast-water may also be visited + from Ambleside; by going up Langdale, over Hardknot and Wrynose—- + down Eskdale and by Irton Hall to the Strands; but this road can only be + taken on foot, or on horseback, or in a cart. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We will conclude with + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ULLSWATER, + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="noindent"> + as being, perhaps, upon the whole, the happiest combination of <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage231" id="Bpage231"></a>{231}</span> beauty + and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords. It lies not more than ten + miles from Ambleside, and the Pass of Kirkstone and the descent from it + are very impressive; but, notwithstanding, this Vale, like the others, + loses much of its effect by being entered from the head: so that it is + better to go from Keswick through Matterdale, and descend upon Gowbarrow + Park; you are thus brought at once upon a magnificent view of the two + higher reaches of the Lake. Ara-force thunders down the Ghyll on the left, + at a small distance from the road. If Ullswater be approached from + Penrith, a mile and a half brings you to the winding vale of Eamont, and + the prospects increase in interest till you reach Patterdale; but the + first four miles along Ullswater by this road are comparatively tame; and + in order to see the lower part of the Lake to advantage, it is necessary + to go round by Pooley Bridge, and to ride at least three miles along the + Westmoreland side of the water, towards Martindale. The views, especially + if you ascend from the road into the fields, are magnificent; yet this is + only mentioned that the transient Visitant may know what exists; for it + would be inconvenient to go in search of them. They who take this course + of three or four miles <i>on foot</i>, should have a boat in readiness at + the end of the walk, to carry them across to the Cumberland side of the + Lake, near Old Church, thence to pursue the road upwards to Patterdale. + The Church-yard Yew-tree still survives at Old Church, but there are no + remains of a Place of Worship, a New Chapel having been erected in a more + central situation, which Chapel was consecrated by the then Bishop of + Carlisle, when on his way to crown Queen Elizabeth, he being the only + Prelate who would undertake the office. It may be here mentioned that + Bassenthwaite Chapel yet stands in a bay as sequestered as the Site of Old + Church; such situations having been chosen in disturbed times to elude + marauders. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Trunk, or Body of the Vale of Ullswater need not be further noticed, + as its beauties show themselves: but the curious Traveller may wish to + know something of its tributary Streams. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Dalemain, about three miles from Penrith, a Stream is crossed called + the Dacre, or Dacor, which name it bore as early as the time of the + Venerable Bede. This stream does not enter the Lake, but joins the Eamont + a mile below. It rises in the moorish Country about Penruddock, flows down + a soft sequestered Val<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage232" + id="Bpage232"></a>{232}</span> ley, passing by the ancient mansions of + Hutton John and Dacre Castle. The former is pleasantly situated, though of + a character somewhat gloomy and monastic, and from some of the fields near + Dalemain, Dacre Castle, backed by the jagged summit of Saddle-back, with + the Valley and Stream in front, forms a grand picture. There is no other + stream that conducts to any glen or valley worthy of being mentioned, till + we reach that which leads up to Ara-force, and thence into Matterdale, + before spoken of. Matterdale, though a wild and interesting spot, has no + peculiar features that would make it worth the Stranger's while to go in + search of them; but, in Gowbarrow Park, the lover of Nature might linger + for hours. Here is a powerful Brook, which dashes among rocks through a + deep glen, hung on every side with a rich and happy intermixture of native + wood; here are beds of luxuriant fern, aged hawthorns, and hollies decked + with honeysuckles; and fallow-deer glancing and bounding over the lawns + and through the thickets. These are the attractions of the retired views, + or constitute a foreground for ever-varying pictures of the majestic Lake, + forced to take a winding course by bold promontories, and environed by + mountains of sublime form, towering above each other. At the outlet of + Gowbarrow Park, we reach a third stream, which flows through a little + recess called Glencoin, where lurks a single house, yet visible from the + road. Let the Artist or leisurely Traveller turn aside to it, for the + buildings and objects around them are romantic and picturesque. Having + passed under the steeps of Styebarrow Crag, and the remains of its native + woods, at Glenridding Bridge, a fourth Stream is crossed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The opening on the side of Ullswater Vale, down which this Stream flows, + is adorned with fertile fields, cottages, and natural groves, that + agreeably unite with the transverse views of the Lake; and the Stream, if + followed up after the enclosures are left behind, will lead along bold + water-breaks and waterfalls to a silent Tarn in the recesses of Helvellyn. + This desolate spot was formerly haunted by eagles, that built in the + precipice which forms its western barrier. These birds used to wheel and + hover round the head of the solitary angler. It also derives a melancholy + interest from the fate of a young man, a stranger, who perished some years + ago, by falling down the rocks in his attempt to cross over to Grasmere. + His remains were discovered <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage233" + id="Bpage233"></a>{233}</span> by means of a faithful dog that had + lingered here for the space of three months, self-supported, and probably + retaining to the last an attachment to the skeleton of its master. But to + return to the road in the main Vale of Ullswater.—- At the head of + the Lake (being now in Patterdale) we cross a fifth Stream, Grisdale Beck: + this would conduct through a woody steep, where may be seen some unusually + large ancient hollies, up to the level area of the Valley of Grisdale; + hence there is a path for foot-travellers, and along which a horse may be + led to Grasmere. A sublime combination of mountain forms appears in front + while ascending the bed of this valley, and the impression increases till + the path leads almost immediately under the projecting masses of + Helvellyn. Having retraced the banks of the Stream to Patterdale, and + pursued the road up the main Dale, the next considerable stream would, if + ascended in the same manner, conduct to Deep-dale, the character of which + Valley may be conjectured from its name. It is terminated by a cove, a + craggy and gloomy abyss, with precipitous sides; a faithful receptacle of + the snows that are driven into it, by the west wind, from the summit of + Fairfield. Lastly, having gone along the western side of Brotherswater and + passed Hartsop Hall, a Stream soon after issues from a cove richly + decorated with native wood. This spot is, I believe, never explored by + Travellers; but, from these sylvan and rocky recesses, whoever looks back + on the gleaming surface of Brotherswater, or forward to the precipitous + sides and lofty ridges of Dove Crag, &c., will be equally pleased with + the beauty, the grandeur, and the wildness of the scenery. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Seven Glens or Vallies have been noticed, which branch off from the + Cumberland side of the Vale. The opposite side has only two Streams of any + importance, one of which would lead up from the point where it crosses the + Kirkstone-road, near the foot of Brotherswater, to the decaying hamlet of + Hartsop, remarkable for its cottage architecture, and thence to Hayswater, + much frequented by anglers. The other, coming down Martindale, enters + Ullswater at Sandwyke, opposite to Gowbarrow Park. No persons but such as + come to Patterdale, merely to pass through it, should fail to walk as far + as Blowick, the only enclosed land which on this side borders the higher + part of the Lake. The axe has here indiscriminately levelled a rich wood + of birches and oaks, that divided this favoured spot into a hun<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage234" id="Bpage234"></a>{234}</span> dred + pictures. It has yet its land-locked bays, and rocky promontories; but + those beautiful woods are gone, which <i>perfected</i> its seclusion; and + scenes, that might formerly have been compared to an inexhaustible volume, + are now spread before the eye in a single sheet,—- magnificent + indeed, but seemingly perused in a moment! From Blowick a narrow track + conducts along the craggy side of Place-fell, richly adorned with juniper, + and sprinkled over with birches, to the village of Sandwyke, a few + straggling houses, that with the small estates attached to them, occupy an + opening opposite to Lyulph's Tower and Gowbarrow Park. In Martindale,<a + name="BFNanchor_49_49" id="BFNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#BFootnote_49_49" + class="fnanchor">[49]</a> the road loses sight of the Lake, and leads over + a steep hill, bringing you again into view of Ullswater. Its lowest reach, + four miles in length, is before you; and the view terminated by the long + ridge of Cross Fell in the distance. Immediately under the eye is a + deep-indented bay, with a plot of fertile land, traversed by a small + brook, and rendered cheerful by two or three substantial houses of a more + ornamented and showy appearance than is usual in those wild spots. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From Pooley Bridge, at the foot of the Lake, Haweswater may be + conveniently visited. Haweswater is a lesser Ullswater, with this + advantage, that it remains undefiled by the intrusion of bad taste. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lowther Castle is about four miles from Pooley Bridge, and, if during this + Tour the Stranger has complained, as he will have had reason to do, of a + want of majestic trees, he may be abundantly recompensed for his loss in + the far-spreading woods which surround that mansion. Visitants, for the + most part, see little of the beauty of these magnificent grounds, being + content with the view from the Terrace; but the whole course of the + Lowther, from Askham to the bridge under Brougham Hall, presents almost at + every step some new feature of river, woodland, and rocky landscape. A + portion of this tract has, from its beauty, acquired the name of the + Elysian Fields;—- but the course of the stream can only be followed + by the pedestrian. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + NOTE.—<i>Vide</i> p. 227.—About 200 yards beyond the last + house on the Keswick side of Rydal village the road is cut through a low + wooded rock, called Thrang Crag. The top of it, which is only a few steps + on the south side, affords the best view of the Vale which is to be had by + a Traveller who confines himself to the public road. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage235" id="Bpage235"></a>{235}</span> + </p> + <h2> + DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENERY OF THE LAKES. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 15%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + SECTION FIRST. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + VIEW OF THE COUNTRY AS FORMED BY NATURE. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Lucerne, in Switzerland, is shewn a Model of the Alpine country which + encompasses the Lake of the four Cantons. The Spectator ascends a little + platform, and sees mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, woods, waterfalls, + and vallies, with their cottages, and every other object contained in + them, lying at his feet; all things being represented in their appropriate + colours. It may be easily conceived that this exhibition affords an + exquisite delight to the imagination, tempting it to wander at will from + valley to valley, from mountain to mountain, through the deepest recesses + of the Alps. But it supplies also a more substantial pleasure: for the + sublime and beautiful region, with all its hidden treasures, and their + bearings and relations to each other, is thereby comprehended and + understood at once. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Something of this kind, without touching upon minute details and + individualities which would only confuse and embarrass, will here be + attempted, in respect to the Lakes in the north of England, and the vales + and mountains enclosing and surrounding them. The delineation, if + tolerably executed, will, in some instances, communicate to the traveller, + who has already seen the objects, new information; and will assist in + giving to his recollections a more orderly arrangement than his own + opportunities of observing may have permitted him to make; while it will + be still more useful to the future traveller, by directing his attention + at once to distinctions in things which, without such previous aid, a + length of time only could enable him to discover. It is hoped, also, that + this Essay may become generally serviceable, by leading to habits of more + exact and considerate observation than, as far as the writer knows, have + hitherto been applied to local scenery. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To begin, then, with the main outlines of the country;—- I know not + how to give the reader a distinct image of these more <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage236" id="Bpage236"></a>{236}</span> readily, than by requesting + him to place himself with me, in imagination, upon some given point; let + it be the top of either of the mountains, Great Gavel, or Scawfell; or, + rather, let us suppose our station to be a cloud hanging midway between + those two mountains, at not more than half a mile's distance from the + summit of each, and not many yards above their highest elevation; we shall + then see stretched at our feet a number of vallies, not fewer than eight, + diverging from the point, on which we are supposed to stand, like spokes + from the nave of a wheel. First, we note, lying to the south-east, the + vale of Langdale,<a name="BFNanchor_50_50" id="BFNanchor_50_50"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> which will conduct the + eye to the long lake of Winandermere, stretched nearly to the sea; or + rather to the sands of the vast bay of Morcamb, serving here for the rim + of this imaginary wheel;—let us trace it in a direction from the + south-east towards the south, and we shall next fix our eyes upon the vale + of Coniston, running up likewise from the sea, but not (as all the other + vallies do) to the nave of the wheel, and therefore it may be not inaptly + represented as a broken spoke sticking in the rim. Looking forth again, + with an inclination towards the west, we see immediately at our feet the + vale of Duddon, in which is no lake, but a copious stream, winding among + fields, rocks, and mountains, and terminating its course in the sands of + Duddon. The fourth vale, next to be observed, viz. that of the Esk, is of + the same general character as the last, yet beautifully discriminated from + it by peculiar features. Its stream passes under the woody steep upon + which stands Muncaster Castle, the ancient seat of the Penningtons, and + after forming a short and narrow aestuary enters the sea below the small + town of Ravenglass. Next, almost due west, look down into, and along the + deep valley of Wastdale, with its little chapel and half a dozen neat + dwellings scattered upon a plain of meadow and corn-ground intersected + with stone walls apparently innumerable, like a large piece of lawless + patch-work, or an array of mathematical figures, such as in the ancient + schools of geometry might have been sportively and fantastically traced + out upon sand. Beyond this little fertile plain lies, within a bed of + steep mountains, the long, narrow, stern, and desolate lake of Wastdale; + and, beyond this, a dusky <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage237" + id="Bpage237"></a>{237}</span> tract of level ground conducts the eye to + the Irish Sea. The stream that issues from Wast-water is named the Irt, + and falls into the aestuary of the river Esk. Next comes in view + Ennerdale, with its lake of bold and somewhat savage shores. Its stream, + the Ehen or Enna, flowing through a soft and fertile country, passes the + town of Egremont, and the ruins of the castle,—then, seeming, like + the other rivers, to break through the barrier of sand thrown up by the + winds on this tempestuous coast, enters the Irish Sea. The vale of + Buttermere, with the lake and village of that name, and Crummock-water, + beyond, next present themselves. We will follow the main stream, the + Coker, through the fertile and beautiful vale of Lorton, till it is lost + in the Derwent, below the noble ruins of Cockermouth Castle. Lastly, + Borrowdale, of which the vale of Keswick is only a continuation, + stretching due north, brings us to a point nearly opposite to the vale of + Winandermere with which we began. From this it will appear, that the image + of a wheel, thus far exact, is little more than one half complete; but the + deficiency on the eastern side may be supplied by the vales of Wytheburn, + Ulswater, Hawswater, and the vale of Grasmere and Rydal; none of these, + however, run up to the central point between Great Gavel and Scawfell. + From this, hitherto our central point, take a flight of not more than four + or five miles eastward to the ridge of Helvellyn, and you will look down + upon Wytheburn and St. John's Vale, which are a branch of the vale of + Keswick; upon Ulswater, stretching due east:—and not far beyond to + the south-east (though from this point not visible) lie the vale and lake + of Hawswater; and lastly, the vale of Grasmere, Rydal, and Ambleside, + brings you back to Winandermere, thus completing, though on the eastern + side in a somewhat irregular manner, the representative figure of the + wheel. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such, concisely given, is the general topographical view of the country of + the Lakes in the north of England; and it may be observed, that, from the + circumference to the centre, that is, from the sea or plain country to the + mountain stations specified, there is—in the several ridges that + enclose these vales, and divide them from each other, I mean in the forms + and surfaces, first of the swelling grounds, next of the hills and rocks, + and lastly of the mountains—an ascent of almost regular gradation, + from elegance and richness, to their highest point of grandeur <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage238" id="Bpage238"></a>{238}</span> and + sublimity. It follows therefore from this, first, that these rocks, hills, + and mountains, must present themselves to view in stages rising above each + other, the mountains clustering together towards the central point; and + next, that an observer familiar with the several vales, must, from their + various position in relation to the sun, have had before his eyes every + possible embellishment of beauty, dignity, and splendour, which light and + shadow can bestow upon objects so diversified. For example, in the vale of + Winandermere, if the spectator looks for gentle and lovely scenes, his eye + is turned towards the south; if for the grand, towards the north: in the + vale of Keswick, which (as hath been said) lies almost due north of this, + it is directly the reverse. Hence, when the sun is setting in summer far + to the north-west, it is seen, by the spectator from the shores or breast + of Winandermere, resting among the summits of the loftiest mountains, some + of which will perhaps be half or wholly hidden by clouds, or by the blaze + of light which the orb diffuses around it; and the surface of the lake + will reflect before the eye correspondent colours through every variety of + beauty, and through all degrees of splendour. In the vale of Keswick, at + the same period, the sun sets over the humbler regions of the landscape, + and showers down upon <i>them</i> the radiance which at once veils and + glorifies,—- sending forth, meanwhile, broad streams of rosy, + crimson, purple, or golden light, towards the grand mountains in the south + and south-east, which, thus illuminated, with all their projections and + cavities, and with an intermixture of solemn shadows, are seen distinctly + through a cool and clear atmosphere. Of course, there is as marked a + difference between the <i>noontide</i> appearance of these two opposite + vales. The bedimming haze that overspreads the south, and the clear + atmosphere and determined shadows of the clouds in the north, at the same + time of the day, are each seen in these several vales, with a contrast as + striking. The reader will easily conceive in what degree the intermediate + vales partake of a kindred variety. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I do not indeed know any tract of country in which, within so narrow a + compass, may be found an equal variety in the influences of light and + shadow upon the sublime or beautiful features of landscape; and it is + owing to the combined circumstances to which the reader's attention has + been directed. From a point <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage239" + id="Bpage239"></a>{239}</span> between Great Gavel and Scawfell, a + shepherd would not require more than an hour to descend into any one of + eight of the principal vales by which he would be surrounded; and all the + others lie (with the exception of Hawswater) at but a small distance. Yet, + though clustered together, every valley has its distinct and separate + character: in some instances, as if they had been formed in studied + contrast to each other, and in others with the united pleasing differences + and resemblances of a sisterly rivalship. This concentration of interest + gives to the country a decided superiority over the most attractive + districts of Scotland and Wales, especially for the pedestrian traveller. + In Scotland and Wales are found, undoubtedly, individual scenes, which, in + their several kinds, cannot be excelled. But, in Scotland, particularly, + what long tracts of desolate country intervene! so that the traveller, + when he reaches a spot deservedly of great celebrity, would find it + difficult to determine how much of his pleasure is owing to excellence + inherent in the landscape itself; and how much to an instantaneous + recovery from an oppression left upon his spirits by the barrenness and + desolation through which he has passed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But to proceed with our survey;—- and, first, of the MOUNTAINS. + Their <i>forms</i> are endlessly diversified, sweeping easily or boldly in + simple majesty, abrupt and precipitous, or soft and elegant. In magnitude + and grandeur they are individually inferior to the most celebrated of + those in some other parts of this island; but, in the combinations which + they make, towering above each other, or lifting themselves in ridges like + the waves of a tumultuous sea, and in the beauty and variety of their + surfaces and colours, they are surpassed by none. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The general <i>surface</i> of the mountains is turf, rendered rich and + green by the moisture of the climate. Sometimes the turf, as in the + neighbourhood of Newlands, is little broken, the whole covering being soft + and downy pasturage. In other places rocks predominate; the soil is laid + bare by torrents and burstings of water from the sides of the mountains in + heavy rains; and not unfrequently their perpendicular sides are seamed by + ravines (formed also by rains and torrents) which, meeting in angular + points, entrench and scar the surface with numerous figures like the + letters W. and Y. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the ridge that divides Eskdale from Wasdale, granite is <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage240" id="Bpage240"></a>{240}</span> found; + but the MOUNTAINS are for the most part composed of the stone by + mineralogists termed schist, which, as you approach the plain country, + gives place to limestone and freestone; but schist being the substance of + the mountains, the predominant <i>colour</i> of their <i>rocky</i> parts + is bluish, or hoary grey—- the general tint of the lichens with + which the bare stone is encrusted. With this blue or grey colour is + frequently intermixed a red tinge, proceeding from the iron that + interveins the stone, and impregnates the soil. The iron is the principle + of decomposition in these rocks; and hence, when they become pulverized, + the elementary particles crumbling down, overspread in many places the + steep and almost precipitous sides of the mountains with an intermixture + of colours, like the compound hues of a dove's neck. When in the heat of + advancing summer, the fresh green tint of the herbage has somewhat faded, + it is again revived by the appearance of the fern profusely spread over + the same ground: and, upon this plant, more than upon anything else, do + the changes which the seasons make in the colouring of the mountains + depend. About the first week in October, the rich green, which prevailed + through the whole summer, is usually passed away. The brilliant and + various colours of the fern are then in harmony with the autumnal woods; + bright yellow or lemon colour, at the base of the mountains, melting + gradually, through orange, to a dark russet brown towards the summits, + where the plant, being more exposed to the weather, is in a more advanced + state of decay. Neither heath nor furze are <i>generally</i> found upon + the <i>sides</i> of these mountains, though in many places they are + adorned by those plants, so beautiful when in flower. We may add, that the + mountains are of height sufficient to have the surface towards the summit + softened by distance, and to imbibe the finest aërial hues. In common + also with other mountains, their apparent forms and colours are + perpetually changed by the clouds and vapours which float round them: the + effect indeed of mist or haze, in a country of this character, is like + that of magic. I have seen six or seven ridges rising above each other, + all created in a moment by the vapours upon the side of a mountain, which, + in its ordinary appearance, shewed not a projecting point to furnish even + a hint for such an operation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will take this opportunity of observing, that they who have studied the + appearances of Nature feel that the superiority, <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage241" id="Bpage241"></a>{241}</span> in point of visual + interest, of mountainous over other countries—- is more strikingly + displayed in winter than in summer. This, as must be obvious, is partly + owing to the <i>forms</i> of the mountains, which, of course, are not + affected by the seasons; but also, in no small degree, to the greater + variety that exists in their winter than their summer <i>colouring</i>. + This variety is such, and so harmoniously preserved, that it leaves little + cause of regret when the splendour of autumn is passed away. The + oak-coppices, upon the sides of the mountains, retain russet leaves; the + birch stands conspicuous with its silver stem and puce-coloured twigs; the + hollies, with green leaves and scarlet berries, have come forth to view + from among the deciduous trees, whose summer foliage had concealed them; + the ivy is now plentifully apparent upon the stems and boughs of the + trees, and upon the steep rocks. In place of the deep summer-green of the + herbage and fern, many rich colours play into each other over the surface + of the mountains; turf (the tints of which are interchangeably + tawny-green, olive, and brown), beds of withered fern, and grey rocks, + being harmoniously blended together. The mosses and lichens are never so + fresh and flourishing as in winter, if it be not a season of frost; and + their minute beauties prodigally adorn the foreground. Wherever we turn, + we find these productions of Nature, to which winter is rather favourable + than unkindly, scattered over the walls, banks of earth, rocks, and + stones, and upon the trunks of trees, with the intermixture of several + species of small fern, now green and fresh; and, to the observing + passenger, their forms and colours are a source of inexhaustable + admiration. Add to this the hoar-frost and snow, with all the varieties + they create, and which volumes would not be sufficient to describe. I will + content myself with one instance of the colouring produced by snow, which + may not be uninteresting to painters. It is extracted from the + memorandum-book of a friend; and for its accuracy I can speak, having been + an eye-witness of the appearance. 'I observed,' says he, 'the beautiful + effect of the drifted snow upon the mountains, and the perfect <i>tone</i> + of colour. From the top of the mountains downwards a rich olive was + produced by the powdery snow and the grass, which olive was warmed with a + little brown, and in this way harmoniously combined, by insensible + gradations, with the white. The drifting took away the monotony of snow; + and the whole <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage242" id="Bpage242"></a>{242}</span> + vale of Grasmere, seen from the terrace walk in Easedale, was as varied, + perhaps more so, than even in the pomp of autumn. In the distance was + Loughrigg-Fell, the basin-wall of the lake: this, from the summit + downward, was a rich orange-olive; then the lake of a bright olive-green, + nearly the same tint as the snow-powdered mountain tops and high slopes in + Easedale; and lastly, the church, with its firs, forming the centre of the + view. Next to the church came nine distinguishable hills, six of them with + woody sides turned towards us, all of them oak-copses with their bright + red leaves and snow-powdered twigs; these hills—- so variously + situated in relation to each other, and to the view in general, so + variously powdered, some only enough to give the herbage a rich brown + tint, one intensely white and lighting up all the others—- were yet + so placed, as in the most inobtrusive manner to harmonise by contrast with + a perfect naked, snowless bleak summit in the far distance.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having spoken of the forms, surface, and colour of the mountains, let us + descend into the VALES. Though these have been represented under the + general image of the spokes of a wheel, they are, for the most part, + winding; the windings of many being abrupt and intricate. And, it may be + observed, that, in one circumstance, the general shape of them all has + been determined by that primitive conformation through which so many + became receptacles of lakes. For they are not formed, as are most of the + celebrated Welsh vallies, by an approximation of the sloping bases of the + opposite mountains towards each other, leaving little more between than a + channel for the passage of a hasty river; but the bottom of these vallies + is mostly a spacious and gently declining area, apparently level as the + floor of a temple, or the surface of a lake, and broken in many cases, by + rocks and hills, which rise up like islands from the plain. In such of the + vallies as make many windings, these level areas open upon the traveller + in succession, divided from each other sometimes by a mutual approximation + of the hills, leaving only passage for a river, sometimes by correspondent + windings, without such approximation; and sometimes by a bold advance of + one mountain towards that which is opposite it. It may here be observed + with propriety that the several rocks and hills, which have been described + as rising up like islands from the level area of the vale, have regulated + the choice of the inhabitants in the situation of their <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage243" id="Bpage243"></a>{243}</span> + dwellings. Where none of these are found, and the inclination of the + ground is not sufficiently rapid easily to carry off the waters, (as in + the higher part of Langdale, for instance,) the houses are not sprinkled + over the middle of the vales, but confined to their sides, being placed + merely so far up the mountain as to be protected from the floods. But + where these rocks and hills have been scattered over the plain of the + vale, (as in Grasmere, Donnerdale, Eskdale, &c.) the beauty which they + give to the scene is much heightened by a single cottage, or cluster of + cottages, that will be almost always found under them, or upon their + sides; dryness and shelter having tempted the Dalesmen to fix their + habitations there. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall now speak of the LAKES of this country. The form of the lake is + most perfect when, like Derwent-water, and some of the smaller lakes, it + least resembles that of a river;—- I mean, when being looked at from + any given point where the whole may be seen at once, the width of it bears + such proportion to the length, that, however the outline may be + diversified by far-receding bays, it never assumes the shape of a river, + and is contemplated with that placid and quiet feeling which belongs + peculiarly to the lake—- as a body of still water under the + influence of no current; reflecting therefore the clouds, the light, and + all the imagery of the sky and surrounding hills; expressing also and + making visible the changes of the atmosphere, and motions of the lightest + breeze, and subject to agitation only from the winds— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">—The visible scene<br /></span> <span>Would enter + unawares into his mind<br /></span> <span>With all its solemn imagery, + its rocks,<br /></span> <span>Its woods, and that uncertain heaven + received<br /></span> <span>Into the bosom of the <i>steady</i> lake!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It must be noticed, as a favourable characteristic of the lakes of this + country, that, though several of the largest, such as Winandermere, + Ulswater, Hawswater, do, when the whole length of them is commanded from + an elevated point, loose somewhat of the peculiar form of the lake, and + assume the resemblance of a magnificent river; yet, as their shape is + winding, (particularly that of Ulswater and Hawswater) when the view of + the whole is obstructed by those barriers which determine the windings, + and the spectator is confined to one reach, the appropriate feeling is + revived; and one lake may thus in succession present to the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage244" id="Bpage244"></a>{244}</span> eye the + essential characteristic of many. But, though the forms of the large lakes + have this advantage, it is nevertheless favourable to the beauty of the + country that the largest of them are comparatively small; and that the + same vale generally furnishes a succession of lakes, instead of being + filled with one. The vales in North Wales, as hath been observed, are not + formed for the reception of lakes; those of Switzerland, Scotland, and + this part of the North of England, <i>are</i> so formed; but, in + Switzerland and Scotland, the proportion of diffused water is often too + great, as at the lake of Geneva for instance, and in most of the Scotch + lakes. No doubt it sounds magnificent and flatters the imagination, to + hear at a distance of expanses of water so many leagues in length and + miles in width; and such ample room may be delightful to the fresh-water + sailor, scudding with a lively breeze amid the rapidly-shifting scenery. + But, who ever travelled along the banks of Loch-Lomond, variegated as the + lower part is by islands, without feeling that a speedier termination of + the long vista of blank water would be acceptable; and without wishing for + an interposition of green meadows, trees, and cottages, and a sparkling + stream to run by his side? In fact, a notion, of grandeur, as connected + with magnitude, has seduced persons of taste into a general mistake upon + this subject. It is much more desirable, for the purposes of pleasure, + that lakes should be numerous, and small or middle-sized, than large, not + only for communication by walks and rides, but for variety, and for + recurrence of similar appearances. To illustrate this by one instance:—- + how pleasing is it to have a ready and frequent opportunity of watching, + at the outlet of a lake, the stream pushing its way among the rocks in + lively contrast with the stillness from which it has escaped; and how + amusing to compare its noisy and turbulent motions with the gentle + playfulness of the breezes, that may be starting up or wandering here and + there over the faintly-rippled surface of the broad water! I may add, as a + general remark, that, in lakes of great width, the shores cannot be + distinctly seen at the same time, and therefore contribute little to + mutual illustration and ornament; and, if the opposite shores are out of + sight of each other, like those of the American and Asiatic lakes, then + unfortunately the traveller is reminded of a nobler object; he has the + blankness of a sea-prospect without the grandeur and accompanying sense of + power.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage245" id="Bpage245"></a>{245}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As the comparatively small size of the lakes in the North of England is + favourable to the production of variegated landscape, their <i>boundary-line</i> + also is for the most part gracefully or boldly indented. That uniformity + which prevails in the primitive frame of the lower grounds among all + chains or clusters of mountains where large bodies of still water are + bedded, is broken by the <i>secondary</i> agents of Nature, ever at work + to supply the deficiences of the mould in which things were originally + cast. Using the word <i>deficiences</i>, I do not speak with reference to + those stronger emotions which a region of mountains is peculiarly fitted + to excite. The bases of those huge barriers may run for a long space in + straight lines, and these parallel to each other; the opposite sides of a + profound vale may ascend as exact counterparts, or in mutual reflection, + like the billows of a troubled sea; and the impression be, from its very + simplicity, more awful and sublime. Sublimity is the result of Nature's + first great dealings with the superficies of the Earth; but the general + tendency of her subsequent operations is towards the production of beauty; + by a multiplicity of symmetrical parts uniting in a consistent whole. This + is everywhere exemplified along the margins of these lakes. Masses of + rock, that have been precipitated from the heights into the area of + waters, lie in some places like stranded ships; or have acquired the + compact structure of jutting piers; or project in little peninsulas + crested with native wood. The smallest rivulet—- one whose silent + influx is scarcely noticeable in a season of dry weather—- so faint + is the dimple made by it on the surface of the smooth lake—- will be + found to have been not useless in shaping, by its deposits of gravel and + soil in time of flood, a curve that would not otherwise have existed. But + the more powerful brooks, encroaching upon the level of the lake, have, in + course of time, given birth to ample promontories of sweeping outline that + contrast boldly with the longitudinal base of the steeps on the opposite + shore; while their flat or gently-sloping-surfaces never fail to + introduce, into the midst of desolation and barrenness, the elements of + fertility, even where the habitations of men may not have been raised. + These alluvial promontories, however, threaten, in some places, to bisect + the waters which they have long adorned; and, in course of ages, they will + cause some of the lakes to dwindle into numerous and insignificant pools; + which, in their turn, will finally be filled up. But, check<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage246" id="Bpage246"></a>{246}</span> ing + these intrusive calculations, let us rather be content with appearances as + they are, and pursue in imagination the meandering shores, whether rugged + steeps, admitting of no cultivation, descend into the water; or + gently-sloping lawns and woods, or flat and fertile meadows, stretch + between the margin of the lake and the mountains. Among minuter + recommendations will be noticed, especially along bays exposed to the + setting-in of strong winds, the curved rim of fine blue gravel, thrown up + in course of time by the waves, half of it perhaps gleaming from under the + water, and the corresponding half of a lighter hue; and in other parts + bordering the lake, groves, if I may so call them, of reeds and bulrushes; + or plots of water-lilies lifting up their large target-shaped leaves to + the breeze, while the white flower is heaving upon the wave. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To these may naturally be added the birds that enliven the waters. + Wild-ducks in spring-time hatch their young in the islands, and upon reedy + shores;—- the sand-piper, flitting along the stony margins, by its + restless note attracts the eye to motions as restless:—- upon some + jutting rock, or at the edge of a smooth meadow, the stately heron may be + descried with folded wings, that might seem to have caught their delicate + hue from the blue waters, by the side of which she watches for her + sustenance. In winter, the lakes are sometimes resorted to by wild swans; + and in that season habitually by widgeons, goldings, and other aquatic + fowl of the smaller species. Let me be allowed the aid of verse to + describe the evolutions which these visitants sometimes perform, on a fine + day towards the close of winter. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Mark how the feather'd tenants of the flood,<br /></span> <span>With + grace of motion that might scarcely seem<br /></span> <span>Inferior to + angelical, prolong<br /></span> <span>Their curious pastime! shaping in + mid air<br /></span> <span>(And sometimes with ambitious wing that soars<br /></span> + <span>High as the level of the mountain tops,)<br /></span> <span>A + circuit ampler than the lake beneath,<br /></span> <span>Their own + domain;—-but ever, while intent<br /></span> <span>On tracing and + retracing that large round,<br /></span> <span>Their jubilant activity + evolves<br /></span> <span>Hundreds of curves and circlets, to and fro,<br /></span> + <span>Upward and downward, progress intricate<br /></span> <span>Yet + unperplex'd, as if one spirit swayed<br /></span> <span>Their + indefatigable flight.—'Tis done—<br /></span> <span>Ten + times, or more, I fancied it had ceased;<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage247" id="Bpage247"></a>{247}</span> <span>But lo! the + vanish'd company again<br /></span> <span>Ascending;—they approach—I + hear their wings<br /></span> <span>Faint, faint, at first, and then an + eager sound<br /></span> <span>Past in a moment—and as faint again!<br /></span> + <span>They tempt the sun to sport amid their plumes;<br /></span> <span>They + tempt the water or the gleaming ice,<br /></span> <span>To shew them a + fair image;—'tis themselves,<br /></span> <span>Their own fair + forms, upon the glimmering plain,<br /></span> <span>Painted more soft + and fair as they descend<br /></span> <span>Almost to touch;—then + up again aloft,<br /></span> <span>Up with a sally and a flash of speed,<br /></span> + <span>As if they scorn'd both resting-place and rest!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The ISLANDS, dispersed among these lakes, are neither so numerous nor so + beautiful as might be expected from the account that has been given of the + manner in which the level areas of the vales are so frequently diversified + by rocks, hills, and hillocks, scattered over them; nor are they + ornamented (as are several of the lakes in Scotland and Ireland) by the + remains of castles or other places of defence; nor with the still more + interesting ruins of religious edifices. Every one must regret that + scarcely a vestige is left of the Oratory, consecrated to the Virgin, + which stood upon Chapel-Holm in Windermere, and that the Chauntry has + disappeared, where mass used to be sung, upon St. Herbert's Island, + Derwent-water. The islands of the last-mentioned lake are neither + fortunately placed nor of pleasing shape; but if the wood upon them were + managed with more taste, they might become interesting features in the + landscape. There is a beautiful cluster on Winandermere; a pair pleasingly + contrasted upon Eydal; nor must the solitary green island of Grasmere be + forgotten. In the bosom of each of the lakes of Ennerdale and Devockwater + is a single rock, which, owing to its neighbourhood to the sea, is— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The haunt of cormorants and sea-mews' clang,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + a music well suited to the stern and wild character of the several scenes! + It may be worth while here to mention (not as an object of beauty, but of + curiosity) that there occasionally appears above the surface of + Derwent-water, and always in the same place, a considerable tract of + spongy ground covered with aquatic plants, which is called the Floating, + but with more propriety might be named the Buoyant, Island; and, on one of + the pools near the lake of Esthwaite, may sometimes be seen a mossy<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage248" id="Bpage248"></a>{248}</span> Islet, + with trees upon it, shifting about before the wind, a <i>lusus naturae</i> + frequent on the great rivers of America, and not unknown in other parts of + the world. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 4em;">—fas habeas invisere Tiburis arva,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Albuneaeque lacum, atque umbras terrasque + natantes.<a name="BFNanchor_51_51" id="BFNanchor_51_51"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This part of the subject may be concluded with observing—that, from + the multitude of brooks and torrents that fall into these lakes, and of + internal springs by which they are fed, and which circulate through them + like veins, they are truly living lakes, <i>'vivi lacus;'</i> and are thus + discriminated from the stagnant and sullen pools frequent among mountains + that have been formed by volcanoes, and from the shallow meres found in + flat and fenny countries. The water is also of crystalline purity; so + that, if it were not for the reflections of the incumbent mountains by + which it is darkened, a delusion might be felt, by a person resting + quietly in a boat on the bosom of Winandermere or Derwent-water, similar + to that which Carver so beautifully describes when he was floating alone + in the middle of lake Erie or Ontario, and could almost have imagined that + his boat was suspended in an element as pure as air, or rather that the + air and water were one. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having spoken of Lakes I must not omit to mention, as a kindred feature of + this country, those bodies of still water called TARNS. In the economy of + Nature these are useful, as auxiliars to Lakes; for if the whole quantity + of water which falls upon the mountains in time of storm were poured down + upon the plains without intervention, in some quarters, of such + receptacles, the habitable grounds would be much more subject than they + are to inundation. But, as some of the collateral brooks spend their fury, + finding a free course toward and also down the channel of the main stream + of the vale before those that have to pass through the higher tarns and + lakes have filled their several basins, a gradual distribution is + effected; and the waters thus reserved, instead of uniting, to spread + ravage and deformity, with those which meet with no such detention, + contribute to support, for a length of time, the vigour of many streams + without a fresh fall of rain. Tarns are found in some of the vales, and + are numerous upon the mountains. A Tarn, in a <i>Vale</i>, implies, for + the most part, that the bed of the vale is not happily <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage249" id="Bpage249"></a>{249}</span> formed; + that the water of the brooks can neither wholly escape, nor diffuse itself + over a large area. Accordingly, in such situations, Tarns are often + surrounded by an unsightly tract of boggy ground; but this is not always + the case, and in the cultivated parts of the country, when the shores of + the Tarn are determined, it differs only from the Lake in being smaller, + and in belonging mostly to a smaller valley, or circular recess. Of this + class of miniature lakes, Loughrigg Tarn, near Grasmere, is the most + beautiful example. It has a margin of green firm meadows, of rocks, and + rocky woods, a few reeds here, a little company of water-lilies there, + with beds of gravel or stone beyond; a tiny stream issuing neither briskly + nor sluggishly out of it; but its feeding rills, from the shortness of + their course, so small as to be scarcely visible. Five or six cottages are + reflected in its peaceful bosom; rocky and barren steeps rise up above the + hanging enclosures; and the solemn Pikes of Langdale overlook, from a + distance, the low cultivated ridge of land that forms the northern + boundary of this small, quiet, and fertile domain. The <i>mountain</i> + Tarns can only be recommended to the notice of the inquisitive traveller + who has time to spare. They are difficult of access and naked; yet some of + them are, in their permanent forms, very grand; and there are accidents of + things which would make the meanest of them interesting. At all events, + one of these pools is an acceptable sight to the mountain wanderer; not + merely as an incident that diversifies the prospect, but as forming in his + mind a centre or conspicuous point to which objects, otherwise + disconnected or insubordinated, may be referred. Some few have a varied + outline, with bold heath-clad promontories; and, as they mostly lie at the + foot of a steep precipice, the water, where the sun is not shining upon + it, appears black and sullen; and, round the margin, huge stones and + masses of rock are scattered; some defying conjecture as to the means by + which they came thither; and others obviously fallen from on high—- + the contribution of ages! A not unpleasing sadness is induced by this + perplexity, and these images of decay; while the prospect of a body of + pure water unattended with groves and other cheerful rural images, by + which fresh water is usually accompanied, and unable to give furtherance + to the meagre vegetation around it—- excites a sense of some + repulsive power strongly put forth, and thus deepens the melan<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage250" id="Bpage250"></a>{250}</span> choly + natural to such scenes. Nor is the feeling of solitude often more forcibly + or more solemnly impressed than by the side of one of these mountain + pools: though desolate and forbidding, it seems a distinct place to repair + to; yet where the visitants must be rare, and there can be no disturbance. + Water-fowl flock hither; and the lonely angler may here be seen; but the + imagination, not content with this scanty allowance of society, is tempted + to attribute a voluntary power to every change which takes place in such a + spot, whether it be the breeze that wanders over the surface of the water, + or the splendid lights of evening resting upon it in the midst of awful + precipices. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>There, sometimes does a leaping fish<br /></span> <span>Send + through the tarn a lonely cheer;<br /></span> <span>The crags repeat the + raven's croak<br /></span> <span>In symphony austere:<br /></span> <span>Thither + the rainbow comes, the cloud,<br /></span> <span>And mists that spread + the flying shroud,<br /></span> <span>And sunbeams, and the sounding + blast.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that this country is bounded on the south and east by + the sea, which combines beautifully, from many elevated points, with the + inland scenery; and, from the bay of Morecamb, the sloping shores and + back-ground of distant mountains are seen, composing pictures equally + distinguished for amenity and grandeur. But the aestuaries on this coast + are in a great measure bare at low water<a name="BFNanchor_52_52" + id="BFNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#BFootnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a>; + and there is no instance of the sea running far up among the mountains, + and mingling with the lakes, which are such in the strict and usual sense + of the word, being of fresh water. Nor have the streams, from the + shortness of their course, time to acquire that body of water necessary to + confer upon them much majesty. In fact, the most considerable, while they + continue in the mountain and lake-country, are rather large brooks than + rivers. The water is perfectly pellucid, through which in many places are + seen, to a great depth, their beds of rock, or of blue gravel, which give + to the water itself an exquisitely cerulean colour: this is particu<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage251" id="Bpage251"></a>{251}</span> larly + striking in the rivers Derwent and Duddon, which may be compared, such and + so various are their beauties, to any two rivers of equal length of course + in any country. The number of the torrents and smaller brooks is infinite, + with their waterfalls and water-breaks; and they need not here be + described. I will only observe that, as many, even of the smallest rills, + have either found, or made for themselves, recesses in the sides of the + mountains or in the vales, they have tempted the primitive inhabitants to + settle near them for shelter; and hence, cottages so placed, by seeming to + withdraw from the eye, are the more endeared to the feelings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The WOODS consist chiefly of oak, ash, and birch, and here and there + Wych-elm, with underwood of hazel, the white and black thorn, and hollies; + in moist places alders and willows abound; and yews among the rocks. + Formerly the whole country must have been covered with wood to a great + height up the mountains; where native Scotch firs<a name="BFNanchor_53_53" + id="BFNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#BFootnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> + must have grown in great profusion, as they do in the northern part of + Scotland to this day. But not one of these old inhabitants has existed, + perhaps, for some hundreds of years; the beautiful traces, however, of the + universal sylvan<a name="BFNanchor_54_54" id="BFNanchor_54_54"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> appearance the country + formerly had, yet survive in the native coppice-woods that have been + protected by inclosures, and also in the forest-trees and hollies, which, + though disappearing fast, are yet scattered both over the inclosed and + uninclosed parts of the mountains. The same is expressed by the beauty and + intricacy with which the fields and coppice woods are often intermingled: + the plough of the first settlers having followed naturally the veins of + richer, dryer, or less stony soil; and thus it has shaped out an + intermixture of wood and lawn, with a grace and wildness which it would + have been impossible for the hand of studied art to produce. Other trees + have been introduced within these last fifty years, such as beeches, + larches, limes, &c. and plantations of firs, seldom with advantage, + and often with great injury to the appearance of the country; but the + sycamore (which I believe was brought into this island from Germany, not + more than two hundred years <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage252" + id="Bpage252"></a>{252}</span> ago) has long been the favourite of the + cottagers; and, with the fir, has been chosen to screen their dwellings: + and is sometimes found in the fields whither the winds or the waters may + have carried its seeds. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The want most felt, however, is that of timber trees. There are few <i>magnificent</i> + ones to be found near any of the lakes; and unless greater care be taken, + there will, in a short time, scarcely be left an ancient oak that would + repay the cost of felling. The neighbourhood of Rydal, notwithstanding the + havoc which has been made, is yet nobly distinguished. In the woods of + Lowther, also, is found an almost matchless store of ancient trees, and + the majesty and wildness of the native forest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Among the smaller vegetable ornaments must be reckoned the bilberry, a + ground plant, never so beautiful as in early spring, when it is seen under + bare or budding trees, that imperfectly intercept the tomb-stone covering + the rocky knolls with a pure mantle of fresh verdure, more lively than the + herbage of the open fields;—- the broom, that spreads luxuriantly + along rough pastures, and in the month of June interveins the steep copses + with its golden blossoms;—- and the juniper, a rich evergreen, that + thrives in spite of cattle, upon the uninclosed parts of the mountains:—- + the Dutch myrtle diffuses fragrance in moist places; and there is an + endless variety of brilliant flowers in the fields and meadows, which, if + the agriculture of the country were more carefully attended to, would + disappear. Nor can I omit again to notice the lichens and mosses: their + profusion, beauty, and variety, exceed those of any other country I have + seen. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may now be proper to say a few words respecting climate, and 'skiey + influences,' in which this region, as far as the character of its + landscapes is affected by them, may, upon the whole, be considered + fortunate. The country is, indeed, subject to much bad weather, and it has + been ascertained that twice as much rain falls here as in many parts of + the island; but the number of black drizzling days, that blot out the face + of things, is by no means <i>proportionally</i> great. Nor is a + continuance of thick, flagging, damp air, so common as in the West of + England and Ireland. The rain here comes down heartily, and is frequently + succeeded by clear, bright weather, when every brook is vocal, and every + torrent sonorous; brooks and torrents, which are never muddy, even in the + heaviest floods, except, after a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage253" + id="Bpage253"></a>{253}</span> drought, they happen to be defiled for a + short time by waters that have swept along dusty roads, or have broken out + into ploughed fields. Days of unsettled weather, with partial showers, are + very frequent; but the showers, darkening, or brightning, as they fly from + hill to hill, are not less grateful to the eye than finely interwoven + passages of gay and sad music are touching to the ear. Vapours exhaling + from the lakes and meadows after sun-rise, in a hot season, or, in moist + weather, brooding upon the heights, or descending towards the valleys with + inaudible motion, give a visionary character to every thing around them; + and are in themselves so beautiful, as to dispose us to enter into the + feelings of those simple nations (such as the Laplanders of this day) by + whom they are taken for guardian deities of the mountains; or to + sympathise with others, who have fancied these delicate apparitions to be + the spirits of their departed ancestors. Akin to these are fleecy clouds + resting upon the hill-tops; they are not easily managed in picture, with + their accompaniments of blue sky; but how glorious are they in Nature! how + pregnant with imagination for the poet! and the height of the Cumbrian + mountains is sufficient to exhibit daily and hourly instances of those + mysterious attachments. Such clouds, cleaving to their stations, or + lifting up suddenly their glittering heads from behind rocky barriers, or + hurrying out of sight with speed of the sharpest sledge—- will often + tempt an inhabitant to congratulate himself on belonging to a country of + mists and clouds and storms, and make him think of the blank sky of Egypt, + and of the cerulean vacancy of Italy, as an unanimated and even a sad + spectacle. The atmosphere, however, as in every country subject to much + rain, is frequently unfavourable to landscape, especially when keen winds + succeed the rain which are apt to produce coldness, spottiness, and an + unmeaning or repulsive detail in the distance;—- a sunless frost, + under a canopy of leaden and shapeless clouds, is, as far as it allows + things to be seen, equally disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It has been said that in human life there are moments worth ages. In a + more subdued tone of sympathy may we affirm, that in the climate of + England there are, for the lover of Nature, days which are worth whole + months,—- I might say—- even years. One of these favoured days + sometimes occurs in spring-time, when that soft air is breathing over the + blossoms and new-born ver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage254" + id="Bpage254"></a>{254}</span> dure, which inspired Buchanan with his + beautiful Ode to the first of May; the air, which, in the luxuriance of + his fancy, he likens to that of the golden age,—- to that which + gives motion to the funereal cypresses on the banks of Lethe;—- to + the air which is to salute beatified spirits when expiatory fires shall + have consumed the earth with all her habitations. But it is in autumn that + days of such affecting influence most frequently intervene;—- the + atmosphere seems refined, and the sky rendered more crystalline, as the + vivifying heat of the year abates; the lights and shadows are more + delicate; the colouring is richer and more finely harmonised; and, in this + season of stillness, the ear being unoccupied, or only gently excited, the + sense of vision becomes more susceptible of its appropriate enjoyments. A + resident in a country like this which we are treating of, will agree with + me, that the presence of a lake is indispensable to exhibit in perfection + the beauty of one of these days; and he must have experienced, while + looking on the unruffled waters, that the imagination, by their aid, is + carried into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable. The reason of + this is, that the heavens are not only brought down into the bosom of the + earth, but that the earth is mainly looked at, and thought of, through the + medium of a purer element. The happiest time is when the equinoxial gales + are departed; but their fury may probably be called to mind by the sight + of a few shattered boughs, whose leaves do not differ in colour from the + faded foliage of the stately oaks from which these relics of the storm + depend: all else speaks of tranquillity;—- not a breath of air, no + restlessness of insects, and not a moving object perceptible—- + except the clouds gliding in the depths of the lake, or the traveller + passing along, an inverted image, whose motion seems governed by the quiet + of a time, to which its archetype, the living person, is, perhaps, + insensible:—- or it may happen, that the figure of one of the larger + birds, a raven or a heron, is crossing silently among the reflected + clouds, while the voice of the real bird, from the element aloft, gently + awakens in the spectator the recollection of appetites and instincts, + pursuits and occupations, that deform and agitate the world,—- yet + have no power to prevent Nature from putting on an aspect capable of + satisfying the most intense cravings for the tranquil, the lovely, and the + perfect, to which man, the noblest of her creatures, is subject.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage255" id="Bpage255"></a>{255}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus far, of climate, as influencing the feelings through its effect on + the objects of sense. We may add, that whatever has been said upon the + advantages derived to these scenes from a changeable atmosphere, would + apply, perhaps still more forcibly, to their appearance under the varied + solemnities of night. Milton, it will be remembered, has given a <i>clouded</i> + moon to Paradise itself. In the night-season also, the narrowness of the + vales, and comparative smallness of the lakes, are especially adapted to + bring surrounding objects home to the eye and to the heart. The stars, + taking their stations above the hill-tops, are contemplated from a spot + like the Abyssinian recess of Rasselas, with much more touching interest + than they are likely to excite when looked at from an open country with + ordinary undulations: and it must be obvious, that it is the <i>bays</i> + only of large lakes that can present such contrasts of light and shadow as + those of smaller dimensions display from every quarter. A deep contracted + valley, with diffused waters, such a valley and plains level and wide as + those of Chaldea, are the two extremes in which the beauty of the heavens + and their connexion with the earth are most sensibly felt. Nor do the + advantages I have been speaking of imply here an exclusion of the aerial + effects of distance. These are insured by the height of the mountains, and + are found, even in the narrowest vales, where they lengthen in + perspective, or act (if the expression may be used) as telescopes for the + open country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The subject would bear to be enlarged upon: but I will conclude this + section with a night-scene suggested by the Vale of Keswick. The Fragment + is well known; but it gratifies me to insert it, as the Writer was one of + the first who led the way to a worthy admiration of this country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Now sunk the sun, now twilight sunk, and night<br /></span> <span>Rode + in her zenith; not a passing breeze<br /></span> <span>Sigh'd to the + grove, which in the midnight air<br /></span> <span>Stood motionless, and + in the peaceful floods<br /></span> <span>Inverted hung: for now the + billows slept<br /></span> <span>Along the shore, nor heav'd the deep; + but spread<br /></span> <span>A shining mirror to the moon's pale orb,<br /></span> + <span>Which, dim and waning, o'er the shadowy cliffs,<br /></span> <span>The + solemn woods, and spiry mountain tops,<br /></span> <span>Her glimmering + faintness threw: now every eye,<br /></span> <span>Oppress'd with toil, + was drown'd in deep repose,<br /></span> <span>Save that the unseen + Shepherd in his watch,<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage256" id="Bpage256"></a>{256}</span> <span>Propp'd on his + crook, stood listening by the fold,<br /></span> <span>And gaz'd the + starry vault, and pendant moon;<br /></span> <span>Nor voice, nor sound, + broke on the deep serene;<br /></span> <span>But the soft murmur of + swift-gushing rills,<br /></span> <span>Forth issuing from the mountain's + distant steep,<br /></span> <span>(Unheard till now, and now scarce + heard) proclaim'd<br /></span> <span>All things at rest, and imag'd the + still voice<br /></span> <span>Of quiet, whispering in the ear of Night.<a + name="BFNanchor_55_55" id="BFNanchor_55_55"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + SECTION SECOND. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + ASPECT OF THE COUNTRY, AS AFFECTED BY ITS INHABITANTS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Hitherto I have chiefly spoken of the features by which Nature has + discriminated this country from others. I will now describe, in general + terms, in what manner it is indebted to the hand of man. What I have to + notice on this subject will emanate most easily and perspicuously from a + description of the ancient and present inhabitants, their occupations, + their condition of life, the distribution of landed property among them, + and the tenure by which it is holden. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The reader will suffer me here to recall to his mind the shapes of the + vallies, and their position with respect to each other, and the forms and + substance of the intervening mountains. He will people the vallies with + lakes and rivers: the coves and sides of the mountains with pools and + torrents; and will bound half of the circle which we have contemplated by + the sands of the sea, or by the sea itself. He will conceive that, from + the point upon which he stood, he looks down upon this scene before the + country had been penetrated by any inhabitants:—-to vary his + sensations, and to break in upon their stillness, he will form to himself + an image of the tides visiting and re-visiting the friths, the main sea + dashing against the bolder shore, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage257" + id="Bpage257"></a>{257}</span> the rivers pursuing their course to be lost + in the mighty mass of waters. He may see or hear in fancy the winds + sweeping over the lakes, or piping with a loud voice among the mountain + peaks; and, lastly, may think of the primeval woods shedding and renewing + their leaves with no human eye to notice, or human heart to regret or + welcome the change. 'When the first settlers entered this region (says an + animated writer) they found it overspread with wood; forest trees, the + fir, the oak, the ash, and the birch had skirted the fells, tufted the + hills, and shaded the vallies, through centuries of silent solitude; the + birds and beasts of prey reigned over the meeker species; and the <i>bellum + inter omnia</i> maintained the balance of Nature in the empire of beasts.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such was the state and appearance of this region when the aboriginal + colonists of the Celtic tribes were first driven or drawn towards it, and + became joint tenants with the wolf, the boar, the wild bull, the red deer, + and the leigh, a gigantic species of deer which has been long extinct; + while the inaccessible crags were occupied by the falcon, the raven, and + the eagle. The inner parts were too secluded, and of too little value, to + participate much of the benefit of Roman manners; and though these + conquerors encouraged the Britons to the improvement of their lands in the + plain country of Furness and Cumberland, they seem to have had little + connexion with the mountains, except for military purposes, or in + subservience to the profit they drew from the mines. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When the Romans retired from Great Britain, it is well known that these + mountain-fastnesses furnished a protection to some unsubdued Britons, long + after the more accessible and more fertile districts had been seized by + the Saxon or Danish invader. A few, though distinct, traces of Roman forts + or camps, as at Ambleside, and upon Dunmallet, and a few circles of rude + stones attributed to the Druids<a name="BFNanchor_56_56" + id="BFNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#BFootnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a>, + are the only vestiges that re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage258" + id="Bpage258"></a>{258}</span> main upon the surface of the country, of + these ancient occupants; and, as the Saxons and Danes, who succeeded to + the possession of the villages and hamlets which had been established by + the Britons, seem at first to have confined themselves to the open + country,—- we may descend at once to times long posterior to the + conquest by the Normans, when their feudal polity was regularly + established. We may easily conceive that these narrow dales and mountain + sides, choaked up as they must have been with wood, lying out of the way + of communication with other parts of the Island, and upon the edge of a + hostile kingdom, could have little attraction for the high-born and + powerful; especially as the more open parts of the country furnished + positions for castles and houses of defence, sufficient to repel any of + those sudden attacks, which, in the then rude state of military knowledge, + could be made upon them. Accordingly, the more retired regions (and to + such I am now confining myself) must have been neglected or shunned even + by the persons whose baronial or signioral rights extended over them, and + left, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage259" id="Bpage259"></a>{259}</span> + doubtless, partly as a place of refuge for outlaws and robbers, and partly + granted out for the more settled habitation of a few vassals following the + employment of shepherds or woodlanders. Hence these lakes and inner + vallies are unadorned by any remains of ancient grandeur, castles, or + monastic edifices, which are only found upon the skirts of the country, as + Furness Abbey, Calder Abbey, the Priory of Lannercost, Gleaston Castle,—long + ago a residence of the Flemings,—and the numerous ancient castles of + the Cliffords, the Lucys, and the Dacres. On the southern side of these + mountains, (especially in that part known by the name of Furness Fells, + which is more remote from the borders,) the state of society would + necessarily be more settled; though it also was fashioned, not a little, + by its neighbourhood to a hostile kingdom. We will, therefore, give a + sketch of the economy of the Abbots in the distribution of lands among + their tenants, as similar plans were doubtless adopted by other Lords, and + as the consequences have affected the face of the country materially to + the present day, being, in fact, one of the principal causes which give it + such a striking superiority, in beauty and interest, over all other parts + of the island. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'When the Abbots of Furness,' says an author before cited, 'enfranchised + their villains, and raised them to the dignity of customary tenants, the + lands, which they had cultivated for their lord, were divided into whole + tenements; each of which, besides the customary annual rent, was charged + with the obligation of having in readiness a man completely armed for the + king's service on the borders, or elsewhere; each of these whole tenements + was again subdivided into four equal parts; each villain had one; and the + party tenant contributed his share to the support of the man of arms, and + of other burdens. These divisions were not properly distinguished; the + land remained mixed; each tenant had a share through all the arable and + meadow-land, and common of pasture over all the wastes. These + sub-tenements were judged sufficient for the support of so many families; + and no further division was permitted. These divisions and sub-divisions + were convenient at the time for which they were calculated: the land, so + parcelled out, was of necessity more attended to, and the industry + greater, when more persons were to be supported by the produce of it. The + frontier of the kingdom, within which Furness was considered, was in a + constant <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage260" id="Bpage260"></a>{260}</span> + state of attack and defence; more hands, therefore, were necessary to + guard the coast, to repel an invasion from Scotland, or make reprisals on + the hostile neighbour. The dividing the lands in such manner as has been + shown, increased the number of inhabitants, and kept them at home till + called for: and, the land being mixed, and the several tenants united in + equipping the plough, the absence of the fourth man was no prejudice to + the cultivation of his land, which was committed to the care of three. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'While the villains of Low Furness were thus distributed over the land, + and employed in agriculture; those of High Furness were charged with the + care of flocks and herds, to protect them from the wolves which lurked in + the thickets, and in winter to browze them with the tender sprouts of + hollies and ash. This custom was not till lately discontinued in High + Furness; and holly-trees were carefully preserved for that purpose when + all other wood was cleared off; large tracts of common being so covered + with these trees, as to have the appearance of a forest of hollies. At the + Shepherd's call, the flocks surrounded the holly-bush, and received the + croppings at his hand, which they greedily nibbled up, bleating for more. + The Abbots of Furness enfranchised these pastoral vassals, and permitted + them to enclose <i>quillets</i> to their houses, for which they paid + encroachment rent.'—West's <i>Antiquities of Furness</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + However desirable, for the purposes of defence, a numerous population + might be, it was not possible to make at once the same numerous allotments + among the untilled vallies, and upon the sides of the mountains, as had + been made in the cultivated plains. The enfranchised shepherd or + woodlander, having chosen there his place of residence, builds it of sods, + or of the mountain-stone, and, with the permission of his lord, encloses, + like Robinson Crusoe, a small croft or two immediately at his door for + such animals as he wishes to protect. Others are happy to imitate his + example, and avail themselves of the same privileges: and thus a + population, mainly of Danish or Norse origin, as the dialect indicates, + crept on towards the more secluded parts of the vallies. Chapels, + daughters of some distant mother church, are first erected in the more + open and fertile vales, as those of Bowness and Grasmere, offsets of + Kendal: which again, after a period, as the settled population increases, + become mother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage261" id="Bpage261"></a>{261}</span> + churches to smaller edifices, planted, at length, in almost every dale + throughout the country. The inclosures, formed by the tenantry, are for a + long time confined to the home-steads; and the arable and meadow land of + the vales is possessed in common field; the several portions being marked + out by stones, bushes, or trees; which portions, where the custom has + survived, to this day are called <i>dales</i>, from the word <i>deylen</i>, + to distribute; but, while the valley was thus lying open, enclosures seem + to have taken place upon the sides of the mountains; because the land + there was not intermixed, and was of little comparative value; and, + therefore, small opposition would be made to its being appropriated by + those to whose habitations it was contiguous. Hence the singular + appearance which the sides of many of these mountains exhibit, + intersected, as they are, almost to the summit, with stone walls. When + first erected, these stone fences must have little disfigured the face of + the country; as part of the lines would every where be hidden by the + quantity of native wood then remaining; and the lines would also be broken + (as they still are) by the rocks which interrupt and vary their course. In + the meadows, and in those parts of the lower grounds where the soil has + not been sufficiently drained, and could not afford a stable foundation, + there, when the increasing value of land, and the inconvenience suffered + from intermixed plots of ground in common field, had induced each + inhabitant to enclose his own, they were compelled to make the fences of + alders, willows, and other trees. These, where the native wood had + disappeared, have frequently enriched the vallies with a sylvan + appearance; while the intricate intermixture of property has given to the + fences a graceful irregularity, which, where large properties are + prevalent, and large capitals employed in agriculture, is unknown. This + sylvan appearance is heightened by the number of ash-trees planted in rows + along the quick fences, and along the walls, for the purpose of browzing + the cattle at the approach of winter. The branches are lopped off and + strewn upon the pastures; and when the cattle have stripped them of the + leaves, they are used for repairing the hedges or for fuel. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have thus seen a numerous body of Dalesmen creeping into possession of + their home-steads, their little crofts, their mountain-enclosures; and, + finally, the whole vale is visibly divided; except, perhaps, here and + there some marshy ground, which, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage262" + id="Bpage262"></a>{262}</span> till fully drained, would not repay the + trouble of enclosing. But these last partitions do not seem to have been + general, till long after the pacification of the Borders, by the union of + the two crowns: when the cause, which had first determined the + distribution of land into such small parcels, had not only ceased,—but + likewise a general improvement had taken place in the country, with a + correspondent rise in the value of its produce. From the time of the + union, it is certain that this species of feudal population must rapidly + have diminished. That it was formerly much more numerous than it is at + present, is evident from the multitude of tenements (I do not mean houses, + but small divisions of land) which belonged formerly each to a several + proprietor, and for which separate fines are paid to the manorial lord at + this day. These are often in the proportion of four to one of the present + occupants. 'Sir Launcelot Threlkeld, who lived in the reign of Henry VII., + was wont to say, he had three noble houses, one for pleasure, Crosby, in + Westmoreland, where he had a park full of deer; one for profit and warmth, + wherein to reside in winter, namely, Yanwith, nigh Penrith; and the third, + Threlkeld, (on the edge of the vale of Keswick,) well stocked with tenants + to go with him to the wars.' But, as I have said, from the union of the + two crowns, this numerous vassalage (their services not being wanted) + would rapidly diminish; various tenements would be united in one + possessor; and the aboriginal houses, probably little better than hovels, + like the kraels of savages, or the huts of the Highlanders of Scotland, + would fall into decay, and the places of many be supplied by substantial + and comfortable buildings, a majority of which remain to this day + scattered over the vallies, and are often the only dwellings found in + them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From the time of the erection of these houses, till within the last sixty + years, the state of society, though no doubt slowly and gradually + improving, underwent no material change. Corn was grown in these vales + (through which no carriage-road had yet been made) sufficient upon each + estate to furnish bread for each family, and no more: notwithstanding the + union of several tenements, the possessions of each inhabitant still being + small, in the same field was seen an intermixture of different crops; and + the plough was interrupted by little rocks, mostly overgrown with wood, or + by spongy places, which the tillers of the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage263" id="Bpage263"></a>{263}</span> soil had neither leisure + nor capital to convert into firm land. The storms and moisture of the + climate induced them to sprinkle their upland property with outhouses of + native stone, as places of shelter for their sheep, where, in tempestuous + weather, food was distributed to them. Every family spun from its own + flock the wool with which it was clothed; a weaver was here and there + found among them; and the rest of their wants was supplied by the produce + of the yarn, which they carded and spun in their own houses, and carried + to market, either under their arms, or more frequently on pack-horses, a + small train taking their way weekly down the valley or over the mountains + to the most commodious town. They had, as I have said, their rural chapel, + and of course their minister, in clothing or in manner of life, in no + respect differing from themselves, except on the Sabbath-day; this was the + sole distinguished individual among them; every thing else, person and + possession, exhibited a perfect equality, a community of shepherds and + agriculturists, proprietors, for the most part, of the lands which they + occupied and cultivated. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + While the process above detailed was going on, the native forest must have + been every where receding; but trees were planted for the sustenance of + the flocks in winter,—such was then the rude state of agriculture; + and, for the same cause, it was necessary that care should be taken of + some part of the growth of the native woods. Accordingly, in Queen + Elizabeth's time, this was so strongly felt, that a petition was made to + the Crown, praying, 'that the Blomaries in High Furness might be + abolished, on account of the quantity of wood which was consumed in them + for the use of the mines, to the great detriment of the cattle.' But this + same cause, about a hundred years after, produced effects directly + contrary to those which had been deprecated. The re-establishment, at that + period, of furnaces upon a large scale, made it the interest of the people + to convert the steeper and more stony of the enclosures, sprinkled over + with remains of the native forest, into close woods, which, when cattle + and sheep were excluded, rapidly sowed and thickened themselves. The + reader's attention has been directed to the cause by which tufts of wood, + pasturage, meadow, and arable land, with its various produce, are + intricately intermingled in the same field; and he will now see, in like + manner, how <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage264" id="Bpage264"></a>{264}</span> + enclosures entirely of wood, and those of cultivated ground, are blended + all over the country under a law of similar wildness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + An historic detail has thus been given of the manner in which the hand of + man has acted upon the surface of the inner regions of this mountainous + country, as incorporated with and subservient to the powers and processes + of Nature. We will now take a view of the same agency—acting, within + narrower bounds, for the production of the few works of art and + accommodations of life which, in so simple a state of society, could be + necessary. These are merely habitations of man and coverts for beasts, + roads and bridges, and places of worship. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And to begin with the COTTAGES. They are scattered over the vallies, and + under the hill sides, and on the rocks; and, even to this day, in the more + retired dales, without any intrusion of more assuming buildings; + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Cluster'd like stars some few, but single most,<br /></span> <span>And + lurking dimly in their shy retreats,<br /></span> <span>Or glancing on + each other cheerful looks,<br /></span> <span>Like separated stars with + clouds between.—MS.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The dwelling-houses, and contiguous outhouses, are, in many instances, of + the colour of the native rock, out of which they have been built; but, + frequently the Dwelling or Fire-house, as it is ordinarily called, has + been distinguished from the barn or byer by rough-cast and white wash, + which, as the inhabitants are not hasty in renewing it, in a few years + acquires, by the influence of weather, a tint at once sober and + variegated. As these houses have been, from father to son, inhabited by + persons engaged in the same occupations, yet necessarily with changes in + their circumstances, they have received without incongruity additions and + accommodations adapted to the needs of each successive occupant, who, + being for the most part proprietor, was at liberty to follow his own + fancy: so that these humble dwellings remind the contemplative spectator + of a production of Nature, and may (using a strong expression) rather be + said to have grown than to have been erected;—to have risen, by an + instinct of their own, out of the native rock—so little is there in + them of formality, such is their wildness and beauty. Among the numerous + recesses and projections in the walls and in the different stages of their + roofs, are seen bold and harmonious <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage265" id="Bpage265"></a>{265}</span> effects of contrasted + sunshine and shadow. It is a favourable circumstance, that the strong + winds, which sweep down the vallies, induced the inhabitants, at a time + when the materials for building were easily procured, to furnish many of + these dwellings with substantial porches; and such as have not this + defence, are seldom unprovided with a projection of two large slates over + their thresholds. Nor will the singular beauty of the chimneys escape the + eye of the attentive traveller. Sometimes a low chimney, almost upon a + level with the roof, is overlaid with a slate, supported upon four slender + pillars, to prevent the wind from driving the smoke down the chimney. + Others are of a quadrangular shape, rising one or two feet above the roof; + which low square is often surmounted by a tall cylinder, giving to the + cottage chimney the most beautiful shape in which it is ever seen. Nor + will it be too fanciful or refined to remark, that there is a pleasing + harmony between a tall chimney of this circular form, and the living + column of smoke, ascending from it through the still air. These dwellings, + mostly built, as has been said, of rough unhewn stone, are roofed with + slates, which were rudely taken from the quarry before the present art of + splitting them was understood, and are, therefore, rough and uneven in + their surface, so that both the coverings and sides of the houses have + furnished places of rest for the seeds of lichens, mosses, ferns, and + flowers. Hence buildings, which in their very form call to mind the + processes of Nature, do thus, clothed in part with a vegetable garb, + appear to be received into the bosom of the living principle of things, as + it acts and exists among the woods and fields; and, by their colour and + their shape, affectingly direct the thoughts to that tranquil course of + Nature and simplicity, along which the humble-minded inhabitants have, + through so many generations, been led. Add the little garden with its shed + for bee-hives, its small bed of pot-herbs, and its borders and patches of + flowers for Sunday posies, with sometimes a choice few too much prized to + be plucked; an orchard of proportioned size; a cheese-press, often + supported by some tree near the door; a cluster of embowering sycamores + for summer shade; with a tall fir, through which the winds sing when other + trees are leafless; the little rill or household spout murmuring in all + seasons;—combine these incidents and images together, and you have + the representative idea of a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage266" + id="Bpage266"></a>{266}</span> mountain-cottage in this country so + beautifully formed in itself, and so richly adorned by the hand of Nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Till within the last sixty years there was no communication between any of + these vales by carriage-roads; all bulky articles were transported on + pack-horses. Owing, however, to the population not being concentrated in + villages, but scattered, the vallies themselves were intersected as now by + innumerable lanes and pathways leading from house to house and from field + to field. These lanes, where they are fenced by stone walls, are mostly + bordered with ashes, hazels, wild roses, and beds of tall fern, at their + base; while the walls themselves, if old, are overspread with mosses, + small ferns, wild strawberries, the geranium, and lichens: and, if the + wall happen to rest against a bank of earth, it is sometimes almost wholly + concealed by a rich facing of stone-fern. It is a great advantage to a + traveller or resident, that these numerous lanes and paths, if he be a + zealous admirer of Nature, will lead him on into all the recesses of the + country, so that the hidden treasures of its landscapes may, by an + ever-ready guide, be laid open to his eyes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Likewise to the smallness of the several properties is owing the great + number of bridges over the brooks and torrents, and the daring and + graceful neglect of danger or accommodation with which so many of them are + constructed, the rudeness of the forms of some, and their endless variety. + But, when I speak of this rudeness, I must at the same time add, that many + of these structures are in themselves models of elegance, as if they had + been formed upon principles of the most thoughtful architecture. It is to + be regretted that these monuments of the skill of our ancestors, and of + that happy instinct by which consummate beauty was produced, are + disappearing fast; but sufficient specimens remain<a name="BFNanchor_57_57" + id="BFNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#BFootnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> + to give a high gratification to the man of genuine taste. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage267" id="Bpage267"></a>{267}</span> + Travellers who may not have been accustomed to pay attention to things so + inobtrusive, will excuse me if I point out the proportion between the span + and elevation of the arch, the lightness of the parapet, and the graceful + manner in which its curve follows faithfully that of the arch. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon this subject I have nothing further to notice, except the PLACES OF + WORSHIP, which have mostly a little school-house adjoining<a + name="BFNanchor_58_58" id="BFNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#BFootnote_58_58" + class="fnanchor">[58]</a>. The architecture of these churches and chapels, + where they have not been recently rebuilt or modernised, is of a style not + less appropriate and admirable than that of the dwelling-houses and other + structures. How sacred the spirit by which our forefathers were directed! + The <i>Religio loci</i> is no where violated by these unstinted, yet + unpretending, works of human hands. They exhibit generally a + well-proportioned oblong, with a suitable porch, in some instances a + steeple tower, and in others nothing more than a small belfry, in which + one or two bells hang visibly. But these objects, though pleasing in their + forms, must necessarily, more than others in rural scenery, derive their + interest from the sentiments of piety and reverence for the modest virtues + and simple manners of humble life with which they may be contemplated. A + man must be very insensible who would not be touched with pleasure at the + sight of the chapel of Buttermere, so strikingly expressing, by its + diminutive size, how small must be the congregation there assembled, as it + were, like one family; and proclaiming at the same time to the passenger, + in connection with the surrounding mountains, the depth of that seclusion + in which the people live, that has rendered necessary the building of a + separate place of worship for so few. A patriot, calling to mind the + images of the stately fabrics of Canterbury, York, or Westminster, will + find a heartfelt satisfaction in presence of this lowly pile, as a <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage268" id="Bpage268"></a>{268}</span> monument + of the wise institutions of our country, and as evidence of the + all-pervading and paternal care of that venerable Establishment, of which + it is, perhaps, the humblest daughter. The edifice is scarcely larger than + many of the single stones or fragments of rock which are scattered near + it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have thus far confined our observations, on this division of the + subject, to that part of these Dales which runs up far into the mountains. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As we descend towards the open country, we meet with halls and mansions, + many of which have been places of defence against the incursions of the + Scottish borderers; and they not unfrequently retain their towers and + battlements. To these houses, parks are sometimes attached, and to their + successive proprietors we chiefly owe whatever ornament is still left to + the country of majestic timber. Through the open parts of the vales are + scattered, also, houses of a middle rank between the pastoral cottage and + the old hall residence of the knight or esquire. Such houses differ much + from the rugged cottages before described, and are generally graced with a + little court or garden in front, where may yet be seen specimens of those + fantastic and quaint figures which our ancestors were fond of shaping out + in yew-tree, holly, or box-wood. The passenger will sometimes smile at + such elaborate display of petty art, while the house does not deign to + look upon the natural beauty or the sublimity which its situation almost + unavoidably commands. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus has been given a faithful description, the minuteness of which the + reader will pardon, of the face of this country as it was, and had been + through centuries, till within the last sixty years. Towards the head of + these Dales was found a perfect Republic of Shepherds and Agriculturists, + among whom the plough of each man was confined to the maintenance of his + own family, or to the occasional accommodation of his neighbour<a + name="BFNanchor_59_59" id="BFNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#BFootnote_59_59" + class="fnanchor">[59]</a>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Two or three cows furnished each family with milk <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage269" id="Bpage269"></a>{269}</span> and cheese. The chapel was + the only edifice that presided over these dwellings, the supreme head of + this pure Commonwealth; the members of which existed in the midst of a + powerful empire, like an ideal society or an organised community, whose + constitution had been imposed and regulated by the mountains which + protected it. Neither high-born nobleman, knight, nor esquire, was here; + but many of these humble sons of the hills had a consciousness that the + land, which they walked over and tilled, had for more than five hundred + years been possessed by men of their name and blood; and venerable was the + transition, when a curious traveller, descending from the heart of the + mountains, had come to some ancient manorial residence in the more open + parts of the Vales, which, through the rights attached to its proprietor, + connected the almost visionary mountain republic he had been contemplating + with the substantial frame of society as existing in the laws and + constitution of a mighty empire. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + SECTION THIRD. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + CHANGES, AND BULKS OF TASTE FOR PREVENTING THEIR BAD EFFECTS. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such, as hath been said, was the appearance of things till within the last + sixty years. A practice, denominated Ornamental Gardening, was at that + time becoming prevalent over England. In union with an admiration of this + art, and in some instances in opposition to it, had been generated a + relish for select parts of natural scenery: and Travellers, instead of + confining their observations to Towns, Manufactories, or Mines, began (a + thing till then unheard of) to wander over the island in search of + sequestered spots, distinguished as they might accidentally have learned, + for the sublimity or beauty of the forms of Nature there to be seen.—Dr. + Brown, the celebrated Author of the <i>Estimate of the Manners and + Principles of the Times</i>, published a letter to a friend, in which the + attractions of the Vale of Keswick were delineated with a powerful pencil, + and the feeling of a genuine Enthusiast. Gray, the Poet, followed: he died + soon after his forlorn and melancholy pilgrimage to the Vale of Keswick, + and the record left behind him of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage270" + id="Bpage270"></a>{270}</span> what he had seen and felt in this journey, + excited that pensive interest with which the human mind is ever disposed + to listen to the farewell words of a man of genius. The journal of Gray + feelingly showed how the gloom of ill health and low spirits had been + irradiated by objects, which the Author's powers of mind enabled him to + describe with distinctness and unaffected simplicity. Every reader of this + journal must have been impressed with the words which conclude his notice + of the Vale of Grasmere:—'Not a single red tile, no flaring + gentleman's house or garden-wall, breaks in upon the repose of this little + unsuspected paradise; but all is peace, rusticity, and happy poverty, in + its neatest and most becoming attire.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What is here so justly said of Grasmere applied almost equally to all its + sister Vales. It was well for the undisturbed pleasure of the Poet that he + had no forebodings of the change which was soon to take place; and it + might have been hoped that these words, indicating how much the charm of + what <i>was</i>, depended upon what was <i>not</i>, would of themselves + have preserved the ancient franchises of this and other kindred mountain + retirements from trespass; or (shall I dare to say?) would have secured + scenes so consecrated from profanation. The lakes had now become + celebrated; visitors flocked hither from all parts of England; the fancies + of some were smitten so deeply, that they became settlers; and the Islands + of Derwent-water and Winandermere, as they offered the strongest + temptation, were the first places seized upon, and were instantly defaced + by the intrusion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The venerable wood that had grown for centuries round the small house + called St. Herbert's Hermitage, had indeed some years before been felled + by its native proprietor, and the whole island planted anew with Scotch + firs, left to spindle up by each other's side—a melancholy phalanx, + defying the power of the winds, and disregarding the regret of the + spectator, who might otherwise have cheated himself into a belief, that + some of the decayed remains of those oaks, the place of which was in this + manner usurped, had been planted by the Hermit's own hand. This sainted + spot, however, suffered comparatively little injury. At the bidding of an + alien improver, the Hind's Cottage, upon Vicar's island, in the same lake, + with its embowering sycamores and cattle-shed, disappeared from the corner + where they stood; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage271" id="Bpage271"></a>{271}</span> + and right in the middle, and upon the precise point of the island's + highest elevation, rose a tall square habitation, with four sides exposed, + like an astronomer's observatory, or a warren-house reared upon an + eminence for the detection of depredators, or, like the temple of Œolus, + where all the winds pay him obeisance. Round this novel structure, but at + a respectful distance, platoons of firs were stationed, as if to protect + their commander when weather and time should somewhat have shattered his + strength. Within the narrow limits of this island were typified also the + state and strength of a kingdom, and its religion as it had been, and was,—for + neither was the druidical circle uncreated, nor the church of the present + establishment; nor the stately pier, emblem of commerce and navigation; + nor the fort to deal out thunder upon the approaching invader. The taste + of a succeeding proprietor rectified the mistakes as far as was + practicable, and has ridded the spot of its puerilities. The church, after + having been docked of its steeple, is applied both ostensibly and really, + to the purpose for which the body of the pile was actually erected, + namely, a boat-house; the fort is demolished; and, without indignation on + the part of the spirits of the ancient Druids who officiated at the circle + upon the opposite hill, the mimic arrangement of stones, with its <i>sanctum + sanctorum</i>, has been swept away. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The present instance has been singled out, extravagant as it is, because, + unquestionably, this beautiful country has, in numerous other places, + suffered from the same spirit, though not clothed exactly in the same + form, nor active in an equal degree. It will be sufficient here to utter a + regret for the changes that have been made upon the principal Island at + Winandermere, and in its neighbourhood. What could be more unfortunate + than the taste that suggested the paring of the shores, and surrounding + with an embankment this spot of ground, the natural shape of which was so + beautiful! An artificial appearance has thus been given to the whole, + while infinite varieties of minute beauty have been destroyed. Could not + the margin of this noble island be given back to Nature? Winds and waves + work with a careless and graceful hand: and, should they in some places + carry away a portion of the soil, the trifling loss would be amply + compensated by the additional spirit, dignity, and loveliness, which these + agents and the other <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage272" id="Bpage272"></a>{272}</span> + powers of Nature would soon communicate to what was left behind. As to the + larch-plantations upon the main shore,—they who remember the + original appearance of the rocky steeps, scattered over with native + hollies and ash-trees, will be prepared to agree with what I shall have to + say hereafter upon plantations<a name="BFNanchor_60_60" + id="BFNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#BFootnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> + in general. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, in truth, no one can now travel through the more frequented tracts, + without being offended, at almost every turn, by an introduction of + discordant objects, disturbing that peaceful harmony of form and colour, + which had been through a long lapse of ages most happily preserved. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All gross transgressions of this kind originate, doubtless, in a feeling + natural and honourable to the human mind, viz. the pleasure which it + receives from distinct ideas, and from the perception of order, + regularity, and contrivance. Now, unpractised minds receive these + impressions only from objects that are divided from each other by strong + lines of demarcation; hence the delight with which such minds are smitten + by formality and harsh contrast. But I would beg of those who are eager to + create the means of such gratification, first carefully to study what + already exists; and they will find, in a country so lavishly gifted by + Nature, an abundant variety of forms marked out with a precision that will + satisfy their desires. Moreover, a new habit of pleasure will be formed + opposite to this, arising out of the perception of the fine gradations by + which in Nature one thing passes away into another, and the boundaries + that constitute individuality disappear in one instance only to be revived + elsewhere under a more alluring form. The bill of Dunmallet, at the foot + of Ulswater, was once divided into different portions, by avenues of + fir-trees, with a green and almost perpendicular lane descending down the + steep hill through each avenue;—contrast this quaint appearance with + the image of the same hill overgrown with self-planted wood,—each + tree springing up in the situation best suited to its kind, and with that + shape which the situation constrained or suffered it to take. What endless + melting and playing into each other of forms and colours does the one + offer to a mind at once attentive and active; and how insipid and + lifeless, compared with it, appear those parts of the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage273" id="Bpage273"></a>{273}</span> former exhibition with + which a child, a peasant perhaps, or a citizen unfamiliar with natural + imagery, would have been most delighted! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The disfigurement which this country has undergone, has not, however, + proceeded wholly from the common feelings of human nature which have been + referred to as the primary sources of bad taste in rural imagery; another + cause must be added, that has chiefly shown itself in its effect upon + buildings. I mean a warping of the natural mind occasioned by a + consciousness that, this country being an object of general admiration, + every new house would be looked at and commented upon either for + approbation or censure. Hence all the deformity and ungracefulness that + ever pursue the steps of constraint or affectation. Persons, who in + Leicestershire or Northamptonshire would probably have built a modest + dwelling like those of their sensible neighbours, have been turned out of + their course; and, acting a part, no wonder if, having had little + experience, they act it ill. The craving for prospect, also, which is + immoderate, particularly in new settlers, has rendered it impossible that + buildings, whatever might have been their architecture, should in most + instances be ornamental to the landscape: rising as they do from the + summits of naked hills in staring contrast to the snugness and privacy of + the ancient houses. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + No man is to be condemned for a desire to decorate his residence and + possessions; feeling a disposition to applaud such an endeavour, I would + show how the end may be best attained. The rule is simple; with respect to + grounds—work, where you can, in the spirit of Nature, with an + invisible hand of art. Planting, and a removal of wood, may thus, and thus + only, be carried on with good effect; and the like may be said of + building, if Antiquity, who may be styled the co-partner and sister of + Nature, be not denied the respect to which she is entitled. I have already + spoken of the beautiful forms of the ancient mansions of this country, and + of the happy manner in which they harmonise with the forms of Nature. Why + cannot such be taken as a model, and modern internal convenience be + confined within their external grace and dignity. Expense to be avoided, + or difficulties to be overcome, may prevent a close adherence to this + model; still, however, it might be followed to a certain <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage274" id="Bpage274"></a>{274}</span> degree + in the style of architecture and in the choice of situation, if the thirst + for prospect were mitigated by those considerations of comfort, shelter, + and convenience, which used to be chiefly sought after. But should an + aversion to old fashions unfortunately exist, accompanied with a desire to + transplant into the cold and stormy North, the elegancies of a villa + formed upon a model taken from countries with a milder climate, I will + adduce a passage from an English poet, the divine Spenser, which will show + in what manner such a plan may be realised without injury to the native + beauty of these scenes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Into that forest farre they thence him led,<br /></span> <span>Where + was their dwelling in a pleasant glade<br /></span> <span>With MOUNTAINS + round about environed,<br /></span> <span>And MIGHTY WOODS which did the + valley shade,<br /></span> <span>And like a stately theatre it made,<br /></span> + <span>Spreading itself into a spacious plaine;<br /></span> <span>And in + the midst a little river plaide<br /></span> <span>Emongst the puny + stones which seem'd to 'plaine<br /></span> <span>With gentle murmure + that his course they did restraine.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Beside the same a dainty place there lay,<br /></span> <span>Planted + with mirtle trees and laurels green,<br /></span> <span>In which the + birds sang many a lovely lay<br /></span> <span>Of God's high praise, and + of their sweet loves teene,<br /></span> <span>As it an earthly paradise + had beene;<br /></span> <span>In whose <i>enclosed shadow</i> there was + pight<br /></span> <span>A fair pavillion, <i>scarcely to be seen</i>,<br /></span> + <span>The which was all within most richly dight,<br /></span> <span>That + greatest princes living it mote well delight.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Houses or mansions suited to a mountainous region, should be 'not obvious, + not obtrusive, but retired;' and the reasons for this rule, though they + have been little adverted to, are evident. Mountainous countries, more + frequently and forcibly than others, remind us of the power of the + elements, as manifested in winds, snows, and torrents, and accordingly + make the notion of exposure very unpleasing; while shelter and comfort are + in proportion necessary and acceptable. Far-winding vallies difficult of + access, and the feelings of simplicity habitually connected with mountain + retirements, prompt us to turn from ostentation as a thing there eminently + unnatural and out of place. A mansion, amid such scenes, can never have + sufficient dignity or interest to become principal in the landscape, and + to render the mountains, lakes, or torrents, by which it may be <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage275" id="Bpage275"></a>{275}</span> + surrounded, a subordinate part of the view. It is, I grant, easy to + conceive, that an ancient castellated building, hanging over a precipice + or raised upon an island, or the peninsula of a lake, like that of + Kilchurn Castle, upon Loch Awe, may not want, whether deserted or + inhabited, sufficient majesty to preside for a moment in the spectator's + thoughts over the high mountains among which it is embosomed; but its + titles are from antiquity—a power readily submitted to upon occasion + as the vicegerent of Nature: it is respected, as having owed its existence + to the necessities of things, as a monument of security in times of + disturbance and danger long passed away,—as a record of the pomp and + violence of passion, and a symbol of the wisdom of law; it bears a + countenance of authority, which is not impaired by decay. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Child of loud-throated War, the mountain stream<br /></span> <span>Roars + in thy hearing; but thy hour of rest<br /></span> <span>Is come, and thou + art silent in thy age!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To such honours a modern edifice can lay no claim; and the puny efforts of + elegance appear contemptible, when, in such situations, they are obtruded + in rivalship with the sublimities of Nature. But, towards the verge of a + district like this of which we are treating, where the mountains subside + into hills of moderate elevation, or in an undulating or flat country, a + gentleman's mansion may, with propriety, become a principal feature in the + landscape; and, itself being a work of art, works and traces of artificial + ornament may, without censure, be extended around it, as they will be + referred to the common centre, the house; the right of which to impress + within certain limits a character of obvious ornament will not be denied, + where no commanding forms of Nature dispute it, or set it aside. Now, to a + want of the perception of this difference, and to the causes before + assigned, may chiefly be attributed the disfigurement which the Country of + the Lakes has undergone, from persons who may have built, demolished, and + planted, with full confidence, that every change and addition was or would + become an improvement. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The principle that ought to determine the position, apparent size, and + architecture of a house, viz. that it should be so constructed, and (if + large) so much of it hidden, as to admit of its being gently incorporated + into the scenery of Nature—should <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage276" id="Bpage276"></a>{276}</span> also determine its colour. + Sir Joshua Reynolds used to say, 'If you would fix upon the best colour + for your house, turn up a stone, or pluck up a handful of grass by the + roots, and see what is the colour of the soil where the house is to stand, + and let that be your choice.' Of course, this precept given in + conversation, could not have been meant to be taken literally. For + example, in Low Furness, where the soil, from its strong impregnation with + iron, is universally of a deep red, if this rule were strictly followed, + the house also must be of a glaring red; in other places it must be of a + sullen black; which would only be adding annoyance to annoyance. The rule, + however, as a general guide, is good; and, in agricultural districts, + where large tracts of soil are laid bare by the plough, particularly if + (the face of the country being undulating) they are held up to view, this + rule, though not to be implicitly adhered to, should never be lost sight + of;—the colour of the house ought, if possible, to have a cast or + shade of the colour of the soil. The principle is, that the house must + harmonise with the surrounding landscape: accordingly, in mountainous + countries, with still more confidence may it be said, 'look at the rocks + and those parts of the mountains where the soil is visible, and they will + furnish a safe direction.' Nevertheless, it will often happen that the + rocks may bear so large a proportion to the rest of the landscape, and may + be of such a tone of colour, that the rule may not admit, even here, of + being implicitly followed. For instance, the chief defect in the colouring + of the Country of the Lakes (which is most strongly felt in the summer + season) is an over-prevalence of a bluish tint, which the green of the + herbage, the fern, and the woods, does not sufficiently counteract. If a + house, therefore, should stand where this defect prevails, I have no + hesitation in saying, that the colour of the neighbouring rocks would not + be the best that could be chosen. A tint ought to be introduced + approaching nearer to those which, in the technical language of painters, + are called <i>warm</i>: this, if happily selected, would not disturb, but + would animate the landscape. How often do we see this exemplified upon a + small scale by the native cottages, in cases where the glare of white-wash + has been subdued by time and enriched by weather-stains! No harshness is + then seen; but one of these cottages, thus coloured, will often form a + central point to a landscape by which the whole <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage277" id="Bpage277"></a>{277}</span> shall be connected, and an + influence of pleasure diffused over all the objects that compose the + picture. But where the cold blue tint of the rocks is enriched by the iron + tinge, the colour cannot be too closely imitated; and it will be produced + of itself by the stones hewn from the adjoining quarry, and by the mortar, + which may be tempered with the most gravelly part of the soil. The pure + blue gravel, from the bed of the river, is, however, more suitable to the + mason's purpose, who will probably insist also that the house must be + covered with rough-cast, otherwise it cannot be kept dry; if this advice + be taken, the builder of taste will set about contriving such means as may + enable him to come the nearest to the effect aimed at. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The supposed necessity of rough-cast to keep out rain in houses not built + of hewn stone or brick, has tended greatly to injure English landscape, + and the neighbourhood of these Lakes especially, by furnishing such apt + occasion for whitening buildings. That white should be a favourite colour + for rural residences is natural for many reasons. The mere aspect of + cleanliness and neatness thus given, not only to an individual house, but, + where the practice is general, to the whole face of the country, produces + moral associations so powerful, that, in many minds, they take place of + all others. But what has already been said upon the subject of cottages, + must have convinced men of feeling and imagination, that a human dwelling + of the humblest class may be rendered more deeply interesting to the + affections, and far more pleasing to the eye, by other influences, than a + sprightly tone of colour spread over its outside. I do not, however, mean + to deny, that a small white building, embowered in trees, may, in some + situations, be a delightful and animating object—in no way injurious + to the landscape; but this only where it sparkles from the midst of a + thick shade, and in rare and solitary instances; especially if the country + be itself rich and pleasing, and abound with grand forms. On the sides of + bleak and desolate moors, we are indeed thankful for the sight of white + cottages and white houses plentifully scattered, where, without these, + perhaps every thing would be cheerless: this is said, however, with + hesitation, and with a wilful sacrifice of some higher enjoyments. But I + have certainly seen such buildings glittering at sun-rise, and in + wandering lights, with no common pleasure. The continental traveller also + will remember, that the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage278" + id="Bpage278"></a>{278}</span> convents hanging from the rocks of the + Rhine, the Rhone, the Danube, or among the Appenines, or the mountains of + Spain, are not looked at with less complacency when, as is often the case, + they happen to be of a brilliant white. But this is perhaps owing, in no + small degree, to the contrast of that lively colour with the gloom of + monastic life, and to the general want of rural residences of smiling and + attractive appearance, in those countries. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The objections to white, as a colour, in large spots or masses in + landscape, especially in a mountainous country, are insurmountable. In + Nature, pure white is scarcely ever found but in small objects, such as + flowers: or in those which are transitory, as the clouds, foam of rivers, + and snow. Mr. Gilpin, who notices this, has also recorded the just remark + of Mr. Locke, of N——, that white destroys the <i>gradations</i> + of distance; and, therefore, an object of pure white can scarcely ever be + managed with good effect in landscape-painting. Five or six white houses, + scattered over a valley, by their obtrusiveness, dot the surface, and + divide it into triangles, or other mathematical figures, haunting the eye, + and disturbing that repose which might otherwise be perfect. I have seen a + single white house materially impair the majesty of a mountain; cutting + away, by a harsh separation, the whole of its base, below the point on + which the house stood. Thus was the apparent size of the mountain reduced, + not by the interposition of another object in a manner to call forth the + imagination, which will give more than the eye loses; but what had been + abstracted in this case was left visible; and the mountain appeared to + take its beginning, or to rise, from the line of the house, instead of its + own natural base. But, if I may express my own individual feeling, it is + after sunset, at the coming on of twilight, that white objects are most to + be complained of. The solemnity and quietness of Nature at that time are + always marred, and often destroyed by them. When the ground is covered + with snow, they are of course inoffensive; and in moonshine they are + always pleasing—it is a tone of light with which they accord: and + the dimness of the scene is enlivened by an object at once conspicuous and + cheerful. I will conclude this subject with noticing, that the cold, slaty + colour, which many persons, who have heard the white condemned, have + adopted in its stead, must be disapproved of for the reason al<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage279" id="Bpage279"></a>{279}</span> ready + given. The flaring yellow runs into the opposite extreme, and is still + more censurable. Upon the whole, the safest colour, for general use, is + something between a cream and a dust-colour, commonly called stone colour;—there + are, among the Lakes, examples of this that need not be pointed out.<a + name="BFNanchor_61_61" id="BFNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#BFootnote_61_61" + class="fnanchor">[61]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The principle taken as our guide, viz. that the house should be so formed, + and of such apparent size and colour, as to admit of its being gently + incorporated with the works of Nature, should also be applied to the + management of the grounds and plantations, and is here more urgently + needed; for it is from abuses in this department, far more even than from + the introduction of exotics in architecture (if the phrase may be used), + that this country has suffered. Larch and fir plantations have been + spread, not merely with a view to profit, but in many instances for the + sake of ornament. To those who plant for profit, and are thrusting every + other tree out of the way, to make room for their favourite, the larch, I + would utter first a regret, that they should have selected these lovely + vales for their vegetable manufactory, when there is so much barren and + irreclaimable land in the neighbouring moors, and in other parts of the + island, which might have been had for this purpose at a far cheaper rate. + And I will also beg leave to represent to them, that they ought not to be + carried away by flattering promises from the speedy growth of this tree; + because in rich soils and sheltered situations, the wood, though it + thrives fast, is full of sap, and of little value; and is, likewise, very + subject to ravage from the attacks of insects, and from blight. + Accordingly, in Scotland, where planting is much better understood, and + carried on upon an incomparably larger scale than among us, good soil and + sheltered situations are appropriated to the oak, the ash, and other + deciduous trees; and the larch is now generally confined to barren and + exposed ground. There the plant, which is a hardy one, is of slower + growth; much less liable to injury; and the timber is of better quality. + But the circumstances of many permit, and their taste leads them, to plant + with little regard to profit; and there are others, less wealthy, who have + such a lively feeling of the native beauty of these scenes, that they are + laudably not <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage280" id="Bpage280"></a>{280}</span> + unwilling to make some sacrifices to heighten it. Both these classes of + persons, I would entreat to inquire of themselves wherein that beauty + which they admire consists. They would then see that, after the feeling + has been gratified that prompts us to gather round our dwelling a few + flowers and shrubs, which from the circumstance of their not being native, + may, by their very looks, remind us that they owe their existence to our + hands, and their prosperity to our care; they will see that, after this + natural desire has been provided for, the course of all beyond has been + predetermined by the spirit of the place. Before I proceed, I will remind + those who are not satisfied with the restraint thus laid upon them, that + they are liable to a charge of inconsistency, when they are so eager to + change the face of that country, whose native attractions, by the act of + erecting their habitations in it, they have so emphatically acknowledged. + And surely there is not a single spot that would not have, if well + managed, sufficient dignity to support itself, unaided by the productions + of other climates, or by elaborate decorations which might be becoming + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having adverted to the feelings that justify the introduction of a few + exotic plants, provided they be confined almost to the doors of the house, + we may add, that a transition should be contrived, without abruptness, + from these foreigners to the rest of the shrubs, which ought to be of the + kinds scattered by Nature, through the woods—holly, broom, + wild-rose, elder, dogberry, white and black thorn, &c.—either + these only, or such as are carefully selected in consequence of their + being united in form, and harmonising in colour with them, especially with + respect to colour, when the tints are most diversified, as in autumn and + spring. The various sorts of fruit-and-blossom-bearing trees usually found + in orchards, to which may be added those of the woods,—namely, the + wilding, black cherry tree, and wild cluster-cherry (here called + heck-berry)—may be happily admitted as an intermediate link between + the shrubs and the forest trees; which last ought almost entirely to be + such as are natives of the country. Of the birch, one of the most + beautiful of the native trees, it may be noticed, that, in dry and rocky + situations, it outstrips even the larch, which many persons are tempted to + plant merely on account of the speed of its growth. The Scotch fir is less + attractive during its youth than any other plant; but, when full <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage281" id="Bpage281"></a>{281}</span> grown, + if it has had room to spread out its arms, it becomes a noble tree; and, + by those who are disinterested enough to plant for posterity, it may be + placed along with the sycamore near the house; for, from their + massiveness, both these trees unite well with buildings, and in some + situations with rocks also; having, in their forms and apparent + substances, the effect of something intermediate betwixt the + immoveableness and solidity of stone, and the spray and foliage of the + lighter trees. If these general rules be just, what shall we say to whole + acres of artificial shrubbery and exotic trees among rocks and dashing + torrents, with their own wild wood in sight—where we have the whole + contents of the nurseryman's catalogue jumbled together—colour at + war with colour, and form with form?—among the most peaceful + subjects of Nature's kingdom, everywhere discord, distraction, and + bewilderment! But this deformity, bad as it is, is not so obtrusive as the + small patches and large tracts of larch-plantations that are overrunning + the hill sides. To justify our condemnation of these, let us again recur + to Nature. The process, by which she forms woods and forests, is as + follows. Seeds are scattered indiscriminately by winds, brought by waters, + and dropped by birds. They perish, or produce, according as the soil and + situation upon which they fall are suited to them: and under the same + dependence, the seedling or the sucker, if not cropped by animals, (which + Nature is often careful to prevent by fencing it about with brambles or + other prickly shrubs) thrives, and the tree grows, sometimes single, + taking its own shape without constraint, but for the most part compelled + to conform itself to some law imposed upon it by its neighbours. From low + and sheltered places, vegetation travels upwards to the more exposed; and + the young plants are protected, and to a certain degree fashioned, by + those that have preceded them. The continuous mass of foliage which would + be thus produced, is broken by rocks, or by glades or open places, where + the browzing of animals has prevented the growth of wood. As vegetation + ascends, the winds begin also to bear their part in moulding the forms of + the trees; but, thus mutually protected, trees, though not of the hardiest + kind, are enabled to climb high up the mountains. Gradually, however, by + the quality of the ground, and by increasing exposure, a stop is put to + their ascent; the hardy trees only are left: those also, by little and + little, give way—and a wild <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage282" + id="Bpage282"></a>{282}</span> and irregular boundary is established, + graceful in its outline, and never contemplated without some feeling, more + or less distinct, of the powers of Nature by which it is imposed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Contrast the liberty that encourages, and the law that limits, this joint + work of Nature and Time, with the disheartening necessities, restrictions, + and disadvantages, under which the artificial planter must proceed, even + he whom long observation and fine feeling have best qualified for his + task. In the first place his trees, however well chosen and adapted to + their several situations, must generally start all at the same time; and + this necessity would of itself prevent that fine connection of parts, that + sympathy and organisation, if I may so express myself, which pervades the + whole of a natural wood, and appears to the eye in its single trees, its + masses of foliage, and their various colours, when they are held up to + view on the side of a mountain; or when, spread over a valley, they are + looked down upon from an eminence. It is therefore impossible, under any + circumstances, for the artificial planter to rival the beauty of Nature. + But a moment's thought will show that, if ten thousand of this spiky tree, + the larch, are stuck in at once upon the side of a hill, they can grow up + into nothing but deformity; that, while they are suffered to stand, we + shall look in vain for any of those appearances which are the chief + sources of beauty in a natural wood. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It must be acknowledged that the larch, till it has outgrown the size of a + shrub, shows, when looked at singly, some elegance in form and appearance, + especially in spring, decorated, as it then is, by the pink tassels of its + blossoms; but, as a tree, it is less than any other pleasing: its branches + (for <i>boughs</i> it has none) have no variety in the youth of the tree, + and little dignity, even when it attains its full growth: <i>leaves</i> it + cannot be said to have, consequently neither affords shade nor shelter. In + spring the larch becomes green long before the native trees; and its green + is so peculiar and vivid, that, finding nothing to harmonise with it, + wherever it comes forth, a disagreeable speck is produced. In summer, when + all other trees are in their pride, it is of a dingy, lifeless hue; in + autumn of a spiritless unvaried yellow, and in winter it is still more + lamentably distinguished from every other deciduous tree of the forest, + for they seem only to sleep, but the larch appears absolutely dead. If an + attempt be made to mingle thickets, or a certain proportion of other <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage283" id="Bpage283"></a>{283}</span> + forest-trees, with the larch, its horizontal branches intolerantly cut + them down as with a scythe, or force them to spindle up to keep pace with + it. The terminating spike renders it impossible that the several trees, + where planted in numbers, should ever blend together so as to form a mass + or masses of wood. Add thousands to tens of thousands, and the appearance + is still the same—a collection of separate individual trees, + obstinately presenting themselves as such; and which, from whatever point + they are looked at, if but seen, may be counted upon the fingers. + Sunshine, or shadow, has little power to adorn the surface of such a wood; + and the trees not carrying up their heads, the wind raises among them no + majestic undulations. It is indeed true, that, in countries where the + larch is a native, and where, without interruption, it may sweep from + valley to valley, and from hill to hill, a sublime image may be produced + by such a forest, in the same manner as by one composed of any other + single tree, to the spreading of which no limits can be assigned. For + sublimity will never be wanting, where the sense of innumerable multitude + is lost in, and alternates with, that of intense unity; and to the ready + perception of this effect, similarity and almost identity of individual + form and monotony of colour contribute. But this feeling is confined to + the native immeasurable forest; no artificial plantation can give it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The foregoing observations will, I hope, (as nothing has been condemned or + recommended without a substantial reason) have some influence upon those + who plant for ornament merely. To such as plant for profit, I have already + spoken. Let me then entreat that the native deciduous trees may be left in + complete possession of the lower ground; and that plantations of larch, if + introduced at all, may be confined to the highest and most barren tracts. + Interposition of rocks would there break the dreary uniformity of which we + have been complaining; and the winds would take hold of the trees, and + imprint upon their shapes a wildness congenial to their situation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having determined what kinds of trees must be wholly rejected, or at least + very sparingly used, by those who are unwilling to disfigure the country; + and having shown what kinds ought to be chosen; I should have given, if my + limits had not already been overstepped, a few practical rules for the + manner in which trees ought to be disposed in planting. But to this + subject I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage284" id="Bpage284"></a>{284}</span> + should attach little importance, if I could succeed in banishing such + trees as introduce deformity, and could prevail upon the proprietor to + confine himself, either to those found in the native woods, or to such as + accord with them. This is, indeed, the main point; for, much as these + scenes have been injured by what has been taken from them—buildings, + trees, and woods, either through negligence, necessity, avarice, or + caprice—it is not the removals, but the harsh <i>additions</i> that + have been made, which are the worst grievance—a standing and + unavoidable annoyance. Often have I felt this distinction, with mingled + satisfaction and regret; for, if no positive deformity or discordance be + substituted or superinduced, such is the benignity of Nature, that, take + away from her beauty after beauty, and ornament after ornament, her + appearance cannot be marred—the scars, if any be left, will + gradually disappear before a healing spirit; and what remains will still + be soothing and pleasing.— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10">Many hearts deplored<br /></span> <span>The fate of + those old trees; and oft with pain<br /></span> <span>The traveller at + this day will stop and gaze<br /></span> <span>On wrongs which Nature + scarcely seems to heed:<br /></span> <span>For sheltered places, bosoms, + nooks, and bays,<br /></span> <span>And the pure mountains, and the + gentle Tweed,<br /></span> <span>And the green silent pastures, yet + remain.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are few ancient woods left in this part of England upon which such + indiscriminate ravage as is here 'deplored,' could now be committed. But, + out of the numerous copses, fine woods might in time be raised, probably + without sacrifice of profit, by leaving, at the periodical fellings, a due + proportion of the healthiest trees to grow up into timber.—This plan + has fortunately, in many instances, been adopted; and they, who have set + the example, are entitled to the thanks of all persons of taste. As to the + management of planting with reasonable attention to ornament, let the + images of Nature be your guide, and the whole secret lurks in a few words; + thickets or underwoods—single trees—trees clustered or in + groups—groves—unbroken woods, but with varied masses of + foliage—glades—invisible or winding boundaries—in rocky + districts, a seemly proportion of rock left wholly bare, and other parts + half hidden—disagreeable objects concealed, and formal lines broken—trees + climbing up to the horizon, and, in some places, ascending from its sharp + edge, in which they are rooted, with the whole body of the tree <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage285" id="Bpage285"></a>{285}</span> + appearing to stand in the clear sky—in other parts, woods surmounted + by rocks utterly bare and naked, which add to the sense of height, as if + vegetation could not thither be carried, and impress a feeling of + duration, power of resistance, and security from change! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The author has been induced to speak thus at length, by a wish to preserve + the native beauty of this delightful district, because still further + changes in its appearance must inevitably follow, from the change of + inhabitants and owners which is rapidly taking place.—About the same + time that strangers began to be attracted to the country, and to feel a + desire to settle in it, the difficulty, that would have stood in the way + of their procuring situations, was lessened by an unfortunate alteration + in the circumstances of the native peasantry, proceeding from a cause + which then began to operate, and is now felt in every house. The family of + each man, whether <i>estatesman</i> or farmer, formerly had a twofold + support; first, the produce of his lands and flocks; and, secondly, the + profit drawn from the employment of the women and children, as + manufacturers; spinning their own wool in their own houses (work chiefly + done in the winter season), and carrying it to market for sale. Hence, + however numerous the children, the income of the family kept pace with its + increase. But, by the invention and universal application of machinery, + this second resource has been cut off; the gains being so far reduced, as + not to be sought after but by a few aged persons disabled from other + employment. Doubtless, the invention of machinery has not been to these + people a pure loss; for the profits arising from home-manufactures + operated as a strong temptation to choose that mode of labour in neglect + of husbandry. They also participate in the general benefit which the + island has derived from the increased value of the produce of land, + brought about by the establishment of manufactories, and in the consequent + quickening of agricultural industry. But this is far from making them + amends; and now that home-manufactures are nearly done away, though the + women and children might, at many seasons of the year, employ themselves + with advantage in the fields beyond what they are accustomed to do, yet + still all possible exertion in this way cannot be rationally expected from + persons whose agricultural knowledge is so confined, and, above all, where + there must <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage286" id="Bpage286"></a>{286}</span> + necessarily be so small a capital. The consequence, then, is—that + proprietors and farmers being no longer able to maintain themselves upon + small farms, several are united in one, and the buildings go to decay, or + are destroyed; and that the lands of the <i>estatesmen</i> being + mortgaged, and the owners constrained to part with them, they fall into + the hands of wealthy purchasers, who in like manner unite and consolidate; + and, if they wish to become residents, erect new mansions out of the ruins + of the ancient cottages, whose little enclosures, with all the wild graces + that grew out of them, disappear. The feudal tenure under which the + estates are held has indeed done something towards checking this influx of + new settlers; but so strong is the inclination, that these galling + restraints are endured; and it is probable, that in a few years the + country on the margin of the Lakes will fall almost entirely into the + possession of gentry, either strangers or natives. It is then much to be + wished, that a better taste should prevail among these new proprietors; + and, as they cannot be expected to leave things to themselves, that skill + and knowledge should prevent unnecessary deviations from that path of + simplicity and beauty along which, without design and unconsciously, their + humble predecessors have moved. In this wish the author will be joined by + persons of pure taste throughout the whole island, who, by their visits + (often repeated) to the Lakes in the North of England, testify that they + deem the district a sort of national property, in which every man has a + right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage287" id="Bpage287"></a>{287}</span> + </p> + <h2> + MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MR. WEST, in his well-known Guide to the Lakes, recommends, as the best + season for visiting this country, the interval from the beginning of June + to the end of August; and, the two latter months being a time of vacation + and leisure, it is almost exclusively in these that strangers resort + hither. But that season is by no means the best; the colouring of the + mountains and woods, unless where they are diversified by rocks, is of too + unvaried a green; and, as a large portion of the vallies is allotted to + hay-grass, some want of variety is found there also. The meadows, however, + are sufficiently enlivened after hay-making begins, which is much later + than in the southern part of the island. A stronger objection is rainy + weather, setting in sometimes at this period with a vigour, and continuing + with a perseverance, that may remind the disappointed and dejected + traveller of those deluges of rain which fall among the Abyssinian + mountains, for the annual supply of the Nile. The months of September and + October (particularly October) are generally attended with much finer + weather; and the scenery is then, beyond comparison, more diversified, + more splendid, and beautiful; but, on the other hand, short days prevent + long excursions, and sharp and chill gales are unfavourable to parties of + pleasure out of doors. Nevertheless, to the sincere admirer of Nature, who + is in good health and spirits, and at liberty to make a choice, the six + weeks following the 1st of September may be recommended in preference to + July and August. For there is no inconvenience arising from the season + which, to such a person, would not be amply compensated by the <i>autumnal</i> + appearance of any of the more retired vallies, into which discordant + plantations and unsuitable buildings have not yet found entrance.—In + such spots, at this season, there is an admirable compass and proportion + of natural harmony in colour, through the whole scale of objects; in the + tender green of the after-grass upon the meadows, interspersed with + islands of grey or mossy rock, crowned by shrubs and trees; in the + irregular inclosures of standing corn, or stubble-fields, in like manner + broken; in the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage288" id="Bpage288"></a>{288}</span> + mountain-sides glowing with fern of divers colours; in the calm blue lakes + and river-pools; and in the foliage of the trees, through all the tints of + autumn,—from the pale and brilliant yellow of the birch and ash, to + the deep greens of the unfaded oak and alder, and of the ivy upon the + rocks, upon the trees, and the cottages. Yet, as most travellers are + either stinted, or stint themselves, for time, the space between the + middle or last week in May, and the middle or last week of June, may be + pointed out as affording the best combination of long days, fine weather, + and variety of impressions. Few of the native trees are then in full leaf; + but, for whatever maybe wanting in depth of shade, more than an equivalent + will be found in the diversity of foliage, in the blossoms of the + fruit-and-berry-bearing trees which abound in the woods, and in the golden + flowers of the broom and other shrubs, with which many of the copses are + interveined. In those woods, also, and on those mountain-sides which have + a northern aspect, and in the deep dells, many of the spring-flowers still + linger; while the open and sunny places are stocked with the flowers of + the approaching summer. And, besides, is not an exquisite pleasure still + untasted by him who has not heard the choir of linnets and thrushes + chaunting their love-songs in the copses, woods, and hedge-rows of a + mountainous country; safe from the birds of prey, which build in the + inaccessible crags, and are at all hours seen or heard wheeling about in + the air? The number of these formidable creatures is probably the cause, + why, in the <i>narrow</i> vallies, there are no skylarks; as the destroyer + would be enabled to dart upon them from the near and surrounding crags, + before they could descend to their ground-nests for protection. It is not + often that the nightingale resorts to these vales; but almost all the + other tribes of our English warblers are numerous; and their notes, when + listened to by the side of broad still waters, or when heard in unison + with the murmuring of mountain-brooks, have the compass of their power + enlarged accordingly. There is also an imaginative influence in the voice + of the cuckoo, when that voice has taken possession of a deep mountain + valley, very different from any thing which can be excited by the same + sound in a flat country. Nor must a circumstance be omitted, which here + renders the close of spring especially interesting; I mean the practice of + bringing down the ewes from the moun<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage289" id="Bpage289"></a>{289}</span> tains to yean in the + vallies and enclosed grounds. The herbage being thus cropped as it + springs, <i>that</i> first tender emerald green of the season, which would + otherwise have lasted little more than a fortnight, is prolonged in the + pastures and meadows for many weeks: while they are farther enlivened by + the multitude of lambs bleating and skipping about. These sportive + creatures, as they gather strength, are turned out upon the open + mountains, and with their slender limbs, their snow-white colour, and + their wild and light motions, beautifully accord or contrast with the + rocks and lawns, upon which they must now begin to seek their food. And + last, but not least, at this time the traveller will be sure of room and + comfortable accommodation, even in the smaller inns. I am aware that few + of those who may be inclined to profit by this recommendation will be able + to do so, as the time and manner of an excursion of this kind are mostly + regulated by circumstances which prevent an entire freedom of choice. It + will therefore be more pleasant to observe, that, though the months of + July and August are liable to many objections, yet it often happens that + the weather, at this time, is not more wet and stormy than they, who are + really capable of enjoying the sublime forms of Nature in their utmost + sublimity, would desire. For no traveller, provided he be in good health, + and with any command of time, would have a just privilege to visit such + scenes, if he could grudge the price of a little confinement among them, + or interruption in his journey, for the sight or sound of a storm coming + on or clearing away. Insensible must he be who would not congratulate + himself upon the bold bursts of sunshine, the descending vapours, + wandering lights and shadows, and the invigorated torrents and waterfalls, + with which broken weather, in a mountainous region, is accompanied. At + such a time there is no cause to complain, either of the monotony of + midsummer colouring, or the glaring atmosphere of long, cloudless, and hot + days. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thus far concerning the respective advantages and disadvantages of the + different seasons for visiting this country. As to the order in which + objects are best seen—a lake being composed of water flowing from + higher grounds, and expanding itself till its receptacle is filled to the + brim,—it follows, that it will appear to most advantage when + approached from its outlet, especially if the lake be in a mountainous + country; for, by this <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage290" + id="Bpage290"></a>{290}</span> way of approach, the traveller faces the + grander features of the scene, and is gradually conducted into its most + sublime recesses. Now, every one knows, that from amenity and beauty the + transition to sublimity is easy and favourable; but the reverse is not so; + for, after the faculties have been elevated, they are indisposed to + humbler excitement.<a name="BFNanchor_62_62" id="BFNanchor_62_62"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is not likely that a mountain will be ascended without disappointment, + if a wide range of prospect be the object, unless either the summit be + reached before sun-rise, or the visitant remain there until the time of + sun-set, and afterwards. The precipitous sides of the mountain, and the + neighbouring summits, may be seen with effect under any atmosphere which + allows them to be seen at all; but <i>he</i> is the most fortunate + adventurer, who chances to be involved in vapours which open and let in an + extent of country partially, or, dispersing suddenly, reveal the whole + region from centre to circumference. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A stranger to a mountainous country may not be aware that his walk in the + early morning ought to be taken on the eastern side of the vale, otherwise + he will lose the morning light, first touching the tops and thence + creeping down the sides of the opposite hills, as the sun ascends, or he + may go to some central eminence, commanding both the shadows from the + eastern, and the lights upon the western mountains. But, if the horizon + line in the east be low, the western side may be taken for the sake of the + reflections, upon the water, of light from the rising sun. In the evening, + for like reasons, the contrary course should be taken. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After all, it is upon the <i>mind</i> which a traveller brings along with + him that his acquisitions, whether of pleasure or profit, must principally + depend.—May I be allowed a few words on this subject? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nothing is more injurious to genuine feeling than the prac<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage291" id="Bpage291"></a>{291}</span> tice of + hastily and ungraciously depreciating the face of one country by comparing + it with that of another. True it is Qui <i>bene</i> distinguit bene <i>docet</i>; + yet fastidiousness is a wretched travelling companion; and the best guide + to which, in matters of taste, we can entrust ourselves, is a disposition + to be pleased. For example, if a traveller be among the Alps, let him + surrender up his mind to the fury of the gigantic torrents, and take + delight in the contemplation of their almost irresistible violence, + without complaining of the monotony of their foaming course, or being + disgusted with the muddiness of the water—apparent even where it is + violently agitated. In Cumberland and Westmoreland, let not the + comparative weakness of the streams prevent him from sympathising with + such impetuosity as they possess; and, making the most of the present + objects, let him, as he justly may do, observe with admiration the + unrivalled brilliancy of the water, and that variety of motion, mood, and + character, that arises out of the want of those resources by which the + power of the streams in the Alps is supported.—Again, with respect + to the mountains; though these are comparatively of diminutive size, + though there is little of perpetual snow, and no voice of + summer-avalanches is heard among them; and though traces left by the + ravage of the elements are here comparatively rare and unimpressive, yet + out of this very deficiency proceeds a sense of stability and permanence + that is, to many minds, more grateful— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>While the hoarse rushes to the sweeping breeze<br /></span> <span>Sigh + forth their ancient melodies.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Among the Alps are few places that do not preclude this feeling of + tranquil sublimity. Havoc, and ruin, and desolation, and encroachment, are + everywhere more or less obtruded; and it is difficult, notwithstanding the + naked loftiness of the <i>pikes</i>, and the snow-capped summits of the <i>mounts</i>, + to escape from the depressing sensation, that the whole are in a rapid + process of dissolution; and, were it not that the destructive agency must + abate as the heights diminish, would, in time to come, be levelled with + the plains. Nevertheless, I would relish to the utmost the demonstrations + of every species of power at work to effect such changes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From these general views let us descend a moment to detail. A stranger to + mountain imagery naturally on his first arrival <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage292" id="Bpage292"></a>{292}</span> looks out for sublimity in + every object that admits of it; and is almost always disappointed. For + this disappointment there exists, I believe, no general preventive; nor is + it desirable that there should. But with regard to one class of objects, + there is a point in which injurious expectations may be easily corrected. + It is generally supposed that waterfalls are scarcely worth being looked + at except after much rain, and that, the more swoln the stream, the more + fortunate the spectator; but this however is true only of large cataracts + with sublime accompaniments; and not even of these without some drawbacks. + In other instances, what becomes, at such a time, of that sense of + refreshing coolness which can only be felt in dry and sunny weather, when + the rocks, herbs, and flowers glisten with moisture diffused by the breath + of the precipitous water? But, considering these things as objects of + sight only, it may be observed that the principal charm of the smaller + waterfalls or cascades consists in certain proportions of form and + affinities of colour, among the component parts of the scene; and in the + contrast maintained between the falling water and that which is apparently + at rest, or rather settling gradually into quiet in the pool below. The + beauty of such a scene, where there is naturally so much agitation, is + also heightened, in a peculiar manner, by the <i>glimmering</i>, and, + towards the verge of the pool, by the <i>steady</i>, reflection of the + surrounding images. Now, all those delicate distinctions are destroyed by + heavy floods, and the whole stream rushes along in foam and tumultuous + confusion. A happy proportion of component parts is indeed noticeable + among the landscapes of the North of England; and, in this characteristic + essential to a perfect picture, they surpass the scenes of Scotland, and, + in a still greater degree, those of Switzerland. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As a resident among the Lakes, I frequently hear the scenery of this + country compared with that of the Alps; and therefore a few words shall be + added to what has been incidentally said upon that subject. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If we could recall, to this region of lakes, the native pine-forests, with + which many hundred years ago a large portion of the heights was covered, + then, during spring and autumn, it might frequently, with much propriety, + be compared to Switzerland,—the elements of the landscape would be + the same—one country representing the other in miniature. Towns, + villages, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage293" id="Bpage293"></a>{293}</span> + churches, rural seats, bridges and roads: green meadows and arable + grounds, with their various produce, and deciduous woods of diversified + foliage which occupy the vales and lower regions of the mountains, would, + as in Switzerland, be divided by dark forests from ridges and round-topped + heights covered with snow, and from pikes and sharp declivities + imperfectly arrayed in the same glittering mantle: and the resemblance + would be still more perfect on those days when vapours, resting upon, and + floating around the summits, leave the elevation of the mountains less + dependent upon the eye than on the imagination. But the pine-forests have + wholly disappeared; and only during late spring and early autumn is + realised here that assemblage of the imagery of different seasons, which + is exhibited through the whole summer among the Alps,—winter in the + distance,—and warmth, leafy woods, verdure and fertility at hand, + and widely diffused. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Striking, then, from among the permanent materials of the landscape, that + stage of vegetation which is occupied by pine-forests, and, above that, + the perennial snows, we have mountains, the highest of which little exceed + 3000 feet, while some of the Alps do not fall short of 14,000 or 15,000, + and 8000 or 10,000 is not an uncommon elevation. Our tracts of wood and + water are almost diminutive in comparison; therefore, as far as sublimity + is dependent upon absolute bulk and height, and atmospherical influences + in connection with these, it is obvious, that there can be no rivalship. + But a short residence among the British Mountains will furnish abundant + proof, that, after a certain point of elevation, viz. that which allows of + compact and fleecy clouds settling upon, or sweeping over, the summits, + the sense of sublimity depends more upon form and relation of objects to + each other than upon their actual magnitude; and that an elevation of 3000 + feet is sufficient to call forth in a most impressive degree the creative, + and magnifying, and softening powers of the atmosphere. Hence, on the + score even of sublimity, the superiority of the Alps is by no means so + great as might hastily be inferred;—and, as to the <i>beauty</i> of + the lower regions of the Swiss Mountains, it is noticeable—that, as + they are all regularly mown, their surface has nothing of that mellow tone + and variety of hues by which mountain turf, that is never touched by the + scythe, is distinguished. On the smooth <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage294" id="Bpage294"></a>{294}</span> and steep slopes of the + Swiss hills, these plots of verdure do indeed agreeably unite their colour + with that of the deciduous trees, or make a lively contrast with the dark + green pine-groves that define them, and among which they run in endless + variety of shapes—but this is most pleasing <i>at first sight</i>; + the permanent gratification of the eye requires finer gradations of tone, + and a more delicate blending of hues into each other. Besides, it is only + in spring and late autumn that cattle animate by their presence the Swiss + lawns; and, though the pastures of the higher regions where they feed + during the summer are left in their natural state of flowery herbage, + those pastures are so remote, that their texture and colour are of no + consequence in the composition of any picture in which a lake of the Vales + is a feature. Yet in those lofty regions, how vegetation is invigorated by + the genial climate of that country! Among the luxuriant flowers there met + with, groves, or forests, if I may so call them, of Monks-hood are + frequently seen; the plant of deep, rich blue, and as tall as in our + gardens; and this at an elevation where, in Cumberland, Icelandic moss + would only be found, or the stony summits be utterly bare. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have, then, for the colouring of Switzerland, <i>principally</i> a + vivid green herbage, black woods, and dazzling snows, presented in masses + with a grandeur to which no one can be insensible; but not often graduated + by Nature into soothing harmony, and so ill suited to the pencil, that + though abundance of good subjects may be there found, they are not such as + can be deemed <i>characteristic</i> of the country; nor is this unfitness + confined to colour: the forms of the mountains, though many of them in + some points of view the noblest that can be conceived, are apt to run into + spikes and needles, and present a jagged outline which has a mean effect, + transferred to canvass. This must have been felt by the ancient masters; + for, if I am not mistaken, they have not left a single landscape, the + materials of which are taken from the <i>peculiar</i> features of the + Alps; yet Titian passed his life almost in their neighbourhood; the + Poussins and Claude must have been well acquainted with their aspects; and + several admirable painters, as Tibaldi and Luino, were born among the + Italian Alps. A few experiments have lately been made by Englishmen, but + they only prove that courage, skill, and judgment, may surmount any + obstacles; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage295" id="Bpage295"></a>{295}</span> + and it may be safely affirmed, that they who have done best in this bold + adventure, will be the least likely to repeat the attempt. But, though our + scenes are better suited to painting than those of the Alps, I should be + sorry to contemplate either country in reference to that art, further than + as its fitness or unfitness for the pencil renders it more or less + pleasing to the eye of the spectator, who has learned to observe and feel, + chiefly from Nature herself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Deeming the points in which Alpine imagery is superior to British too + obvious to be insisted upon, I will observe that the deciduous woods, + though in many places unapproachable by the axe, and triumphing in the + pomp and prodigality of Nature, have, in general,<a name="BFNanchor_63_63" + id="BFNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#BFootnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> + neither the variety nor beauty which would exist in those of the mountains + of Britain, if left to themselves. Magnificent walnut-trees grow upon the + plains of Switzerland; and fine trees, of that species, are found + scattered over the hill-sides: birches also grow here and there in + luxuriant beauty; but neither these, nor oaks, are ever a prevailing tree, + nor can even be said to be common; and the oaks, as far as I had an + opportunity of observing, are greatly inferior to those of Britain. Among + the interior vallies the proportion of beeches and pines is so great that + other trees are scarcely noticeable; and surely such woods are at all + seasons much less agreeable than that rich and harmonious distribution of + oak, ash, elm, birch, and alder, that formerly clothed the sides of + Snowdon and Helvellyn; and of which no mean remains still survive at the + head of Ulswater. On the Italian side of the Alps, chesnut and + walnut-trees grow at a considerable height on the mountains; but, even + there, the foliage is not equal in beauty to the 'natural product' of this + climate. In fact the sunshine of the South of Europe, so envied when heard + of at a distance, is in many respects injurious to rural beauty, + particularly as it incites to the cultivation of spots of ground which in + colder climates would be left in the hands of Nature, favouring at the + same time the culture of plants that are more valuable on account of the + fruit they produce to gratify the palate, than for affording pleasure to + the eye, as materials of landscape. Take, for instance, the Promontory of + Bellagio, so fortunate in its command of the three branches of the Lake of + Como, yet the ridge of the Promontory <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage296" id="Bpage296"></a>{296}</span> itself, being for the most + part covered with vines interspersed with olive-trees, accords but ill + with the vastness of the green unappropriated mountains, and derogates not + a little from the sublimity of those finely contrasted pictures to which + it is a foreground. The vine, when cultivated upon a large scale, + notwithstanding all that may be said of it in poetry,<a + name="BFNanchor_64_64" id="BFNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#BFootnote_64_64" + class="fnanchor">[64]</a> makes but a dull formal appearance in landscape; + and the olive-tree (though one is loth to say so) is not more grateful to + the eye than our common willow, which it much resembles; but the hoariness + of hue, common to both, has in the aquatic plant an appropriate delicacy, + harmonising with the situation in which it most delights. The same may no + doubt be said of the olive among the dry rocks of Attica, but I am + speaking of it as found in gardens and vineyards in the North of Italy. At + Bellagio, what Englishman can resist the temptation of substituting, in + his fancy, for these formal treasures of cultivation, the natural variety + of one of our parks—its pastured lawns, coverts of hawthorn, of + wild-rose, and honeysuckle, and the majesty of forest trees?—such + wild graces as the banks of Derwent-water shewed in the time of the + Ratcliffes; and Growbarrow Park, Lowther, and Rydal do at this day. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As my object is to reconcile a Briton to the scenery of his own country, + though not at the expense of truth, I am not afraid of asserting that in + many points of view our LAKES, also, are much more interesting than those + of the Alps; first, as is implied above, from being more happily + proportioned to the other features of the landscape; and next, both as + being infinitely more pellucid, and less subject to agitation from the + winds.<a name="BFNanchor_65_65" id="BFNanchor_65_65"></a><a + href="#BFootnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage297" id="Bpage297"></a>{297}</span> + Como, (which may perhaps be styled the King of Lakes, as Lugano is + certainly the Queen) is disturbed by a periodical wind blowing <i>from</i> + the head in the morning, and <i>towards</i> it in the afternoon. The + magnificent Lake of the four Cantons, especially its noblest division, + called the Lake of Uri, is not only much agitated by winds, but in the + night time is disturbed from the bottom, as I was told, and indeed as I + witnessed, without any apparent commotion in the air; and when at rest, + the water is not pure to the eye, but of a heavy green hue—as is + that of all the other lakes, apparently according to the degree in which + they are fed by melted snows. If the Lake of Geneva furnish an exception, + this is probably owing to its vast extent, which allows the water to + deposit its impurities. The water of the English lakes, on the contrary, + being of a crystalline clearness, the reflections of the surrounding hills + are frequently so lively, that it is scarcely possible to distinguish the + point where the real object terminates, and its unsubstantial duplicate + begins. The lower part of the Lake of Geneva, from its narrowness, must be + much less subject to agitation than the higher divisions, and, as the + water is clearer than that of the other Swiss Lakes, it will frequently + exhibit this appearance, though it is scarcely possible in an equal + degree. During two comprehensive tours among the Alps, I did not observe, + except on one of the smaller lakes between Lugano and Ponte Tresa, a + single instance of those beautiful repetitions of surrounding objects on + the bosom of the water, which are so frequently seen here: not to speak of + the fine dazzling trembling net-work, breezy motions, and streaks and + circles of intermingled smooth and rippled water, which make the surface + of our lakes a field of endless variety. But among the Alps, where every + thing tends to the grand and the sublime, in surfaces as well as in forms, + if the lakes do not court the placid reflections of land objects those of + first-rate magnitude make compensation, in some degree, by exhibiting + those ever-changing fields of green, blue, and purple shadows or <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage298" id="Bpage298"></a>{298}</span> lights, + (one scarcely knows which to name them) that call to mind a sea-prospect + contemplated from a lofty cliff. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The subject of torrents and waterfalls has already been touched upon; but + it may be added that in Switzerland, the perpetual accompaniment of snow + upon the higher regions takes much from the effect of foaming white + streams; while, from their frequency, they obstruct each other's influence + upon the mind of the spectator; and, in all cases, the effect of an + individual cataract, excepting the great Fall of the Rhine at + Schaffhausen, is diminished by the general fury of the stream of which it + is a part. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Recurring to the reflections from still water, I will describe a singular + phenomenon of this kind of which I was an eye-witness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Walking by the side of Ulswater upon a calm September morning, I saw, deep + within the bosom of the Lake, a magnificent Castle, with towers and + battlements: nothing could be more distinct than the whole edifice. After + gazing with delight upon it for some time, as upon a work of enchantment, + I could not but regret that my previous knowledge of the place enabled me + to account for the appearance. It was in fact the reflection of a + pleasure-house called Lyulph's Tower—the towers and battlements + magnified and so much changed in shape as not to be immediately + recognised. In the meanwhile, the pleasure-house itself was altogether + hidden from my view by a body of vapour stretching over it and along the + hill-side on which it stands, but not so as to have intercepted its + communication with the lake; and hence this novel and most impressive + object, which, if I had been a stranger to the spot, would, from its being + inexplicable, have long detained the mind in a state of pleasing + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Appearances of this kind, acting upon the credulity of early ages, may + have given birth to, and favoured the belief in, stories of sub-aqueous + palaces, gardens, and pleasure-grounds—the brilliant ornaments of + Romance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With this <i>inverted</i> scene I will couple a much more extraordinary + phenomenon, which will show how other elegant fancies may have had their + origin, less in invention than in the actual processes of Nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + About eleven o'clock on the forenoon of a winter's day, com<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage299" id="Bpage299"></a>{299}</span> ing + suddenly, in company of a friend, into view of the Lake of Grasmere, we + were alarmed by the sight of a newly-created Island; the transitory + thought of the moment was, that it had been produced by an earthquake or + some other convulsion of Nature. Recovering from the alarm, which was + greater than the reader can possibly sympathise with, but which was shared + to its full extent by my companion, we proceeded to examine the object + before us. The elevation of this new island exceeded considerably that of + the old one, its neighbour; it was likewise larger in circumference, + comprehending a space of about five acres; its surface rocky, speckled + with snow, and sprinkled over with birch-trees; it was divided towards the + south from the other island by a narrow frith, and in like manner from the + northern shore of the lake; on the east and west it was separated from the + shore by a much larger space of smooth water. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Marvellous was the illusion! Comparing the new with the old Island, the + surface of which is soft, green, and unvaried, I do not scruple to say + that, as an object of sight, it was much the more distinct. 'How little + faith,' we exclaimed, 'is due to one sense, unless its evidence be + confirmed by some of its fellows! What Stranger could possibly be + persuaded that this, which we know to be an unsubstantial mockery, is <i>really</i> + so; and that there exists only a single Island on this beautiful Lake?' At + length the appearance underwent a gradual transmutation; it lost its + prominence and passed into a glimmering and dim <i>inversion</i>, and then + totally disappeared; leaving behind it a clear open area of ice of the + same dimensions. We now perceived that this bed of ice, which was thinly + suffused with water, had produced the illusion, by reflecting and + refracting (as persons skilled in optics would no doubt easily explain) a + rocky and woody section of the opposite mountain named Silver-how. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having dwelt so much upon the beauty of pure and still water, and pointed + out the advantage which the Lakes of the North of England have in this + particular over those of the Alps, it would be injustice not to advert to + the sublimity that must often be given to Alpine scenes, by the agitations + to which those vast bodies of diffused water are there subject. I have + witnessed many tremendous thunder-storms among the Alps, and the most + glorious effects of light and shadow: but I never happened to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage300" id="Bpage300"></a>{300}</span> be + present when any Lake was agitated by those hurricanes which I imagine + must often torment them. If the commotions be at all proportionable to the + expanse and depth of the waters, and the height of the surrounding + mountains, then, if I may judge from what is frequently seen here, the + exhibition must be awful and astonishing.—On this day, March 30, + 1822, the winds have been acting upon the small Lake of Rydal, as if they + had received command to carry its waters from their bed into the sky; the + white billows in different quarters disappeared under clouds, or rather + drifts, of spray, that were whirled along, and up into the air by scouring + winds, charging each other in squadrons in every direction, upon the Lake. + The spray, having been hurried aloft till it lost its consistency and + whiteness, was driven along the mountain tops like flying showers that + vanish in the distance. Frequently an eddying wind scooped the waters out + of the basin, and forced them upwards in the very shape of an Icelandic + Geyser, or boiling fountain, to the height of several hundred feet. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This small Mere of Rydal, from its position, is subject in a peculiar + degree to these commotions. The present season, however, is unusually + stormy;—great numbers of fish, two of them not less than 12 pounds + weight, were a few days ago cast on the shores of Derwent-water by the + force of the waves. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lest, in the foregoing comparative estimate, I should be suspected of + partiality to my native mountains, I will support my general opinion by + the authority of Mr. West, whose Guide to the Lakes has been eminently + serviceable to the Tourist for nearly 50 years. The Author, a Roman + Catholic Clergyman, had passed much time abroad, and was well acquainted + with the scenery of the Continent. He thus expresses himself: 'They who + intend to make the continental tour should begin here; as it will give, in + miniature, an idea of what they are to meet with there, in traversing the + Alps and Appenines; to which our northern mountains are not inferior in + beauty of line, or variety of summit, number of lakes, and transparency of + water; not in colouring of rock, or softness of turf, but in height and + extent only. The mountains here are all accessible to the summit, and + furnish prospects no less surprising, and with more variety, than the Alps + themselves. The tops of the highest Alps are inaccessible, being covered + with everlasting <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage301" id="Bpage301"></a>{301}</span> + snow, which commencing at regular heights above the cultivated tracts, or + wooded and verdant sides, form indeed the highest contrast in Nature. For + there may be seen all the variety of climate in one view. To this, + however, we oppose the sight of the ocean, from the summits of all the + higher mountains, as it appears intersected with promontories, decorated + with islands, and animated with navigation.'—West's <i>Guide</i>, + p.5. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage302" id="Bpage302"></a>{302}</span> + </p> + <h2> + EXCURSIONS TO THE TOP OF SCAWFELL AND ON THE BANKS OF ULSWATER. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was my intention, several years ago, to describe a regular tour through + this country, taking the different scenes in the most favourable order; + but after some progress had been made in the work it was abandoned from a + conviction, that, if well executed, it would lessen the pleasure of the + Traveller by anticipation, and, if the contrary, it would mislead him. The + Reader may not, however, be displeased with the following extract from a + letter to a Friend, giving an account of a visit to a summit of one of the + highest of these mountains; of which I am reminded by the observations of + Mr. West, and by reviewing what has been said of this district in + comparison with the Alps. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having left Rosthwaite in Borrowdale, on a bright morning in the first + week of October, we ascended from Seathwaite to the top of the ridge, + called Ash-course, and thence beheld three distinct views;—on one + side, the continuous Vale of Borrowdale, Keswick, and Bassenthwaite,—with + Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Saddle-back, and numerous other mountains—and, + in the distance, the Solway Frith and the Mountains of Scotland;—on + the other side, and below us, the Langdale Pikes—their own vale + below <i>them</i>;—Windermere,—and, far beyond Windermere, + Ingleborough in Yorkshire. But how shall I speak of the deliciousness of + the third prospect! At this time, <i>that</i> was most favoured by + sunshine and shade. The green Vale of Esk—deep and green, with its + glittering serpent stream, lay below us; and, on we looked to the + Mountains near the Sea,—Black Comb pre-eminent,—and, still + beyond, to the Sea itself, in dazzling brightness. Turning round we saw + the Mountains of Wastdale in tumult; to our right, Great Gavel, the + loftiest, a distinct, and <i>huge</i> form, though the middle of the + mountain was, to our eyes, as its base. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We had attained the object of this journey; but our ambition now mounted + higher. We saw the summit of Scawfell, apparently very near to us; and we + shaped our course towards it; but, discovering that it could not be + reached without first <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage303" + id="Bpage303"></a>{303}</span> making a considerable descent, we resolved, + instead, to aim at another point of the same mountain, called the <i>Pikes</i>, + which I have since found has been estimated as higher than the summit + bearing the name of Scawfell Head, where the Stone Man is built. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sun had never once been overshadowed by a cloud during the whole of + our progress from the centre of Borrowdale. On the summit of the Pike, + which we gained after much toil, though without difficulty, there was not + a breath of air to stir even the papers containing our refreshment, as + they lay spread out upon a rock. The stillness seemed to be not of this + world:—we paused, and kept silence to listen; and no sound could be + heard: the Scawfell Cataracts were voiceless to us; and there was not an + insect to hum in the air. The vales which we had seen from Ash-course lay + yet in view; and, side by side with Eskdale, we now saw the sister Vale of + Donnerdale terminated by the Duddon Sands. But the majesty of the + mountains below, and close to us, is not to be conceived. We now beheld + the whole mass of Great Gavel from its base,—the Den of Wastdale at + our feet—a gulf immeasurable: Grasmire and the other mountains of + Crummock—Ennerdale and its mountains; and the Sea beyond! We sat + down to our repast, and gladly would we have tempered our beverage (for + there was no spring or well near us) with such a supply of delicious water + as we might have procured, had we been on the rival summit of Great Gavel; + for on its highest point is a small triangular receptacle in the native + rock, which, the shepherds say, is never dry. There we might have slaked + our thirst plenteously with a pure and celestial liquid, for the cup or + basin, it appears, has no other feeder than the dews of heaven, the + showers, the vapours, the hoar frost, and the spotless snow. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + While we were gazing around, 'Look,' I exclaimed, 'at yon ship upon the + glittering sea!' 'Is it a ship?' replied our shepherd-guide. 'It can be + nothing else,' interposed my companion; 'I cannot be mistaken, I am so + accustomed to the appearance of ships at sea.' The Guide dropped the + argument; but, before a minute was gone, he quietly said, 'Now look at + your ship; it is changed into a horse.' So indeed it was,—a horse + with a gallant neck and head. We laughed heartily; and, I hope, when again + inclined to be positive, I may remember the ship and the horse upon the + glittering sea; and the calm <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage304" + id="Bpage304"></a>{304}</span> confidence, yet submissiveness, of our wise + Man of the Mountains, who certainly had more knowledge of clouds than we, + whatever might be our knowledge of ships. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I know not how long we might have remained on the summit of the Pike, + without a thought of moving, had not our Guide warned us that we must not + linger; for a storm was coming. We looked in vain to espy the signs of it. + Mountains, vales, and sea were touched with the clear light of the sun. + 'It is there,' said he, pointing to the sea beyond Whitehaven, and there + we perceived a light vapour unnoticeable but by a shepherd accustomed to + watch all mountain bodings. We gazed around again, and yet again, + unwilling to lose the remembrance of what lay before us in that lofty + solitude; and then prepared to depart. Meanwhile the air changed to cold, + and we saw that tiny vapour swelled into mighty masses of cloud which came + boiling over the mountains. Great Gavel, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw, were + wrapped in storm; yet Langdale, and the mountains in that quarter, + remained all bright in sunshine. Soon the storm reached us; we sheltered + under a crag; and almost as rapidly as it had come it passed away, and + left us free to observe the struggles of gloom and sunshine in other + quarters. Langdale now had its share, and the Pikes of Langdale were + decorated by two splendid rainbows. Skiddaw also had his own rainbows. + Before we again reached Ash-course every cloud had vanished from every + summit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I ought to have mentioned that round the top of Scawfell-PIKE not a blade + of grass is to be seen. Cushions or tufts of moss, parched and brown, + appear between the huge blocks and stones that lie in heaps on all sides + to a great distance, like skeletons or bones of the earth not needed at + the creation, and there left to be covered with never-dying lichens, which + the clouds and dews nourish; and adorn with colours of vivid and exquisite + beauty. Flowers, the most brilliant feathers, and even gems, scarcely + surpass in colouring some of those masses of stone, which no human eye + beholds, except the shepherd or traveller be led thither by curiosity: and + how seldom must this happen! For the other eminence is the one visited by + the adventurous stranger; and the shepherd has no inducement to ascend the + PIKE in quest of his sheep; no food being <i>there</i> to tempt them.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage305" id="Bpage305"></a>{305}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We certainly were singularly favoured in the weather; for when we were + seated on the summit, our conductor, turning his eyes thoughtfully round, + said, 'I do not know that in my whole life, I was ever, at any season of + the year, so high upon the mountains on so <i>calm</i> a day.' (It was the + 7th of October.) Afterwards we had a spectacle of the grandeur of earth + and heaven commingled; yet without terror. We knew that the storm would + pass away;—for so our prophetic Guide had assured us. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before we reached Seathwaite in Borrowdale, a few stars had appeared, and + we pursued our way down the Vale, to Rosthwaite, by moonlight. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Scawfell and Helvellyn being the two Mountains of this region which will + best repay the fatigue of ascending them, the following Verses may be here + introduced with propriety. They are from the Author's Miscellaneous Poems. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>To ————</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ON HER FIRST ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT OF HELVELLYN. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Inmate of a Mountain Dwelling,<br /></span> <span>Thou hast clomb + aloft, and gazed,<br /></span> <span>From the watch-towers of Helvellyn;<br /></span> + <span>Awed, delighted, and amazed!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Potent was the spell that bound thee<br /></span> <span>Not + unwilling to obey;<br /></span> <span>For blue Ether's arms, flung round + thee,<br /></span> <span>Stilled the pantings of dismay.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Lo! the dwindled woods and meadows!<br /></span> <span>What a vast + abyss is there!<br /></span> <span>Lo! the clouds, the solemn shadows,<br /></span> + <span>And the glistenings—heavenly fair!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And a record of commotion<br /></span> <span>Which a thousand + ridges yield;<br /></span> <span>Ridge, and gulf, and distant ocean<br /></span> + <span>Gleaming like a silver shield!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—Take thy flight;—possess, inherit<br /></span> <span>Alps + or Andes—they are thine!<br /></span> <span>With the morning's + roseate Spirit,<br /></span> <span>Sweep their length of snowy line;<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Or survey the bright dominions<br /></span> <span>In the gorgeous + colours drest<br /></span> <span>Flung from off the purple pinions,<br /></span> + <span>Evening spreads throughout the west!<br /></span><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage306" id="Bpage306"></a>{306}</span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Thine are all the coral fountains<br /></span> <span>Warbling in + each sparry vault<br /></span> <span>Of the untrodden lunar mountains;<br /></span> + <span>Listen to their songs!—or halt,<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>To Niphate's top invited,<br /></span> <span>Whither spiteful Satan + steered;<br /></span> <span>Or descend where the ark alighted,<br /></span> + <span>When the green earth re-appeared:<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>For the power of hills is on thee,<br /></span> <span>As was + witnessed through thine eye<br /></span> <span>Then, when old Helvellyn + won thee<br /></span> <span>To confess their majesty!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having said so much of <i>points of view</i> to which few are likely to + ascend, I am induced to subjoin an account of a short excursion through + more accessible parts of the country, made at a <i>time</i> when it is + seldom seen but by the inhabitants. As the journal was written for one + acquainted with the general features of the country, only those effects + and appearances are dwelt upon, which are produced by the changeableness + of the atmosphere, or belong to the season when the excursion was made. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A.D. 1805.—On the 7th of November, on a damp and gloomy morning, we + left Grasmere Vale, intending to pass a few days on the banks of + Ullswater. A mild and dry autumn had been unusually favourable to the + preservation and beauty of foliage; and, far advanced as the season was, + the trees on the larger Island of Rydal-mere retained a splendour which + did not need the heightening of sunshine. We noticed, as we passed, that + the line of the grey rocky shore of that island, shaggy with variegated + bushes and shrubs, and spotted and striped with purplish brown heath, + indistinguishably blending with its image reflected in the still water, + produced a curious resemblance, both in form and colour, to a + richly-coated caterpillar, as it might appear through a magnifying glass + of extraordinary power. The mists gathered as we went along: but, when we + reached the top of Kirkstone, we were glad we had not been discouraged by + the apprehension of bad weather. Though not able to see a hundred yards + before us, we were more than contented. At such a time, and in such a + place, every scattered stone the size of one's head becomes a companion. + Near the top of the Pass is the remnant of an old wall, which (magnified, + though obscured, by the vapour) might have been taken for a fragment of + some monument of ancient <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage307" + id="Bpage307"></a>{307}</span> grandeur,—yet that same pile of + stones we had never before even observed. This situation, it must be + allowed, is not favourable to gaiety; but a pleasing hurry of spirits + accompanies the surprise occasioned by objects transformed, dilated, or + distorted, as they are when seen through such a medium. Many of the + fragments of rock on the top and slopes of Kirkstone, and of similar + places, are fantastic enough in themselves; but the full effect of such + impressions can only be had in a state of weather when they are not likely + to be <i>sought</i> for. It was not till we had descended considerably + that the fields of Hartshope were seen, like a lake tinged by the + reflection of sunny clouds: I mistook them for Brotherswater, but, soon + after, we saw that lake gleaming faintly with a steelly brightness,—then, + as we continued to descend, appeared the brown oaks, and the birches of + lively yellow—and the cottages—and the lowly Hall of + Hartshope, with its long roof and ancient chimneys. During great part of + our way to Patterdale, we had rain, or rather drizzling vapour; for there + was never a drop upon our hair or clothes larger than the smallest pearls + upon a lady's ring. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following morning, incessant rain till 11 o'clock, when the sky began + to clear, and we walked along the eastern shore of Ullswater towards the + farm of Blowick. The wind blew strong, and drove the clouds forward, on + the side of the mountain above our heads;—two storm-stiffened black + yew-trees fixed our notice, seen through, or under the edge of, the flying + mists,—four or five goats were bounding among the rocks;—the + sheep moved about more quietly, or cowered beneath their sheltering + places. This is the only part of the country where goats are now found;<a + name="BFNanchor_66_66" id="BFNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#BFootnote_66_66" + class="fnanchor">[66]</a> but this morning, before we had seen these, I + was reminded of that picturesque animal by two rams of mountain breed, + both with Ammonian horns, and with beards majestic as that which Michael + Angelo has given to his statue of Moses.—But to return; when our + path had brought us to that part of the naked common which overlooks the + woods and bush-besprinkled fields of Blowick, the lake, clouds, and mists + were all in motion to the sound of sweeping winds;—the church and + cottages of Patterdale scarcely visible, or seen only by fits between the + shifting vapours. To the northward the scene was less visionary;—Place + Fell steady and bold;—the whole lake driving onward like a <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage308" id="Bpage308"></a>{308}</span> great + river—waves dancing round the small islands. The house at Blowick + was the boundary of our walk; and we returned, lamenting to see a decaying + and uncomfortable dwelling in a place where sublimity and beauty seemed to + contend with each other. But these regrets were dispelled by a glance on + the woods that clothe the opposite steeps of the lake. How exquisite was + the mixture of sober and splendid hues! The general colouring of the trees + was brown—rather that of ripe hazel nuts; but towards the water, + there were yet beds of green, and in the highest parts of the wood, was + abundance of yellow foliage, which, gleaming through a vapoury lustre, + reminded us of masses of clouds, as you see them gathered together in the + west, and touched with the golden light of the setting sun. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After dinner we walked up the Vale; I had never had an idea of its extent + and width in passing along the public road on the other side. We followed + the path that leads from house to house; two or three times it took us + through some of those copses or groves that cover the little hillocks in + the middle of the vale, making an intricate and pleasing intermixture of + lawn and wood. Our fancies could not resist the temptation; and we fixed + upon a spot for a cottage, which we began to build: and finished as easily + as castles are raised in the air.—Visited the same spot in the + evening. I shall say nothing of the moonlight aspect of the situation + which had charmed us so much in the afternoon; but I wish you had been + with us when, in returning to our friend's house, we espied his lady's + large white dog, lying in the moonshine upon the round knoll under the old + yew-tree in the garden, a romantic image—the dark tree and its dark + shadow—and the elegant creature, as fair as a spirit! The torrents + murmured softly: the mountains down which they were falling did not, to my + sight, furnish a back-ground for this Ossianic picture; but I had a + consciousness of the depth of the seclusion, and that mountains were + embracing us on all sides; 'I saw not, but I <i>felt</i> that they were + there.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Friday, November 9th.—Rain, as yesterday, till 10 o'clock, when we + took a boat to row down the lake. The day improved,—clouds and sunny + gleams on the mountains. In the large bay under Place Fell, three + fishermen were dragging a net,—picturesque group beneath the high + and bare crags! A raven was seen aloft: not hovering like the kite, for + that is not the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage309" id="Bpage309"></a>{309}</span> + habit of the bird; but passing on with a straight-forward perseverance, + and timing the motion of its wings to its own croaking. The waters were + agitated; and the iron tone of the raven's voice, which strikes upon the + ear at all times as the more dolorous from its regularity, was in fine + keeping with the wild scene before our eyes. This carnivorous fowl is a + great enemy to the lambs of these solitudes; I recollect frequently + seeing, when a boy, bunches of unfledged ravens suspended from the + church-yard gates of H——, for which a reward of so much a head + was given to the adventurous destroyer.—The fishermen drew their net + ashore, and hundreds of fish were leaping in their prison. They were all + of the kind called skellies, a sort of fresh-water herring, shoals of + which may sometimes be seen dimpling or rippling the surface of the lake + in calm weather. This species is not found, I believe, in any other of + these lakes; nor, as far as I know, is the chevin, that <i>spiritless</i> + fish, (though I am loth to call it so, for it was a prime favourite with + Isaac Walton,) which must frequent Ullswater, as I have seen a large shoal + passing into the lake from the river Eamont. <i>Here</i> are no pike, and + the char are smaller than those of the other lakes, and of inferior + quality; but the grey trout attains a very large size, sometimes weighing + above twenty pounds. This lordly creature seems to know that 'retiredness + is a piece of majesty;' for it is scarcely ever caught, or even seen, + except when it quits the depths of the lake in the spawning season, and + runs up into the streams, where it is too often destroyed in disregard of + the law of the land and of Nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Quitted the boat in the bay of Sandwyke, and pursued our way towards + Martindale along a pleasant path—at first through a coppice, + bordering the lake, then through green fields—and came to the + village, (if village it may be called, for the houses are few, and + separated from each other,) a sequestered spot, shut out from the view of + the lake. Crossed the one-arched bridge, below the chapel, with its 'bare + ring of mossy wall,' and single yew-tree. At the last house in the dale we + were greeted by the master, who was sitting at his door, with a flock of + sheep collected round him, for the purpose of smearing them with tar + (according to the custom of the season) for protection against the + winter's cold. He invited us to enter, and view a room built by Mr. Hasell + for the accommodation of his friends at the annual chase of red deer in + his forests at the head of these dales. The <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage310" id="Bpage310"></a>{310}</span> room is fitted up in the + sportsman's style, with a cupboard for bottles and glasses, with strong + chairs, and a dining-table; and ornamented with the horns of the stags + caught at these hunts for a succession of years—the length of the + last race each had run being recorded under his spreading antlers. The + good woman treated us with oaten cake, new and crisp; and after this + welcome refreshment and rest, we proceeded on our return to Patterdale by + a short cut over the mountains. On leaving the fields of Sandwyke, while + ascending by a gentle slope along the valley of Martindale, we had + occasion to observe that in thinly-peopled glens of this character the + general want of wood gives a peculiar interest to the scattered cottages + embowered in sycamore. Towards its head, this valley splits into two + parts; and in one of these (that to the left) there is no house, nor any + building to be seen but a cattle-shed on the side of a hill, which is + sprinkled over with trees, evidently the remains of an extensive forest. + Near the entrance of the other division stands the house where we were + entertained, and beyond the enclosures of that farm there are no other. A + few old trees remain, relics of the forest, a little stream hastens, + though with serpentine windings, through the uncultivated hollow, where + many cattle were pasturing. The cattle of this country are generally + white, or light-coloured; but these were dark brown, or black, which + heightened the resemblance this scene bears to many parts of the Highlands + of Scotland.—While we paused to rest upon the hill-side, though well + contented with the quiet every-day sounds—the lowing of cattle, + bleating of sheep, and the very gentle murmuring of the valley stream, we + could not but think what a grand effect the music of the bugle-horn would + have among these mountains. It is still heard once every year, at the + chase I have spoken of; a day of festivity for the inhabitants of this + district except the poor deer, the most ancient of them all. Our ascent + even to the top was very easy; when it was accomplished we had exceedingly + fine views, some of the lofty Fells being resplendent with sunshine, and + others partly shrouded by clouds. Ullswater, bordered by black steeps, was + of dazzling brightness; the plain beyond Penrith smooth and bright, or + rather gleamy, as the sea or sea sands. Looked down into Boardale, which, + like Stybarrow, has been named from the wild swine that formerly abounded + here; but it has now no sylvan covert, being smooth and bare, a long, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage311" id="Bpage311"></a>{311}</span> + narrow, deep, cradle-shaped glen, lying so sheltered that one would be + pleased to see it planted by human hands, there being a sufficiency of + soil; and the trees would be sheltered almost like shrubs in a + green-house.—After having walked some way along the top of the hill, + came in view of Glenriddin and the mountains at the head of Grisdale.—Before + we began to descend turned aside to a small ruin, called at this day the + chapel, where it is said the inhabitants of Martindale and Patterdale were + accustomed to assemble for worship. There are now no traces from which you + could infer for what use the building had been erected; the loose stones + and the few which yet continue piled up resemble those which lie elsewhere + on the mountain; but the shape of the building having been oblong, its + remains differ from those of a common sheep-fold; and it has stood east + and west. Scarcely did the Druids, when they fled to these fastnesses, + perform their rites in any situation more exposed to disturbance from the + elements. One cannot pass by without being reminded that the rustic + psalmody must have had the accompaniment of many a wildly-whistling blast; + and what dismal storms must have often drowned the voice of the preacher! + As we descend, Patterdale opens upon the eye in grand simplicity, screened + by mountains, and proceeding from two heads, Deep-dale and Hartshope, + where lies the little lake of Brotherswater, named in old maps + Broaderwater, and probably rightly so; for Bassenthwaite-mere at this day + is familiarly called Broadwater; but the change in the appellation of this + small lake or pool (if it be a corruption) may have been assisted by some + melancholy accident similar to what happened about twenty years ago, when + two brothers were drowned there, having gone out to take their holiday + pleasure upon the ice on a new-year's day. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A rough and precipitous peat track brought us down to our friend's house.—Another + fine moonlight night; but a thick fog rising from the neighbouring river, + enveloped the rocky and wood-crested knoll on which our fancy cottage had + been erected; and, under the damp cast upon my feelings, I consoled myself + with moralising on the folly of hasty decisions in matters of importance, + and the necessity of having at least one year's knowledge of a place + before you realise airy suggestions in solid stone. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Saturday, November 10th.—At the breakfast-table tidings reached us + of the death of Lord Nelson, and of the victory at<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage312" id="Bpage312"></a>{312}</span> Trafalgar. Sequestered as + we were from the sympathy of a crowd, we were shocked to hear that the + bells had been ringing joyously at Penrith to celebrate the triumph. In + the rebellion of the year 1745, people fled with their valuables from the + open country to Patterdale, as a place of refuge secure from the + incursions of strangers. At that time, news such as we had heard might + have been long in penetrating so far into the recesses of the mountains; + but now, as you know, the approach is easy, and the communication, in + summer time, almost hourly: nor is this strange, for travellers after + pleasure are become not less active, and more numerous than those who + formerly left their homes for purposes of gain. The priest on the banks of + the remotest stream of Lapland will talk familiarly of Buonaparte's last + conquests, and discuss the progress of the French revolution, having + acquired much of his information from adventurers impelled by curiosity + alone. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The morning was clear and cheerful after a night of sharp frost. At 10 + o'clock we took our way on foot towards Pooley Bridge, on the same side of + the lake we had coasted in a boat the day before.—Looked backwards + to the south from our favourite station above Blowick. The dazzling + sunbeams striking upon the church and village, while the earth was + steaming with exhalations not traceable in other quarters, rendered their + forms even more indistinct than the partial and flitting veil of + unillumined vapour had done two days before. The grass on which we trod, + and the trees in every thicket, were dripping with melted hoar-frost. We + observed the lemon-coloured leaves of the birches, as the breeze turned + them to the sun, sparkle, or rather <i>flash</i>, like diamonds, and the + leafless purple twigs were tipped with globes of shining crystal. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The day continued delightful, and unclouded to the end. I will not + describe the country which we slowly travelled through, nor relate our + adventures: and will only add, that on the afternoon of the 13th we + returned along the banks of Ullswater by the usual road. The lake lay in + deep repose after the agitations of a wet and stormy morning. The trees in + Gowbarrow park were in that state when what is gained by the disclosure of + their bark and branches compensates, almost, for the loss of foliage, + exhibiting the variety which characterises the point of time between + autumn and winter. The hawthorns were leafless; their <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage313" id="Bpage313"></a>{313}</span> round heads covered with + rich scarlet berries, and adorned with arches of green brambles, and + eglantines hung with glossy hips; and the grey trunks of some of the + ancient oaks, which in the summer season might have been regarded only for + their venerable majesty, now attracted notice by a pretty embellishment of + green mosses and fern intermixed with russet leaves retained by those + slender outstarting twigs which the veteran tree would not have tolerated + in his strength. The smooth silver branches of the ashes were bare; most + of the alders as green as the Devonshire cottage-myrtle that weathers the + snows of Christmas.—Will you accept it as some apology for my having + dwelt so long on the woodland ornaments of these scenes—that artists + speak of the trees on the banks of Ullswater, and especially along the + bays of Stybarrow crags, as having a peculiar character of picturesque + intricacy in their stems and branches, which their rocky stations and the + mountain winds have combined to give them? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At the end of Gowbarrow park a large herd of deer were either moving + slowly or standing still among the fern. I was sorry when a + chance-companion, who had joined us by the way, startled them with a + whistle, disturbing an image of grave simplicity and thoughtful enjoyment; + for I could have fancied that those natives of this wild and beautiful + region were partaking with us a sensation of the solemnity of the closing + day. The sun had been set some time; and we could perceive that the light + was fading away from the coves of Helvellyn, but the lake under a luminous + sky, was more brilliant than before. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After tea at Patterdale, set out again:—a fine evening; the seven + stars close to the mountain-top; all the stars seemed brighter than usual. + The steeps were reflected in Brotherswater, and, above the lake, appeared + like enormous black perpendicular walls. The Kirkstone torrents had been + swoln by the rains, and now filled the mountain pass with their roaring, + which added greatly to the solemnity of our walk. Behind us, when we had + climbed to a great height, we saw one light, very distinct, in the vale, + like a large red star—a solitary one in the gloomy region. The + cheerfulness of the scene was in the sky above us. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Reached home a little before midnight. The following verses (from the + Author's Miscellaneous Poems,) after what has just <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage314" id="Bpage314"></a>{314}</span> been read may be acceptable + to the reader, by way of conclusion to this little Volume. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + ODE. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + THE PASS OF KIRKSTONE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">I.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Within the mind strong fancies work,<br /></span> <span>A deep + delight the bosom thrills,<br /></span> <span>Oft as I pass along the + fork<br /></span> <span>Of these fraternal hills:<br /></span> <span>Where, + save the rugged road, we find<br /></span> <span>No appanage of human + kind;<br /></span> <span>Nor hint of man, if stone or rock<br /></span> + <span>Seem not his handy-work to mock<br /></span> <span>By something + cognizably shaped;<br /></span> <span>Mockery—or model roughly + hewn,<br /></span> <span>And left as if by earthquake strewn,<br /></span> + <span>Or from the Flood escaped:<br /></span> <span>Altars for Druid + service fit;<br /></span> <span>(But where no fire was ever lit,<br /></span> + <span>Unless the glow-worm to the skies<br /></span> <span>Thence offer + nightly sacrifice;)<br /></span> <span>Wrinkled Egyptian monument;<br /></span> + <span>Green moss-grown tower; or hoary tent;<br /></span> <span>Tents of + a camp that never shall be raised;<br /></span> <span>On which four + thousand years have gazed!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">II.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ye plough-shares sparkling on the slopes!<br /></span> <span>Ye + snow-white lambs that trip<br /></span> <span>Imprisoned 'mid the formal + props<br /></span> <span>Of restless ownership!<br /></span> <span>Ye + trees, that may to-morrow fall<br /></span> <span>To feed the insatiate + Prodigal!<br /></span> <span>Lawns, houses, chattels, groves, and fields,<br /></span> + <span>All that the fertile valley shields;<br /></span> <span>Wages of + folly—baits of crime,—<br /></span> <span>Of life's uneasy + game the stake,<br /></span> <span>Playthings that keep the eyes awake<br /></span> + <span>Of drowsy, dotard Time;<br /></span> <span>O care! O guilt!—O + vales and plains,<br /></span> <span>Here, 'mid his own unvexed domains,<br /></span> + <span>A Genius dwells, that can subdue<br /></span> <span>At once all + memory of You,—<br /></span> <span>Most potent when mists veil the + sky,<br /></span> <span>Mists that distort and magnify;<br /></span> <span>While + the hoarse rushes, to the sweeping breeze,<br /></span> <span>Sigh forth + their ancient melodies!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage315" id="Bpage315"></a>{315}</span> + <span class="i6">III.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>List to those shriller notes!—<i>that</i> march<br /></span> + <span>Perchance was on the blast,<br /></span> <span>When through this + Height's inverted arch,<br /></span> <span>Rome's earliest legion passed!<br /></span> + <span>—They saw, adventurously impelled,<br /></span> <span>And + older eyes than theirs beheld,<br /></span> <span>This block—and + yon, whose Church-like frame<br /></span> <span>Gives to the savage Pass + its name.<br /></span> <span>Aspiring Road! that lov'st to hide<br /></span> + <span>Thy daring in a vapoury bourn,<br /></span> <span>Not seldom may + the hour return<br /></span> <span>When thou shalt be my Guide:<br /></span> + <span>And I (as often we find cause,<br /></span> <span>When life is at a + weary pause,<br /></span> <span>And we have panted up the hill<br /></span> + <span>Of duty with reluctant will)<br /></span> <span>Be thankful, even + though tired and faint,<br /></span> <span>For the rich bounties of + Constraint;<br /></span> <span>Whence oft invigorating transports flow<br /></span> + <span>That Choice lacked courage to bestow!<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">IV.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>My Soul was grateful for delight<br /></span> <span>That wore a + threatening brow;<br /></span> <span>A veil is lifted—can she + slight<br /></span> <span>The scene that opens now?<br /></span> <span>Though + habitation none appear,<br /></span> <span>The greenness tells, man must + be there;<br /></span> <span>The shelter—that the perspective<br /></span> + <span>Is of the clime in which we live;<br /></span> <span>Where Toil + pursues his daily round;<br /></span> <span>Where Pity sheds sweet tears, + and Love,<br /></span> <span>In woodbine bower or birchen grove,<br /></span> + <span>Inflicts his tender wound.<br /></span> <span>—Who comes not + hither ne'er shall know<br /></span> <span>How beautiful the world below;<br /></span> + <span>Nor can he guess how lightly leaps<br /></span> <span>The brook + adown the rocky steeps.<br /></span> <span>Farewell, thou desolate + Domain!<br /></span> <span>Hope, pointing to the cultured Plain,<br /></span> + <span>Carols like a shepherd boy;<br /></span> <span>And who is she?—Can + that be Joy!<br /></span> <span>Who, with a sun-beam for her guide,<br /></span> + <span>Smoothly skims the meadows wide;<br /></span> <span>While Faith, + from yonder opening cloud,<br /></span> <span>To hill and vale proclaims + aloud,<br /></span> <span>'Whate'er the weak may dread, the wicked dare,<br /></span> + <span>Thy lot, O man, is good, thy portion fair!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage316" id="Bpage316"></a>{316}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>The Publishers, with permission of the Author, have added the following</i> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + ITINERARY OF THE LAKES, + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + FOR THE USE OF TOURISTS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + STAGES. + </td> + <td align="right"> + MILES. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Lancaster to Kendal, by Kirkby Lonsdale + </td> + <td align="left"> + 30 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Lancaster to Kendal, by Burton + </td> + <td align="left"> + 22 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Lancaster to Kendal, by Milnthorpe + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Lancaster to Ulverston, over Sands + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Lancaster to Ulverston, by Levens Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 35½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Ulverston to Hawkshead, by Coniston Water Head + </td> + <td align="left"> + 19 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Ulverston to Bowness, by Newby Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 17 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Hawkshead to Ambleside + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Hawkshead to Bowness + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Kendal to Ambleside + </td> + <td align="left"> + 14 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Kendal to Ambleside, by Bowness + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + From and back to Ambleside round the two Langdales + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Ambleside to Ullswater + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Ambleside to Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick to Borrowdale, and round the Lake + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick to Borrowdale and Buttermere + </td> + <td align="left"> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick to Wastdale and Calder Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Calder Bridge to Buttermere and Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 29 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick, round Bassenthwaite Lake + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick to Patterdale, Pooley Bridge, and Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 38 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick to Pooley Bridge and Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 24 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Keswick to Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 17½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Whitehaven to Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Workington to Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Excursion from Penrith to Hawes Water + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Carlisle to Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Penrith to Kendal + </td> + <td align="left"> + 26 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>Inns and Public Houses, when not mentioned, are marked thus</i>* + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + LANCASTER To KENDAL, by Kirkby Lonsdale, 30 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="35%" summary="distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + MILES. + </td> + <td> + + </td> + <td align="right"> + MILES. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Caton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Claughton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hornby* + </td> + <td align="right"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Melling + </td> + <td align="right"> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Tunstall + </td> + <td align="right"> + 13 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Burrow + </td> + <td align="right"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kirkby Lonsdale + </td> + <td align="right"> + 17 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 13 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kendal + </td> + <td align="right"> + 30 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage317" id="Bpage317"></a>{317}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + INNS—<i>Lancaster</i>: King's Arms, Commercial Inn, Royal Oak. <i>Kirkby + Lonsdale</i>: Rose and Crown, Green Dragon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + LANCASTER to KENDAL, by Burton, 21¾ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 10¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Burton + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Crooklands + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + End Moor* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kendal + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21¾ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS: <i>Kendal</i>: King's Arms, Commercial Inn. <i>Burton</i>: Royal + Oak, King's Arms. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + LANCASTER to KENDAL, by Milnthorpe, 21¼ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="35%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Slyne* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bolton-le-Sands* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Carnforth* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Junction of the Milnthorpe and Burton roads + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hale* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Beethom* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Milnthorpe + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Heversham* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Levens-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kendal + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21¼ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INN—<i>Milnthorpe</i>: Cross Keys. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + LANCASTER to ULVERSTON, over Sands, 21 miles. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hest Bank* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 3½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lancaster Sands + </td> + <td align="left"> + 3¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kent's Bank + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lower Allithwaite + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Flookburgh* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Cark + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Leven Sands + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ulverston + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Ulverston</i>: Sun Inn, Bradyll's Arms. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + LANCASTER to ULVERSTON, by Levens-Bridge, 35½ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hale* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + ½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Beethom* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Milnthorpe + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13¾ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Heversham* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Levens-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Witherslack* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 20½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lindal* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Newton* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 25 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Newby-Bridge* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Low Wood + </td> + <td align="left"> + 29½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Greenodd + </td> + <td align="left"> + 32½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ulverston + </td> + <td align="left"> + 35½ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ULVERSTON to HAWKSHEAD, by Coniston Water-Head, 19 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lowick-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Nibthwaite + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Coniston Water-Head* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hawkshead + </td> + <td align="left"> + 19 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INN—<i>Hawkshead</i>: Red Lion. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + ULVERSTON to BOWNESS, by Newby-Bridge, 16 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Greenodd + </td> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Low Wood + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Newby-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bowness + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Bowness</i>: White Lion, Crown Inn. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + HAWKSHEAD to AMBLESIDE, 5 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + HAWKSHEAD to BOWNESS, 5½ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Sawrey + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Windermere-ferry* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bowness + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5½ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + KENDAL to AMBLESIDE, 13½ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Staveley* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ings Chapel + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Orrest-head + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Troutbeck-Bridge* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Low Wood Inn + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ambleside + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13½ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Ambleside</i>: Salutation Hotel, Commercial Inn. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + KENDAL to AMBLESIDE, by Bowness, 15 miles. + </h3> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage318" id="Bpage318"></a>{318}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Crook* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Gilpin-Bridge* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bowness + </td> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Troutbeck-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 11½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Low Wood Inn + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ambleside + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + A Circuit from and back to AMBLESIDE, by Little and Great Langdale, 18 + miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="35%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Skelwith-Bridge* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Colwith Cascade + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Blea Tarn + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Dungeon Ghyll + </td> + <td align="left"> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Langdale Chapel Stile* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + By High Close and Rydal to Ambleside + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + AMBLESIDE to ULLSWATER, 10 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Top of Kirkstone + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kirkstone Foot + </td> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Inn at Patterdale + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + AMBLESIDE to KESWICK, 16¼ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Rydal + </td> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Swan, Grassmere* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Dunmail Raise + </td> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1¼ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Nag's Head, Wythburn + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Smalthwaite-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Castlerigg + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16¼ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + EXCURSIONS FROM KESWICK. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Keswick</i>: Royal Oak, Queen's Head. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + To BORROWDALE, and ROUND THE LAKE, 12 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Barrow House + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lowdore + </td> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Grange + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bowder Stone + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Return to Grange + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Portinscale + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + To BORROWDALE and BUTTERMERE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bowder Stone + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Rosthwaite + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Seatoller + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Gatesgarth + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Buttermere* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 14 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Keswick, by Newlands + </td> + <td align="left"> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + Two Days' Excursion to WASTDALE, ENNERDALE, and LOWES-WATER. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>First Day.</i> + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Rosthwaite + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Seatoller + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Seathwaite + </td> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Sty-head + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Wastdale-head + </td> + <td align="left"> + 14 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Strands,* Nether Wastdale + </td> + <td align="left"> + 20 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Gosforth* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 24 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Calder-Bridge* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>Second Day.</i> + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ennerdale-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lamplugh Cross* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lowes-Water + </td> + <td align="left"> + 14 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Scale-hill* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Buttermere* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 20 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 29 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage319" id="Bpage319"></a>{319}</span> + </p> + <h3> + KESWICK round BASSENTHWAITE WATER. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Peel Wyke* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Ouse-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Castle Inn + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Bassenthwaite Sandbed + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + KESWICK to PATTERDALE, and by Pooley-Bridge to PENRITH. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="35%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Springfield* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Gowbarrow Park + </td> + <td align="left"> + 17 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Patterdale* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 22 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Pooley—Bridge* through Gowbarrow Park + </td> + <td align="left"> + 32 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 38 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Penrith</i>: Crown Inn, the George. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + KESWICK to POOLEY-BRIDGE and PENRITH. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Penruddock* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Dacre* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Pooley-Bridge + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 24 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + KESWICK to PENRITH, 17½ miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Threlkeld* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 7½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Penruddock + </td> + <td align="left"> + 11½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Stainton* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 17½ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + WHITEHAVEN to KESWICK, 27 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Moresby + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Distington + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Winscales + </td> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Little Clifton + </td> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Cockermouth + </td> + <td align="left"> + 14 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Embleton + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Thornthwaite + </td> + <td align="left"> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Keswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Whitehaven</i>: Black Lion, Golden Lion, the Globe. <i>Cockermouth</i>: + The Globe, the Sun. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + WORKINGTON to KESWICK, 21 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + The road joins that from Whitehaven to Keswick 4 miles from Workington.<br /> + INNS—<i>Workington</i>: Green Dragon, New Crown, King's Arms. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + Excursion from PENRITH to HAWESWATER. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="30%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Lowther, or Askham* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + <td align="left"> + By Bampton* to Haweswater + </td> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Return by Butterswick + </td> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Over Moor Dovack to Pooley + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td align="left"> + By Dalemain to Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + CARLISLE to PENRITH, 18 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Carlton* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Low Hesket* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 9½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + High Hesket* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Plumpton* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 13 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Penrith + </td> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Carlisle</i>: The Bush Coffee-House, King's Arms. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + PENRITH to KENDAL, 26 miles. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="25%" summary="Distances"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Eamont-Bridge* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 1½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Clifton* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hackthorpe* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 4½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 5¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Shap + </td> + <td align="left"> + 10¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 6¾ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Hawse Foot* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 17 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Plough Inn* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 21 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Skelsmergh Stocks* + </td> + <td align="left"> + 23½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 2½ + </td> + <td align="left"> + Kendal + </td> + <td align="left"> + 26 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + INNS—<i>Shap</i>: Greyhound, King's Arms. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="KENDAL_AND_WINDERMERE_RAILWAY" id="KENDAL_AND_WINDERMERE_RAILWAY"></a>KENDAL + AND WINDERMERE RAILWAY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 15%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage321" id="Bpage321"></a>{321}</span> + </p> + <h2> + TWO LETTERS + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + RE-PRINTED FROM THE MORNING POST. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + REVISED, WITH ADDITIONS. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 15%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + KENDAL: + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + PRINTED BY E. BRANTHWAITE AND SON. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + [1844.] + </h4> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage322" id="Bpage322"></a>{322}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> See <a href="#PREFACE">Preface in Vol. I.</a> for details on + these Letters, &c. G. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage323" id="Bpage323"></a>{323}</span> + </p> + <h3> + SONNET ON THE PROJECTED KENDAL AND WINDERMERE RAILWAY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Is then no nook of English ground secure<br /></span> <span>From + rash assault? Schemes of retirement sown<br /></span> <span>In youth, and + mid the busy world kept pure<br /></span> <span>As when their earliest + flowers of hope were blown,<br /></span> <span>Must perish;—how can + they this blight endure?<br /></span> <span>And must he too the ruthless + change bemoan<br /></span> <span>Who scorns a false utilitarian lure<br /></span> + <span>Mid his paternal fields at random thrown?<br /></span> <span>Baffle + the threat, bright Scene, from Orrest-head<br /></span> <span>Given to + the pausing traveller's rapturous glance:<br /></span> <span>Plead for + thy peace, thou beautiful romance<br /></span> <span>Of nature; and, if + human hearts be dead,<br /></span> <span>Speak, passing winds; ye + torrents, with your strong<br /></span> <span>And constant voice, protest + against the wrong.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, October 12th, 1844. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The degree and kind of attachment which many of the yeomanry feel to their + small inheritances can scarcely be over-rated. Near the house of one of + them stands a magnificent tree, which a neighbour of the owner advised him + to fell for profit's sake. 'Fell it,' exclaimed the yeoman, 'I had rather + fall on my knees and worship it.' It happens, I believe, that the intended + railway would pass through this little property, and I hope that an + apology for the answer will not be thought necessary by one who enters + into the strength of the feeling. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W.W.</span> <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage325" id="Bpage325"></a>{325}</span> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + KENDAL AND WINDERMERE RAILWAY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 5%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + No. I. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>To the Editor of the 'Morning Post.'</i> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Some little time ago you did me the favour of inserting a sonnet + expressive of the regret and indignation which, in common with others all + over these Islands, I felt at the proposal of a railway to extend from + Kendal to Low Wood, near the head of Windermere. The project was so + offensive to a large majority of the proprietors through whose lands the + line, after it came in view of the Lake, was to pass, that, for this + reason, and the avowed one of the heavy expense without which the + difficulties in the way could not be overcome, it has been partially + abandoned, and the terminus is now announced to be at a spot within a mile + of Bowness. But as no guarantee can be given that the project will not + hereafter be revived, and an attempt made to carry the line forward + through the vales of Ambleside and Grasmere, and as in one main particular + the case remains essentially the same, allow me to address you upon + certain points which merit more consideration than the favourers of the + scheme have yet given them. The matter, though seemingly local, is really + one in which all persons of taste must be interested, and, therefore, I + hope to be excused if I venture to treat it at some length. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall barely touch upon the statistics of the question, leaving these to + the two adverse parties, who will lay their several statements before the + Board of Trade, which may possibly be induced to refer the matter to the + House of Commons; and, contemplating that possibility, I hope that the + observations I have to make may not be altogether without influence upon + the public, and upon individuals whose duty it may be to decide in their + place whether the proposed measure shall be referred <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage326" id="Bpage326"></a>{326}</span> to a Committee of the + House. Were the case before us an ordinary one, I should reject such an + attempt as presumptuous and futile; but it is not only different from all + others, but, in truth, peculiar. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this district the manufactures are trifling; mines it has none, and its + quarries are either wrought out or superseded; the soil is light, and the + cultivateable parts of the country are very limited; so that it has little + to send out, and little has it also to receive. Summer TOURISTS, (and the + very word precludes the notion of a railway) it has in abundance; but the + inhabitants are so few and their intercourse with other places so + infrequent, that one daily coach, which could not be kept going but + through its connection with the Post-office, suffices for three-fourths of + the year along the line of country as far as Keswick. The staple of the + district is, in fact, its beauty and its character of seclusion and + retirement; and to these topics and to others connected with them my + remarks shall be confined. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The projectors have induced many to favour their schemes by declaring that + one of their main objects is to place the beauties of the Lake district + within easier reach of those who cannot afford to pay for ordinary + conveyances. Look at the facts. Railways are completed, which, joined with + others in rapid progress, will bring travellers who prefer approaching by + Ullswater to within four miles of that lake. The Lancaster and Carlisle + Railway will approach the town of Kendal, about eight or nine miles from + eminences that command the whole vale of Windermere. The Lakes are + therefore at present of very easy access for <i>all</i> persons; but if + they be not made still more so, the poor, it is said, will be wronged. + Before this be admitted let the question be fairly looked into, and its + different bearings examined. No one can assert that, if this intended mode + of approach be not effected, anything will be taken away that is actually + possessed. The wrong, if any, must lie in the unwarrantable obstruction of + an attainable benefit. First, then, let us consider the probable amount of + that benefit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Elaborate gardens, with topiary works, were in high request, even among + our remote ancestors, but the relish for choice and picturesque natural <i>scenery</i> + (a poor and mean word which requires an apology, but will be generally + understood), is quite of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage327" + id="Bpage327"></a>{327}</span> recent origin. Our earlier travellers—Ray, + the naturalist, one of the first men of his age—Bishop Burnet, and + others who had crossed the Alps, or lived some time in Switzerland, are + silent upon the sublimity and beauty of those regions; and Burnet even + uses these words, speaking of the Grisons—'When they have made up + estates elsewhere they are glad to leave Italy and the best parts of + Germany, and to come and live among those mountains of which the very + sight is enough to fill a man with horror.' The accomplished Evelyn, + giving an account of his journey from Italy through the Alps, dilates upon + the terrible, the melancholy, and the uncomfortable; but, till he comes to + the fruitful country in the neighbourhood of Geneva, not a syllable of + delight or praise. In the <i>Sacra Telluris Theoria</i> of the other + Burnet there is a passage—omitted, however, in his own English + translation of the work—in which he gives utterance to his + sensations, when, from a particular spot he beheld a tract of the Alps + rising before him on the one hand, and on the other the Mediterranean Sea + spread beneath him. Nothing can be worthier of the magnificent appearances + he describes than his language. In a noble strain also does the Poet Gray + address, in a Latin Ode, the <i>Religio loci</i> at the Grande Chartruise. + But before his time, with the exception of the passage from Thomas Burnet + just alluded to, there is not, I believe, a single English traveller whose + published writings would disprove the assertion, that, where precipitous + rocks and mountains are mentioned at all, they are spoken of as objects of + dislike and fear, and not of admiration. Even Gray himself, describing, in + his Journal, the steeps at the entrance of Borrowdale, expresses his + terror in the language of Dante:—'Let us not speak of them, but look + and pass on.' In my youth, I lived some time in the vale of Keswick, under + the roof of a shrewd and sensible woman, who more than once exclaimed in + my hearing, 'Bless me! folk are always talking about prospects: when I was + young there was never sic a thing neamed.' In fact, our ancestors, as + every where appears, in choosing the site of their houses, looked only at + shelter and convenience, especially of water, and often would place a barn + or any other out-house directly in front of their habitations, however + beautiful the landscape which their windows might otherwise have + commanded. The first house that was built in the Lake district for the + sake of the beauty of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage328" + id="Bpage328"></a>{328}</span> the country was the work of a Mr. English, + who had travelled in Italy, and chose for his site, some eighty years ago, + the great island of Windermere; but it was sold before his building was + finished, and he showed how little he was capable of appreciating the + character of the situation by setting up a length of high garden-wall, as + exclusive as it was ugly, almost close to the house. The nuisance was + swept away when the late Mr. Curwen became the owner of this favoured + spot. Mr. English was followed by Mr. Pocklington, a native of + Nottinghamshire, who played strange pranks by his buildings and + plantations upon Vicar's Island, in Derwent-water, which his admiration, + such as it was, of the country, and probably a wish to be a leader in a + new fashion, had tempted him to purchase. But what has all this to do with + the subject?—Why, to show that a vivid perception of romantic + scenery is neither inherent in mankind, nor a necessary consequence of + even a comprehensive education. It is benignly ordained that green fields, + clear blue skies, running streams of pure water, rich groves and woods, + orchards, and all the ordinary varieties of rural Nature, should find an + easy way to the affections of all men, and more or less so from early + childhood till the senses are impaired by old age and the sources of mere + earthly enjoyment have in a great measure failed. But a taste beyond this, + however desirable it may be that every one should possess it, is not to be + implanted at once; it must be gradually developed both in nations and + individuals. Rocks and mountains, torrents and wide-spread waters, and all + those features of Nature which go to the composition of such scenes as + this part of England is distinguished for, cannot, in their finer + relations to the human mind, be comprehended, or even very imperfectly + conceived, without processes of culture or opportunities of observation in + some degree habitual. In the eye of thousands and tens of thousands, a + rich meadow, with fat cattle grazing upon it, or the sight of what they + would call a heavy crop of corn, is worth all that the Alps and Pyrenees + in their utmost grandeur and beauty could show to them; and, + notwithstanding the grateful influence, as we have observed, of ordinary + Nature and the productions of the fields, it is noticeable what trifling + conventional prepossessions will, in common minds, not only preclude + pleasure from the sight of natural beauty, but will even turn it into an + object of disgust. 'If I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage329" + id="Bpage329"></a>{329}</span> had to do with this garden,' said a + respectable person, one of my neighbours, 'I would sweep away all the + black and dirty stuff from that wall.' The wall was backed by a bank of + earth, and was exquisitely decorated with ivy, flowers, moss, and ferns, + such as grow of themselves in like places; but the mere notion of fitness + associated with a trim garden-wall prevented, in this instance, all sense + of the spontaneous bounty and delicate care of Nature. In the midst of a + small pleasure-ground, immediately below my house, rises a detached rock, + equally remarkable for the beauty of its form, the ancient oaks that grow + out of it, and the flowers and shrubs which adorn it. 'What a nice place + would this be,' said a Manchester tradesman, pointing to the rock, 'if + that ugly lump were but out of the way.' Men as little advanced in the + pleasure which such objects give to others are so far from being rare, + that they may be said fairly to represent a large majority of mankind. + This is a fact, and none but the deceiver and the willingly deceived can + be offended by its being stated. But as a more susceptible taste is + undoubtedly a great acquisition, and has been spreading among us for some + years, the question is, what means are most likely to be beneficial in + extending its operation? Surely that good is not to be obtained by + transferring at once uneducated persons in large bodies to particular + spots, where the combinations of natural objects are such as would afford + the greatest pleasure to those who have been in the habit of observing and + studying the peculiar character of such scenes, and how they differ one + from another. Instead of tempting artisans and labourers, and the humbler + classes of shopkeepers, to ramble to a distance, let us rather look with + lively sympathy upon persons in that condition, when, upon a holiday, or + on the Sunday, after having attended divine worship, they make little + excursions with their wives and children among neighbouring fields, + whither the whole of each family might stroll, or be conveyed at much less + cost than would be required to take a single individual of the number to + the shores of Windermere by the cheapest conveyance. It is in some such + way as this only, that persons who must labour daily with their hands for + bread in large towns, or are subject to confinement through the week, can + be trained to a profitable intercourse with Nature where she is the most + distinguished by the majesty and sublimity of her forms.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage330" id="Bpage330"></a>{330}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For further illustration of the subject, turn to what we know of a man of + extraordinary genius, who was bred to hard labour in agricultural + employments, Burns, the poet. When he had become distinguished by the + publication of a volume of verses, and was enabled to travel by the profit + his poems brought him, he made a tour, in the course of which, as his + companion, Dr. Adair, tells us, he visited scenes inferior to none in + Scotland in beauty, sublimity, and romantic interest; and the Doctor + having noticed, with other companions, that he seemed little moved upon + one occasion by the sight of such a scene, says—'I doubt if he had + much taste for the picturesque.' The personal testimony, however, upon + this point is conflicting; but when Dr. Currie refers to certain local + poems as decisive proofs that Burns' fellow-traveller was mistaken, the + biographer is surely unfortunate. How vague and tame are the poet's + expressions in those few local poems, compared with his language when he + is describing objects with which his position in life allowed him to be + familiar! It appears, both from what his works contain, and from what is + not to be found in them, that, sensitive as they abundantly prove his mind + to have been in its intercourse with common rural images, and with the + general powers of Nature exhibited in storm and in stillness, in light or + darkness, and in the various aspects of the seasons, he was little + affected by the sight of one spot in preference to another, unless where + it derived an interest from history, tradition, or local associations. He + lived many years in Nithsdale, where he was in daily sight of Skiddaw, yet + he never crossed the Solway for a better acquaintance with that mountain; + and I am persuaded that, if he had been induced to ramble among our Lakes, + by that time sufficiently celebrated, he would have seldom been more + excited than by some ordinary Scottish stream or hill with a tradition + attached to it, or which had been the scene of a favourite ballad or love + song. If all this be truly said of such a man, and the like cannot be + denied of the eminent individuals before named, who to great natural + talents added the accomplishments of scholarship or science, then what + ground is there for maintaining that the poor are treated with disrespect, + or wrong done to them or any class of visitants, if we be reluctant to + introduce a railway into this country for the sake of lessening, by eight + or nine miles only, the fatigue or expense of their journey to Windermere?—<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage331" id="Bpage331"></a>{331}</span> And + wherever any one among the labouring classes has made even an approach to + the sensibility which drew a lamentation from Burns when he had uprooted a + daisy with his plough, and caused him to turn the 'weeder-clips aside' + from the thistle, and spare 'the symbol dear' of his country, then surely + such a one, could he afford by any means to travel as far as Kendal, would + not grudge a two hours' walk across the skirts of the beautiful country + that he was desirous of visiting. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The wide-spread waters of these regions are in their nature peaceful; so + are the-steep mountains and the rocky glens; nor can they be profitably + enjoyed but by a mind disposed to peace. Go to a pantomime, a farce, or a + puppet-show, if you want noisy pleasure—the crowd of spectators who + partake your enjoyment will, by their presence and acclamations, enhance + it; but may those who have given proof that they prefer other + gratifications continue to be safe from the molestation of cheap trains + pouring out their hundreds at a time along the margin of Windermere; nor + let any one be liable to the charge of being selfishly disregardful of the + poor, and their innocent and salutary enjoyments, if he does not + congratulate himself upon the especial benefit which would thus be + conferred on such a concourse. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>O, Nature, a' thy shows an' forms,<br /></span> <span>To feeling + pensive hearts hae charms!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + So exclaimed the Ayrshire ploughman, speaking of ordinary rural Nature + under the varying influences of the seasons, and the sentiment has found + an echo in the bosoms of thousands in as humble a condition as he himself + was when he gave vent to it. But then they were feeling, pensive hearts; + men who would be among the first to lament the facility with which they + had approached this region, by a sacrifice of so much of its quiet and + beauty, as, from the intrusion of a railway, would be inseparable. What + can, in truth, be more absurd, than that either rich or poor should be + spared the trouble of travelling by the high roads over so short a space, + according to their respective means, if the unavoidable consequence must + be a great disturbance of the retirement, and in many places a destruction + of the beauty of the country, which the parties are come in search of? + Would not this be pretty much like the child's cutting up his drum to + learn where the sound came from? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having, I trust, given sufficient reason for the belief that the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage332" id="Bpage332"></a>{332}</span> + imperfectly educated classes are not likely to draw much good from rare + visits to the Lakes performed in this way, and surely on their own account + it is not desirable that the visits should be frequent, let us glance at + the mischief which such facilities would certainly produce. The directors + of railway companies are always ready to devise or encourage + entertainments for tempting the humbler classes to leave their homes. + Accordingly, for the profit of the shareholders and that of the lower + class of innkeepers, we should have wrestling matches, horse and boat + races without number, and pot-houses and beer-shops would keep pace with + these excitements and recreations, most of which might too easily be had + elsewhere. The injury which would thus be done to morals, both among this + influx of strangers and the lower class of inhabitants, is obvious; and, + supposing such extraordinary temptations not to be held out, there cannot + be a doubt that the Sabbath day in the towns of Bowness and Ambleside, and + other parts of the district, would be subject to much additional + desecration. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whatever comes of the scheme which we have endeavoured to discountenance, + the charge against its opponents of being selfishly regardless of the + poor, ought to cease. The cry has been raised and kept up by three classes + of persons—they who wish to bring into discredit all such as stand + in the way of their gains or gambling speculations; they who are dazzled + by the application of physical science to the useful arts, and + indiscriminately applaud what they call the spirit of the age as + manifested in this way; and, lastly, those persons who are ever ready to + step forward in what appears to them to be the cause of the poor, but not + always with becoming attention to particulars. I am well aware that upon + the first class what has been said will be of no avail, but upon the two + latter some impression will, I trust, be made. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To conclude. The railway power, we know well, will not admit of being + materially counteracted by sentiment; and who would wish it where large + towns are connected, and the interests of trade and agriculture are + substantially promoted, by such mode of intercommunication? But be it + remembered, that this case is, as has been said before, a peculiar one, + and that the staple of the country is its beauty and its character of + retirement. Let then the beauty be undisfigured and the retirement <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage333" id="Bpage333"></a>{333}</span> + unviolated, unless there be reason for believing that rights and interests + of a higher kind and more apparent than those which have been urged in + behalf of the projected intrusion will compensate the sacrifice. Thanking + you for the judicious observations that have appeared in your paper upon + the subject of railways, + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">I remain, Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your obliged,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 28em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, Dec. 9, 1844. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + NOTE.—To the instances named in this letter of the indifference + even of men of genius to the sublime forms of Nature in mountainous + districts, the author of the interesting Essays, in the <i>Morning Post</i>, + entitled Table Talk has justly added Goldsmith, and I give the passage + in his own words. + </p> + <p> + 'The simple and gentle-hearted Goldsmith, who had an exquisite sense of + rural beauty in the familiar forms of hill and dale, and meadows with + their hawthorn-scented hedges, does not seem to have dreamt of any such + thing as beauty in the Swiss Alps, though he traversed them on foot, and + had therefore the best opportunities of observing them. In his poem + "The Traveller," he describes the Swiss as loving their + mountain homes, not by reason of the romantic beauty of the situation, + but in spite of the miserable character of the soil, and the stormy + horrors of their mountain steeps— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10">Turn we to survey<br /></span> <span>Where rougher + climes a nobler race display,<br /></span> <span>Where the bleak Swiss + their stormy mansion tread,<br /></span> <span>And force a churlish + soil for scanty bread.<br /></span> <span>No produce here the barren + hills afford,<br /></span> <span>But man and steel, the soldier and his + sword:<br /></span> <span>No vernal blooms their torpid rocks array,<br /></span> + <span>But winter lingering chills the lap of May;<br /></span> <span>No + Zephyr fondly sues the mountain's breast,<br /></span> <span>But + meteors glare and stormy glooms invest.<br /></span> <span>Yet still, + <i>even here</i>, content can spread a charm,<br /></span> <span>Redress + the clime, and all its rage disarm.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In the same Essay, (December 18th, 1844,) are many observations + judiciously bearing upon the true character of this and similar + projects. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage334" id="Bpage334"></a>{334}</span> + </p> + <h4> + No. II. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>To the Editor of the 'Morning Post.'</i> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As you obligingly found space in your journal for observations of mine + upon the intended Kendal and Windermere Railway, I venture to send you + some further remarks upon the same subject. The scope of the main + argument, it will be recollected, was to prove that the perception of what + has acquired the name of picturesque and romantic scenery is so far from + being intuitive, that it can be produced only by a slow and gradual + process of culture; and to show, as a consequence, that the humbler ranks + of society are not, and cannot be, in a state to gain material benefit + from a more speedy access than they now have to this beautiful region. + Some of our opponents dissent from this latter proposition, though the + most judicious of them readily admit the former; but then, overlooking not + only positive assertions, but reasons carefully given, they say, 'As you + allow that a more comprehensive taste is desirable, you ought to side with + us;' and they illustrate their position, by reference to the British + Museum and National Picture Gallery. 'There,' they add, 'thanks to the + easy entrance now granted, numbers are seen, indicating by their dress and + appearance their humble condition, who, when admitted for the first time, + stare vacantly around them, so that one is inclined to ask what brought + them hither? But an impression is made, something gained which may induce + them to repeat the visit until light breaks in upon them, and they take an + intelligent interest in what they behold.' Persons who talk thus forget + that, to produce such an improvement, frequent access at small cost of + time and labour is indispensable. Manchester lies, perhaps, within eight + hours' railway distance of London; but surely no one would advise that + Manchester operatives should contract a habit of running to and fro + between that town and London, for the sake of forming an intimacy with the + British Museum and National Gallery? No, no; little would all but a very + few gain from the opportunities <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage335" + id="Bpage335"></a>{335}</span> which, consistently with common sense, + could be afforded them for such expeditions. Nor would it fare better with + them in respect of trips to the lake district; an assertion, the truth of + which no one can doubt, who has learned by experience how many men of the + same or higher rank, living from their birth in this very region, are + indifferent to those objects around them in which a cultivated taste takes + so much pleasure. I should not have detained the reader so long upon this + point, had I not heard (glad tidings for the directors and traffickers in + shares!) that among the affluent and benevolent manufacturers of Yorkshire + and Lancashire are some who already entertain the thought of sending, at + their own expense, large bodies of their workmen, by railway, to the banks + of Windermere. Surely those gentlemen will think a little more before they + put such a scheme into practice. The rich man cannot benefit the poor, nor + the superior the inferior, by anything that degrades him. Packing off men + after this fashion, for holiday entertainment, is, in fact, treating them + like children. They go at the will of their master, and must return at the + same, or they will be dealt with as transgressors. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A poor man, speaking of his son, whose time of service in the army was + expired, once said to me, (the reader will be startled at the expression, + and I, indeed, was greatly shocked by it), 'I am glad he has done with + that <i>mean</i> way of life.' But I soon gathered what was at the bottom + of the feeling. The father overlooked all the glory that attaches to the + character of a British soldier, in the consciousness that his son's will + must have been in so great a degree subject to that of others. The poor + man felt where the true dignity of his species lay, namely, in a just + proportion between actions governed by a man's own inclinations and those + of other men; but, according to the father's notion, that proportion did + not exist in the course of life from which his son had been released. Had + the old man known from experience the degree of liberty allowed to the + common soldier, and the moral effect of the obedience required, he would + have thought differently, and had he been capable of extending his views, + he would have felt how much of the best and noblest part of our civic + spirit was owing to our military and naval institutions, and that perhaps + our very existence as a free people had by them been maintained. This + extreme instance has been adduced to <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage336" id="Bpage336"></a>{336}</span> show how deeply seated in + the minds of Englishmen is their sense of personal independence. + Master-manufacturers ought never to lose sight of this truth. Let them + consent to a Ten Hours' Bill, with little or, if possible, no diminution + of wages, and the necessaries of life being more easily procured, the mind + will develope itself accordingly, and each individual would be more at + liberty to make at his own cost excursions in any direction which might be + most inviting to him. There would then be no need for their masters + sending them in droves scores of miles from their homes and families to + the borders of Windermere, or anywhere else. Consider also the state of + the lake district; and look, in the first place, at the little town of + Bowness, in the event of such railway inundations. What would become of it + in this, not the Retreat, but the Advance, of the Ten Thousand? Leeds, I + am told, has sent as many at once to Scarborough. We should have the whole + of Lancashire, and no small part of Yorkshire, pouring in upon us to meet + the men of Durham, and the borderers from Cumberland and Northumberland. + Alas, alas, if the lakes are to pay this penalty for their own + attractions! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—Vane could tell what ills from beauty spring,<br /></span> + <span>And Sedley cursed the form that pleased a king.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The fear of adding to the length of my last long letter prevented me from + entering into details upon private and personal feelings among the + residents, who have cause to lament the threatened intrusion. These are + not matters to be brought before a Board of Trade, though I trust there + will always be of that board members who know well that as we do 'not live + by bread alone,' so neither do we live by political economy alone. Of the + present Board I would gladly believe there is not one who, if his duty + allowed it, would not be influenced by considerations of what may be felt + by a gallant officer now serving on the coast of South America, when he + shall learn that the nuisance, though not intended actually to enter his + property, will send its omnibuses, as fast as they can drive, within a few + yards of his modest abode, which he built upon a small domain purchased at + a price greatly enhanced by the privacy and beauty of the situation. + Professor Wilson (him I take the liberty to name), though a native of + Scotland, and familiar with the grandeur of his own country, could not + resist the temptation of settling long ago <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Bpage337" id="Bpage337"></a>{337}</span> among our mountains. The + place which his public duties have compelled him to quit as a residence, + and may compel him to part with, is probably dearer to him than any spot + upon earth. The reader should be informed with what respect he has been + treated. Engineer agents, to his astonishment, came and intruded with + their measuring instruments, upon his garden. He saw them; and who will + not admire the patience that kept his hands from their shoulders? I must + stop. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But with the fear before me of the line being carried; at a day not + distant, through the whole breadth of the district, I could dwell, with + much concern for other residents, upon the condition which they would be + in if that outrage should be committed; nor ought it to be deemed + impertinent were I to recommend this point to the especial regard of + Members of Parliament who may have to decide upon the question. The two + Houses of Legislature have frequently shown themselves not unmindful of + private feeling in these matters. They have, in some cases, been induced + to spare parks and pleasure grounds. But along the great railway lines + these are of rare occurrence. They are but a part, and a small part; here + it is far otherwise. Among the ancient inheritances of the yeomen, surely + worthy of high respect, are interspersed through the entire district + villas, most of them with such small domains attached that the occupants + would be hardly less annoyed by a railway passing through their + neighbour's ground than through their own. And it would be unpardonable + not to advert to the effect of this measure on the interests of the very + poor in this locality. With the town of Bowness I have no <i>minute</i> + acquaintance; but of Ambleside, Grasmere, and the neighbourhood, I can + testify from long experience, that they have been favoured by the + residence of a gentry whose love of retirement has been a blessing to + these vales; for their families have ministered, and still minister, to + the temporal and spiritual necessities of the poor, and have personally + superintended the education of the children in a degree which does those + benefactors the highest honour, and which is, I trust, gratefully + acknowledged in the hearts of all whom they have relieved, employed, and + taught. Many of those friends of our poor would quit this country if the + apprehended change were realised, and would be succeeded by strangers not + linked to the neighbourhood, but flitting to and fro between <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage338" id="Bpage338"></a>{338}</span> their + fancy villas and the homes where their wealth was accumulated and + accumulating by trade and manufactures. It is obvious that persons, so + unsettled, whatever might be their good wishes and readiness to part with + money for charitable purposes, would ill supply the loss of the + inhabitants who had been driven away. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It will be felt by those who think with me upon this occasion that I have + been writing on behalf of a social condition which no one who is competent + to judge of it will be willing to subvert, and that I have been + endeavouring to support moral sentiments and intellectual pleasures of a + high order against an enmity which seems growing more and more formidable + every day; I mean 'Utilitarianism,' serving as a mask for cupidity and + gambling speculations. My business with this evil lies in its reckless + mode of action by Railways, now its favourite instruments. Upon good + authority I have been told that there was lately an intention of driving + one of these pests, as they are likely too often to prove, through a part + of the magnificent ruins of Furness Abbey—an outrage which was + prevented by some one pointing out how easily a deviation might be made; + and the hint produced its due effect upon the engineer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sacred as that relic of the devotion of our ancestors deserves to be kept, + there are temples of Nature, temples built by the Almighty, which have a + still higher claim to be left unviolated. Almost every reach of the + winding vales in this district might once have presented itself to a man + of imagination and feeling under that aspect, or, as the Vale of Grasmere + appeared to the Poet Gray more than seventy years ago. 'No flaring + gentleman's-house,' says he, 'nor garden-walls break in upon the repose of + this little unsuspected <i>paradise</i>, but all is peace,' &c., &c. + Were the Poet now living, how would he have lamented the probable + intrusion of a railway with its scarifications, its intersections, its + noisy machinery, its smoke, and swarms of pleasure-hunters, most of them + thinking that they do not fly fast enough through the country which they + have come to see. Even a broad highway may in some places greatly impair + the characteristic beauty of the country, as will be readily acknowledged + by those who remember what the Lake of Grasmere was before the new road + that runs along its eastern margin had been constructed. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage339" id="Bpage339"></a>{339}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">Quanto praestantias esset<br /></span> <span>Numen aquae + viridi si margina clauderet undas<br /></span> <span>Herba—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As it once was, and fringed with wood, instead of the breastwork of bare + wall that now confines it. In the same manner has the beauty, and still + more the sublimity of many Passes in the Alps been injuriously affected. + Will the reader excuse a quotation from a MS. poem in which I attempted to + describe the impression made upon my mind by the descent towards Italy + along the Simplon before the new military road had taken the place of the + old muleteer track with its primitive simplicities? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">Brook and road<br /></span> <span>Were fellow-travellers + in this gloomy Pass,<br /></span> <span>And with them did we journey + several hours<br /></span> <span>At a slow step. The immeasurable height<br /></span> + <span>Of woods decaying, never to be decayed,<br /></span> <span>The + stationary blasts of waterfalls.<br /></span> <span>And in the narrow + rent, at every turn,<br /></span> <span>Winds thwarting winds bewildered + and forlorn,<br /></span> <span>The torrents shooting from the clear blue + sky,<br /></span> <span>The rocks that muttered close upon our ears,<br /></span> + <span>Black drizzling crags that spake by the way-side<br /></span> <span>As + if a voice were in them, the sick sight<br /></span> <span>And giddy + prospect of the raving stream,<br /></span> <span>The unfettered clouds + and region of the heavens,<br /></span> <span>Tumult and peace, the + darkness and the light,<br /></span> <span>Were all like workings of one + mind, the features<br /></span> <span>Of the same face, blossoms upon one + tree,<br /></span> <span>Characters of the great Apocalypse,<br /></span> + <span>The types and symbols of Eternity,<br /></span> <span>Of first, and + last, and midst, and without end.<br /></span> <span class="i18">1799.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thirty years afterwards I crossed the Alps by the same Pass: and what had + become of the forms and powers to which I had been indebted for those + emotions? Many of them remained of course undestroyed and indestructible. + But, though the road and torrent continued to run parallel to each other, + their fellowship was put an end to. The stream had dwindled into + comparative insignificance, so much had Art interfered with and taken the + lead of Nature; and although the utility of the new work, as facilitating + the intercourse of great nations, was readily acquiesced in, and the + workmanship, in some places, could not but excite admiration, it was + impossible to suppress regret for what had vanished for ever. The + oratories heretofore not un<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage340" + id="Bpage340"></a>{340}</span> frequently met with, on a road still + somewhat perilous, were gone; the simple and rude bridges swept away; and + instead of travellers proceeding, with leisure to observe and feel, were + pilgrims of fashion hurried along in their carriages, not a few of them + perhaps discussing the merits of 'the last new Novel,' or poring over + their Guide-books, or fast asleep. Similar remarks might be applied to the + mountainous country of Wales; but there too, the plea of utility, + especially as expediting the communication between England and Ireland, + more than justifies the labours of the Engineer. Not so would it be with + the Lake District. A railroad is already planned along the sea coast, and + another from Lancaster to Carlisle is in great forwardness: an + intermediate one is therefore, to say the least of it, superfluous. Once + for all let me declare that it is not against Railways but against the + abuse of them that I am contending. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How far I am from undervaluing the benefit to be expected from railways in + their legitimate application will appear from the following lines + published in 1837, and composed some years earlier. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span><b>STEAMBOATS AND RAILWAYS.</b><br /></span> <br /> <br /> <span>Motions + and Means, on sea, on land at war<br /></span> <span>With old poetic + feeling, not for this<br /></span> <span>Shall ye, by poets even, be + judged amiss!<br /></span> <span>Nor shall your presence, howsoe'er it + mar<br /></span> <span>The loveliness of Nature, prove a bar<br /></span> + <span>To the mind's gaining that prophetic sense<br /></span> <span>Of + future good, that point of vision, whence<br /></span> <span>May be + discovered what in soul ye are.<br /></span> <span>In spite of all that + Beauty must disown<br /></span> <span>In your harsh features, Nature doth + embrace<br /></span> <span>Her lawful offspring in man's Art; and Time,<br /></span> + <span>Pleased with your triumphs o'er his brother Space,<br /></span> + <span>Accepts from your bold hand the proffered crown<br /></span> <span>Of + hope, and welcomes you with cheer sublime.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have now done with the subject. The time of life at which I have arrived + may, I trust, if nothing else will, guard me from the imputation of having + written from any selfish interests, or from fear of disturbance which a + railway might cause to myself. If gratitude for what repose and quiet in a + district hitherto, for the most part, not disfigured but beautified by + human hands, have done for me through the course of a long life, and hope + that others might hereafter be benefited in the same manner <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage341" id="Bpage341"></a>{341}</span> and in + the same country, <i>be</i> selfishness, then, indeed, but not otherwise, + I plead guilty to the charge. Nor have I opposed this undertaking on + account of the inhabitants of the district <i>merely</i>, but, as hath + been intimated, for the sake of every one, however humble his condition, + who coming hither shall bring with him an eye to perceive, and a heart to + feel and worthily enjoy. And as for holiday pastimes, if a scene is to be + chosen suitable to them for persons thronging from a distance, it may be + found elsewhere at less cost of every kind. But, in fact, we have too much + hurrying about in these islands; much for idle pleasure, and more from + over activity in the pursuit of wealth, without regard to the good or + happiness of others. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Proud were ye, Mountains, when, in times of old,<br /></span> <span>Your + patriot sons, to stem invasive war,<br /></span> <span>Intrenched your + brows; ye gloried in each scar:<br /></span> <span>Now, for your shame, a + Power, the Thirst of Gold,<br /></span> <span>That rules o'er Britain + like a baneful star,<br /></span> <span>Wills that your peace, your + beauty, shall be sold,<br /></span> <span>And clear way made for her + triumphal car<br /></span> <span>Through the beloved retreats your arms + enfold!<br /></span> <span>Heard YE that Whistle? As her long-linked + Train<br /></span> <span>Swept onwards, did the vision cross your view?<br /></span> + <span>Yes, ye were startled;—and, in balance true,<br /></span> + <span>Weighing the mischief with the promised gain,<br /></span> <span>Mountains, + and Vales, and Floods, I call on you<br /></span> <span>To share the + passion of a just disdain.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage343" id="Bpage343"></a>{343}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="BNOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="BNOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS_"></a>NOTES + AND ILLUSTRATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + AESTHETICAL AND LITERARY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + I. <i>Of Literary Biography and Monuments</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>a</i>) <i>A Letter to a Friend of Robert Burns, 1816</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage5">P. 5</a>, l. 1. James Gray, Esq. Wordsworth was + justified in naming Gray a 'friend' of Burns. He was originally Master of + the High School, Dumfries, and associated with the Poet there. Transferred + to the High School of Edinburgh, he taught for well-nigh a quarter of a + century with repute. Disappointed of the Rectorship, he retired from + Edinburgh to an academy at Belfast. Later, having entered holy orders, he + proceeded to India as a chaplain in the East India Company's service. He + was stationed at Bhooj, in Cutch, near the mouth of the Indus; and the + education of the young Rao of that province having been intrusted to the + British Government, Gray was selected as his instructor—being the + first Christian honoured with such an appointment in the East. He died at + his post in 1830, deeply regretted. He was author of 'Cuna of Cheyd' and + the 'Sabbath among the Mountains,' and many other things, original and + editorial. He left a MS. poem, entitled 'India,' and a translation of the + Gospels into the Cutch dialect of Hindoostanee. He will hold a niche in + literature as the fifteenth bard in the 'Queen's Wake' who sings of 'King + Edward's Dream.' He married a sister of Mrs. Hogg. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage5">P. 5</a>, footnote. Peterkin was a laborious compiler; + but his Lives of Burns and Fergusson are written in the most high-flown + and exaggerated style imaginable. He died in 1847. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage5">P. 5</a>, l. 9. 'Mr. Gilbert Burns ... a favourable + opportunity,' &c. This excellent, common-sensed, and humble man's + contributions to the later impressions (1804, &c.) of Dr. Currie's + edition of Burns are of permanent value—very much more valuable than + later brilliant productions that have displaced them. In Peterkin's Burns + there is a letter from Gilbert Burns to him, dated September 29th, 1814. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage7">P. 7</a>. Verse-quotation from Burns. From 'Address to + the Unco Guid, or the Rigidly Righteous' (closing stanzas). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage15">P. 15</a>. Verse-quotation. From Burns' 'A Bard's + Epitaph.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage17">P. 17</a>, footnote. Long before Wordsworth, Thomas + Watson, in his 'Epistle to the Friendly Reader' prefixed to his ΕΚΑΤΟΜΠΑΘΙΑ + (1582), wrote: 'As for any <i>Aristarchus</i>, Momus, or Zoilus, if they + pinch me more than is reasonable, thou, courteous Reader, which arte of a + better disposition, shalt rebuke them in my behalfe; saying to the first + [Aristarchus], that my birdes are al of mine own hatching,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage21">P. 21</a>, ll. 30-37, Chatterton; ll. 38-40, &c., + Michael Bruce. Both of the suggested monuments have been raised; + Chatterton's at Bristol, and Bruce's over his grave. A photograph of the + latter is given in our quarto edition of his Poems. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + II. <i>Upon Epitaphs</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage27">P. 27</a>, l. 10. Camden. Here and throughout the + quotations (modernised) are from 'Remaines concerning Britain: their + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage344" id="Bpage344"></a>{344}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="50%" summary="languages"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Languages, + </td> + <td> + Empreses, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Names, + </td> + <td> + Apparell, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Surnames, + </td> + <td> + Artillarie, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Allusions, + </td> + <td> + Wise Speeches, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Anagrammes, + </td> + <td> + Proverbs, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Armories, + </td> + <td> + Poesies, + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Monies, + </td> + <td> + Epitaphs. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written by William Camden, Esquire, Clarenceux King of Armes, surnamed the + Learned. The sixth Impression, with many rare Antiquities never before + imprinted. By the Industry and Care of John Philpot, Somerset Herald: and + W.D. Gent. London, 1657, 4to. Epitaphes, pp. 355-409. It has not been + deemed necessary to point out the somewhat loose character of the + quotations from Camden by Wordsworth; nor, with so many editions + available, would it have served any good end to have given the places in + the 'Epitaphes.' While Wordsworth evidently read both Camden and Weever, + his chief authority seems to have been a book that appeared on the sale of + his library, viz. 'Wit's Recreations; containing 630 Epigrams, 160 <i>Epitaphs</i>, + and variety of Fantasies and Fantastics, good for Melancholy Humours. + 1641.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage27">P. 27</a>, l. 16. This verse-rendering of 'Maecenas' is + by Wordsworth, not Camden—the quotation from whom here ought to have + been marked with an inverted comma (') after <i>relictos</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage27">P. 27</a>, l. 22. Weever. The title in full is as + follows: 'Ancient Fvnerall Monvments within the Vnited Monarchie of Great + Britaine, Ireland, and the Islands adiacent, with the dissolued + Monasteries therein contained: their Founders, and what eminent Persons + have beene in the same interred. As also the Death and Bvriall of Certaine + of the Blood Royall, the Nobilitie and Gentrie of these Kingdomes entombed + in forraine Nations. A work reuiuing the dead memorie of the Royal + Progenie, the Nobilitie, Gentrie, and Communaltie of these his Maiesties + Dominions. Intermixed and Illustrated with variety of Historicall + observations, annotations, and briefe notes, extracted out of approued + Authors, infallible Records, Lieger Bookes, Charters, Rolls, old + Manuscripts, and the Collections of iudicious Antiquaries. Whereunto is + prefixed a Discourse of Funerall Monuments. Of the Foundation and Fall of + Religious Houses. Of Religious Orders. Of the Ecclesiasticall estate of + England. And of other occurrences touched vpon by the way, in the whole + passage of these intended labours. Composed by the Studie and Trauels of + John Weever. Spe labor leuis. London. 1631, folio.' As with Camden, + Wordsworth quotes Weever from memory (apparently) throughout. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage27">P. 27</a>, l. 23. Query—'or fore-feeling'? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage32">P. 32</a>, l. 6. 'Pause, Traveller.' The 'Siste viator' + was kept up long after such roadside interments were abandoned. Crashaw's + Epitaph for Harris so begins; <i>e.g.</i> 'Siste te paulum, viator,' &c. + (Works, vol. ii. p. 378, Fuller Worthies' Library.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage33">P. 33</a>. John Edwards; verse-quotation. Query—the + author of 'Kathleen' (1808), 'Abradates and Panthea' (1808), &c.? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage40">P. 40</a>. At close; verse-quotation. From Milton, Ep. + W. Sh. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage41">P. 41</a>. Verse-heading. From Gray's 'Elegy.' <i>En + passant</i>, be it noted that on 1st June 1875, at Sotheby's, the original + MS. of this Elegy was sold for upwards of 300 guineas to Sir William + Fraser. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage45">P. 45</a>, l. 28. Read 'mearely'=merrily, as 'merrely' + onward. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage49">P. 49</a>. ll. 7-14. On these lines, alleged to have + been written by Montrose, see Dr. Hannah's 'Courtly Poets' (1870), p. 207, + and numerous references. It may be noted that in line 2 Wordsworth changes + 'too rigid' into 'so rigid;' and l. 7, 'trumpet' into 'trumpets.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage49">P. 49</a>, ll. 30-2. Verse-quotation. Milton, 'Paradise + Lost,' book vi. ll. 754-6. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage66">P. 66</a> (bottom). Epitaph on Mrs. Clark—<i>i.e.</i> + Mrs. Jane Clarke. In l. 1,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage345" + id="Bpage345"></a>{345}</span> Gray wrote, not 'the,' but 'this;' which in + the light of the criticism it is important to remember. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage73">P. 73-75</a>. Long verse-quotation. From the + 'Excursion,' book vii. ll. 400-550. Note the 'Various Readings.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + III. <i>Essays, Letters, and Notes elucidatory and confirmatory of the + Poems</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>a</i>) <i>Of the Principles of Poetry and the 'Lyrical Ballads.'</i> + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage85">P. 85</a>. Verse-quotation. From Gray's Poems, 'Sonnet + on the Death of Mr. Richard West.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage99">P. 99</a>, l. 30. Sir Joshua Reynolds. For Wordsworth's + critical verdict on his literary work as well as his painting, see Letters + in present volume, pp. 153-157, <i>et alibi</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>c</i>) <i>Poetry as a study</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage112">P. 112</a>, ll. 6-7. Quotation from Spenser, 'Fairy + Queen,' b.i.c.i. st. 9, l. 1. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage113">P. 113</a>, footnote. Hakewill. The work intended is + 'An Apologie or Declaration of the Power and Providence of God in the + Government of the World.' Oxford, 1627 (folio), and later editions. He was + George Hakewill, D.D., Archdeacon of Surrey. Died 1649. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage115">P. 115</a>, ll. 36-7. '1623 to 1664 ... only two + editions of the Works of Shakspeare.' The second folio of 1632 and that of + 1663 (same as 1664) are here forgotten, and also the abundant separate + reprints of the separate Plays and Poems. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage123">P. 123</a>, l. 6. Mr. Malcom Laing, a historian of + Scotland 'from the Union of the Crowns to the Union of the Kingdoms in the + Reign of Queen Anne' (4th edition, 1819, 4 vols.), who, in an exhaustive + and drastic style, disposed of the notorious 'Ossian' fictions of + Macpherson. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage130">P. 130</a>, ll. 12-14. Verse-quotation. From the + 'Prelude.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>d</i>) <i>Of Poetry as Observation and Description</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage134">P. 134</a>, ll. 3-4 (at bottom). Verse-quotation. From + 'A Poet's Epitaph' (VIII. 'Poems of Sentiment and Reflection'). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage136">P. 136</a>, ll. 7-8. Verse-quotation. From Shakspeare, + 'Lear,' iv. 6. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage136">P. 136</a>, ll. 17-24. Verse-quotation. From Milton, + 'Paradise Lost,' book ii. ll. 636-43. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage139">P. 139</a>, ll. 10-11. Verse-quotation. Ibid. book vi. + ll. 767-8. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage140">P. 140</a>, ll. 10-11. Verse-quotation. From + Shakspeare, 'Lear,' iii. 2. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage141">P. 141</a>, ll. 1-2. Verse-quotation. Ibid. 'Romeo and + Juliet,' i. 4. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage142">P. 142</a>, ll. 7-8. 12-13. Verse-quotation. From + Milton, 'Paradise Lost,' book ix. 1002-3. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage143">P. 143</a>. Long verse-quotation. Charles Cotton, the + associate 'Angler' of Walton 'for all time,' and of whom, as a Poet, Abp. + Trench, in his 'Household Book of English Poetry,' has recently spoken + highly yet measuredly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage152">P. 152</a>, footnote *. <i>Various Readings</i>. (1) + 'Sonnet composed at—.' Such is the current heading of this Sonnet in + the Poems (Rossetti, p. 177). In the MS. it runs, 'Written at Needpath + (near Peebles), Mansion of the Duke of Queensbury' (<i>sic</i>); and thus + opens: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Now, as I live, I pity that great lord!<br /></span> <span>Whom + pure despite of heart,' &c.;<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + instead of, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Degenerate Douglas! oh, the unworthy lord!<br /></span> <span>Whom + mere,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (2) To the Men of Kent, October 1803. In l. 3, the MS. reads: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Her haughty forehead 'gainst the coast of France,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + for 'brow against.' Line 7, 'can' for 'may.' (3) 'Anticipation,' October + 1803. Line 12 in MS. reads: + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage346" id="Bpage346"></a>{346}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The loss and the sore prospect of the slain,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + for, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And even the prospect of our brethren slain.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In l. 14: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'True glory, everlasting sanctity,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + for, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'In glory will they sleep and endless sanctity.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage161">P. 161</a>, l. 22. 'Milton compares,' &c. In + 'Paradise Lost,' ii. 636-7. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage163">P. 163</a>, l. 2. 'Duppa is publishing a Life of + Michael Angelo,' &c. It appeared in 1806 (4to); reprinted in Bohn's + 'Illustrated Library.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage163">P. 163</a>, footnote A. Alexander Wilson, who became + the renowned 'Ornithologist' of America, was for years a 'pedlar,' both at + home and in the United States. His intellectual ability and genius would + alone have given sanction to Wordsworth's conception; but as simple + matter-of-fact, the class was a peculiarly thoughtful and observant one, + as the Biographies of Scotland show. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage167">P. 167</a>, ll. 30-1. 'A tale told,' &c. From + Shakspeare, 'Macbeth,' v. 5. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage170">P. 170</a>, l. 34. 'Houbraken,' &c. Reissued from + the old copper-plates. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage171">P. 171</a>, l. 30. 'I have never seen the works,' + &c. In the Fuller Worthies' Library I have collected the complete + Poems of Sir John Beaumont, 1 vol. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage178">Pp. 178</a>Pp. 178-9. Quotation (bottom). From Milton, + 'Paradise Lost,' book iv. ll. 604-9; but 'How' is inadvertently + substituted for 'Now.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage196">P. 196</a>, l. 35. John Dyer. Wordsworth's repeated + recognition and lofty estimate of Dyer recalls the fact that a collection + of his many-sided Writings is still a <i>desideratum</i> that the present + Editor of Wordsworth's Prose hopes some day to supply—invited to the + task of love by a lineal descendant. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>b</i>) <i>Of the Principles of Poetry and his own Poems</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage211">P. 211</a>, ll. 24-5. Verse-quotation from Cowper: + more accurately it reads: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The jay, the pie, and even the boding owl<br /></span> <span>That + hails the rising moon, have charms for me.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ('The Task,' b. i. ll. 205-6.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + IV. DESCRIPTIVE. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>a</i>) <i>A Guide through the District of the Lakes</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage217">P. 217</a>. It seems somewhat remarkable that + Wordsworth nowhere mentions the following work: 'Remarks made in a Tour + from London to the Lakes of Westmoreland and Cumberland in the Summer of + MDCCXCI., originally published in the <i>Whitehall Evening Post</i>, and + now reprinted with additions and corrections.... By A. Walker, Lecturer,' + &c. 1792, 8vo. Wordsworth could not have failed to be interested in + the descriptions of this overlooked book. They are open-eyed, open-eared, + and vivid. I would refer especially to the Letters on Windermere, pp. + 58-60, and indeed all on the Lakes. Space can only be found for a short + quotation on Ambleside (Letter xiii., August 18, 1791): 'We now leave Low + Wood, and along the verge of the Lake have a pleasing couple of miles to + Ambleside. This is a straggling little market-town, made up of rough-cast + white houses, but charmingly situated in the centre of three radiant + vallies, <i>i.e.</i> all issuing from the town as from a centre. This + shows the propriety of the Roman station situated near the west end of + this place, called Amboglana, commanding one of the most difficult passes + in England.... Beautiful woods rise half-way up the sides of the mountains + from Ambleside, and seem wishful to cover the naked asperities of the + country; but the Iron Works calling for them in the character of charcoal + every fourteen or fifteen years, exposes the nakedness of the country. + Among these woods and mountains are many frightful precipices and roaring + cascades. In a still evening several are heard at once, in various keys, + forming a kind of savage music; one, half a mile above the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Bpage347" id="Bpage347"></a>{347}</span> town in + a wood, seems upwards of a hundred feet fall.—About as much water as + is in the New River precipitates itself over a perpendicular rock into a + natural bason, where it seems to recover from its fall before it takes a + second and a third tumble over huge stones that break it into a number of + streams. It suffers not this outrage quietly, for it grumbles through + hollow glens and stone cavities all the way, till it meets the Rothay, + when it quietly enters the Lake' (pp. 71-3). It is odd that a book so + matterful, and containing many descriptions equal to this of Ambleside, + should be so absolutely gone out of sight. It is a considerable volume, + and pp. 1-114 are devoted to the Lake region. Walker, in 1787, issued + anonymously 'An Hasty Sketch of a Tour through Part of the Austrian + Netherlands, &c.... By an English Gentleman.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage264">P. 264</a>. Quotation from (eheu! eheu!) the still + unpublished poem of 'Grasmere.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage274">P. 274</a>. Quotation from Spenser, 'Fairy Queen,' b. + iii. c. v. st. 39-40. In st. 39, l. 8, 'puny' is a misprint for 'pumy' = + pumice; in st. 40, l. 3, 'sang' similarly misreads 'song' = sung, or were + singing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage284">P. 284</a>. Verse-quotation. From 'Sonnet on Needpath + Castle,' as <i>ante</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage296">P. 296</a>, footnote A. Lucretius, ii. 772 seq.; and + cf. v. 482 seq. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + (<i>b</i>) <i>Kendal and Windermere Railway</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage331">P. 331</a>. Quotation from Burns,—Verse-letter + to William Simpson, st. 14. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Bpage336">P. 336</a>. Is this from Dryden? G. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES: + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_1_1" id="BFootnote_1_1"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_1_1"><span + class="label">[1]</span></a> The Beaumont Letters are given from the + originals, and in many cases, as elsewhere, contain important additions + and corrections. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_2_2" id="BFootnote_2_2"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_2_2"><span + class="label">[2]</span></a> <i>A Review of the Life of Robert Burns, + and of various Criticisms on his Character and Writings</i>, by + Alexander Peterkin, 1814. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_3_3" id="BFootnote_3_3"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_3_3"><span + class="label">[3]</span></a> From Mr. Peterkin's pamphlet, who vouches + for the accuracy of his citations; omitting, however, to apologize for + their length. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_4_4" id="BFootnote_4_4"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_4_4"><span + class="label">[4]</span></a> A friend, who chances to be present while + the author is correcting the proof sheets, observes that Aristarchus is + libelled by this application of his name, and advises that 'Zoilus' + should be substituted. The question lies between spite and presumption; + and it is not easy to decide upon a case where the claims of each party + are so strong: but the name of Aristarch, who, simple man! would allow + no verse to pass for Homer's which he did not approve of, is retained, + for reasons that will be deemed cogent. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_5_5" id="BFootnote_5_5"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_5_5"><span + class="label">[5]</span></a> It was deemed that it would be so, and the + letter is published accordingly. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_6_6" id="BFootnote_6_6"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_6_6"><span + class="label">[6]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 88-91. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_7_7" id="BFootnote_7_7"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_7_7"><span + class="label">[7]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 91-2. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_8_8" id="BFootnote_8_8"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_8_8"><span + class="label">[8]</span></a> It is worth while here to observe, that the + affecting parts of Chaucer are almost always expressed in language pure + and universally intelligible even to this day. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_9_9" id="BFootnote_9_9"></a><a href="#BFNanchor_9_9"><span + class="label">[9]</span></a> I here use the word 'Poetry' (though + against my own judgment) as opposed to the word Prose, and synonymous + with metrical composition. But much confusion has been introduced into + criticism by this contradistinction of Poetry and Prose, instead of the + more philosophical one of Poetry and Matter of Fact, or Science. The + only strict antithesis to Prose is Metre; nor is this, in truth, a <i>strict</i> + antithesis, because lines and passages of metre so naturally occur in + writing prose, that it would be scarcely possible to avoid them, even + were it desirable. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_10_10" id="BFootnote_10_10"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> The learned + Hakewill (a third edition of whose book bears date 1635), writing to + refute the error 'touching Nature's perpetual and universal decay,' + cites triumphantly the names of Ariosto, Tasso, Bartas, and Spenser, as + instances that poetic genius had not degenerated; but he makes no + mention of Shakspeare. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_11_11" id="BFootnote_11_11"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> This + flippant insensibility was publicly reprehended by Mr. Coleridge in a + course of Lectures upon Poetry given by him at the Royal Institution. + For the various merits of thought and language in Shakspeare's Sonnets, + see Numbers 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 54, 64, 66, 68, 73, 76, 86, 91, 92, 93, + 97, 98, 105, 107, 108, 109, 111, 113, 114, 116, 117, 129, and many + others. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_12_12" id="BFootnote_12_12"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Hughes is + express upon this subject: in his dedication of Spenser's Works to Lord + Somers, he writes thus. 'It was your Lordship's encouraging a beautiful + Edition of "Paradise Lost" that first brought that + incomparable Poem to be generally known and esteemed.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_13_13" id="BFootnote_13_13"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> This opinion + seems actually to have been entertained by Adam Smith, the worst critic, + David Hume not excepted, that Scotland, a soil to which this sort of + weed seems natural, has produced. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_14_14" id="BFootnote_14_14"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> CORTES <i>alone + in a night-gown</i>. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>All things are hush'd as Nature's self lay dead;<br /></span> + <span>The mountains seem to nod their drowsy head.<br /></span> <span>The + little Birds in dreams their songs repeat,<br /></span> <span>And + sleeping Flowers beneath the Night-dew sweat:<br /></span> <span>Even + Lust and Envy sleep; yet Love denies<br /></span> <span>Rest to my + soul, and slumber to my eyes.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + DRYDEN's <i>Indian Emperor</i>. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_15_15" id="BFootnote_15_15"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Since these + observations upon Thomson were written, I have perused the second + edition of his 'Seasons,' and find that even <i>that</i> does not + contain the most striking passages which Warton points out for + admiration; these, with other improvements, throughout the whole work, + must have been added at a later period. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_16_16" id="BFootnote_16_16"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Shenstone, + in his 'Schoolmistress,' gives a still more remarkable instance of this + timidity. On its first appearance, (See D'Israeli's 2d Series of the <i>Curiosities + of Literature</i>) the Poem was accompanied with an absurd prose + commentary, showing, as indeed some incongruous expressions in the text + imply that the whole was intended for burlesque. In subsequent editions, + the commentary was dropped, and the People have since continued to read + in seriousness, doing for the Author what he had not courage openly to + venture upon for himself. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_17_17" id="BFootnote_17_17"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> As + sensibility to harmony of numbers, and the power of producing it, are + invariably attendants upon the faculties above specified, nothing has + been said upon those requisites. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_18_18" id="BFootnote_18_18"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Charles Lamb + upon the genius of Hogarth. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_19_19" id="BFootnote_19_19"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Written at + Needpath, (near Peebles,) a mansion of the Duke of Queensbury: 'Now as I + live, I pity that great Lord,' &c. (<i>Memorials of a Tour in + Scotland</i>, xii.) To the Men of Kent: 'Vanguard of Liberty, ye Men of + Kent.' [<i>Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty</i>, + xxiii.] Anticipation: 'Shout, for a mighty victory is won!' (<i>Ibid</i>, + xxvi.) &c. If you think, either you or Lady Beaumont, that these two + last Sonnets are worth publication, would you have the goodness to + circulate them in any way you like. (On <i>various readings</i> in these + Sonnets, see our Notes and Illustrations. G.) + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_20_20" id="BFootnote_20_20"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 260-4, with important additions from the original. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_21_21" id="BFootnote_21_21"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 267-70, with important additions from the original. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_22_22" id="BFootnote_22_22"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Dora + Wordsworth, born Aug. 16. 1804. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_23_23" id="BFootnote_23_23"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 270—2. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_24_24" id="BFootnote_24_24"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 272—8. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_25_25" id="BFootnote_25_25"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> 'The + Excursion.' 'The Pedlar' was the title once proposed, from the character + of the Wanderer, but abandoned. (<i>Memoirs</i>, vol. i. p.304.) + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_26_26" id="BFootnote_26_26"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. p.304 <i>et seq.,</i> with important additions from the + original. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_27_27" id="BFootnote_27_27"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 305—8. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_28_28" id="BFootnote_28_28"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 309—12. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_29_29" id="BFootnote_29_29"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> 'The Happy + Warrior' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_30_30" id="BFootnote_30_30"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. p.321 <i>et seq</i>., with important additions from the + original. By a curious inadvertence this letter is dated 1796—quite + plainly—for 1806, as shown by the post-mark outside. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_31_31" id="BFootnote_31_31"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 331-40. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_32_32" id="BFootnote_32_32"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 340-3. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_33_33" id="BFootnote_33_33"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Mr. Thomas + Wilkinson. See poem, 'To his Spade.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_34_34" id="BFootnote_34_34"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> 'Yes, Hope + may with my strong desire keep pace,' &c. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_35_35" id="BFootnote_35_35"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 345-54, with very important additions from the original. G. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_36_36" id="BFootnote_36_36"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i, pp. 358-60. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_37_37" id="BFootnote_37_37"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 360-3. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_38_38" id="BFootnote_38_38"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 363-6. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_39_39" id="BFootnote_39_39"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> The Lady E. + Butler, and the Hon. Miss Ponsonby. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_40_40" id="BFootnote_40_40"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. ii. pp. 121—7. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_41_41" id="BFootnote_41_41"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 166—171. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_42_42" id="BFootnote_42_42"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 171—2. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_43_43" id="BFootnote_43_43"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Entitled + 'Resolution and Independence.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_44_44" id="BFootnote_44_44"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 166—174. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_45_45" id="BFootnote_45_45"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Parts of + this letter have been torn, and words have been lost; some of which are + here conjecturally supplied between brackets. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_46_46" id="BFootnote_46_46"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 192—200. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_47_47" id="BFootnote_47_47"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> Mr. Green's + Guide to the Lakes, in two vols., contains a complete Magazine of minute + and accurate information of this kind, with the names of mountains, + streams, &c. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_48_48" id="BFootnote_48_48"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> No longer + strictly applicable, on account of recent plantations. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_49_49" id="BFootnote_49_49"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> See page + 308. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_50_50" id="BFootnote_50_50"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Anciently + spelt Langden, and so called by the old inhabitants to this day—<i>dean</i>, + from which the latter part of the word is derived, being in many parts + of England a name for a valley. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_51_51" id="BFootnote_51_51"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> See that + admirable Idyllium, the Catillus and Salia of Landor. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_52_52" id="BFootnote_52_52"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> In fact + there is not an instance of a harbour on the Cumberland side of the + Solway frith that is not dry at low water; that of Ravenglass, at the + mouth of the Esk, as a natural harbour is much the best. The Sea appears + to have been retiring slowly for ages from this coast. From Whitehaven + to St. Bees extends a tract of level ground, about five miles in length, + which formerly must have been under salt water, so as to have made an + island of the high ground that stretches between it and the Sea. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_53_53" id="BFootnote_53_53"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> This species + of fir is in character much superior to the American which has usurped + its place: Where the fir is planted for ornament, let it be by all means + of the aboriginal species, which can only be procured from the Scotch + nurseries. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_54_54" id="BFootnote_54_54"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> A squirrel + (so I have heard the old people of Wytheburn say) might have gone from + their chapel to Keswick without alighting on the ground. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_55_55" id="BFootnote_55_55"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> Dr. Brown, + the author of this fragment, was from his infancy brought up in + Cumberland, and should have remembered that the practice of folding + sheep by night is unknown among these mountains, and that the image of + the Shepherd upon the watch is out of its place, and belongs only to + countries, with a warmer climate, that are subject to ravages from + beasts of prey. It is pleasing to notice a dawn of imaginative feeling + in these verses. Tickel, a man of no common genius, chose, for the + subject of a Poem, Kensington Gardens, in preference to the Banks of the + Derwent, within a mile or two of which he was born. But this was in the + reign of Queen Anne, or George the first. Progress must have been made + in the interval; though the traces of it, except in the works of Thomson + and Dyer, are not very obvious. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_56_56" id="BFootnote_56_56"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> It is not + improbable that these circles were once numerous, and that many of them + may yet endure in a perfect state, under no very deep covering of soil. + A friend of the Author, while making a trench in a level piece of + ground, not far from the banks of the Emont, but in no connection with + that river, met with some stones which seemed to him formally arranged; + this excited his curiosity, and proceeding, he uncovered a perfect + circle of stones, from two to three or four feet high, with a <i>sanctum + sanctorum</i>,—- the whole a complete place of Druidical worship + of small dimensions, having the same sort of relation to Stonehenge, + Long Meg and her Daughters near the river Eden, and Karl Lofts near Shap + (if this last be not Danish), that a rural chapel bears to a stately + church, or to one of our noble cathedrals. This interesting little + monument having passed, with the field in which it was found, into other + hands, has been destroyed. It is much to be regretted, that the striking + relic of antiquity at Shap has been in a great measure destroyed also. + </p> + <p> + The DAUGHTERS of LONG MEG are placed not in an oblong, as the STONES of + SHAP, but in a perfect circle, eighty yards in diameter, and seventy-two + in number, and from above three yards high, to less than so many feet: a + little way out of the circle stands LONG MEG herself—- a single + stone eighteen feet high. + </p> + <p> + When the Author first saw this monument, he came upon it by surprize, + therefore might over-rate its importance as an object; but he must say, + that though it is not to be compared with Stonehenge, he has not seen + any other remains of those dark ages, which can pretend to rival it in + singularity and dignity of appearance. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>A weight of awe not easy to be borne<br /></span> <span>Fell + suddenly upon my spirit, cast<br /></span> <span>From the dread bosom + of the unknown past,<br /></span> <span>When first I saw that + sisterhood forlorn;—<br /></span> <span>And Her, whose strength + and stature seem to scorn<br /></span> <span>The power of years—pre-eminent, + and placed<br /></span> <span>Apart, to overlook the circle vast.<br /></span> + <span>Speak, Giant-mother! tell it to the Morn,<br /></span> <span>While + she dispels the cumbrous shades of night;<br /></span> <span>Let the + Moon hear, emerging from a cloud,<br /></span> <span>When, how, and + wherefore, rose on British ground<br /></span> <span>That wondrous + Monument, whose mystic round<br /></span> <span>Forth shadows, some + have deemed, to mortal sight<br /></span> <span>The inviolable God that + tames the proud.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_57_57" id="BFootnote_57_57"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Written some + time ago. The injury done since, is more than could have been calculated + upon. + </p> + <p> + <i>Singula de nobis anni praedantur euntes</i>. This is in the course of + things; but why should the genius that directed the ancient architecture + of these vales have deserted them? For the bridges, churches, mansions, + cottages, and their richly fringed and flat-roofed outhouses, venerable + as the grange of some old abbey, have been substituted structures, in + which baldness only seems to have been studied, or plans of the most + vulgar utility. But some improvement may be looked for in future; the + gentry <i>recently</i> have copied the old models, and successful + instances might be pointed out, if I could take the liberty. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_58_58" id="BFootnote_58_58"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> In some + places scholars were formerly taught in the church, and at others the + school-house was a sort of anti-chapel to the place of worship, being + under the same roof; an arrangement which was abandoned as irreverent. + It continues, however, to this day in Borrowdale. In the parish register + of that chapelry is a notice, that a youth who had quitted the valley, + and died in one of the towns on the coast of Cumberland, had requested + that his body should be brought and interred at the foot of the pillar + by which he had been accustomed to sit while a school-boy. One cannot + but regret that parish registers so seldom contain any thing but bare + names; in a few of this country, especially in that of Lowes-water, I + have found interesting notices of unusual natural occurrences—characters + of the deceased, and particulars of their lives. There is no good reason + why such memorials should not be frequent; these short and simple annals + would in future ages become precious. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_59_59" id="BFootnote_59_59"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> One of the + most pleasing characteristics of manners in secluded and thinly-peopled + districts, is a sense of the degree in which human happiness and comfort + are dependent on the contingency of neighbourhood. This is implied by a + rhyming adage common here, '<i>Friends are far, when neighbours are nar</i>' + (near). This mutual helpfulness is not confined to out-of-doors work; + but is ready upon all occasions. Formerly, if a person became sick, + especially the mistress of a family, it was usual for those of the + neighbours who were more particularly connected with the party by + amicable offices, to visit the house, carrying a present; this practice, + which is by no means obsolete, is called <i>owning</i> the family, and + is regarded as a pledge of a disposition to be otherwise serviceable in + a time of disability and distress. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_60_60" id="BFootnote_60_60"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> These are + disappearing fast, under the management of the present Proprietor, and + native wood is resuming its place. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_61_61" id="BFootnote_61_61"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> A proper + colouring of houses is now becoming general. It is best that the + colouring material should be mixed with the rough-cast, and not laid on + as a <i>wash</i> afterwards. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_62_62" id="BFootnote_62_62"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> The only + instances to which the foregoing observations do not apply, are + Derwent-water and Lowes-water. Derwent is distinguished from all the + other Lakes by being <i>surrounded</i> with sublimity: the fantastic + mountains of Borrowdale to the south, the solitary majesty of Skiddaw to + the north, the bold steeps of Wallow-crag and Lodore to the east, and to + the west the clustering mountains of Newlands. Lowes-water is tame at + the head, but towards its outlet has a magnificent assemblage of + mountains. Yet, as far as respects the formation of such receptacles, + the general observation holds good: neither Derwent nor Lowes-water + derive any supplies from the streams of those mountains that dignify the + landscape towards the outlets. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_63_63" id="BFootnote_63_63"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> The greatest + variety of trees is found in the Valais. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_64_64" id="BFootnote_64_64"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Lucretius + has charmingly described a scene of this kind. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Inque dies magis in montem succedere sylvas<br /></span> <span>Cogebant, + infráquo locum coucedere cultis:<br /></span> <span>Prata, + lacus, rivos, segetes, vinetaque laeta<br /></span> <span>Collibus et + campis ut haberent, atque olearum<br /></span> <span><i>Caerula</i> + distinguens inter <i>plaga</i> currere posset<br /></span> <span>Per + tumulos, et convalleis, camposque profusa:<br /></span> <span>Ut nunc + esse vides vario distincta lepore<br /></span> <span>Onmia, quae pomis + intersita dulcibus ornant,<br /></span> <span>Arbustisque teneut + felicibus obsita circúm.<br /></span> <span><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_65_65" id="BFootnote_65_65"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> It is + remarkable that Como (as is probably the case with other Italian Lakes) + is more troubled by storms in summer than in winter. Hence the propriety + of the following verses: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Lari! margine ubique confragoso<br /></span> <span>Nulli + coelicolum negas sacellum<br /></span> <span>Picto pariete saxeoque + tecto;<br /></span> <span>Hinc miracula multa navitarum<br /></span> + <span>Audis, nee placido refellis ore,<br /></span> <span>Sed nova + usque pavas, Noto vel Euro<br /></span> <span><i>Aestivas</i> + quatieutibus cavernas,<br /></span> <span>Vel surgentis ab Adduae + cubili<br /></span> <span>Caeco grandinis imbre provoluto. LANDOR.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="BFootnote_66_66" id="BFootnote_66_66"></a><a + href="#BFNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> A.D. 1835. + These also have disappeared + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + END OF VOL. II. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h1> + THE PROSE WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h1> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + FOR THE FIRST TIME COLLECTED, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + <i>WITH ADDITIONS FROM UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS</i>. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + Edited, with Preface, Notes and Illustrations, + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + BY THE REV. ALEXANDER B. GROSART, ST. GEORGE'S, BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + IN THREE VOLUMES. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h1> + VOL. III. + </h1> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + POLITICAL AND ETHICAL. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + LONDON: EDWARD MOXON, SON, AND CO. 1 AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + 1876. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + AMS Press, Inc. New York 10003 1967 + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + Manufactured in the United States of America + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <a href="#CONTVOLI"><b>Contents of Vol. I.</b></a><br /> <a + href="#CONTVOLII"><b>Contents of Vol. II.</b></a><br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="CONTVOLIII" id="CONTVOLIII"></a>CONTENTS OF VOL. III. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 10%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div style="margin-left: 8em;"> + <a href="#I"><b>I. NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE POEMS.</b></a><br /><br /> + <a href="#II"><b>II. LETTERS AND EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.</b></a><br /><br /> + <a href="#III"><b>III. CONVERSATIONS AND PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF + WORDSWORTH.</b></a><br /><br /> <a href="#CNOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS"><b>NOTES + AND ILLUSTRATIONS.</b></a><br /><br /> <a href="#INDEX"><b>INDEX.</b></a><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 10%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + *** A star [*] designates publication herein <i>for the first time</i>. G. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + CRITICAL AND ETHICAL. + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="I" id="I"></a> <a + href="#I_NOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS_OF_THE_POEMS_INCORPORATING"><b>I. NOTES + AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE POEMS, INCORPORATING:</b></a><br /> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <br /> (a) The Notes originally added to the first and successive editions. + pp. 1-216 <br /> (b) The whole of the I.F. MSS. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="noindent"> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">*<a href="#Cpoem1">1. Prefatory Lines</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">*<a href="#Cpoem2">2. Prelude to the Last + Volume</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#I_POEMS_WRITTEN_IN_YOUTH"><b>I. POEMS WRITTEN IN YOUTH.</b></a><br /> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">*<a href="#Cpoem3">3. Extract from + the conclusion, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem4">4. The Evening Walk, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">*<a href="#Cpoem5">5. An Evening Walk</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem5a">5<i>a</i>. Intake</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem6">6. Ghyll</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem7">7. From Thomson</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">*<a href="#Cpoem8">8. Lines written while + sailing, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem9">9. Descriptive Sketches: Dedication</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem10">10. Descriptive Sketches</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem11">11. The Cross</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem12">12. Rivers</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem13">13. Vallombre</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem14">14. Sugh</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem15">15. Pikes</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem16">16. Shrine</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem17">17. Sourd</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem18">18. Lines left upon + a Seat, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cpoem19">19. Guilt and Sorrow, &c.: Advertisement</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem20">20. The Female + Vagrant</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem21">21. Guilt and Sorrow, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem22">22. Charles Farish</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem23">23. The Forsaken, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem24">24. The Borderers</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem25">25. Short printed Note</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem26">26. Later Note</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#II_POEMS_REFERRING_TO_THE_PERIOD_OF_CHILDHOOD"><b>II. + POEMS REFERRING TO THE PERIOD OF CHILDHOOD.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem27">27. My Heart leaps up, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem28">28. To a Butterfly</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem29">29. The Sparrow's Nest</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem30">30. Foresight</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem31">31. Characteristics + of a Child, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem32">32. Address to a Child</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem33">33. The Mother's Return</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem34">34. Alice Fell; or + Poverty</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem35">35. Lucy Gray; or Solitude</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem36">36. We are Seven, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem37">37. The Idle + Shepherd Boys</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cpoem38">38. Dungeon-ghyll Force</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem39">39. Anecdote for Fathers</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem40">40. Rural Architecture</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem41">41. Great How</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem42">42. The Pet Lamb, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem43">43. Influence of natural Objects</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem44">44. The Longest Day</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem45">45. The Norman Boy</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#III_POEMS_FOUNDED_ON_THE_AFFECTIONS"><b>III. POEMS + FOUNDED ON THE AFFECTIONS.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem46">46. The Brothers</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem47">47. Great Gavel</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem48">48. Artegal and Elidure</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem49">49. To a Butterfly</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem50">50. A Farewell</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem51">51. Stanzas in + Castle of Indolence</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem52">52. Louisa</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem53">53. Strange Fits, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem54">54. Ere with cold + Beads, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem55">55. To ——</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem56">56. 'Tis said that some, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem57">57. A Complaint</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem58">58. To ——</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem59">59. How rich that + Forehead's, &c</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem60">60. To ——</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem61">61. Lament of Mary Queen of + Scots</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem62">62. + The Complaint of a forsaken Indian Woman</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem63">63. Ibid.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem64">64. The Last of the + Flock</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem65">65. + Repentance</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem66">66. The Affliction of Margaret</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem67">67. The Cottager to her + Infant</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem68">68. Maternal Grief</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem69">69. The Sailor's Mother</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem70">70. The Childless + Father</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem71">71. + Funeral Basin</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem72">72. The Emigrant Mother</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem73">73. Vaudracour and Julia</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem74">74. Ibid.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem75">75. The Idiot Boy</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem76">76. Michael</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem77">77. Clipping</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem78">78. The Widow on + Windermere Side</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cpoem79">79. The Armenian Lady's Love</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem80">80. Percy's Reliques</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem81">81. Loving and + Liking</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem82">82. Farewell Lines</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem83">83. (1) The Redbreast</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem84">84. (2) "</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem85">85. Her Eyes are + wild</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#IV_POEMS_ON_THE_NAMING_OF_PLACES"><b>IV. POEMS ON THE NAMING OF + PLACES.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cpoem86">86. Advertisement</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem87">87. It was an April Morn, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem88">88. May call it Emma's Dell</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem89">89. To Joanna Hutchinson</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cpoem90">90. Inscriptions</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem91">91. There is an + Eminence, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem92">92. A narrow girdle, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem93">93. To Mary Hutchinson</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem94">94. When to the + attractions, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cpoem95">95. Captain Wordsworth</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#V_POEMS_OF_THE_FANCY"><b>V. POEMS OF THE FANCY.</b></a><br /> <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem96">96. A Morning + Exercise</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem97">97. Birds</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cpoem98">98. A Flower-garden</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cpoem99">99. A Whirl-blast, &c.</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem100">100. The Waterfall and the Eglantine</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem101">101. The Oak and the Broom</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem102">102. + To a Sexton</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem103">103. To the Daisy</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem104">104. To the same Flower</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem105">105. + To the small Celandine</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem106">106. The Seven Sisters</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem107">107. The Redbreast chasing Butterfly</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem108">108. Song for the Spinning-wheel</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem109">109. Hint from the Mountains</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem110">110. + On seeing a Needle-case, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem111">111. The + Contrast</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem112">112. The Danish Boy</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem113">113. Song for the Wandering Jew</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem114">114. Stray Pleasures</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem115">115. + The Pilgrim's Dream, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem116">116. The Poet + and Turtle-dove</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem117">117. A Wren's Nest</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem118">118. Love lies bleeding</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem119">119. + Rural Illusions</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem120">120. Kitten and falling + Leaves</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem121">121. + The Waggoner: Dedication</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem122">122. The + Waggoner</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem123">123. + Benjamin the Waggoner</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem124">124. The Dor-Hawk</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem125">125. Helmcrag</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem126">126. Merrynight</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem127">127. Ghimmer-Crag</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#VI_POEMS_OF_THE_IMAGINATION"><b>VI. POEMS OF THE + IMAGINATION.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem128">128. There was a Boy, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem129">129. To the Cuckoo</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem130">130. A Night-piece</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem131">131. + Yew-trees</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem132">132. Nutting</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem133">133. She was a Phantom of Delight</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem134">134. The Nightingale</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem135">135. + Three Years she grew</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem136">136. I wandered lonely, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem137">137. The Daffodils</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem138">138. The Reverie of poor Susan</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem139">139. Power of Music</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem140">140. + Star-gazers</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem141">141. Written in March</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem142">142. Beggars</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem143">143. Gipsies</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem144">144. Ruth</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem145">145. + Resolution and Independence</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem146">146. The Thorn</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem147">147. Hart-Leap Well</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem148">148. Ibid.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem149">149. Song at Feast + of Brougham Castle</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem150">150. Ibid.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem151">151. Sir John + Beaumont</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem152">152. The undying Fish of Bowscale Tarn</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem153">153. The Cliffords</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem154">154. Tintern Abbey</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem155">155. + It is no spirit, &c.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem156">156. French Revolution</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem157">157. Yes, it was the + Mountain Echo</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem158">158. To a Skylark</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem159">159. + Laodamia</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem160">160. + Withered Trees</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem161">161. Dion</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem162">162. Fair is the + Swan, &c.</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem163">163. The Pass of + Kirkstone</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem164">164. To ——</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem165">165. To a Young Lady</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem166">166. + Water-fowl</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem167">167. View from Black Comb</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem168">168. The Haunted Tree</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem169">169. + The Triad</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem170">170. + The Wishing-gate</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem171">171. The Wishing-gate destroyed</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem172">172. The Primrose of the Rock</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem173">173. Presentiments</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem174">174. + Vernal Ode</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem175">175. Devotional Incitements</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem176">176. The Cuckoo-Clock</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem177">177. + To the Clouds</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem178">178. Suggested by a Picture of + the Bird of Paradise</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem179">179. A Jewish Family</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem180">180. On the Power of Sound</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem181">181. Peter Bell: a Tale</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem182">182. Peter Bell: the + Poem</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="#VII_MISCELLANEOUS_SONNETS"><b>VII. + MISCELLANEOUS SONNETS:<br /> PART I.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem183">183. + Commencement of writing of Sonnets</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem184">184. Admonition</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem185">185. Sonnet iv. Beaumont, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem186">186. " vi. There is, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem187">187. + " viii. The fairest, &c.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem188">188. The Genius</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem189">189. + Sonnet ix. Upon the sight, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem190">190. " + xi. Aerial Rock</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem191">191. " xv. The Wild Duck's + Nest</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem192">192. " xix. Grief, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem193">193. " xxii. Decay of Piety</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem194">194. + " xxiv. to xxvi.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem195">195. " xxvii. Surprised, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem196">196. " xxviii. and xxix.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem197">197. " xxx. It is, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem198">198. + " xxxvi. Calvert, &c.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="#PART_II"><b>PART + II.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem199">199. " iv. From the dark, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem200">200. " v. Fool, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem201">201. " vi. I watch, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem202">202. " vii. The ungenial + Hollow</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem203">203. Sonnet viii. For the whole weight</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem204">204. " x. Mark, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem205">205. + " xi. Dark, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem206">206. " xiii. While not, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem207">207. " xiv. How clear, &c.</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem208">208. " xv. One who, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem209">209. " xviii. Lady, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem210">210. + " xix. There is a pleasure, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem211">211. " + xxix. Though narrow, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem212">212. " xxx. + Four fiery, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem213">213. " xxxi. Brook, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem214">214. " xxxiii. to xxxv.</a><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#PART_III"><b>PART III.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem215">215. " vi. Fame tells, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem216">216. " vii. Where lively ground, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem217">217. " ix. A stream, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem218">218. " xi. In the Woods of + Rydal</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem219">219. " xiii. While Anna's + peers, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem220">220. " xvi. Unquiet + childhood, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem222">222. " xvii. Such age, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem223">223. " xviii. Rotha, &c.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem224">224. The Rotha</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem225">225. Sonnet xix. Miserrimus</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem226">226. " xx. While poring, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem227">227. " xxi. Chatsworth, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem228">228. " xxii. 'Tis said, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem229">229. " xxiii. Untouched, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem230">230. " xxiv. Go, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem231">231. + " xxv. Why art, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem232">232. " xxvi. Haydon, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem233">233. " xxvii. A poet, &c.</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem234">234. " xxviii. The most, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem235">235. " xxix. By Art's, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem236">236. " xxxii. All praise, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem237">237. " xxxvi. Oh, what, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem238">238. " xxxvii. Intent, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem239">239. " xlii. Wansfel</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem240">240. " xliii. A + little rural town</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#VIII_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_IN_SCOTLAND_1803"><b>VIII. MEMORIALS OF A + TOUR IN SCOTLAND, 1803.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem241">241. + Setting out</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem242">242. To the Sons of Burns, &c.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem243">243. Ellen Irwin, + &c.</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem244">244. To a Highland Girl</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem245">245. Stepping + Westward</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem246">246. Address to Kilchurn + Castle.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem247">247. Rob Roy's Grave</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem248">248. Sonnet composed at ——Castle</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem249">249. Yarrow + Unvisited</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem250">250. The Matron of Jedborough, &c.</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem251">251. Sonnet, Fly, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem252">252. + The Blind Highland Boy</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#IX_MEMORIALS_OF_A_SECOND_TOUR_IN_SCOTLAND_1814"><b>IX. MEMORIALS OF + A SECOND TOUR IN SCOTLAND, 1814.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem253">253. + Suggested by a beautiful Ruin, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem254">254. + At Corra Linn</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem255">255. Effusion, &c.</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem256">256. Yarrow Visited</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#X_POEMS_DEDICATED_TO_NATIONAL_INDEPENDENCE_AND_LIBERTY"><b>X. POEMS + DEDICATED TO NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND LIBERTY.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem257">257. Robert Jones</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem258">258. I grieved, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem259">259. The King of Sweden, &c.</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem260">260. Sept. 1, 1802</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem261">261. Two + Voices are there, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem262">262. O Friend, + &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem263">263. War in Spain</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem264">264. Zaragossa</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem265">265. Lines + on expected Invasion</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem266">266. Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem267">267. Oak of Guernica</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem268">268. Thanksgiving + Ode</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem269">269. Ibid.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem270">270. Spenser</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#XI_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_ON_THE_CONTINENT_1820"><b>XI. + MEMORIALS OF A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem271">271. Introductory Remarks</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem272">272. Fishwomen of Calais</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem273">273. Incident at Bruges</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem274">274. Between Namur and + Liege</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem275">275. + Miserere Domine</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem276">276. The Danube</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem277">277. The Staub-bach</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem278">278. Memorial, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem279">279. Engelberg</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem280">280. Our Lady of the + Snow</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem281">281. + Tower of Tell at Altorf</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem282">282. Schwytz</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem283">283. Church of San + Salvador</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem284">284. Arnold Winkelried</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem285">285. The Last Supper</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem286">286. Statues on + Milan Cathedral</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem287">287. A Religious Procession</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem288">288. Elegiac Stanzas</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem289">289. Mount Righi</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem290">290. Tower of + Caligula</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem291">291. Herds of Cattle</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem292">292. The Forks</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem292a">292a. The + Landenberg</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem293">293. Pictures in Bridges, &c.</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem294">294. At Dover</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XII_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_IN_ITALY_1837"><b>XII. MEMORIALS OF A TOUR + IN ITALY, 1837.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem295">295. Introductory + Remarks</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem296">296. + Ibid.</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem297">297. Musings at Aquapendente</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem298">298. Scott and Tasso</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem299">299. Over waves, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem300">300. How lovely, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem301">301. This flowering Broom, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem302">302. The Religious Movement, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem302a">302a. Pine-tree of + Monte Mario</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem303">303. Is this, ye Gods</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem304">304. At Rome</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem305">305. At Albano</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem306">306. + Cuckoo at Laverna</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem307">307. Camaldoli</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem308">308. Monk-visitors</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem309">309. At Vallombrosa</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem310">310. + At Florence</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem311">311. The Baptist</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem312">312. Florence</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem312a">312a. + Convent in the Apennines</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem313">313. After leaving + Italy</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem314">314. At Rydal, 1838</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem315">315. Pillar of Trajan</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem316">316. + The Egyptian Maid</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XIII_THE_RIVER_DUDDON_A_SERIES_OF_SONNETS"><b>XIII. THE RIVER + DUDDON: A SERIES OF SONNETS.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem317">317. Introduction</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem318">318. The River + Duddon</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem319">319. Sonnets on the Duddon</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem320">320. The Wild Strawberry</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem321">321. Return, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem322">322. Memoir of + Walker</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem323">323. Milton</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem324">324. White Doe of + Rylstone, &c.</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem325">325. Ibid.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem326">326. Hazlitt</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem327">327. Bolton Abbey</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem328">328. Lady Aäliza</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem328a">328a. Brancepeth</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem329">329. Battle of the + Standard</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem330">330. Bells of Rylstone</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem331">331. Rock-encircled Pound</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#XIV_ECCLESIASTICAL_SONNETS"><b>XIV. ECCLESIASTICAL + SONNETS.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem332">332. Advertisement</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem333">333. + Introductory Remarks</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem334">334. St. Paul never in Britain</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem335">335. Water-fowl</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem336">336. Hill at St. + Alban's</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem337">337. Hallelujahs</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem338">338. Daniel and Fuller</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem339">339. Old Bangor</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem340">340. Paulinus</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem341">341. Edwin and the + Sparrow</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem342">342. Near fresh Streams</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem343">343. The Clergy</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem343a">343a. Bede</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem344">344. Zeal</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem345">345. Alfred</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem346">346. Crown and Cowl</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem347">347. Council of + Clermont</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem348">348. Cistertian Monastery</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem349">349. Waldenses</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem350">350. Borrowed Lines</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem351">351. Transfiguration</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem352">352. Craft</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem353">353. The Virgin + Mountain</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem354">354. Land</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem355">355. Pilgrim Fathers</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem356">356. The Clergyman</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem357">357. Rush-bearing</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem358">358. George Dyer</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem359">359. Apprehension</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem360">360. The Cross</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem361">361. Monte Rosa</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#XV_YARROW_REVISITED_AND_OTHER_POEMS"><b>XV. 'YARROW + REVISITED,' AND OTHER POEMS.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem362">362. Dedication</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem363">363. Yarrow Revisited</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem363">363.. + Ibid.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem364">364. Place of Burial, &c.</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem365">365. A Manse in Scotland</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem366">366. + Roslin Chapel</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem367">367. The Trosachs</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem368">368. Lock Etive Glen</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem369">369. Eagles</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem370">370. Sound of Mull</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem371">371. Shepherds</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem372">372. Highland Broach</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem373">373. The Brownie</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem374">374. Bothwell Castle</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem375">375. + The Avon</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem376">376. Inglewood Forest</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem377">377. Hart's-Horn + Tree</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem378">378. + Fancy and Tradition</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem379">379. Countess' Pillar</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XVI_EVENING_VOLUNTARIES"><b>XVI. EVENING VOLUNTARIES.</b></a><br /> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem380">380. + Sixty-third Birthday</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem381">381. By the + Sea-side</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem382">382. + Not in the lucid, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem383">383. The leaves, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem384">384. Impromptu</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem384a">384a. Ibid.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem385">385. + Evening of extraordinary Splendour</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem386">386. Alston</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem387">387. Mountain-ridges</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XVII_POEMS_COMPOSED_OR_SUGGESTED_DURING_A_TOUR_IN_THE_SUMMER_OF_1833"><b>XVII. + POEMS COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833.</b></a><br /> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem388">388. + Advertisement</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem389">389. The Greta</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem390">390. Brigham Church</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem391">391. Nun's Well, Brigham</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem392">392. + To a Friend</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem393">393. + Mary Queen of Scots</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem394">394. " "</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem395">395. St. Bees and C. + Smith</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem396">396. + Requiems.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem397">397. Sir William Hillary</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem398">398. Isle of Man</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem399">399."</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem400">400. By a retired Mariner</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem401">401. At Bala Sala</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem402">402. + Tynwald Hill</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem403">403. + Snafell</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem404">404. Eagle in Mosaic</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem405">405. + Frith of Clyde, &c.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem406">406. " "</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem407">407. Mosgiel</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem408">408. Macpherson's 'Ossian'</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem409">409. Cave of Staffa</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem410">410. Ox-eyed Daisy</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem411">411. Iona</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem412">412. Eden</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem413">413. "</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem414">414. Mrs. Howard</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem415">415. Nunnery</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem416">416. Corby</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem417">417. Druidical Monument</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem418">418. + Lowther</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem419">419. + Earl of Lonsdale</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem420">420. The + Somnambulist</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XVIII_POEMS_OF_SENTIMENT_AND_REFLECTION"><b>XVIII. POEMS OF + SENTIMENT AND REFLECTION.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem421">421. Expostulation and + Reply</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem422">422. + The Tables turned</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem423">423. Lines written + in early Spring</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem424">424. A Character</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem425">425. To my Sister</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem426">426. + Simon Lee</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem427">427. Germany, 1798-9</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem428">428. To the Daisy</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem429">429. Matthew</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem430">430. "</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem431">431. Personal Talk</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem432">432. + Spade of a Friend</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem433">433. A Night Thought</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem434">434. An Incident, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem435">435. Tribute, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem436">436. Fidelity</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem437">437. Ode to Duty</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem438">438. + Happy Warrior</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem439">439. The Force of Prayer</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem440">440. A Fact, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem441">441. + A little onward</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem442">442. Ode to Lycoris</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem443">443. + Ibid.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem444">444. Memory</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem445">445. This Lawn</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem446">446. + Humanity.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem447">447. Thought on the Seasons</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem448">448. To ——, &c.</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem449">449. The Warning</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem450">450. The + Labourer's Noon-day Hymn</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem451">451. May Morning</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem452">452. Portrait by Stone</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem453">453. + Bird of Paradise</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XIX_SONNETS_DEDICATED_TO_LIBERTY_AND_ORDER"><b>XIX. SONNETS + DEDICATED TO LIBERTY AND ORDER.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem454">454. Change</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem455">455. American + Repudiation</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem456">456. To the Pennsylvanians</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem457">457. Feel for the Wrongs, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem458">458. Punishment of Death</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#XX_MISCELLANEOUS_POEMS"><b>XX. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.</b></a><br /> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem459">459. Epistle + to Beaumont</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem460">460. Upon perusing the + Foregoing, &c.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem461">461. Ibid.</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem462">462. Gold + and Silver Fishes</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem463">463. Liberty</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem464">464. "</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem465">465. Poor Robin</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem466">466. Ibid.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem467">467. Lady le + Fleming</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem468">468. To a Redbreast</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem469">469. Floating Island</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem470">470. + Once I could hail, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem471">471. The Gleaner</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem472">472. Nightshade</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem473">473. Churches—East + and West</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem474">474. Horn of Egremont Castle</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem475">475. Goody Blake, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem476">476. + To a Child</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem477">477. Lines in an Album, &c.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem478">478. The Russian + Fugitive</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem479">479. Ibid.</a><br /> <br /> + <br /> <a href="#XXI_INSCRIPTIONS"><b>XXI. INSCRIPTIONS.</b></a><br /> <br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem480">480.to 486</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XXII_SELECTIONS_FROM_CHAUCER_MODERNISED"><b>XXII. SELECTIONS FROM + CHAUCER MODERNISED.</b></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem487">487. Of the Volume, &c</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem488">488. The Prioress's + Tale</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XXIII_POEMS_REFERRING_TO_THE_PERIOD_OF_OLD_AGE"><b>XXIII. POEMS + REFERRING TO THE PERIOD OF OLD AGE.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem489">489. The Old Cumberland + Beggar</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem490">490. Ibid.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">491 and <a href="#Cpoem492">492. Farmer of + Tilsbury Vale</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem493">493. The small Celandine</a></span><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem494">494. The two Thieves</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem495">495. + Animal Tranquillity, &c.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#XXIV_EPITAPHS_AND_ELEGIAC_PIECES"><b>XXIV. EPITAPHS AND ELEGIAC + PIECES.</b></a><br /> <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem496">496. From Chiabrera</a><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem497">497. By a blest Husband, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem498">498. Cenotaph</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem499">499. Epitaph, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem500">500. + Address to Scholars</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem501">501. Elegiac Stanzas, + &c.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem502">502. + Elegiac Verses</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem503">503. Moss Campion</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem504">504. Lines 189</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem505">505. Invocation to the Earth</a><br /> *<a + href="#Cpoem506">506. Elegiac Stanzas</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem507">507. + Elegiac Musings</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem508">508. Charles Lamb</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem509">509. + Ibid.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cpoem510">510. James Hogg, Mrs. Hemans, &c.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem511">511. Dead Friends</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cpoem512">512. Ode: Intimations of Immortality, &c.</a><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#XXV_THE_EXCURSION"><b>XXV. 'THE EXCURSION.'</b></a><br /> + <br /> *<a href="#Cpoem513">513. On the leading Characters and Scenes</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem514">514. The Aristocracy + of Nature</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem515">515. Eternity</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem516">516. Of Mississippi, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem517">517. Richard Baxter</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem518">518. Endowment of + Immortal Power, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem519">519. Samuel Daniel, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem520">520. Spires</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem521">521. Sycamores</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem522">522. The Transitory</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cpoem523">523. Dyer and The + Fleece</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cpoem524">524. Dr. Bell</a></span><br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <a name="II" id="II"></a><a + href="#II_LETTERS_AND_EXTRACTS_FROM_LETTERS"><b>II. LETTERS AND EXTRACTS + FROM LETTERS.</b></a><br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter1">1. Autobiographical Memoranda, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter2">2. Schoolmistress</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter3">3. Books and Reading</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter4">4. Tour on the + Continent, 1790: Letter to Miss Wordsworth</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter5">5. In Wales</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter6">6. Melancholy of a + Friend</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter7">7. Holy Orders</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter8">8. The French Revolution</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><a href="#Cletter9">9. Failure of + Louvet's Denunciation of Robespierre</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter10">10. Of inflammatory + political Opinions</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter11">11. At Milkhouse, Halifax; 'Not <i>to take orders</i>'</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter12">12. Literary Work, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter13">13. Employment on a London Newspaper</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter14">14. Raisley Calvert's + Last Illness</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter15">15. Family History</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter16">16. Reading</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter17">17. Satire: Juvenal, + &c., 1795</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter18">18. Visit to Thelwall</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter19">19. Poetry added to, 1798</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter20">20. On the Wye</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter21">21. At Home again</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter22">22. Early Visit to + the Lake District</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter23">23. On a Tour, 1799</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter24">24. At the Lakes: Letter to + Coleridge</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter25">25. Inconsistent Opinions on Poems</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter26">26. On his Scottish Tour: + To Scott</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter27">27. The Grove: Capt. Wordsworth</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter28">28. Spenser and Milton</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter29">29. Death of Capt. + Wordsworth</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter30">30. Of Dryden: To Scott</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter31">31. Of Marmion</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter32">32. Topographical + History</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter33">33. The War in Spain, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter34">34, 35, 36. The Convention + of Cintra</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter37">37. Home at Grasmere</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cletter38">38. On Education of the + Young</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter39">39. + Roman Catholics, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter40">40. Death of Children</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter41">41. Letter of Introduction: + Humour</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter42">42. + The Peninsular War</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter43">43. Of Southey</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter44">44. Of alleged Changes in + political Opinions</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter45">45. Of his Poems, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter46">46. Of Thanksgiving Ode, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter47">47. Of Poems in Stanzas</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter49">48 and 49. The Classics: + Aeneid, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter50">50. Tour on the Continent, 1820</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter51">51. Shakspeare's Cliff at + Dover</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter52">52. + Of Affairs on the Continent, 1828</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cletter53">53. Style: Francis + Edgeworth, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter54">54. Of the Icôn Basiliké, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter55">55. Of the R. + Catholic Question</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter56">56. Of the R.C. Emancipation Bill</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter57">57. Of Ireland and the Poor + Laws</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter58">58. + Of Lonsdale: Virgil, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter59">59. Poems of Moxon</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cletter60">60. Of Hamilton's, + 'It haunts,' &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter61">61. Of Collins, Dyer, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter62">62. Verses and Counsels</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter63">63. Annuals and + Roguery</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter64">64. Works of Peele, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter65">65. Lady Winchelsea, + Tickell, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cletter66">66. Hamilton's 'Spirit of Beauty,' &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter67">67. Play, Home, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter68">68. Summer, + Quillinan, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter69">69. Works of Webster, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter70">70. French Revolution, 1830</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cletter71">71. Nonsense: + Rotten Boroughs, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cletter72">72. Verses: Edgeworth, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter73">73. Tour in Scotland</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter74">74. Sir Walter Scott</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter75">75. Of writing more + Prose</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter76">76. + Of Poetry and Prose, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter77">77. Of the Reform Bill</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter78">78. Of political + Affairs</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter79">79. Family Affliction, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a href="#Cletter80">80. Illness of Sister, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter81">81. Lucretia Davidson, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter82">82. Tuition at the + University</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter83">83. Dissenters in University</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter84">84. Skelton</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter85">85. James Shirley</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter86">86. Literary + Criticism, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter87">87. Of Elia, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter88">88. English Sonnets, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter89">89. Lady Winchelsea, + &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter90">90. Popularity of Poetry</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter91">91. Sonnets and Female + Poets, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter92">92. Mrs. Hemans' Dedication</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter93">93. Verse-attempts</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter94">94. Mrs. Hemans' + Poems</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter95">95. + Church of England</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cletter96">96. Omnipresence of the Deity</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Cletter97">97. and 98. New Church at + Cockermouth</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">*<a + href="#Cletter99">99. Classic Scenes: Holy Land</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter100">100. American ed. of + Poems</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter101">101. Quillinan's Poems</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter102">102. On a Tour</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter103">103. Bentley and + Akenside</a></span><br /> *<a href="#Cletter104">104. Presidency of Royal + Irish Academy, &c.</a><br /> *<a href="#Cletter105">105. Prose-writing: + Coleridge, &c.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter106">106. Of his own Poems, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter107">107. In the Sheldonian + Theatre</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter108">108. New edition of Poems</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter109">109 and 110. Death of a + Nephew</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter111">111. On Death of a young Person</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter112">112. Religion and + versified Religion</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter113">113. Sacred Poetry</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter114">114. Visit of Queen + Adelaide</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter115">115. Ecclesiastical Duties and Revenues Act, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter116">116. Samuel Rogers + and Wordsworth</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter117">117. An alarming Accident</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter118">118. Of Alston and + Haydon, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter119">119. Of Peace's Apology for Cathedrals</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter120">120. Of Cowper's + Task</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter121">121. On a Tour</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter122">122. Marriage of Dora</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter123">123. Letters to + Brother</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter124">124. Episcopal Church of America: Emerson and Carlyle</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter125">125. Old Haunts + revisited</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter126">126. No Pension sought</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter127">127. The Master of + Trinity</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter128">128. Alston's Portrait of Coleridge</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter129">129. Southey's + Death</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter130">130. Tropical Scenery: Grace Darling</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter131">131. Contemporary + Poets: Southey's Death, &c.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter132">132. The Laureateship</a></span><br /> + *<a href="#Cletter133">133. The same: Landor, &c.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter134">134. Alston: Home + Occupations</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter135">135. Socinianism</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter136">136. Sacred Hymns</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter137">137. Bereavements</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter138">138. Birthday in + America, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter139">139. Class-fellows and School-fellows</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter140">140. From Home: + Queen, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter141">141. The Laureateship: Tennyson, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter142">142. Poems of + Imagination, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter143">143. Of the College of Maynooth, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter144">144. Of the + Heresiarch Church of Rome</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter145">145. Family Trials</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter146">146. Bishop White: + Mormonites, &c.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter147">147. Governor Malartie: Lord Rector, &c.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter148">148 and 149. Death + of Dora</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter150">150. To John Peace, Esq.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter151">151. A Servant's Illness + and Death</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a + href="#Cletter152">152. Humility</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><a href="#Cletter153">153. Hopefulness</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="III" id="III"></a> <a + href="#III_CONVERSATIONS_AND_PERSONAL_REMINISCENCES_OF_WORDSWORTH"><b>III. + CONVERSATIONS AND PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF WORDSWORTH.</b></a><br /> <br /> + <a href="#KLOPSTOCK"><b>From 'Satyrane's Letters:' Klopstock</b></a><br /> + <a href="#COLERIDGE"><b>Personal Reminiscences of the Hon. Mr. Justice + Coleridge</b></a><br /> <a href="#ROBINSON"><b>Recollections of a Tour in + Italy, by H.C. Robinson</b></a><br /> <a href="#RICHARDSON"><b>Reminiscences + of Lady Richardson and Mrs. Davy</b></a><br /> <a href="#LINCOLN"><b>Conversations + and Reminiscences recorded by the Bishop of Lincoln</b></a><br /> <a + href="#GRAVES"><b>Reminiscences of the Rev. R.P. Graves</b></a><br /> <a + href="#DEATH"><b>On the Death of Coleridge</b></a><br /> <a href="#FURTHER"><b>Further + Reminiscences and Memorabilia, by Rev. R.P. Graves</b></a><br /> <a + href="#AMERICAN"><b>An American's Reminiscences</b></a><br /> <a + href="#FPART_I"><b>Recollections of Wordsworth by Aubrey de Vere, Esq.</b></a><br /> + <a href="#FPART_I"><b>Part I</b></a><br /> <a href="#FPART_II"><b>Part II</b></a><br /> + <a href="#SHELLEY"><b>From 'Recollections of the Last Days of Shelley and + Byron,' by E.J. Trelawny, Esq.</b></a><br /> <a href="#TAYLER"><b>From + Letters of Professor Tayler</b></a><br /> <a href="#CRABBE"><b>Anecdote of + Crabbe</b></a><br /> <a href="#BROUGHAM"><b>Later Opinion of Lord Brougham</b></a><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#CNOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS"><b>NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.</b></a><br /> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#INDEX"><b>INDEX.</b></a><br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage1" id="Cpage1"></a>{1}</span> + </p> + <h2> + CRITICAL AND ETHICAL. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="I_NOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS_OF_THE_POEMS_INCORPORATING" + id="I_NOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS_OF_THE_POEMS_INCORPORATING"></a>I. NOTES AND + ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE POEMS, INCORPORATING: + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (a) THE NOTES ORIGINALLY ADDED TO THE FIRST AND SUCCESSIVE EDITIONS.<br /> + (b) THE WHOLE OF THE I.F. MSS.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage2" + id="Cpage2"></a>{2}</span><br /> <br /> + <div class="center"> + NOTE. + </div> + <br /> On these Notes and Illustrations, their sources and arrangement, + &c., see our <a href="#PREFACE">Preface, Vol. I.</a> The star [*] + marks those that belong to the I.F. MSS. G. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage3" id="Cpage3"></a>{3}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem1" id="Cpoem1"></a>1. *<i>Prefatory Lines</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'If thou indeed derive thy light from Heaven,<br /></span> <span>Then + to the measure of that heaven-born light,<br /></span> <span>Shine, POET, + in thy place, and be content:'—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Like an untended watch-fire,' &c. (l. 10): These Verses were written + some time after we had become resident at Rydal Mount; and I will take + occasion from them to observe upon the beauty of that situation, as being + backed and flanked by lofty fells, which bring the heavenly bodies to + touch, as it were, the earth upon the mountain-tops, while the prospect in + front lies open to a length of level valley, the extended lake, and a + terminating ridge of low hills; so that it gives an opportunity to the + inhabitants of the place of noticing the stars in both the positions here + alluded to, namely, on the tops of the mountains, and as winter-lamps at a + distance among the leafless trees. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem2" id="Cpoem2"></a>2. *<i>Prelude to the Last Volume</i>. + [As supra.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These Verses were begun while I was on a visit to my son John at Brigham, + and finished at Rydal. As the contents of this Volume to which they are + now prefixed will be assigned to their respective classes when my Poems + shall be collected in one Vol., I should be at a loss where with propriety + to place this Prelude, being too restricted in its bearing to serve as a + Preface for the whole. The lines towards the conclusion allude to the + discontents then fomented thro' the country by the Agitators of the + Anti-Corn-Law League: the particular causes of such troubles are + transitory, but disposition to excite and liability to be excited, are + nevertheless permanent and therefore proper objects of the Poet's regard. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage4" id="Cpage4"></a>{4}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="I_POEMS_WRITTEN_IN_YOUTH" id="I_POEMS_WRITTEN_IN_YOUTH"></a>I. + POEMS WRITTEN IN YOUTH. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem3" id="Cpoem3"></a>3. *<i>Extract from the Conclusion of a + Poem, composed in anticipation of leaving School. [I.]</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Dear native regions,' &c. 1786. Hawkshead. The beautiful image with + which this poem concludes suggested itself to me while I was resting in a + boat along with my companions under the shade of a magnificent row of + sycamores, which then extended their branches from the shore of the + promontory upon which stands the ancient and at that time the more + picturesque Hall of Coniston, the Seat of the Le Flemings from very early + times. The Poem of which it was the conclusion was of many hundred lines, + and contained thoughts and images most of which have been dispersed + through my other writings. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem4" id="Cpoem4"></a>4. Of the Poems in this class, 'The + Evening Walk' and 'Descriptive Sketches' were first published in 1793. + They are reprinted with some alterations that were chiefly made very soon + after their publication. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This notice, which was written some time ago, scarcely applies to the + Poem, 'Descriptive Sketches,' as it now stands. The corrections, though + numerous, are not, however, such as to prevent its retaining with + propriety a place in the class of Juvenile Pieces. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem5" id="Cpoem5"></a>5. *<i>An Evening Walk. Addressed to a + Young Lady</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The young lady to whom this was addressed was my sister. It was composed + at School and during my first two college vacations. There is not an image + in it which I have not observed; and, now in my seventy-third year, I + recollect the time and place where most of them were noticed. I will + confine myself to one instance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Waving his hat, the shepherd from the vale<br /></span> <span>Directs + his wandering dog the cliffs to scale;<br /></span> <span>The dog bounds + barking mid the glittering rocks,<br /></span> <span>Hunts where his + master points, the intercepted flocks.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was an eye-witness of this for the first time while crossing the pass of + Dunmail Raise. Upon second thought, I will mention another image:<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage5" id="Cpage5"></a>{5}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And fronting the bright west, yon oak entwines<br /></span> <span>Its + darkening boughs and leaves in stronger lines.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is feebly and imperfectly exprest; but I recollect distinctly the + very spot where this first struck me. It was on the way between Hawkshead + and Ambleside, and gave me extreme pleasure. The moment was important in + my poetical history; for I date from it my consciousness of the infinite + variety of natural appearances which had been unnoticed by the poets of + any age or country, so far as I was acquainted with them; and I made a + resolution to supply in some degree the deficiency. I could not have been + at that time above fourteen years of age. The description of the swans + that follows, was taken from the daily opportunities I had of observing + their habits, not as confined to the gentleman's park, but in a state of + nature. There were two pairs of them that divided the lake of Esthwaite + and its in-and-out-flowing streams between them, never trespassing a + single yard upon each other's separate domain. They were of the old + magnificent species, bearing in beauty and majesty about the same relation + to the Thames swan which that does to a goose. It was from the remembrance + of these noble creatures I took, thirty years after, the picture of the + swan which I have discarded from the poem of 'Dion.' While I was a + school-boy, the late Mr. Curwen introduced a little fleet of these birds, + but of the inferior species, to the Lake of Windermere. Their principal + home was about his own islands; but they sailed about into remote parts of + the lake, and either from real or imagined injury done to the adjoining + fields, they were got rid of at the request of the farmers and + proprietors, but to the great regret of all who had become attached to + them from noticing their beauty and quiet habits. I will conclude my + notice of this poem by observing that the plan of it has not been confined + to a particular walk, or an individual place; a proof (of which I was + unconscious at the time) of my unwillingness to submit the poetic spirit + to the chains of fact and real circumstance. The country is idealized + rather than described in any one of its local aspects. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + FOOT-NOTES. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem5a" id="Cpoem5a"></a>5a. <i>Intake</i> (l. 49). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'When horses in the sunburnt intake stood.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The word <i>intake</i> is local, and signifies a mountain-enclosure.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage6" id="Cpage6"></a>{6}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem6" id="Cpoem6"></a>6. <i>Ghyll</i> (l. 54). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Brightens with water-brooks the hollow ghyll.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Ghyll is also, I believe, a term confined to this country; ghyll and + dingle have the same meaning. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem7" id="Cpoem7"></a>7. Line 191. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Gives one bright glance, and drops behind the hill.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From Thomson. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem8" id="Cpoem8"></a>8. *<i>Lines written while sailing in a + Boat at Evening</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1789. This title is scarcely correct. It was during a solitary walk on the + banks of the Cam that I was first struck with this appearance, and applied + it to my own feelings in the manner here expressed, changing the scene to + the Thames, near Windsor. This, and the three stanzas of the following + poem, 'Remembrance of Collins,' formed one piece; but upon the + recommendation of Coleridge, the three last stanzas were separated from + the other. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem9" id="Cpoem9"></a>9. <i>Descriptive Sketches taken during a + Pedestrian Tour among the Alps</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">DEDICATION.</span> <span>TO THE REV. ROBERT JONES, + FELLOW OF ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + DEAR SIR,—However desirous I might have been of giving you proofs of + the high place you hold in my esteem, I should have been cautious of + wounding your delicacy by thus publicly addressing you, had not the + circumstance of our having been companions among the Alps seemed to give + this dedication a propriety sufficient to do away any scruples which your + modesty might otherwise have suggested. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In inscribing this little work to you, I consult my heart. You know well + how great is the difference between two companions lolling in a + post-chaise, and two travellers plodding slowly along the road, side by + side, each with his little knapsack of necessaries upon his shoulders. How + much more of heart between the two latter! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am happy in being conscious that I shall have one reader<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage7" id="Cpage7"></a>{7}</span> who will + approach the conclusion of these few pages with regret. You they must + certainly interest, in reminding you of moments to which you can hardly + look back without a pleasure not the less dear from a shade of melancholy. + You will meet with few images without recollecting the spot where we + observed them together; consequently, whatever is feeble in my design, or + spiritless in my colouring, will be amply supplied by your own memory. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With still greater propriety I might have inscribed to you a description + of some of the features of your native mountains, through which we have + wandered together, in the same manner, with so much pleasure. But the + sea-sunsets, which give such splendour to the vale of Clwyd, Snowdon, the + chair of Idris, the quiet village of Bethgelert, Menai and her Druids, the + Alpine steeps of the Conway, and the still more interesting windings of + the wizard stream of the Dee, remain yet untouched. Apprehensive that my + pencil may never be exercised on these subjects, I cannot let slip this + opportunity of thus publicly assuring you with how much affection and + esteem + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I am, dear Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Most sincerely yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + London, 1793. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem10" id="Cpoem10"></a>10. *<i>Descriptive Sketches</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1791-2. Much the greatest part of this poem was composed during my walks + upon the banks of the Loire, in the years 1791, 1792. I will only notice + that the description of the valley filled with mist, beginning 'In solemn + shapes,' &c. was taken from that beautiful region, of which the + principal features are Lungarn and Sarnen. Nothing that I ever saw in + Nature left a more delightful impression on my mind than that which I have + attempted, alas how feebly! to convey to others in these lines. Those two + lakes have always interested me, especially from bearing, in their size + and other features, a resemblance to those of the North of England. It is + much to be deplored that a district so beautiful should be so unhealthy as + it is.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage8" id="Cpage8"></a>{8}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + FOOT-NOTES. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem11" id="Cpoem11"></a>11. <i>The Cross</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'The Cross, by angels planted on the aerial rock' + (I.70)</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alluding to the crosses seen on the spiry rocks of Chartreuse. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem12" id="Cpoem12"></a>12. <i>Rivers</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'Along the mystic streams of Life and Death' (I. 71).</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Names of rivers at the Chartreuse. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem13" id="Cpoem13"></a>13. <i>Vallombre</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'Vallombre, 'mid her falling fanes' (I. 74).</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Name of one of the valleys of Chartreuse. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem14" id="Cpoem14"></a>14. <i>Sugh</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'Beneath the cliffs, and pine-wood's steady sugh' (I. + 358).</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sugh, a Scotch word expresssive of the sound of the wind through the + trees. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem15" id="Cpoem15"></a>15. <i>Pikes</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'And Pikes of darkness named and fear and storms' (I. + 471).</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As Schreck-Horn, the pike of terror, Wetter-horn, the pike of storms &c. + &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem16" id="Cpoem16"></a>16. <i>Shrine</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8"> 'Ensiedlen's wretched fane' (I. 545).</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This shrine is resorted to, from a hope of relief, by multitudes, from + every corner of the Catholic world, labouring under mental or bodily + afflictions. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem17" id="Cpoem17"></a>17. <i>Sourd</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'Sole sound, the Sourd prolongs his mournful cry!' (l. + 618)</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem18" id="Cpoem18"></a>18. <i>Lines left upon a Seat in a + Yew-tree, which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite, on a desolate Part of + the Shore, commanding a beautiful Prospect. [VII.]</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed in part at school at Hawkshead. The tree has disappeared, and the + slip of Common on which it stood, that<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage9" id="Cpage9"></a>{9}</span> ran parallel to the lake, and lay + open to it, has long been enclosed, so that the road has lost much of its + attraction. This spot was my favourite walk in the evenings during the + latter part of my school-time. The individual whose habits and character + are here given was a gentleman of the neighbourhood, a man of talent and + learning, who had been educated at one of our universities, and returned + to pass his time in seclusion on his own estate. He died a bachelor in + middle age. Induced by the beauty of the prospect, he built a small + summer-house on the rocks above the peninsula on which the ferry-house + stands. [In pencil here—Query, Mr. Nott?] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This property afterwards past into the hands of the late Mr. Curwen. The + site was long ago pointed out by Mr. West in his <i>Guide</i> as the pride + of the Lakes, and now goes by the name of 'The Station.' So much used I to + be delighted with the view from it, while a little boy, that some years + before the first pleasure-house was built, I led thither from Hawkshead a + youngster about my own age, an Irish boy, who was a servant to an + itinerant conjuror. My motive was to witness the pleasure I expected the + boy would receive from the prospect of the islands below, and the + intermingling water. I was not disappointed; and I hope the fact, + insignificant as it may seem to some, may be thought worthy of note by + others who may cast their eye over these notes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem19" id="Cpoem19"></a>19. <i>Guilt and Sorrow; or Incidents + upon Salisbury Plain</i>.[VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">ADVERTISEMENT, PREFIXED TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THIS + POEM, PUBLISHED IN 1842.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Not less than one-third of the following poem, though it has from time to + time been altered in the expression, was published so far back as the year + 1798, under the title of 'The Female Vagrant.' The extract is of such + length that an apology seems to be required for reprinting it here: but it + was necessary to restore it to its original position, or the rest would + have been unintelligible. The whole was written before the close of the + year 1794, and I will detail, rather as a matter of literary biography + than for any other reason, the circumstances under which it was produced. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + During the latter part of the summer of 1793, having passed a month in the + Isle of Wight, in view of the fleet which was<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage10" id="Cpage10"></a>{10}</span> then preparing for sea off + Portsmouth at the commencement of the war, I left the place with + melancholy forebodings. The American war was still fresh in memory. The + struggle which was beginning, and which many thought would be brought to a + speedy close by the irresistible arms of Great Britain being added to + those of the Allies, I was assured in my own mind would be of long + continuance, and productive of distress and misery beyond all possible + calculation. This conviction was pressed upon me by having been a witness, + during a long residence in revolutionary France, of the spirit which + prevailed in that country. After leaving the Isle of Wight, I spent two + days in wandering on foot over Salisbury Plain, which, though cultivation + was then widely spread through parts of it, had upon the whole a still + more impressive appearance than it now retains. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The monuments and traces of antiquity, scattered in abundance over that + region, led me unavoidably to compare what we know or guess of those + remote times with certain aspects of modern society, and with calamities, + principally those consequent upon war, to which, more than other classes + of men, the poor are subject. In those reflections, joined with particular + facts that had come to my knowledge, the following stanzas originated. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, to obviate some distraction in the minds of those who are + well acquainted with Salisbury Plain, it may be proper to say, that of the + features described as belonging to it, one or two are taken from other + desolate parts of England. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem20" id="Cpoem20"></a>20. *<i>The Female Vagrant</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I find the date of this is placed in 1792 in contradiction, by mistake, to + what I have asserted in 'Guilt and Sorrow.' The correct date is 1793-4. + The chief incidents of it, more particularly her description of her + feelings on the Atlantic, are taken from life. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem21" id="Cpoem21"></a>21. *<i>Guilt and Sorrow; or Incidents + upon Salisbury Plain</i>. [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Unwilling to be unnecessarily particular, I have assigned this poem to the + dates 1793 and 1794; but, in fact, much of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage11" id="Cpage11"></a>{11}</span> the Female Vagrant's story was + composed at least two years before. All that relates to her sufferings as + a soldier's wife in America, and her condition of mind during her voyage + home, were faithfully taken from the report made to me of her own case by + a friend who had been subjected to the same trials, and affected in the + same way. Mr. Coleridge, when I first became acquainted with him, was so + much impressed with this poem, that it would have encouraged me to publish + the whole as it then stood; but the Mariner's fate appeared to me so + tragical, as to require a treatment more subdued, and yet more strictly + applicable in expression, than I had at first given to it. This fault was + corrected nearly fifty years afterwards, when I determined to publish the + whole. It may be worth while to remark, that though the incidents of this + attempt do only in a small degree produce each other, and it deviates + accordingly from the general rule by which narrative pieces ought to be + governed, it is not therefore wanting in continuous hold upon the mind, or + in unity, which is effected by the identity of moral interest that places + the two personages upon the same footing in the reader's sympathies. My + ramble over many parts of Salisbury Plain put me, as mentioned in the + preface, upon writing this poem, and left upon my mind imaginative + impressions the force of which I have felt to this day. From that district + I proceeded to Bath, Bristol, and so on to the banks of the Wye; when I + took again to travelling on foot. In remembrance of that part of my + journey, which was in 1793, I began the verses, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Five years have passed,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem22" id="Cpoem22"></a>22. <i>Charles Farish</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'And hovering, round it often did a raven fly.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From a short MS. poem read to me when an undergraduate, by my schoolfellow + and friend, Charles Farish, long since deceased. The verses were by a + brother of his, a man of promising genius, who died young. ['Guilt and + Sorrow,' st. ix. l. 9.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem23" id="Cpoem23"></a>23. *<i>The Forsaken. Poems founded on + the Affections</i>. [XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was an overflow from the affliction of Margaret, and excluded as + superfluous there; but preserved in the faint hope that it may turn to + account, by restoring a shy lover to some<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage12" id="Cpage12"></a>{12}</span> forsaken damsel; my poetry + having been complained of as deficient in interests of this sort, a charge + which the next piece, beginning, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Lyre! though such power do in thy magic live!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + will scarcely tend to obviate. The natural imagery of these verses was + supplied by frequent, I might say intense, observation of the Rydal + Torrent. What an animating contrast is the ever-changing aspect of that, + and indeed of every one of our mountain brooks, to the monotonous tone and + unmitigated fury of such streams among the Alps as are fed all the summer + long by glaciers and melting snows! A traveller, observing the exquisite + purity of the great rivers, such as the Rhone at Geneva, and the Reuss at + Lucerne, where they issue out of their respective lakes, might fancy for a + moment that some power in Nature produced this beautiful change, with a + view to make amends for those Alpine sullyings which the waters exhibit + near their fountain heads; but, alas! how soon does that purity depart, + before the influx of tributary waters that have flowed through cultivated + plains and the crowded abodes of men. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem24" id="Cpoem24"></a>24. *<i>The Borderers: a Tragedy</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of this dramatic work I have little to say in addition to the short + printed note which will be found attached to it. It was composed at + Racedown in Dorset, during the latter part of the year 1795, and in the + course of the following year. Had it been the work of a later period of + life, it would have been different in some respects from what it is now. + The plot would have been something more complex, and a greater variety of + characters introduced, to relieve the mind from the pressure of incidents + so mournful; the manners also would have been more attended to. My care + was almost exclusively given to the passions and the characters, and the + position in which the persons in the drama stood relatively to each other, + that the reader (for I never thought of the stage at the time it was + written) might be moved, and to a degree instructed, by lights penetrating + somewhat into the depths of our nature. In this endeavour, I cannot think, + upon a very late review, that I have failed. As to the scene and period of + action, little more was required for my purpose than the absence of + established law and government<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage13" + id="Cpage13"></a>{13}</span>, so that the agents might be at liberty to + act on their own impulses. Nevertheless, I do remember, that having a wish + to colour the manners in some degree from local history more than my + knowledge enabled me to do, I read Redpath's <i>History of the Borders</i>, + but found there nothing to my purpose. I once made an observation to Sir + W. Scott, in which he concurred, that it was difficult to conceive how so + dull a book could be written on such a subject. Much about the same time, + but a little after, Coleridge was employed in writing his tragedy of <i>Remorse</i>; + and it happened soon after that, through one of the Mr. Pooles, Mr. + Knight, the actor, heard that we had been engaged in writing plays, and, + upon his suggestion, mine was curtailed, and (I believe, with Coleridge's) + was offered to Mr. Harris, manager of Covent Garden. For myself, I had no + hope, nor even a wish (though a successful play would in the then state of + my finances have been a most welcome piece of good fortune), that he + should accept my performance; so that I incurred no disappointment when + the piece was <i>judiciously</i> returned as not calculated for the stage. + In this judgment I entirely concurred; and had it been otherwise, it was + so natural for me to shrink from public notice, that any hope I might have + had of success would not have reconciled me altogether to such an + exhibition. Mr. C.'s play was, as is well known, brought forward several + years after, through the kindness of Mr. Sheridan. In conclusion, I may + observe, that while I was composing this play, I wrote a short essay, + illustrative of that constitution and those tendencies of human nature, + which make the apparently <i>motiveless</i> actions of bad men + intelligible to careful observers. This was partly done with reference to + the character of Oswald, and his persevering endeavour to lead the man he + disliked into so heinous a crime; but still more to preserve in my + distinct remembrance what I had observed of transitions in character, and + the reflections I had been led to make, during the time I was a witness of + the changes through which the French Revolution passed. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem25" id="Cpoem25"></a>25. The following is the 'short printed + note' mentioned in above: + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Dramatic Piece, as noticed in its title-page, was composed in 1795-6. + It lay nearly from that time till within the<span class="pagenum"> <a + name="Cpage14" id="Cpage14"></a>{14}</span> last two or three months + unregarded among my papers, without being mentioned even to my most + intimate friends. Having, however, impressions upon my mind which made me + unwilling to destroy the MS., I determined to undertake the responsibility + of publishing it during my own life, rather than impose upon my successors + the task of deciding its fate. Accordingly it has been revised with some + care; but, as it was at first written, and is now published, without any + view to its exhibition upon the stage, not the slightest alteration has + been made in the conduct of the story, or the composition of the + characters; above all, in respect to the two leading Persons of the Drama, + I felt no inducement to make any change. The study of human nature + suggests this awful truth, that, as in the trial to which life subjects + us, sin and crime are apt to start from their very opposite qualities, so + are there no limits to the hardening of the heart, and the perversion of + the understanding to which they may carry their slaves. During my long + residence in France, while the Revolution was rapidly advancing to its + extreme of wickedness, I had frequent opportunities of being an + eye-witness of this process, and it was while that knowledge was fresh + upon my memory that the Tragedy of the <i>Borderers</i> was composed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem26" id="Cpoem26"></a>26. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Later, this was prefixed: 'Readers already acquainted with my Poems will + recognise, in the following composition, some eight or ten lines which I + have not scrupled to retain in the places where they originally stood. It + is proper, however, to add, that they would not have been used elsewhere, + if I had foreseen the time when I might be induced to publish this + Tragedy. February 28. 1842.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="II_POEMS_REFERRING_TO_THE_PERIOD_OF_CHILDHOOD" + id="II_POEMS_REFERRING_TO_THE_PERIOD_OF_CHILDHOOD"></a>II. POEMS REFERRING + TO THE PERIOD OF CHILDHOOD. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem27" id="Cpoem27"></a>27. *<i>My Heart leaps up when I behold</i>. + [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was written at Grasmere, Town-End, 1804. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem28" id="Cpoem28"></a>28. *<i>To a Butterfly</i>. [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Grasmere, Town-End. Written in the Orchard, 1801. My sister and I were + parted immediately after the death of our<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage15" id="Cpage15"></a>{15}</span> mother, who died in 1777, both + being very young. [Corrected in pencil on opposite page—' March + 1778.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem29" id="Cpoem29"></a>29. *<i>The Sparrow's Nest</i>, [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Orchard, Grasmere, Town-End, 1801. At the end of the garden of my + Father's house at Cockermouth was a high terrace that commanded a fine + view of the river Derwent and Cockermouth Castle. This was our favourite + play-ground. The terrace wall, a low one, was covered with closely-clipt + privet and roses, which gave an almost impervious shelter to birds that + built their nests there. The latter of these stanzas alludes to one of + these nests. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem30" id="Cpoem30"></a>30. *<i>Foresight</i>, [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Also composed in the Orchard, Grasmere, Town-End. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem31" id="Cpoem31"></a>31. *<i>Characteristics of a Child + three Years old</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Picture of my daughter Catharine, who died the year after. Written at + Allan-Bank, Grasmere, 1811. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem32" id="Cpoem32"></a>32. *<i>Address to a Child</i>, [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + During a boisterous Winter's Evening. Town-End, Grasmere, 1806. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem33" id="Cpoem33"></a>33. *<i>The Mother's Return</i>, [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Ditto. By Miss Wordsworth [<i>i.e.</i> both poems]. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem34" id="Cpoem34"></a>34. *<i>Alice Fell; or Poverty</i>. + [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1801. Written to gratify Mr. Graham, of Glasgow, brother of the Author of + 'The Sabbath.' He was a zealous coadjutor of Mr. Clarkson, and a man of + ardent humanity. The incident had happened to himself, and he urged me to + put it into verse for humanity's sake. The humbleness, meanness if you + like, of the subject, together with the homely mode of treating it, + brought upon me a world of ridicule by the small critics, so that in + policy I excluded it from many editions of my Poems, till it was restored + at the request of some of my friends, in particular my son-in-law, Edward + Quillinan. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem35" id="Cpoem35"></a>35. *<i>Lucy Gray; or Solitude</i>. + [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written at Goslar, in Germany, in 1799. It was founded<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage16" id="Cpage16"></a>{16}</span> on a circumstance told me by + my sister, of a little girl, who, not far from Halifax, in Yorkshire, was + bewildered in a snow-storm. Her footsteps were tracked by her parents to + the middle of the lock of a canal, and no other vestige of her, backward + or forward, could be traced. The body, however, was found in the canal. + The way in which the incident was treated, and the spiritualising of the + character, might furnish hints for contrasting the imaginative influences, + which I have endeavoured to throw over common life, with Crabbe's + matter-of-fact style of handling subjects of the same kind. This is not + spoken to his disparagement, far from it; but to direct the attention of + thoughtful readers into whose hands these notes may fall, to a comparison + that may enlarge the circle of their sensibilities, and tend to produce in + them a catholic judgment. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem36" id="Cpoem36"></a>36. *<i>We are Seven</i>. [X.] <i>The + Ancient Mariner and Coleridge, &c. &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written at Alfoxden in the spring of 1798, under circumstances somewhat + remarkable. The little girl who is the heroine, I met within the area of + Goderich Castle in the year 1793. Having left the Isle of Wight, and crost + Salisbury Plain, as mentioned in the preface to 'Guilt and Sorrow,' I + proceeded by Bristol up the Wye, and so on to N. Wales to the Vale of + Clwydd, where I spent my summer under the roof of the father of my friend, + Robert Jones. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In reference to this poem, I will here mention one of the most remarkable + facts in my own poetic history, and that of Mr. Coleridge. In the spring + of the year 1798, he, my sister, and myself, started from Alfoxden pretty + late in the afternoon, with a view to visit Linton, and the Valley of + Stones near to it; and as our united funds were very small, we agreed to + defray the expense of the tour by writing a poem, to be sent to the <i>New + Monthly Magazine</i>, set up by Phillips, the bookseller, and edited by + Dr. Aikin. Accordingly we set off, and proceeded, along the Quantock + Hills, towards Watchet; and in the course of this walk was planned the + poem of the 'Ancient Mariner,' founded on a dream, as Mr. Coleridge said, + of his friend Mr. Cruikshank. Much the greatest part of the story was Mr. + Coleridge's invention; but certain parts I myself suggested; for example, + some crime was to be committed which would bring upon the Old Navigator, + as Coleridge afterwards delighted to call him, the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage17" id="Cpage17"></a>{17}</span> spectral persecution, as a + consequence of that crime and his own wanderings. I had been reading in + Shelvocke's <i>Voyages</i>, a day or two before, that, while doubling Cape + Horn, they frequently saw albatrosses in that latitude, the largest sort + of sea-fowl, some extending their wings twelve or thirteen feet. + 'Suppose,' said I, 'you represent him as having killed one of these birds + on entering the South Sea, and that the tutelary spirits of these regions + take upon them to avenge the crime.' The incident was thought fit for the + purpose, and adopted accordingly. I also suggested the navigation of the + ship by the dead men, but do not recollect that I had anything more to do + with the scheme of the poem. The gloss with which it was subsequently + accompanied was not thought of by either of us at the time, at least not a + hint of it was given to me, and I have no doubt it was a gratuitous + after-thought. We began the composition together, on that to me memorable + evening: I furnished two or three lines at the beginning of the poem, in + particular— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And listen'd like a three years' child;<br /></span> <span + class="i2">The Mariner had his will.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These trifling contributions, all but one, (which Mr. C. has with + unnecessary scrupulosity recorded,) slipt out of his mind, as they well + might. As we endeavoured to proceed conjointly (I speak of the same + evening), our respective manners proved so widely different, that it would + have been quite presumptuous in me to do anything but separate from an + undertaking upon which I could only have been a clog. We returned after a + few days from a delightful tour, of which I have many pleasant, and some + of them droll enough, recollections. We returned by Dulverton to Alfoxden. + The 'Ancient Mariner' grew and grew till it became too important for our + first object, which was limited to our expectation of five pounds; and we + began to talk of a volume which was to consist, as Mr. Coleridge has told + the world, of Poems chiefly on natural subjects, taken from common life, + but looked at, as much as might be, through an imaginative medium. + Accordingly I wrote 'The Idiot Boy,' 'Her Eyes are wild,' &c., and 'We + are Seven,' 'The Thorn,' and some others. To return to 'We are Seven,' the + piece that called forth this note:—I composed it while walking in + the grove of Alfoxden. My friends will not deem it too trifling to relate, + that while walking to and fro I composed the last stanza first, having + begun with the last <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage18" id="Cpage18"></a>{18}</span>line. + When it was all but finished, I came in and recited it to Mr. Coleridge + and my sister, and said, 'A prefatory stanza must be added, and I should + sit down to our little tea-meal with greater pleasure if my task was + finished.' I mentioned in substance what I wished to be expressed, and + Coleridge immediately threw off the stanza, thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A little child, dear brother Jem.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I objected to the rhyme, 'dear brother Jem,' as being ludicrous; but we + all enjoyed the joke of hitching in our friend James Tobin's name, who was + familiarly called Jem. He was the brother of the dramatist; and this + reminds me of an anecdote which it may be worth while here to notice. The + said Jem got a sight of the 'Lyrical Ballads' as it was going through the + press at Bristol, during which time I was residing in that city. One + evening he came to me with a grave face, and said, 'Wordsworth, I have + seen the volume that Coleridge and you are about to publish. There is one + poem in it which I earnestly entreat you will cancel, for, if published, + it will make you everlastingly ridiculous.' I answered, that I felt much + obliged by the interest he took in my good name as a writer, and begged to + know what was the unfortunate piece he alluded to. He said, 'It is called + "We are Seven."' 'Nay,' said I, 'that shall take its chance, however;' and + he left me in despair. I have only to add, that in the spring of 1841, I + visited Goodrich Castle, not having seen that part of the Wye since I met + the little girl there in 1793. It would have given me greater pleasure to + have found in the neighbouring hamlet traces of one who had interested me + so much, but that was impossible, as, unfortunately, I did not even know + her name. The ruin, from its position and features, is a most impressive + object. I could not but deeply regret that its solemnity was impaired by a + fantastic new castle set up on a projection of the same ridge, as if to + show how far modern art can go in surpassing all that could be done by + antiquity and Nature with their united graces, remembrances, and + associations. I could have almost wished for power, so much the contrast + vexed me, to blow away Sir —— Meyrick's impertinent structure + and all the possessions it contains.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage19" + id="Cpage19"></a>{19}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem37" id="Cpoem37"></a>37. <i>The Idle Shepherd Boys; or + Dungeon-Ghyll Force: a Pastoral</i>. [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Grasmere, Town-End, 1800. I will only add a little monitory anecdote + concerning this subject. When Coleridge and Southey were walking together + upon the Fells, Southey observed that, if I wished to be considered a + faithful painter of rural manners, I ought not to have said that my + shepherd boys trimmed their rustic hats as described in the poem. Just as + the words had past his lips, two boys appeared with the very plant + entwined round their hats. I have often wondered that Southey, who rambled + so much about the mountains, should have fallen into this mistake; and I + record it as a warning for others who, with far less opportunity than my + dear friend had of knowing what things are, and with far less sagacity, + give way to presumptuous criticism, from which he was free, though in this + matter mistaken. In describing a tarn under Helvellyn, I say, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'There sometimes doth a leaping fish<br /></span> <span>Send + through the tarn a lonely cheer.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was branded by a critic of those days, in a review ascribed to Mrs. + Barbauld, as unnatural and absurd. I admire the genius of Mrs. Barbauld, + and am certain that, had her education been favourable to imaginative + influences, no female of her day would have been more likely to sympathise + with that image, and to acknowledge the truth of the sentiment. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem38" id="Cpoem38"></a>38. <i>Foot-note</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Heading: 'Dungeon-ghyll Force.' <i>Ghyll</i>, in the dialect of Cumberland + and Westmoreland, is a short and, for the most part, a steep narrow + valley, with a stream running through it. <i>Force</i> is the word + universally employed in these dialects for waterfall. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem39" id="Cpoem39"></a>39. <i>Anecdote for Fathers</i>. [XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was suggested in front of Alfoxden. The boy was a son of my friend + Basil Montagu, who had been two or three years under our care. The name of + Kilve is from a village in the Bristol Channel, about a mile from + Alfoxden; and the name of Liswin Farm was taken from a beautiful spot on + the Wye. When Mr. Coleridge, my sister, and I had been visiting the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage20" id="Cpage20"></a>{20}</span>famous John + Thelwall, who had taken refuge from politics, after a trial for high + treason, with a view to bring up his family by the profits of agriculture; + which proved as unfortunate a speculation as that he had fled from. + Coleridge and he had been public lecturers: Coleridge mingling with his + politics theology; from which the other abstained, unless it were for the + sake of a sneer. This quondam community of public employment induced + Thelwall to visit Coleridge at Nether Stowey, where he fell in my way. He + really was a man of extraordinary talent, an affectionate husband, and a + good father. Though brought up in the city on a tailor's board, he was + truly sensible of the beauty of natural objects. I remember once when + Coleridge, he and I were seated together upon the turf, on the brink of a + stream in the most beautiful part of the most beautiful glen of Alfoxden, + Coleridge exclaimed, 'This is a place to reconcile one to all the jarrings + and conflicts of the wide world.' 'Nay,' said Thelwall, 'to make one + forget them altogether.' The visit of this man to Coleridge was, as I + believe Coleridge has related, the occasion of a spy being sent by + Government to watch our proceedings; which were, I can say with truth, + such as the world at large would have thought ludicrously harmless. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem40" id="Cpoem40"></a>40. <i>Rural Architecture</i>. [XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These structures, as every one knows, are common among our hills, being + built by shepherds, as conspicuous marks, and occasionally by boys in + sport. It was written at Town-End, in 1801. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem41" id="Cpoem41"></a>41. <i>Foot-note: Great How</i> (l. 4). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Great How is a single and conspicuous hill, which rises towards the foot + of Thirlmere, on the western side of the beautiful dale of Legberthwaite. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem42" id="Cpoem42"></a>42. <i>The Pet Lamb: a Pastoral</i>. + [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1800. Barbara Lewthwaite, now living at Ambleside (1843), though + much changed as to beauty, was one of two most lovely sisters. Almost the + first words my poor brother John said, when he visited us for the first + time at Grasmere, were, 'Were those two angels that I have just seen?' and + from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage21" id="Cpage21"></a>{21}</span> + his description I have no doubt they were those two sisters. The mother + died in childbed; and one of our neighbours, at Grasmere, told me that the + loveliest sight she had ever seen was that mother as she lay in her coffin + with her [dead] babe in her arm. I mention this to notice what I cannot + but think a salutary custom, once universal in these vales: every + attendant on a funeral made it a duty to look at the corpse in the coffin + before the lid was closed, which was never done (nor I believe is now) + till a minute or two before the corpse was removed. Barbara Lewthwaite was + not, in fact, the child whom I had seen and overheard as engaged in the + poem. I chose the name for reasons implied in the above, and will here add + a caution against the use of names of living persons. Within a few months + after the publication of this poem, I was much surprised, and more hurt, + to find it in a child's school-book, which, having been compiled by + Lindley Murray, had come into use at Grasmere school, where Barbara was a + pupil. And, alas, I had the mortification of hearing that she was very + vain of being thus distinguished; and in after life she used to say that + she remembered the incident, and what I said to her upon the occasion. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem43" id="Cpoem43"></a>43. <i>Influence of Natural Objects, + &c.</i> [XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written in Germany, 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem44" id="Cpoem44"></a>44. <i>The Longest Day</i>. [XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1817. Suggested by the sight of my daughter (Dora) playing in front of + Rydal Mount, and composed in a great measure the same afternoon. I have + often wished to pair this poem upon the 'longest' with one upon the + 'shortest' day, and regret even now that it has not been done. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem45" id="Cpoem45"></a>45. <i>The Norman Boy</i>. [XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The subject of this poem was sent me by Mrs. Ogle, to whom I was + personally unknown, with a hope on her part that I might be induced to + relate the incident in verse. And I do not regret that I took the trouble; + for not improbably the fact is illustrative of the boy's early piety, and + may concur, with my other little pieces on children, to produce profitable + reflection among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage22" id="Cpage22"></a>{22}</span> + my youthful readers. This is said, however, with an absolute conviction + that children will derive most benefit from books which are not unworthy + the perusal of persons of any age. I protest with my whole heart against + those productions, so abundant in the present day, in which the doings of + children are dwelt upon as if they were incapable of being interested in + anything else. On this subject I have dwelt at length in the Poem on the + growth of my own mind. ['Prelude.'] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="III_POEMS_FOUNDED_ON_THE_AFFECTIONS" + id="III_POEMS_FOUNDED_ON_THE_AFFECTIONS"></a>III. POEMS FOUNDED ON THE + AFFECTIONS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem46" id="Cpoem46"></a>46. <i>The Brothers</i>. [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1800. This poem was composed in a grove at the north-eastern end of + Grasmere Lake, which grove was in a great measure destroyed by turning the + high-road along the side of the water. The few trees that are left were + spared at my intercession. The poem arose out of the fact mentioned to me, + at Ennerdale, that a shepherd had fallen asleep upon the top of the rock + called the 'pillar,' and perished as here described, his staff being left + midway on the rock. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem47" id="Cpoem47"></a>47. <i>Great Gavel</i>. (Foot-note.) + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'From the Great Gavel down by Leeza's banks' (l. 324). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Great Gavel, so called, I imagine, from its resemblance to the gable + end of a house, is one of the highest of the Cumberland mountains. The + Leeza is a river which flows into the Lake of Ennerdale. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem48" id="Cpoem48"></a>48. <i>Artegal and Elidure</i>. [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount. This was written in the year 1815, as a token of affectionate + respect for the memory of Milton. 'I have determined,' says he, in his + preface to his History of England, 'to bestow the telling over even of + these reputed tales, be it for nothing else but in favour of our English + Poets and Rhetoricians, who by their wit well know how to use them + judiciously.' See the Chronicle of Geoffrey of Monmouth and Milton's + History of England.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage23" id="Cpage23"></a>{23}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem49" id="Cpoem49"></a>49. <i>To a Butterfly</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1801. Written at the same time and place. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem50" id="Cpoem50"></a>50. <i>A Farewell</i>. [IV] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1802. Composed just before my sister and I went to fetch Mary from + Gallowhill, near Scarborough. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem51" id="Cpoem51"></a>51. *<i>Stanzas written in my + Pocket-copy of Thomson's 'Castle of Indolence.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed in the Orchard, Grasmere, Town-End. Coleridge living with us much + at the time, his son Hartley has said that his father's character and + history are here preserved in a livelier way than in anything that has + been written about him. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem52" id="Cpoem52"></a>52. *<i>Louisa. After accompanying her + on a mountain Excursion</i>. [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1805. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem53" id="Cpoem53"></a>53. *<i>Strange Fits of Passion have I + known</i>. [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + *<i>She dwelt among the Springs of Dove</i>. [VIII.] + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + *<i>I travelled among unknown Men</i>. [IX.] + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These three poems were written in Germany, 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem54" id="Cpoem54"></a>54. *<i>Ere with cold Beads of midnight + Dew</i>. [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1826. Suggested by the condition of a friend. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem55" id="Cpoem55"></a>55. *<i>To</i> ——. [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1824. Prompted by the undue importance attached to personal + beauty by some dear friends of mine. [In opposite page in pencil—S. + C.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem56" id="Cpoem56"></a>56. *<i>'Tis said that some have died + for Love</i>. [XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1800. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem57" id="Cpoem57"></a>57. *<i>A Complaint</i>. [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested by a change in the manners of a friend. Coleorton, 1806. + [Town-End marked out and Coleorton written in pencil; and on opposite page + in pencil—Coleridge, S. T.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage24" + id="Cpage24"></a>{24}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem58" id="Cpoem58"></a>58. <i>To</i> ——. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1824. Written on [Mrs.] Mary Wordsworth. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem59" id="Cpoem59"></a>59. *'<i>How rich that Forehead's calm + Expanse</i>!'[XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1824. Also on M. W. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem60" id="Cpoem60"></a>60. <i>To</i> ——. [XIX] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1824. To M. W., Rydal Mount. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem61" id="Cpoem61"></a>61. <i>Lament of Mary Queen of Scots</i>. + [XX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This arose out of a flash of Moonlight that struck the ground when I was + approaching the steps that lead from the garden at Rydal Mount to the + front of the house. 'From her sunk eye a stagnant tear stole forth,' is + taken, with some loss, from a discarded poem, 'The Convict,' in which + occurred, when he was discovered lying in the cell, these lines: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'But now he upraises the deep-sunken eye;<br /></span> <span + class="i2">The motion unsettles a tear;<br /></span> <span>The silence of + sorrow it seems to supply,<br /></span> <span class="i2">And asks of me, + why I am here.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem62" id="Cpoem62"></a>62. <i>The Complaint of a forsaken + Indian Woman</i>. [XXI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When a Northern Indian, from sickness, is unable to continue his journey + with his companions, he is left behind, covered over with deer-skins, and + is supplied with water, food, and fuel, if the situation of the place will + afford it. He is informed of the track which his companions intend to + pursue, and if he be unable to follow, or overtake them, he perishes alone + in the desert; unless he should have the good fortune to fall in with some + other tribes of Indians. The females are equally, or still more, exposed + to the same fate. See that very interesting work, Hearne's <i>Journey from + Hudson's Bay to the Northern Ocean</i>. In the high northern latitudes, as + the same writer informs us, when the northern lights vary their position + in the air, they make a rustling and a crackling noise, as alluded to in + the following poem.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage25" id="Cpage25"></a>{25}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem63" id="Cpoem63"></a>63. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Alfoxden, in 1798, where I read Hearne's <i>Journey</i> with great + interest. It was composed for the volume of 'Lyrical Ballads.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem64" id="Cpoem64"></a>64. <i>The Last of the Flock</i>. + [XXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Produced at the same time [as 'The Complaint,' No. 62] and for the same + purpose. The incident occurred in the village of Holford, close by + Alfoxden. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem65" id="Cpoem65"></a>65. <i>Repentance</i> [XXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1804. Suggested by the conversation of our next neighbour, + Margaret Ashburner. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem66" id="Cpoem66"></a>66. <i>The Affliction of Margaret</i> + ——. [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1804. This was taken from the case of a poor widow who lived in + the town of Penrith. Her sorrow was well known to Mary, to my sister, and + I believe to the whole town. She kept a shop, and when she saw a stranger + passing by, she was in the habit of going out into the street to inquire + of him after her son. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem67" id="Cpoem67"></a>67. <i>The Cottager to her Infant</i>. + [XXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By my sister. Suggested to her while beside my sleeping children. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem68" id="Cpoem68"></a>68. <i>Maternal Grief</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was in part an overflow from the Solitary's description of his own + and his wife's feelings upon the decease of their children; and I will + venture to add, for private notice solely, is faithfully set forth from my + wife's feelings and habits after the loss of our two children, within half + a year of each other. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem69" id="Cpoem69"></a>69. <i>The Sailor's Mother</i>. + [XXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1800. I met this woman near the Wishing-Gate, on the high-road + that then led from Grasmere to Ambleside. Her appearance was exactly as + here described, and such was her account, nearly to the letter.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage26" id="Cpage26"></a>{26}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem70" id="Cpoem70"></a>70. <i>The Childless Father</i>. + [XXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1800. When I was a child at Cockermouth, no funeral took place + without a basin filled with sprigs of boxwood being placed upon a table + covered with a white cloth in front of the house. The huntings (on foot) + which the Old Man is suffered to join as here described were of common, + almost habitual, occurrence in our vales when I was a boy; and the people + took much delight in them. They are now less frequent. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem71" id="Cpoem71"></a>71. <i>Funeral Basin</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Filled the funeral basin at Timothy's door.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In several parts of the North of England, when a funeral takes place, a + basin full of sprigs of boxwood is placed at the door of the house from + which the coffin is taken up, and each person who attends the funeral + ordinarily takes a sprig of this boxwood, and throws it into the grave of + the deceased. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem72" id="Cpoem72"></a>72. <i>The Emigrant Mother</i>. [XXIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1802. Suggested by what I have noticed in more than one French fugitive + during the time of the French Revolution. If I am not mistaken, the lines + were composed at Sockburn when I was on a visit to Mary and her brothers. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem73" id="Cpoem73"></a>73. <i>Vaudracour and Julia</i>. [XXX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following tale was written as an Episode, in a work from which its + length may perhaps exclude it. The facts are true; no invention as to + these has been exercised, as none was needed. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem74" id="Cpoem74"></a>74. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1805. Faithfully narrated, though with the omission of many + pathetic circumstances, from the mouth of a French lady, who had been an + eye and ear-witness of all that was done and said. Many long years after I + was told that Dupligne was then a monk in the Convent of La Trappe. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem75" id="Cpoem75"></a>75. <i>The Idiot Boy</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alfoxden, 1798. The last stanza, 'The cocks did crow, and the sun did + shine so cold,' was the foundation of the whole. The<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage27" id="Cpage27"></a>{27}</span> words were reported to me by + my dear friend Thomas Poole; but I have since heard the same reported of + other idiots. Let me add, that this long poem was composed in the groves + of Alfoxden, almost extempore; not a word, I believe, being corrected, + though one stanza was omitted. I mention this in gratitude to those happy + moments, for, in truth, I never wrote anything with so much glee. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem76" id="Cpoem76"></a>76. <i>Michael</i>. [XXXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1807. Written about the same time as 'The Brothers.' The + sheepfold on which so much of the poem turns, remains, or rather the ruins + of it. The character and circumstances of Luke were taken from a family to + whom had belonged, many years before, the house we lived in at Town-End, + along with some fields and woodlands on the eastern shore of Grasmere. The + name of the Evening Star was not in fact given to this house, but to + another on the same side of the valley more to the north. [On opposite + page in pencil—' Greenhead Ghyll.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem77" id="Cpoem77"></a>77. <i>Clipping</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'The Clipping Tree, a name which yet it bears' (foot-note on 1. 169). + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Clipping is the word used in the North of England for shearing. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem78" id="Cpoem78"></a>78. <i>The Widow on Windermere Side</i>. + [XXXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The facts recorded in this Poem were given me and the character of the + person described by my highly esteemed friend the Rev. R. P. Graves, who + has long officiated as Curate at Bowness, to the great benefit of the + parish and neighbourhood. The individual was well known to him. She died + before these Verses were composed. It is scarcely worth while to notice + that the stanzas are written in the sonnet-form; which was adopted when I + thought the matter might be included in 28 lines. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem79" id="Cpoem79"></a>79. <i>The Armenian Lady's Love</i>. + [XXXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The subject of the following poem is from the 'Orlandus' of the author's + friend, Kenelm Henry Digby: and the liberty is taken of inscribing it to + him as an acknowledgment, however unworthy, of pleasure and instruction + derived from his numerous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage28" + id="Cpage28"></a>{28}</span> and valuable writings, illustrative of the + piety and chivalry of the olden time. *Rydal Mount, 1830. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem80" id="Cpoem80"></a>80. <i>Percy's 'Reliques'</i> + (foot-note on 1. 2). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'You have heard "a Spanish Lady<br /></span> <span>How she wooed an + English man."'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See in Percy's <i>Reliques</i> that fine old ballad, 'The Spanish Lady's + Love'; from which Poem the form of stanza, as suitable to dialogue, is + adopted. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem81" id="Cpoem81"></a>81. *<i>Loving and Liking</i>. [XXXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By my Sister. Rydal Mount, 1832. It arose, I believe, out of a casual + expression of one of Mr. Swinburne's children. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem82" id="Cpoem82"></a>82. *<i>Farewell Lines</i>. [XXXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These Lines were designed as a farewell to Charles Lamb and his Sister, + who had retired from the throngs of London to comparative solitude in the + village of Enfield, Herts, [<i>sic.</i>] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem83" id="Cpoem83"></a>83. (1) <i>The Redbreast</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lines 45-6. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and John<br /></span> <span>Blessing + the bed she lies upon.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The words— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and John,<br /></span> <span>Bless the + bed that I lie on,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + are part of a child's prayer still in general use through the northern + counties. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem84" id="Cpoem84"></a>84. *(2) + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1834. Our cats having been banished the house, it was soon + frequented by Red-breasts. Two or three of them, when the window was open, + would come in, particularly when Mary was breakfasting alone, and hop + about the table picking up the crumbs. My Sister being then confined to + her room by sickness, as, dear creature, she still is, had one that, + without being caged, took up its abode with her, and at night used to + perch upon a nail from which a picture had hung. It used to sing and fan + her face with its wings in a manner that was very touching. [In pencil—- + But who was the pale-faced child?] + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage29" id="Cpage29"></a>{29}</span> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem85" id="Cpoem85"></a>85. *<i>Her Eyes are wild</i>. + [XXXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alfoxden, 1798. The subject was reported to me by a lady of Bristol, who + had seen the poor creature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="IV_POEMS_ON_THE_NAMING_OF_PLACES" + id="IV_POEMS_ON_THE_NAMING_OF_PLACES"></a>IV. POEMS ON THE NAMING OF + PLACES. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem86" id="Cpoem86"></a>86. <i>Advertisement</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By persons resident in the country and attached to rural objects, many + places will be found unnamed or of unknown names, where little Incidents + must have occurred, or feelings been experienced, which will have given to + such places a private and peculiar interest. From a wish to give some sort + of record to such Incidents, and renew the gratification of such feelings, + Names have been given to Places by the Author and some of his Friends, and + the following Poems written in consequence. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem87" id="Cpoem87"></a>87. *<i>It was an April Morn, &c.</i> + [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Grasmere, 1800. This poem was suggested on the banks of the brook that + runs through Easedale, which is, in some parts of its course, as wild and + beautiful as brook can be. I have composed thousands of verses by the side + of it. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem88" id="Cpoem88"></a>88. *'<i>May call it Emmas Dell'</i> + (I. 47). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [In pencil, with reference to the last line is this—Emma's Dell—Who + was Emma?] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem89" id="Cpoem89"></a>89. *<i>To Joanna Hutchinson</i>. [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Grasmere, 1800. The effect of her laugh is an extravagance; though the + effect of the reverberation of voices in some parts of these mountains is + very striking. There is, in 'The Excursion,' an allusion to the bleat of a + lamb thus re-echoed and described, without any exaggeration, as I heard it + on the side of Stickle Tarn, from the precipice that stretches on to + Langdale Pikes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem90" id="Cpoem90"></a>90. <i>Inscriptions</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In Cumberland and Westmoreland are several Inscriptions upon the native + rock, which, from the wasting of time, and the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage30" id="Cpage30"></a>{30}</span> rudeness of the workmanship, + have been mistaken for Runic. They are without doubt Roman. The Rotha + mentioned in the poem is the River which, flowing through the lakes of + Grasmere and Ryedale, falls into Wynandermere. On Helmcrag, that + impressive single mountain at the head of the Vale of Grasmere, is a rock + which from most points of view bears a striking resemblance to an old + woman cowering. Close by this rock is one of those fissures or caverns + which in the language of the country are called dungeons. Most of the + mountains here mentioned immediately surround the Vale of Grasmere; of the + others, some are at a considerable distance, but they belong to the same + cluster. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem91" id="Cpoem91"></a>91. *<i>There is an Eminence, &c.</i> + [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1800. It is not accurate that the eminence here alluded to could be seen + from our orchard seat. It arises above the road by the side of Grasmere + Lake, towards Keswick, and its name is Stone Arthur. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem92" id="Cpoem92"></a>92. *'<i>A narrow Girdle of rough + Stones and Crags'</i> [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'——Point Kash Judgment' (last line).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1800. The character of the eastern shore of Grasmere Lake is quite changed + since these verses were written, by the public road being carried along + its side. The friends spoken of were Coleridge and my sister, and the fact + occurred strictly as recorded. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem93" id="Cpoem93"></a>93. *<i>To Mary Hutchinson</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Two years before our marriage. The pool alluded to is in Rydal Upper Park. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem94" id="Cpoem94"></a>94. *<i>When to the Attractions, &c.</i> + [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1805. The grove still exists; but the plantation has been walled in, and + is not so accessible as when my brother John wore the path in the manner + here described. The grove was a favourite haunt with us all while we lived + at Town-End. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem95" id="Cpoem95"></a>95. <i>Captain Wordsworth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'When we, and others whom we love, shall meet<br /></span> <span>A + second time, in Grasmere's happy Vale' (last lines).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This wish was not granted; the lamented Person not long<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage31" id="Cpage31"></a>{31}</span> after + perished by shipwreck, in discharge of his duty as Commander of the + Honourable East India Company's Vessel, the Earl of Abergavenny. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="V_POEMS_OF_THE_FANCY" id="V_POEMS_OF_THE_FANCY"></a>V. POEMS OF + THE FANCY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem96" id="Cpoem96"></a>96. *<i>A Morning Exercise</i>. [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1825. I could wish the last five stanzas of this to be read + with the poem addressed to the Skylark. [No. 158.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem97" id="Cpoem97"></a>97. *<i>Birds</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'A feathered task-master cries, "Work away!" And, in thy iteration, "Whip + Poor Will!" Is heard the spirit of a toil-worn slave' (II. 15-17). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See Waterton's <i>Wanderings in South America</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem98" id="Cpoem98"></a>98. *<i>A Flower-garden</i>. [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Planned by my friend Lady Beaumont in connexion with the garden at + Coleorton. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem99" id="Cpoem99"></a>99. *<i>A Whirl-blast from behind the + Hill</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Observed in the holly grove at Alfoxden, where these verses were written + in the spring of 1799. I had the pleasure of again seeing, with dear + friends, this Grove in unimpaired beauty forty-one years after. [The 'dear + friends' were Mrs. Wordsworth, Miss Fenwick, Mr. and Mrs. Quillinan, and + Mr. William Wordsworth, May 18, 1841. <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 112.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem100" id="Cpoem100"></a>100. *<i>The Waterfall and the + Eglantine</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested nearer to Grasmere on the same mountain track. The eglantine + remained many years afterwards, but is now gone. [In pencil on opposite + page—Mr. W. shewed me the place 1848. E.Q.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem101" id="Cpoem101"></a>101. *<i>The Oak and the Broom; a + Pastoral</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1800. Suggested upon the mountain pathway that leads from Upper Rydal to + Grasmere. The ponderous block of stone, which is mentioned in the poem, + remains, I believe, to this day,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage32" + id="Cpage32"></a>{32}</span> a good way up Nab-Scar. Broom grows under it, + and in many places on the side of the precipice. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem102" id="Cpoem102"></a>102. *<i>To a Sexton</i>. [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written in Germany, 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem103" id="Cpoem103"></a>103. *<i>To the Daisy</i>. [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Poem, and two others to the same flower, were written in the year + 1802; which is mentioned, because in some of the ideas, though not in the + manner in which those ideas are connected, and likewise even in some of + the expressions, there is a resemblance to passages in a Poem (lately + published) of Mr. [James] Montgomery's, entitled a 'Field Flower.' This + being said, Mr. Montgomery will not think any apology due to him; but I + cannot, however, help addressing him in the words of the Father of English + Poets: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Though it happe me to rehersin<br /></span> <span>That ye han in + your freshe songes saied,<br /></span> <span>Forberith me, and beth not + ill apaied,<br /></span> <span>Sith that ye se I doe it in the honour<br /></span> + <span>Of Love, and eke in service of the Flour.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1807. [Foot-note.] See, in Chaucer and the older Poets, the honours + formerly paid to this flower. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem104" id="Cpoem104"></a>104. *<i>To the same Flower</i>. + [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'To the Daisy,' 'To the same Flower,' and 'The Green Linnet'—all + composed at Town-End Orchard, where the bird was often seen as here + described. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem105" id="Cpoem105"></a>105. *<i>To the small Celandine</i>. + [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Grasmere, Town-End. It is remarkable that this flower coming out so early + in the spring as it does, and so bright and beautiful, and in such + profusion, should not have been noticed earlier in English verse. What + adds much to the interest that attends it, is its habit of shutting itself + up and opening out according to the degree of light and temperature of the + air. [In pencil on opposite page—Has not Chaucer noticed it?] + [Note.] Common Pilewort.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage33" + id="Cpage33"></a>{33}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem106" id="Cpoem106"></a>106. <i>The Seven Sisters</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The story of this Poem is from the German of Frederica Brun. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem107" id="Cpoem107"></a>107. *<i>The Redbreast chasing the + Butterfly</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Observed as described in the then beautiful Orchard at Town-End. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem108" id="Cpoem108"></a>108. *<i>Song for the Spinning-wheel</i>. + [XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1806. The belief on which this is founded I have often heard expressed by + an old neighbour of Grasmere. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem109" id="Cpoem109"></a>109. *<i>Hint from the Mountains</i>. + [XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Bunches of fern may often be seen wheeling about in the wind, as here + described. The particular bunch that suggested these verses was noticed in + the Pass of Dunmail-Raise. The verses were composed in 1817, but the + application is for all times and places. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem110" id="Cpoem110"></a>110. *<i>On seeing a Needle-case in + the Form of a Harp</i>. [XVIII.] 1827. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem111" id="Cpoem111"></a>111. *<i>The Contrast: the Parrot and + the Wren</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This parrot belonged to Mrs. Luff while living at Fox-Ghyll. The wren was + one that haunted for many years the Summer-house between the two terraces + at Rydal Mount. [In pencil on opposite page—Addressed to Dora.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem112" id="Cpoem112"></a>112. *<i>The Danish Boy</i>. [XXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written in Germany, 1799. It was entirely a fancy; but intended as a + prelude to a ballad poem never written. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem113" id="Cpoem113"></a>113. *<i>Song for the Wandering Jew</i>. + [XXIII.] 1800. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem114" id="Cpoem114"></a>114. *<i>Stray Pleasures</i>. [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested on the Thames by the sight of one of those floating mills that + used to be seen there. This I noticed on the Surrey side, between Somerset + House and Blackfriars Bridge. Charles Lamb was with me at the time; and I + thought it <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage34" id="Cpage34"></a>{34}</span>remarkable + that I should have to point out to <i>him</i>, an idolatrous Londoner, a + sight so interesting as the happy group dancing on the platform. Mills of + this kind used to he, and perhaps still are, not uncommon on the + Continent. I noticed several upon the river Saone in the year 1799; + particularly near the town of Chalons, where my friend Jones and I halted + a day when we crossed France, so far on foot. There we embarked and + floated down to Lyons. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem115" id="Cpoem115"></a>115. *<i>The Pilgrim's Dream; or the + Star and the Glowworm</i>. [XXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I distinctly recollect the evening when these verses were suggested in + 1818. It was on the road between Rydal and Grasmere, where glow-worms + abound. A star was shining above the ridge of Loughrigg Fell just + opposite. I remember a blockhead of a critic in some Review or other + crying out against this piece. 'What so monstrous,' said he, 'as to make a + star talk to a glowworm!' Poor fellow, we know well from this sage + observation what the 'primrose on the river's brim was to him.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Further—In writing to Coleridge he says: 'I parted from M—— + on Monday afternoon, about six o'clock, a little on this side Rushyford. + Soon after I missed my road in the midst of the storm.... Between the + beginning of Lord Darlington's park at Raby, and two or three miles beyond + Staindrop, I composed the poem on the opposite page ['The Pilgrim's + Dream,' &c.]. I reached Barnard Castle about half-past ten. Between + eight and nine evening I reached Eusemere.' [<i>Memoirs</i>, i. pp. + 181-2.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem116" id="Cpoem116"></a>116. *<i>The Poet and the caged + Turtle-dove</i>. [XXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1830. This dove was one of a pair that had been given to my + daughter by our excellent friend Miss Jewsbury, who went to India with her + husband Mr. Fletcher, where she died of cholera. The dove survived its + mate many years, and was killed, to our great sorrow, by a neighbour's cat + that got in at the window and dragged it partly out of the cage. These + verses were composed extempore, to the letter, in the Terrace Summer-house + before spoken of. It was the habit of the bird<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage35" id="Cpage35"></a>{35}</span> to begin cooing and murmuring + whenever it heard me making my verses. [In pencil on opposite page—Dora.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem117" id="Cpoem117"></a>117. <i>A Wren's Nest</i>. [XXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In Dora's Field, 1833: Rydal Mount. This nest was built as described, in a + tree that grows near the pool in Dora's field next the Rydal Mount Garden. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem118" id="Cpoem118"></a>118. <i>Love lies bleeding</i>. + [XXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It has been said that the English, though their country has produced so + many great poets, is now the most unpoetical nation in Europe. It is + probably true; for they have more temptation to become so than any other + European people. Trade, commerce, and manufactures, physical science and + mechanic arts, out of which so much wealth has arisen, have made our + countrymen infinitely less sensible to movements of imagination and fancy + than were our forefathers in their simple state of society. How touching + and beautiful were in most instances the names they gave to our indigenous + flowers, or any other they were familiarly acquainted with! Every month + for many years have we been importing plants and flowers from all quarters + of the globe, many of which are spread through our gardens, and some, + perhaps, likely to be met with on the few commons which we have left. Will + their botanical names ever be displaced by plain English appellations + which will bring them home to our hearts by connection with our joys and + sorrows? It can never be, unless society treads back her steps towards + those simplicities which have been banished by the undue influence of + towns spreading and spreading in every direction, so that city life with + every generation takes more and more the lead of rural. Among the + ancients, villages were reckoned the seats of barbarism. Refinement, for + the most part false, increases the desire to accumulate wealth; and, while + theories of political economy are boastfully pleading for the practice, + inhumanity pervades all our dealings in buying and selling. This + selfishness wars against disinterested imagination in all directions, and, + evils coming round in a circle, barbarism spreads in every quarter of our + island. Oh, for the reign of justice! and then<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage36" id="Cpage36"></a>{36}</span> the humblest man among us + would have more peace and dignity in and about him than the highest have + now. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem119" id="Cpoem119"></a>119. <i>Rural Illusions</i>. [XXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1832. Observed a hundred times in the grounds at Rydal Mount. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem120" id="Cpoem120"></a>120. <i>The Kitten and the falling + Leaves</i>. [XXXI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1805. Seen at Town-End, Grasmere. The elder bush has long since + disappeared; it hung over the wall near the cottage, and the kitten + continued to leap up, catching the leaves as here described. The infant + was Dora. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem121" id="Cpoem121"></a>121. <i>The Waggoner</i>. [XXXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + DEDICATION. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i8">'In Cairo's crowded streets<br /></span> <span>The + impatient Merchant, wondering, waits in vain,<br /></span> <span>And + Mecca saddens at the long delay.' THOMSON.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + To CHARLES LAMB, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR FRIEND, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I sent you, a few weeks ago, 'The Tale of Peter Bell,' you asked 'why + "The Waggoner" was not added?'—To say the truth,—from the + higher tone of imagination, and the deeper touches of passion aimed at in + the former, I apprehended, this little Piece could not accompany it + without disadvantage. In the year 1806, if I am not mistaken, 'The + Waggoner' was read to you in manuscript, and, as you have remembered it + for so long a time, I am the more encouraged to hope that, since the + localities on which the Poem partly depends did not prevent its being + interesting to you, it may prove acceptable to others. Being therefore in + some measure the cause of its present appearance, you must allow me the + gratification of inscribing it to you; in acknowledgment of the pleasure I + have derived from your Writings, and of the high esteem with which I am + very truly yours, <br />WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, May 20, 1819. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem122" id="Cpoem122"></a>122. <i>The Waggoner</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1805. The character and story from fact.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage37" id="Cpage37"></a>{37}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem123" id="Cpoem123"></a>123. <i>Benjamin 'the Waggoner.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Several years after the event that forms the subject of the Poem, in + company with my friend, the late Mr. Coleridge, I happened to fall in with + the person to whom the name of Benjamin is given. Upon our expressing + regret that we had not, for a long time, seen upon the road either him or + his waggon, he said:—'They could not do without me; and as to the + man who was put in my place, no good could come out of him; he was a man + of no <i>ideas</i>.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The fact of my discarded hero's getting the horses out of a difficulty + with a word, as related in the poem, was told me by an eye-witness. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem124" id="Cpoem124"></a>124. <i>The Dor-Hawk</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The buzzing Dor-hawk round and round is wheeling' (c. i. l. 3).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When the Poem was first written the note of the bird was thus described:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The Night-hawk is singing his frog-like tune,<br /></span> <span>Twirling + his watchman's rattle about'—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + but from unwillingness to startle the reader at the outset by so bold a + mode of expression, the passage was altered as it now stands. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem125" id="Cpoem125"></a>125. <i>Helmcrag</i> (c. i. l. 168). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A mountain of Grasmere, the broken summit of which presents two figures, + full as distinctly shaped as that of the famous Cobbler near Arroquhar in + Scotland. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem126" id="Cpoem126"></a>126. <i>Merrynight</i> (c. ii. l. + 30). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A term well known in the North of England, and applied to rural festivals + where young persons meet in the evening for the purpose of dancing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The fiddles squeak—that call to bliss' (c. ii. l. 97).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At the close of each strathspey, or jig, a particular note from the fiddle + summons the Rustic to the agreeable duty of saluting his partner. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem127" id="Cpoem127"></a>127. <i>Ghimmer-Crag </i>(c. iii. l. + 21). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The crag of the ewe-lamb. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage38" id="Cpage38"></a>{38}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="VI_POEMS_OF_THE_IMAGINATION" id="VI_POEMS_OF_THE_IMAGINATION"></a>VI. + POEMS OF THE IMAGINATION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem128" id="Cpoem128"></a>128. *<i>There was a Boy</i>. [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written in Germany, 1799. This is an extract from the Poem on my own + poetical education. This practice of making an instrument of their own + fingers is known to most boys, though some are more skilful at it than + others. William Raincock of Rayrigg, a fine spirited lad, took the lead of + all my schoolfellows in this art. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem129" id="Cpoem129"></a>129. *<i>To the Cuckoo</i>. [II.] + Composed in the Orchard at Town-End, 1804. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem130" id="Cpoem130"></a>130. *<i>A Night-piece</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed on the road between Nether Stowey and Alfoxden, extempore. I + distinctly remember the very moment when I was struck, as described, 'He + looks up at the clouds,' &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem131" id="Cpoem131"></a>131. *<i>Yew-trees</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Grasmere, 1803. These Yew-trees are still standing, but the spread of that + at Lorton is much diminished by mutilation. I will here mention that a + little way up the hill on the road leading from Rossthwaite to + Stonethwaite lay the trunk of a yew-tree which appeared as you approached, + so vast was its diameter, like the entrance of a cave, and not a small + one. Calculating upon what I have observed of the slow growth of this tree + in rocky situations, and of its durability, I have often thought that the + one I am describing must have been as old as the Christian era. The tree + lay in the line of a fence. Great masses of its ruins were strewn about, + and some had been rolled down the hill-side and lay near the road at the + bottom. As you approached the tree you were struck with the number of + shrubs and young plants, ashes, &c. which had found a bed upon the + decayed trunk and grew to no inconsiderable height, forming, as it were, a + part of the hedgerow. In no part of England, or of Europe, have I ever + seen a yew-tree at all approaching this in magnitude, as it must have + stood. By the bye, Hutton, the Old Guide of Keswick, had been so imprest + with the remains of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage39" + id="Cpage39"></a>{39}</span> tree that he used gravely to tell strangers + that there could be no doubt of its having been in existence before the + Flood. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem132" id="Cpoem132"></a>132. *<i>Nutting</i>. [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written in Germany: intended as part of a poem on my own life, but struck + out as not being wanted there. Like most of my schoolfellows I was an + impassioned Nutter. For this pleasure the Vale of Esthwaite, abounding in + coppice wood, furnished a very wide range. These verses arose out of the + remembrance of feelings I had often had when a boy, and particularly in + the extensive woods that still stretch from the side of Esthwaite Lake + towards Graythwaite, the seat of the ancient family of Sandys. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem133" id="Cpoem133"></a>133. *<i>She was a Phantom of Delight</i>. + [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1804. Town-End. The germ of this Poem was four lines composed as a part of + the verses on the Highland Girl. Though beginning in this way, it was + written from my heart, as is sufficiently obvious. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem134" id="Cpoem134"></a>134. *<i>The Nightingale</i>. [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1806. [So, but corrected in pencil 'Written at Coleorton.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem135" id="Cpoem135"></a>135. *<i>Three Years she grew, &c.</i> + [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1799. Composed in the Hartz Forest. [In pencil on opposite page—Who?] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem136" id="Cpoem136"></a>136. <i>I wandered lonely as a Cloud</i>. + [XII.] [= 'The Daffodils.'] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1804. 'The Daffodils.' The two best lines in it are by Mary. The + daffodils grew and still grow on the margin of Ulswater, and probably may + be seen to this day as beautiful in the month of March nodding their + golden heads beside the dancing and foaming waves. [In pencil on opposite + page—Mrs. Wordsworth—but which? See the answer to this, <i>infra</i>.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem137" id="Cpoem137"></a>137. <i>The Daffodils</i>. [xii.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">Grasmere, Nov. 4.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MT DEAR WRANGHAM, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am indeed much pleased that Mrs. Wrangham and yourself have been + gratified by these breathings of simple nature; the more so, because I + conclude from the character of the Poems<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage40" id="Cpage40"></a>{40}</span> which you have particularised + that the Volumes cannot but improve upon you. I see that you have entered + into the spirit of them. You mention 'The Daffodils.' You know Butler, + Montagu's friend: not Tom Butler, but the Conveyancer: when I was in town + in spring, he happened to see the Volumes lying on Montagu's mantle-piece, + and to glance his eye upon the very poem of 'The Daffodils.' 'Aye,' says + he, 'a fine morsel this for the Reviewers.' When this was told me (for I + was not present), I observed that there were <i>two lines</i> in that + little poem which, if thoroughly felt, would annihilate nine-tenths of the + reviews of the kingdom, as they would find no readers; the lines I alluded + to were these: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'They flash upon that inward eye<br /></span> <span>Which is the + bliss of solitude.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [These two lines were composed by Mrs. Wordsworth: <i>Memoirs</i>, i. + 183-4.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem138" id="Cpoem138"></a>138. *<i>The Reverie of poor Susan</i>. + [XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written 1801 or 1802. This arose out of my observations of the affecting + music of these birds, hanging in this way in the London streets during the + freshness and stillness of the Spring morning. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem139" id="Cpoem139"></a>139. *<i>Power of Music</i>. [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Taken from life, 1806. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem140" id="Cpoem140"></a>140. *<i>Star-gazers</i>. [XV.] + Observed by me in Leicester Square, as here + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem141" id="Cpoem141"></a>141. *<i>Written in March</i>. [XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Extempore, 1801. This little poem was a favourite with Joanna Baillie. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem142" id="Cpoem142"></a>142. *<i>Beggars</i>. [XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1802. Met and described by me to my sister near the Quarry at + the head of Rydal Lake—a place still a chosen resort of vagrants + travelling with their families. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem143" id="Cpoem143"></a>143. *<i>Gipsies</i>. [XX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed at Coleorton, 1807. I had observed them, as<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage41" id="Cpage41"></a>{41}</span> here described, near Castle + Donnington on my way to and from Derby. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem144" id="Cpoem144"></a>144. *<i>Ruth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written in Germany, 1799. Suggested by an account I had of a wanderer in + Somersetshire. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem145" id="Cpoem145"></a>145. *<i>Resolution and Independence</i>. + [XXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1807. This old man I met a few hundred yards from my cottage at + Town-End, Grasmere; and the account of him is taken from his own mouth. I + was in the state of feeling described in the beginning of the poem, while + crossing over Barton Fell from Mr. Clarkson's at the foot of Ullswater, + towards Askham. The image of the hare I then observed on the ridge of the + Fell. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem146" id="Cpoem146"></a>146. *<i>The Thorn</i>. [XXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alfoxden, 1798. Arose out of my observing on the ridge of Quantock Hill, + on a stormy day, a thorn, which I had often past in calm and bright + weather without noticing it. I said to myself, cannot I by some invention + do as much to make this Thorn permanently an impressive object as the + storm has made it to my eyes at this moment? I began the poem accordingly, + and composed it with great rapidity. Sir George Beaumont painted a picture + from it, which Wilkie thought his best. He gave it to me; though, when he + saw it several times at Rydal Mount afterwards, he said, 'I could make a + better, and would like to paint the same subject over again.' The sky in + this picture is nobly done, but it reminds one too much of Wilson. The + only fault however, of any consequence, is the female figure, which is too + old and decrepit for one likely to frequent an eminence on such a call. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem147" id="Cpoem147"></a>147. <i>Hart-Leap Well</i>. [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Hart-Leap Well is a small spring of water, about five miles from Richmond + in Yorkshire, and near the side of the road that leads from Richmond to + Askrigg. Its name is derived from a remarkable Chase, the memory of which + is preserved by the monuments spoken of in the second Part of the + following Poem, which monuments do now exist as I have there described + them. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem148" id="Cpoem148"></a>148. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1800. The first eight stanzas were composed<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage42" id="Cpage42"></a>{42}</span> extempore one winter evening + in the cottage; when, after having tired and disgusted myself with + labouring at an awkward passage in 'The Brothers,' I started with a sudden + impulse to this, to get rid of the other, and finished it in a day or two. + My sister and I had past the place a few weeks before in our wild winter + journey from Sockburn on the banks of the Tees to Grasmere. A peasant whom + we met near the spot told us the story, so far as concerned the name of + the well, and the hart, and pointed out the stones. Both the stones and + the well are objects that may easily be missed: the tradition by this time + may be extinct in the neighbourhood: the man who related it to us was very + old. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [In pencil on opposite page—See Dryden's dog and hare in <i>Annus + Mirabilis</i>.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem149" id="Cpoem149"></a>149. <i>Song at the Feast of Brougham + Castle</i>. [XXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Henry Lord Clifford, &c. &c., who is the subject of this Poem, was + the son of John Lord Clifford, who was slain at Towton Field, which John + Lord Clifford, as is known to the reader of English history, was the + person who after the battle of Wakefield slew, in the pursuit, the young + Earl of Rutland, son of the Duke of York, who had fallen in the battle, + 'in part of revenge' (say the Authors of the <i>History of Cumberland and + Westmoreland</i>); 'for the Earl's father had slain his.' A deed which + worthily blemished the author (saith Speed); but who, as he adds, 'dare + promise anything temperate of himself in the heat of martial fury? + chiefly, when it was resolved not to leave any branch of the York line + standing; for so one maketh this Lord to speak.' This, no doubt, I would + observe by the bye, was an action sufficiently in the vindictive spirit of + the times, and yet not altogether so bad as represented; 'for the Earl was + no child, as some writers would have him, but able to bear arms, being + sixteen or seventeen years of age, as is evident from this, (say the <i>Memoirs + of the Countess of Pembroke</i>, who was laudably anxious to wipe away, as + far as could be, this stigma from the illustrious name to which she was + born,) that he was the next child to King Edward the Fourth, which his + mother had by Richard Duke of York, and that King was then eighteen years + of age: and for the small distance betwixt her children, see Austin + Vincent, in his <i>Book of Nobility</i>, p. 622,<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage43" id="Cpage43"></a>{43}</span> where he writes of them all. + It may further he observed, that Lord Clifford, who was then himself only + 25 years of age, had been a leading man and commander, two or three years + together in the army of Lancaster, before this time; and, therefore, would + be less likely to think that the Earl of Rutland might be entitled to + mercy from his youth.—But, independent of this act, at best a cruel + and savage one, the Family of Clifford had done enough to draw upon them + the vehement hatred of the House of York: so that after the battle of + Towton there was no hope for them but in flight and concealment. Henry, + the subject of the poem, was deprived of his estate and honours during the + space of twenty-four years; all which time he lived as a shepherd in + Yorkshire, or in Cumberland, where the estate of his father-in-law (Sir + Lancelot Threlkeld) lay. He was restored to his estate and honours in the + first year of Henry the Seventh. It is recorded that, 'when called to + Parliament, he behaved nobly and wisely; but otherwise came seldom to + London or the Court; and rather delighted to live in the country, where he + repaired several of his castles, which had gone to decay during the late + troubles.' Thus far is chiefly collected from Nicholson and Burn; and I + can add, from my own knowledge, that there is a tradition current in the + village of Threlkeld and its neighbourhood, his principal retreat, that, + in the course of his shepherd-life, he had acquired great astronomical + knowledge. I cannot conclude this note without adding a word upon the + subject of those numerous and noble feudal Edifices, spoken of in the + Poem, the ruins of some of which are, at this day, so great an ornament to + that interesting country. The Cliffords had always been distinguished for + an honourable pride in these Castles; and we have seen that after the wars + of York and Lancaster they were rebuilt; in the civil wars of Charles the + First they were again laid waste, and again restored almost to their + former magnificence by the celebrated Mary Anne Clifford, Countess of + Pembroke, &c. &c. Not more than twenty-five years after this was + done, when the estates of Clifford had passed into the family of Tufton, + three of these castles, namely, Brough, Brougham, and Pendragon, were + demolished, and the timber and other materials sold by Thomas Earl of + Thanet. We will hope that, when this order was issued, the Earl had not + consulted the text of Isaiah, 58th chap. 12th verse, to which the + inscription placed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage44" id="Cpage44"></a>{44}</span>over + the gate of Pendragon Castle, by the Countess of Pembroke (I believe his + grandmother), at the time she repaired that structure, refers the reader:—'<i>And + they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt + raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called the + repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in</i>.' The Earl + of Thanet, the present possessor of the estates, with a due respect for + the memory of his ancestors, and a proper sense of the value and beauty of + these remains of antiquity, has (I am told) given orders that they shall + be preserved from all depredations. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem150" id="Cpoem150"></a>150. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the note attached. This poem was composed at Coleorton, while I was + walking to and fro along the path that led from Sir George Beaumont's + farm-house, where we resided, to the Hall, which was building at that + time. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem151" id="Cpoem151"></a>151. <i>Sir John Beaumont</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Earth helped him with the cry of blood' (l. 27).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This line is from 'The Battle of Bosworth Field,' by Sir John Beaumont + (brother to the dramatist), whose poems are written with much spirit, + elegance, and harmony; and have deservedly been reprinted in Chalmers' <i>Collection + of English Poets</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem152" id="Cpoem152"></a>152. <i>The undying Fish of Bowscale + Tarn</i> (l. 122). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is believed by the people of the country that there are two immortal + fish, inhabitants of this Tarn, which lies in the mountains not far from + Threlkeld—Blencathara, mentioned before, is the old and proper name + of the mountain vulgarly called Saddle-back. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem153" id="Cpoem153"></a>153. <i>The Cliffords</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Armour rusting in his Halls<br /></span> <span>On the blood of + Clifford calls' (ll. 142-3).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The martial character of the Cliffords is well known to the readers of + English history; but it may not be improper here to say, by way of comment + on these lines and what follows, that besides several others who perished + in the same manner, the four immediate Progenitors of the Person in whose + hearing this is supposed to be spoken all died on the Field.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage45" id="Cpage45"></a>{45}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem154" id="Cpoem154"></a>154. *<i>Tintern Abbey</i>. [XXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + July 1798. No poem of mine was composed under circumstances more pleasant + for me to remember than this. I began it upon leaving Tintern, after + crossing the Wye, and concluded it just as I was entering Bristol in the + evening, after a ramble of four or five days with my sister. Not a line of + it was altered, and not any part of it written down till I reached + Bristol. It was published almost immediately after in the little volume of + which so much has been said in these notes, the 'Lyrical Ballads,' as + first published at Bristol by Cottle. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem155" id="Cpoem155"></a>155. *<i>It is no Spirit, &c.</i> + [XXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1803. Town-End. I remember the instant my sister Sarah Hutchinson called + me to the window of our cottage saying, 'Look, how beautiful is yon star! + It has the sky all to itself.' I composed the verses immediately. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem156" id="Cpoem156"></a>156. <i>French Revolution</i>. + [XXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + An extract from the long poem on my own poetical education. It was first + published by Coleridge in his <i>Friend</i>, which is the reason of its + having had a place in every edition of my poems since. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem157" id="Cpoem157"></a>157. *<i>Yes, it was the Mountain + Echo</i>. [XXIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Town-End, 1806. The Echo came from Nabscar, when I was walking on the + opposite side of Rydal Mere. I will here mention, for my dear sister's + sake, that while she was sitting alone one day, high up on this part of + Loughrigg Fell, she was so affected by the voice of the cuckoo, heard from + the crags at some distance, that she could not suppress a wish to have a + stone inscribed with her name among the rocks from which the sound + proceeded. On my return from my walk I recited those verses to Mary, who + was then confined with her son Thomas, who died in his seventh year, as + recorded on his headstone in Grasmere Churchyard. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem158" id="Cpoem158"></a>158. <i>To a Skylark</i>. [XXX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1825. [In pencil—Where there are no skylarks; but the + poet is everywhere.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage46" id="Cpage46"></a>{46}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem159" id="Cpoem159"></a>159. *<i>Laodamia</i>. [XXXI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1814. Written at the same time as 'Dion,' and 'Artegal,' and + 'Elidure.' The incident of the trees growing and withering put the subject + into my thoughts, and I wrote with the hope of giving it a loftier tone + than, so far as I know, has been given it by any of the ancients who have + treated of it. It cost me more trouble than almost anything of equal + length I have ever written. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem160" id="Cpoem160"></a>160. <i>Withered Trees</i> + (foot-note). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The trees' tall summits withered at the sight' (l. 73).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For the account of long-lived trees, see King's [<i>Natural</i>] <i>History</i>, + lib. xvi. cap. 44; and for the features in the character of Protesilaus, + see the <i>Iphigenia in Aulis</i> of Euripides. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem161" id="Cpoem161"></a>161. *<i>Dion</i>. [XXXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This poem was first introduced by a stanza that I have since transferred + to the notes, for reasons there given; and I cannot comply with the + request expressed by some of my friends, that the rejected stanza should + be restored. I hope they will be content if it be hereafter immediately + attached to the poem, instead of its being degraded to a place in the + notes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The 'reasons' (<i>supra</i>) are thus given: This poem began with the + following stanza, which has been displaced on account of its detaining the + reader too long from the subject, and as rather precluding, than preparing + for, the due effect of the allusion to the genius of Plato. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem162" id="Cpoem162"></a>162. <i>Fair is the Swan, &c.</i> + [XXXIII.] (See <i>supra</i>, 161.) + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem163" id="Cpoem163"></a>163. *<i>The Pass of Kirkstone</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1817. Thoughts and feelings of many walks in all weathers by + day and night over this Pass alone, and with beloved friends. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem164" id="Cpoem164"></a>164. *<i>To</i> ——. + [XXXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1816. The lady was Miss Blackett, then residing with Mr. + Montague Burgoyne, at Fox-Ghyll. We were tempted to remain too long upon + the mountain, and I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage47" id="Cpage47"></a>{47}</span>imprudently, + with the hope of shortening the way, led her among the crags and down a + steep slope, which entangled us in difficulties, that were met by her with + much spirit and courage. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem165" id="Cpoem165"></a>165. *<i>To a Young Lady</i>. + [XXXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed at the same time, and on the same vein, as 'I met Louisa in the + Shade.' Indeed they were designed to make one piece. [See No. 52.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem166" id="Cpoem166"></a>166. *<i>Water-fowl</i>. [XXXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Observed frequently over the lakes of Rydal and Grasmere. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem167" id="Cpoem167"></a>167. *<i>View from the Top of Black + Comb</i>. [XXXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1813. Mary and I, as mentioned in the Epistle to Sir G. Beaumont, lived + some time under its shadow. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem168" id="Cpoem168"></a>168. *<i>The Haunted Tree</i>. + [XXXIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1819. This tree grew in the park of Rydal, and I have often listened to + its creaking as described. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem169" id="Cpoem169"></a>169. *<i>The Triad</i>. [XL.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Rydal Mount, 1828. The girls Edith Mary Southey, my daughter Dora, and + Sarah Coleridge.' More fully on this and others contemporaneously written, + is the following letter: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">To G.H. GORDON, ESQ.</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 15, 1828.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How strange that any one should be puzzled with the name 'Triad' <i>after</i> + reading the poem! I have turned to Dr. Johnson, and there find '<i>Triad, + three united</i>,' and not a word more, as nothing more was needed. I + should have been rather mortified if <i>you</i> had not liked the piece, + as I think it contains some of the happiest verses I ever wrote. It had + been promised several years to two of the party before a fancy fit for the + performance struck me; it was then thrown off rapidly, and afterwards + revised with care. During the last week I wrote some stanzas on the <i>Power + of Sound</i>, which ought to find a place in my larger work if aught + should ever come of that. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the book on the Lakes, which I have not at hand, is a<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage48" id="Cpage48"></a>{48}</span> passage + rather too vaguely expressed, where I content myself with saying, that + after a certain point of elevation the effect of mountains depends much + more upon their form than upon their absolute height. This point, which + ought to have been defined, is the one to which fleecy clouds (not thin + watery vapours) are accustomed to descend. I am glad you are so much + interested with this little tract; it could not have been written without + long experience. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, most faithfully,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much obliged,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem170" id="Cpoem170"></a>170. <i>The Wishing-gate</i>. [XLI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the Vale of Grasmere, by the side of the old highway leading to + Ambleside, is a gate which, time out of mind, has been called the + 'Wishing-gate,' from a belief that wishes formed or indulged there have a + favourable issue. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem171" id="Cpoem171"></a>171. <i>The Wishing-gate destroyed</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 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. + [*Rydal Mount, 1828.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem172" id="Cpoem172"></a>172. *<i>The Primrose of the Rock</i>. + [XLIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1821. It stands on the right hand, a little way leading up + the vale from Grasmere to Rydal. We have been in the habit of calling it + the glow-worm rock, from the number of glow-worms we have often seen + hanging on it as described. The tuft of primrose has, I fear, been washed + away by heavy rains. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem173" id="Cpoem173"></a>173. *<i>Presentiments</i>. [XLIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1830. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem174" id="Cpoem174"></a>174. *<i>Vernal Ode</i>. [XLV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1817. Composed to place in view the immortality of succession + where immortality is denied, so far as we know, to the individual + creature.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage49" id="Cpage49"></a>{49}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem175" id="Cpoem175"></a>175. *<i>Devotional Incitements</i>. + [XLVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1832. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem176" id="Cpoem176"></a>176. *<i>The Cuckoo-Clock</i>. + [XLVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of this clock I have nothing further to say than what the poem expresses, + except that it must be here recorded that it was a present from the dear + friend for whose sake these notes were chiefly undertaken, and who has + written them from my dictation. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem177" id="Cpoem177"></a>177. *<i>To the Clouds</i>. [XLVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These verses were suggested while I was walking on the foot-road between + Rydal Mount and Grasmere. The clouds were driving over the top of Nab-Scar + across the vale; they set my thoughts agoing, and the rest followed almost + immediately. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem178" id="Cpoem178"></a>178. *<i>Suggested by a Picture of + the Bird of Paradise</i>. [XLIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This subject has been treated of before (see a former note). I will here + only, by way of comment, direct attention to the fact, that pictures of + animals and other productions of Nature, as seen in conservatories, + menageries and museums, &c., would do little for the national mind, + nay, they would be rather injurious to it, if the imagination were + excluded by the presence of the object, more or less out of the state of + Nature. If it were not that we learn to talk and think of the lion and the + eagle, the palm-tree, and even the cedar, from the impassioned + introduction of them so frequently in Holy Scripture, and by great poets, + and divines who write as poets, the spiritual part of our nature, and + therefore the higher part of it, would derive no benefit from such + intercourse with such subjects. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem179" id="Cpoem179"></a>179. *<i>A Jewish Family</i>. [L.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Coleridge and my daughter and I in 1828 passed a fortnight upon the banks + of the Rhine, principally under the hospitable roof of Mr. Aders at + Gotesburg, but two days of the time were spent at St. Goa or in rambles + among the neighbouring vallies. It was at St. Goa that I saw the Jewish + family here described. Though exceedingly poor, and in rags, they were not + less beautiful than I have endeavoured to make them appear. We had<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage50" id="Cpage50"></a>{50}</span> taken a + little dinner with us in a basket, and invited them to partake of it, + which the mother refused to do both for herself and her children, saying + it was with them a fast-day; adding diffidently, that whether such + observances were right or wrong, <i>she</i> felt it her duty to keep them + strictly. The Jews, who are numerous in this part of the Rhine, greatly + surpass the German peasantry in the beauty of their features and in the + intelligence of their countenances. But the lower classes of the German + peasantry have, here at least, the air of people grievously opprest. + Nursing mothers at the age of seven or eight and twenty often look haggard + and far more decayed and withered than women of Cumberland and + Westmoreland twice their age. This comes from being under-fed and + over-worked in their vineyards in a hot and glaring sun. [In pencil on + opposite page—The three went from my house in Bryanston-street, + London—E.Q.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem180" id="Cpoem180"></a>180. *<i>On the Power of Sound</i>. + [LI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, 1828. I have often regretted that my tour in Ireland, chiefly + performed in the short days of October in a carriage and four (I was with + Mr. Marshall), supplied my memory with so few images that were new and + with so little motive to write. The lines, however, in this poem, 'Thou + too he heard, lone eagle!' &c., were suggested near the Giant's + Causeway, or rather at the promontory of Fairhead, where a pair of eagles + wheeled above our heads, and darted off as if to hide themselves in a + blaze of sky made by the setting sun. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem181" id="Cpoem181"></a>181. <i>Peter Bell: a Tale</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + DEDICATION.<br /> 'What's in a <i>Name</i>?'<br /> 'Brutus will start a + Spirit as soon as Caesar!'<br /> <br /> <br /> To ROBERT SOUTHEY, ESQ., P.L., + ETC., ETC. + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR FRIEND, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Tale of 'Peter Bell,' which I now introduce to your notice, and to + that of the Public, has, in its Manuscript state, nearly survived its <i>minority</i>:—for + it first saw the light in the summer of 1798. During this long interval, + pains have been taken at different times to make the production less + unworthy of a favourable reception; or, rather, to fit it for filling<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage51" id="Cpage51"></a>{51}</span> <i>permanently</i> + a station, however humble, in the Literature of our Country. This has, + indeed, been the aim of all my endeavours in Poetry, which, you know, have + been sufficiently laborious to prove that I deem the Art not lightly to be + approached; and that the attainment of excellence in it may laudably be + made the principal object of intellectual pursuit by any man who, with + reasonable consideration of circumstances, has faith in his own impulses. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Poem of 'Peter Bell,' as the Prologue will show, was composed under a + belief that the Imagination not only does not require for its exercise the + intervention of supernatural agency, but that, though such agency be + excluded, the faculty may be called forth as imperiously and for kindred + results of pleasure, by incidents, within the compass of poetic + probability, in the humblest departments of daily life. Since that + Prologue was written, <i>you</i> have exhibited most splendid effects of + judicious daring, in the opposite and usual course. Let this + acknowledgment make my peace with the lovers of the supernatural; and I am + persuaded it will be admitted that to you, as a Master in that province of + the art, the following Tale, whether from contrast or congruity, is not an + inappropriate offering. Accept it, then, as a public testimony of + affectionate admiration from one with whose name yours has been often + coupled (to use your own words) for evil and for good; and believe me to + be, with earnest wishes that life and health may be granted you to + complete the many important works in which you are engaged, and with high + respect, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> Rydal Mount, + April 7, 1819.<br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem182" id="Cpoem182"></a>182. <i>Peter Bell: the Poem</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alfoxden, 1798. Founded upon an anecdote which I read in a newspaper, of + an ass being found hanging his head over a canal in a wretched posture. + Upon examination a dead body was found in the water, and proved to be the + body of its master. The countenance, gait, and figure of Peter were taken + from a wild rover with whom I walked from Builth, on the river Wye, + downwards, nearly as far as the town of Hay. He told me strange stories. + It has always been a pleasure to me, through<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage52" id="Cpage52"></a>{52}</span> life, to catch at every + opportunity that has occurred in my rambles of becoming acquainted with + this class of people. The number of Peter's wives was taken from the + trespasses, in this way, of a lawless creature who lived in the county of + Durham, and used to be attended by many women, sometimes not less than + half a dozen, as disorderly as himself; and a story went in the country, + that he had been heard to say while they were quarrelling, 'Why can't you + be quiet, there's none so many of you.' Benoni, or the child of sorrow, I + knew when I was a school-boy. His mother had been deserted by a gentleman + in the neighbourhood, she herself being a gentlewoman by birth. The + circumstances of her story were told me by my dear old dame, Ann Tyson, + who was her confidante. The lady died broken-hearted. In the woods of + Alfoxden I used to take great delight in noticing the habits, tricks, and + physiognomy of asses; and I have no doubt that I was thus put upon writing + the poem out of liking for the creature that is so often dreadfully + abused. The crescent moon, which makes such a figure in the prologue, + assumed this character one evening while I was watching its beauty in + front of Alfoxden House. I intended this poem for the volume before spoken + of, but it was not published for more than twenty years afterwards. The + worship of the Methodists, or Ranters, is often heard during the stillness + of the summer evening, in the country, with affecting accompaniments of + rural beauty. In both the psalmody and voice of the preacher there is, not + unfrequently, much solemnity likely to impress the feelings of the rudest + characters under favourable circumstances. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>Potter</i> (foot-note).<br /> 'A Potter, Sir, he was by trade' (Pt. I. + l. 11).<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the dialect of the North, a hawker of earthenware is thus designated. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="VII_MISCELLANEOUS_SONNETS" id="VII_MISCELLANEOUS_SONNETS"></a>VII. + MISCELLANEOUS SONNETS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + PART I. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem183" id="Cpoem183"></a>183. *<i>Commencement of writing of + Sonnets</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the cottage of Town-End, one afternoon in 1801, my sister read to me + the sonnets of Milton. I had long been well acquainted with them, but I + was particularly struck on that occasion with the dignified simplicity and + majestic harmony that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage53" id="Cpage53"></a>{53}</span> + runs through most of them—in character so totally different from the + Italian, and still more so from Shakespeare's fine sonnets. I took fire, + if I may be allowed to say so, and produced three sonnets the same + afternoon—the first I ever wrote, except an irregular one at school. + Of these three, the only one I distinctly remember is 'I grieved for + Buonaparte,' &c. One was never written down; the third, which was I + believe preserved, I cannot particularise. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem184" id="Cpoem184"></a>184. <i>Admonition</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Well mays't thou halt,' &c. [II.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Intended more particularly for the perusal of those who have happened to + be enamoured of some beautiful place of retreat in the Country of the + Lakes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem185" id="Cpoem185"></a>185. *<i>Sonnet</i> IV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Beaumont! it was thy wish,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was presented to me by Sir George Beaumont, with a view to the + erection of a house upon it, for the sake of being near to Coleridge, then + living, and likely to remain, at Greta Hall, near Keswick. The severe + necessities that prevented this arose from his domestic situation. This + little property, with a considerable addition that still leaves it very + small, lies beautifully upon the banks of a rill that gurgles down the + side of Skiddaw; and the orchard and other parts of the grounds command a + magnificent prospect of Derwent Water, the Mountains of Borrowdale and + Newlands. Not many years ago I gave the place to my daughter. [In pencil + on opposite page in Mrs. Quillinan's handwriting—Many years ago, + sir, for it was given when she was a frail feeble monthling.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem186" id="Cpoem186"></a>186. *<i>Sonnet</i> VI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'There is a little unpretending rill.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This rill trickles down the hill-side into Windermere near Lowood. My + sister and I, on our first visit together to this part of the country, + walked from Kendal, and we rested to refresh ourselves by the side of the + Lake where the streamlet falls into it. This sonnet was written some years + after in recollection of that happy ramble, that most happy day and hour.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage54" id="Cpage54"></a>{54}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem187" id="Cpoem187"></a>187. *<i>Sonnet</i> VIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The fairest, brightest hues,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested at Hackett, which is the craggy ridge that rises between the two + Langdales, and looks towards Windermere. The cottage of Hackett was often + visited by us; and at the time when this sonnet was written, and long + after, was occupied by the husband and wife described in 'The Excursion,' + where it is mentioned that she was in the habit of walking in the front of + the dwelling with a light to guide her husband home at night. The same + cottage is alluded to in the Epistle to Sir G. Beaumont as that from which + the female peasant hailed us on our morning journey. The musician + mentioned in the sonnet was the Rev. P. Tilbrook of Peterhouse, who + remodelled the Ivy Cottage at Rydal after he had purchased it. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem188" id="Cpoem188"></a>188. '<i>The Genius</i>.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Such strains of rapture as the Genius played.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the 'Vision of Mirza' in the <i>Spectator</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem189" id="Cpoem189"></a>189. *<i>Sonnet</i> IX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon the sight of a beautiful picture. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was written when we dwelt in the Parsonage at Grasmere. The principal + features of the picture are Bredon Hill and Cloud Hill, near Coleorton. I + shall never forget the happy feeling with which my heart was filled when I + was impelled to compose this sonnet. We resided only two years in this + house; and during the last half of this time, which was after this poem + had been written, we lost our two children, Thomas and Catherine. Our + sorrow upon these events often brought it to my mind, and cast me upon the + support to which the last line of it gives expression: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The appropriate calm of blest eternity.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to add that we still possess the picture.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage55" id="Cpage55"></a>{55}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem190" id="Cpoem190"></a>190. *<i>Sonnet</i> XI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Aerial Rock. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A projecting point of Loughrigg, nearly in front of Rydal Mount. Thence + looking at it, you are struck with the boldness of its aspect; but walking + under it, you admire the beauty of its details. It is vulgarly called + Holme-scar, probably from the insulated pasture by the waterside below it. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem191" id="Cpoem191"></a>191. *<i>Sonnet</i> XV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Wild Duck's Nest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I observed this beautiful nest on the largest island of Rydal Water. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem192" id="Cpoem192"></a>192. *<i>Sonnet</i> XIX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Grief thou hast lost,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I could write a treatise of lamentation upon the changes brought about + among the cottages of Westmoreland by the silence of the spinning-wheel. + During long winter's nights and wet days, the wheel upon which wool was + spun gave employment to a great part of a family. The old man, however + infirm, was able to card the wool, as he sate in the corner by the + fireside; and often, when a boy, have I admired the cylinders of carded + wool which were softly laid upon each other by his side. Two wheels were + often at work on the same floor, and others of the family, chiefly the + little children, were occupied in teazing and clearing the wool to fit it + for the hand of the carder. So that all, except the infants, were + contributing to mutual support: Such was the employment that prevailed in + the pastoral vales. Where wool was not at hand, in the small rural towns, + the wheel for spinning flax was almost in as constant use, if knitting was + not preferred; which latter occupation had the advantage (in some cases + disadvantage) that not being of necessity stationary, it allowed of + gossiping about from house to house, which good housewives reckoned an + idle thing. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem193" id="Cpoem193"></a>193. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Decay of Piety. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Attendance at church on prayer-days, Wednesdays and Fridays and holidays, + received a shock at the Revolution. It is<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage56" id="Cpage56"></a>{56}</span> now, however, happily + reviving. The ancient people described in this sonnet were among the last + of that pious class. May we hope that the practice now in some degree + renewed will continue to spread. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem194" id="Cpoem194"></a>194. *<i>Sonnets</i> XXIV. XXV. XXVI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Translations from Michael Angelo, done at the request of Mr. Duppa, whose + acquaintance I made through Mr. Southey. Mr. Duppa was engaged in writing + the life of Michael Angelo, and applied to Mr. Southey and myself to + furnish some specimens of his poetic genius. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem195" id="Cpoem195"></a>195. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXVII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Surprised by joy,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was in fact suggested by my daughter Catherine long after her death. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem196" id="Cpoem196"></a>196. *<i>Sonnets</i> XXVIII. XXIX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Methought I saw,' &c. 'Even so for me,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The latter part of the first of these was a great favourite with my + sister, Sara Hutchinson. When I saw her lying in death, I could not resist + the impulse to compose the sonnet that follows. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem197" id="Cpoem197"></a>197. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'It is a beauteous evening,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was composed on the beach near Calais, in the autumn of 1802. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem198" id="Cpoem198"></a>198. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXXVI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Calvert! it must not be,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This young man, Raisley Calvert, to whom I was so much indebted, died at + Penrith, 179-. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="PART_II" id="PART_II"></a>PART II. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem199" id="Cpoem199"></a>199. *<i>Sonnet</i> IV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'From the dark chambers,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed in Edinburgh, during my Scotch tour with Mary and Sara, in the + year 1814. Poor Gillies never rose above the course of extravagance in + which he was at that time living, and which soon reduced him to poverty + and all its degrading shifts,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage57" + id="Cpage57"></a>{57}</span> mendicity being far from the worst. I grieve + whenever I think of him; for he was far from being without genius, and had + a generous heart—which is not always to be found in men given up to + profusion. He was nephew of Lord Gillies, the Scotch judge, and also of + the historian of Greece. He was cousin of Miss Margaret Gillies, who + painted so many portraits with success in our house. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem200" id="Cpoem200"></a>200. *<i>Sonnet</i> V. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Fool, prime of life,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested by observation of the way in which a young friend, whom I do not + choose to name, misspent his time and misapplied his talents. He took + afterwards a better course, and became an useful member of society, + respected, I believe, wherever he has been known. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem201" id="Cpoem201"></a>201. *<i>Sonnet</i> VI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I watch, and long have watched,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested in front of Rydal Mount, the rocky parapet being the summit of + Loughrigg Fell opposite. Not once only but a hundred times have the + feelings of this sonnet been awakened by the same objects from the same + place. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem202" id="Cpoem202"></a>202. <i>Sonnet</i> VII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The ungenial Hollow.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the 'Phaedon' of Plato, by which this sonnet was suggested. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem203" id="Cpoem203"></a>203. <i>Sonnet</i> VIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'For the whole weight,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed, almost extempore, in a short walk on the western side of Rydal + Lake. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem204" id="Cpoem204"></a>204. *<i>Sonnet</i> X. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Mark the concentred hazels,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested in the wild hazel-wood at foot of Helm-Crag, where the stone + still lies, with others of like form and character, though much of the + wood that veiled it from the glare of day has been felled. This beautiful + ground was lately purchased by our friend, Mrs. Fletcher, the ancient + owners, most respected persons, being obliged to part with it in + consequence of the imprudence, if not misconduct, of a son. It is + gratifying to mention that instead of murmuring and repining at this + change of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage58" id="Cpage58"></a>{58}</span> + fortune they offered their services to Mrs. Fletcher, the husband as an + out-door labourer and the wife as a domestic servant. I have witnessed the + pride and pleasure with which the man worked at improvements of the ground + round the house. Indeed he expressed them to me himself, and the + countenance and manner of his wife always denoted feelings of the same + character. I believe a similar disposition to contentment under change of + fortune is common among the class to which these good people belong. Yet, + in proof that to part with their patrimony is most painful to them, I may + refer to those stanzas entitled 'Repentance,' no inconsiderable part of + which was taken <i>verbatim</i> from the language of the speaker himself. + [In pencil—Herself, M.N.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem205" id="Cpoem205"></a>205. *<i>Sonnet</i> XI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Dark and more dark,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + October 3d or 4th, 1802. Composed after a journey over the Hambleton + Hills, on a day memorable to me—the day of my marriage. The horizon + commanded by those hills is most magnificent. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The next day, while we were travelling in a post-chaise up Wensley Dale, + we were stopt by one of the horses proving restiff, and were obliged to + wait two hours in a severe storm before the post-boy could fetch from the + Inn another to supply its place. The spot was in front of Bolton Hall, + where Mary Queen of Scots was kept prisoner soon after her unfortunate + landing at Workington. The place then belonged to the Scroopes, and + memorials of her are yet preserved there. To beguile the time I composed a + sonnet. The subject was our own confinement contrasted with hers; but it + was not thought worthy of being preserved. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem206" id="Cpoem206"></a>206. *<i>Sonnet</i> XIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'While not a leaf,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + September 1815. 'For me, who under kindlier laws,' &c. (l. 9). This + conclusion has more than once, to my great regret, excited painfully sad + feelings in the hearts of young persons fond of poetry and poetic + composition by contrast of their feeble and declining health with that + state of robust constitution which prompted me to rejoice in a season of + frost and snow as more favourable to the Muses than summer itself.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage59" id="Cpage59"></a>{59}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem207" id="Cpoem207"></a>207. *<i>Sonnet</i> XIV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'How clear, how keen,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + November 1st. Suggested on the banks of the Brathay by the sight of + Langdale Pikes. It is delightful to remember those moments of far-distant + days, which probably would have been forgotten if the impression had not + been transferred to verse. The same observation applies to the rest. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem208" id="Cpoem208"></a>208. *<i>Sonnet</i> XV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One who was suffering,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed during a storm in Rydal Wood by the side of a torrent. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem209" id="Cpoem209"></a>209. *<i>Sonnet</i> XVIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Lady, the songs of Spring,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1807. To Lady Beaumont. The winter garden of Coleorton, fashioned out of + an old quarry under the superintendence and direction of Mrs. Wordsworth + and my sister Dorothy, during the Winter and Spring of the year we resided + there. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem210" id="Cpoem210"></a>210. *<i>Sonnet</i> XIX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'There is a pleasure,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written on a journey from Brinsop Court, Herefordshire. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem211" id="Cpoem211"></a>211. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXIX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Though narrow,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1807. Coleorton. This old man's name was Mitchell. He was, in all his ways + and conversation, a great curiosity, both individually and as a + representative of past times. His chief employment was keeping watch at + night by pacing round the house at that time building, to keep off + depredators. He has often told me gravely of having seen the 'Seven + Whistlers and the Hounds' as here described. Among the groves of + Coleorton, where I became familiar with the habits and notions of old + Mitchell, there was also a labourer of whom I regret I had no personal + knowledge; for, more than forty years after, when he was become an old + man, I learnt that while I was composing verses, which I usually did + aloud, he took much pleasure, unknown to me, in following my steps, that + he might catch the words I uttered, and, what is not a little remarkable, + several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage60" id="Cpage60"></a>{60}</span> + lines caught in this way kept their place in his memory. My volumes have + lately been given to him, by my informant, and surely he must have been + gratified to meet in print his old acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem212" id="Cpoem212"></a>212. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXX. 'Four fiery + steeds,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested on the road between Preston and Lancaster, where it first gives + a view of the Lake country, and composed on the same day, on the roof of + the coach. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem213" id="Cpoem213"></a>213. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXXI. 'Brook! + whose society,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Also composed on the roof of a coach, on my way to France, September 1802. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem214" id="Cpoem214"></a>214. *<i>Sonnets</i> XXXIII.-V. + 'Waters.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Waters (as Mr. Westall informs us in the letter-press prefixed to his + admirable views [of the Caves, &c. of Yorkshire]) are invariably found + to flow through these caverns. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="PART_III" id="PART_III"></a>PART III. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem215" id="Cpoem215"></a>215. *<i>Sonnet</i> IV. 'Fame tells + of Groves,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wallachia is the country alluded to. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem216" id="Cpoem216"></a>216. *<i>Sonnet</i> VII. 'Where + lively ground,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This parsonage was the residence of my friend Jones, and is particularly + described in another note. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem217" id="Cpoem217"></a>217. *<i>Sonnet</i> IX. 'A stream to + mingle,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this Vale of Meditation ['Glen Mywr'] my friend Jones resided, having + been allowed by his Diocesan to fix himself there without resigning his + living in Oxfordshire. He was with my wife and daughter and me when we + visited these celebrated ladies, who had retired, as one may say, into + notice in this vale. Their cottage lay directly in the road between London + and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage61" id="Cpage61"></a>{61}</span> + Dublin, and they were, of course, visited by their Irish friends as well + as innumerable strangers. They took much delight in passing jokes on our + friend Jones's plumpness, ruddy cheeks, and smiling countenance, as little + suited to a hermit living in the Vale of Meditation. We all thought there + was ample room for retort on his part, so curious was the appearance of + these ladies, so elaborately sentimental about themselves and their <i>caro + Albergo</i>, as they named it in an inscription on a tree that stood + opposite, the endearing epithet being preceded by the word <i>Ecco</i>! + calling upon the saunterer to look about him. So oddly was one of these + ladies attired that we took her, at a little distance, for a Roman + Catholic priest, with a crucifix and relics hung at his neck. They were + without caps; their hair bushy and white as snow, which contributed to the + mistake. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem218" id="Cpoem218"></a>218. <i>Sonnet</i> XI. In the Woods + of Rydal. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Sonnet, as Poetry, explains itself, yet the scene of the incident + having been a wild wood, it may be doubted, as a point of natural history, + whether the bird was aware that his attentions were bestowed upon a human, + or even a living creature. But a Redbreast will perch upon the foot of a + gardener at work, and alight on the handle of the spade when his hand is + half upon it. This I have seen. And under my own roof I have witnessed + affecting instances of the creature's friendly visits to the chambers of + sick persons, as described in the verses to the Redbreast [No. 83]. One of + these welcome intruders used frequently to roost upon a nail in the wall, + from which a picture had hung, and was ready, as morning came, to pipe his + song in the hearing of the invalid, who had been long confined to her + room. These attachments to a particular person, when marked and continued, + used to be reckoned ominous; but the superstition is passing away. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem219" id="Cpoem219"></a>219. *<i>Sonnet</i> XIII. 'While + Anna's peers,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is taken from the account given by Miss Jewsbury of the pleasure she + derived, when long confined to her bed by sickness, from the inanimate + object on which this Sonnet turns.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage62" + id="Cpage62"></a>{62}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem220" id="Cpoem220"></a>220. *<i>Sonnet</i> XV. 'Wait, + prithee wait,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The fate of this poor dove, as described, was told to me at Brinsop Court + by the young lady to whom I have given the name of Lesbia. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem221" id="Cpoem221"></a>221. *<i>Sonnet</i> XVI. 'Unquiet + childhood,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The infant was Mary Monkhouse, the only daughter of our friend and cousin + Thomas Monkhouse. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem222" id="Cpoem222"></a>222. *<i>Sonnet</i> XVII. 'Such age + how beautiful!' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lady Fitzgerald as described to me by Lady Beaumont. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem223" id="Cpoem223"></a>223. *<i>Sonnet</i> XVIIII. 'Rotha! + my spiritual child,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rotha, the daughter of my son-in-law Mr. Quillinan. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem224" id="Cpoem224"></a>224. <i>The Rotha</i>. 'The peaceful + mountain stream,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The river Rotha, that flows into Windermere from the Lakes of Grasmere and + Rydal. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem225" id="Cpoem225"></a>225. *<i>Sonnet</i> XIX. + 'Miserrimus.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many conjectures have been formed as to the person who lies under this + stone. Nothing appears to be known for a certainty. ?The Rev. Mr. Morris, + a Nonconformist, a sufferer for conscience' sake; a worthy man, who having + been deprived of his benefice after the accession of William III, lived to + an old age in extreme destitution, on the alms of charitable Jacobites. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem226" id="Cpoem226"></a>226. *<i>Sonnet</i> XX. 'While + poring,' &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My attention to these antiquities was directed by Mr. Walker, son to the + itinerant Eidouranian philosopher. The beautiful pavement was discovered + within a few yards of the front door of his parsonage, and appeared (from + the site in full view of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage63" + id="Cpage63"></a>{63}</span> several hills upon which there had formerly + been Roman encampments) as if it might have been the villa of the + commander of the forces; at least such was Mrs. W.'s conjecture. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem227" id="Cpoem227"></a>227. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Chatsworth! thy stately mansion,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have reason to remember the day that gave rise to this Sonnet, the 6th + of November 1830. Having undertaken—a great feat for me—to + ride my daughter's pony from Westmoreland to Cambridge, that she might + have the use of it while on a visit to her uncle at Trinity Lodge, on my + way from Bakewell to Matlock I turned aside to Chatsworth, and had + scarcely gratified my curiosity by the sight of that celebrated place + before there came on a severe storm of wind and rain, which continued till + I reached Derby, both man and pony in a pitiable plight. For myself I went + to bed at noon-day. In the course of that journey I had to encounter a + storm worse if possible, in which the pony could (or would) only make his + way slantwise. I mention this merely to add, that notwithstanding this + battering, I composed on pony-back the lines to the memory of Sir George + Beaumont, suggested during my recent visit to Coleorton. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem228" id="Cpoem228"></a>228. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Tis said that to the brow,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This pleasing tradition was told me by the coachman at whose side I sate + while he drove down the dale, he pointing to the trees on the hill as he + related the story. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem229" id="Cpoem229"></a>229. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Untouched through all severity of cold.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was also communicated to me by a coachman in the same way. In the + course of my many coach rambles and journeys, which, during the daytime + always, and often in the night, were taken on the outside of the coach, I + had good and frequent opportunities of learning the character of this + class of men. One remark I made, that is worth recording, that whenever I + had occasion especially to notice their well-ordered, respectful, and kind + behaviour to women, of whatever age, I found them, I may say almost + always, to be married men.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage64" + id="Cpage64"></a>{64}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem230" id="Cpoem230"></a>230. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXIV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Go, faithful Tishart,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The six last lines of this sonnet are not written for poetical effect, but + as a matter of fact, which in more than one instance could not escape my + notice in the servants of the house. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem231" id="Cpoem231"></a>231. <i>Sonnet</i> XXV. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Why art thou silent?' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the month of January [blank], when Dora and I were walking from + Town-End, Grasmere, across the vale, snow being on the ground, she espied + in the thick though leafless hedge a bird's-nest half filled with snow. + Out of this comfortless appearance arose this Sonnet, which was, in fact, + written without the least reference to any individual object, but merely + to prove to myself that I could, if I thought fit, write in a strain that + poets have been fond of. On the 14th of February in the same year, my + daughter, in a sportive mood, sent it as a Valentine under a fictitious + name to her cousin C. W. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem232" id="Cpoem232"></a>232. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXVI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Haydon! let worthier judges,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Sonnet, though said to be written on seeing the portrait of Napoleon, + was in fact composed some time after, extempore, in Rydal Mount. [In + pencil—But it was said in prose in Haydon's studio, for I was + present: relate the facts and why it was versified.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem233" id="Cpoem233"></a>233. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXVII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'A poet!—He hath put,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was impelled to write this Sonnet by the disgusting frequency with which + the word <i>artistical</i>, imported with other impertinencies from the + Germans, is employed by writers of the present day. For 'artistical' let + them substitute 'artificial,' and the poetry written on this system, both + at home and abroad, will be, for the most part, much better characterised. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem234" id="Cpoem234"></a>234. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXVIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The most alluring clouds,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Hundreds of times have I seen hanging about and above the Vale of Rydal, + clouds that might have given birth to this Sonnet;<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage65" id="Cpage65"></a>{65}</span> which was thrown off, on the + impulse of the moment, one evening when I was returning home from the + favourite walk of ours along the Rotha, under Loughrigg. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem235" id="Cpoem235"></a>235. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXIX. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'By Art's bold privilege,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was composed while I was ascending Helvelyn in company with my + daughter and her husband. She was on horseback, and rode to the very top + of the hill without once dismounting: a feat which it was scarcely + possible to perform except during a season of dry weather, and a guide + with whom we fell in on the mountain told us he believed it had never been + accomplished before by any one. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem236" id="Cpoem236"></a>236. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXXII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'All praise the likeness,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The picture which gave occasion to this and the following Sonnet was from + the pencil of Miss M. Gillies, who resided for several weeks under our + roof at Rydal Mount. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem237" id="Cpoem237"></a>237. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXXVI. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, what a wreck,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sad condition of poor Mrs. Southey put me upon writing this. It has + afforded comfort to many persons whose friends have been similarly + affected. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem238" id="Cpoem238"></a>238. *<i>Sonnet</i> XXXVII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Intent on gathering wool,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested by a conversation with Miss F., who along with her sister had + during their childhood found much delight in such gatherings for the + purpose here alluded to. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem239" id="Cpoem239"></a>239. <i>Sonnet</i> XLII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wansfel. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Hill that rises to the south-east above Ambleside. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem240" id="Cpoem240"></a>240. <i>Sonnet</i> XLIII. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ----'a little rural town.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Ambleside. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage66" id="Cpage66"></a>{66}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="VIII_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_IN_SCOTLAND_1803" + id="VIII_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_IN_SCOTLAND_1803"></a>VIII. MEMORIALS OF A + TOUR IN SCOTLAND, 1803. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem241" id="Cpoem241"></a>241. *<i>Setting out</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Coleridge, my sister, and myself started together from Town-End, to + make a tour in Scotland, August [14th]. Poor Coleridge was at that time in + bad spirits, and somewhat too much in love with his own dejection, and he + departed from us, as is recorded in my sister's Journal, soon after we + left Loch Lomond. The verses that stand foremost among these memorials + were not actually written for the occasion, but transplanted from my + Epistle to Sir G. Beaumont. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem242" id="Cpoem242"></a>242. *<i>To the Sons of Burns after + visiting the Grave of their Father</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See, in connection with these verses, two other poems upon Burns, one + composed actually at the time, and the other, though then felt, not put + into words till several years afterwards [viz. 'At the Grave of Burns, + 1803, Seven Years after his Death (II.);' and 'Thoughts suggested the Day + following, on the Banks of Nith, near the Poet's Residence.' (III.) + Another Note in I.F. MSS. is nearly the same as this: viz. To be printed + among the Poems relating to my first Tour in Scotland: for illustrations + see my Sister's Journal. It may be proper to add that the second of these + pieces, though <i>felt</i> at the time, was not composed till many years + after]. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem243" id="Cpoem243"></a>243. *<i>Ellen Irwin, or the Braes of + Kirtle</i>. [v.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may be worth while to observe, that as there are Scotch poems on this + subject, in the simple ballad strain, I thought it would be both + presumptuous and superfluous to attempt treating it in the same way; and + accordingly, I chose a construction of stanza quite new in our language; + in fact, the same as that of Bürgher's 'Leonora,' except that the + first and third lines do not in my stanzas rhyme. At the outset, I threw + out a classical image, to prepare the reader for the style in which I + meant to treat the story, and so to preclude all comparison. [Note.—The + Kirtle is a river in the southern part of Scotland, on the banks of which + the events here related took place.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage67" + id="Cpage67"></a>{67}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem244" id="Cpoem244"></a>244. *<i>To a Highland Girl</i>. + [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This delightful creature, and her demeanour, are particularly described in + my sister's Journal. The sort of prophecy with which the verses conclude + has, through God's goodness, been realised; and now, approaching the close + of my seventy-third year, I have a most vivid remembrance of her, and the + beautiful objects with which she was surrounded. She is alluded to in the + poem of 'The Three Cottage Girls,' among my continental memorials. In + illustration of this class of poems, I have scarcely anything to say + beyond what is anticipated in my sister's faithful and admirable Journal. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem245" id="Cpoem245"></a>245. <i>Stepping Westward</i>. [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + While my fellow-traveller and I were walking by the side of Loch Ketterine + [Katrine] one fine evening after sunset, in our road to a Hut where, in + the course of our Tour, we had been hospitably entertained some weeks + before, we met, in one of the loneliest parts of that solitary region, two + well-dressed women, one of whom said to us, by way of greeting, 'What, you + are stepping westward?' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem246" id="Cpoem246"></a>246. *<i>Address to Kilchurn Castle</i>. + [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first three lines were thrown off at the moment I first caught sight + of the ruin from a small eminence by the wayside; the rest was added many + years after. [Note.—The tradition is that the Castle was built by a + Lady during the absence of her Lord in Palestine.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem247" id="Cpoem247"></a>247. *<i>Rob Roys Grave</i>. [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have since been told that I was misinformed as to the burial-place of + Bob Roy; if so, I may plead in excuse that I wrote on apparently good + authority, namely, that of a well-educated lady, who lived at the head of + the Lake, within a mile, or less, of the point indicated as containing the + remains of one so famous in that neighbourhood. [Note prefixed.—The + history of Rob Roy is sufficiently known; his grave is near the head of + Loch Ketterine, in one of those small pinfold-like burial-grounds, of + neglected and desolate appearance, which the traveller meets with in the + Highlands of Scotland.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage68" id="Cpage68"></a>{68}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem248" id="Cpoem248"></a>248. *<i>Sonnet composed at —— + Castle</i>, 1803. [XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The castle here mentioned was Nidpath, near Peebles. The person alluded to + was the then Duke of Queensberry. The fact was told me by Walter Scott. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem249" id="Cpoem249"></a>249. <i>Yarrow Unvisited</i>. [XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the various Poems the scene of which is laid upon the banks of the + Yarrow; in particular the exquisite Ballad of Hamilton beginning + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Busk ye, busk ye, my bonnie, bonnie Bride,<br /></span> <span>Busk + ye, busk ye, my winsome Marrow.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem250" id="Cpoem250"></a>250. <i>The Matron of Jedborough + [Jedburgh] and her Husband</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Jedborough, my companion and I went into private lodgings for a few + days; and the following Verses were called forth by the character and + domestic situation of our Hostess. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem251" id="Cpoem251"></a>251. *<i>Sonnet, 'Fly, some kind + Harbinger.'</i> [XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was actually composed the last day of our tour, between Dalston and + Grasmere. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem252" id="Cpoem252"></a>252. *<i>The Blind Highland Boy</i>. + [XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The story was told me by George Mackreth, for many years parish-clerk of + Grasmere. He had been an eye-witness of the occurrence. The vessel in + reality was a washing-tub, which the little fellow had met with on the + shore of the loch. [Appended Note.—It is recorded in Dampier's <i>Voyages</i> + that a boy, son of the captain of a man-of-war, seated himself in a + turtle-shell and floated in it from the shore to his father's ship, which + lay at anchor at the distance of half a mile. In deference to the opinion + of a friend, I have substituted such a shell for the less elegant vessel + in which my blind Voyager did actually intrust himself to the dangerous + current of Loch Leven, as was related to me by an eye-witness.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage69" id="Cpage69"></a>{69}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="IX_MEMORIALS_OF_A_SECOND_TOUR_IN_SCOTLAND_1814" + id="IX_MEMORIALS_OF_A_SECOND_TOUR_IN_SCOTLAND_1814"></a>IX. MEMORIALS OF A + SECOND TOUR IN SCOTLAND, 1814. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem253" id="Cpoem253"></a>253. *<i>Suggested by a beautiful + Ruin upon one of the islands of Loch Lomond: a place chosen for the + retreat of a solitary individual, from whom this Habitation acquired the + name of the Brownie's Cell</i>. [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this tour my wife and her sister Sara were my companions. The account + of the Brownie's Cell, and the Brownies, was given me by a man we met with + on the banks of Loch Lomond, a little above Tarbert, and in front of a + huge mass of rock by the side of which, we were told, preachings were + often held in the open air. The place is quite a solitude, and the + surrounding scenery very striking. How much is it to be regretted that, + instead of writing such poems as the 'Holy Fair,' and others in which the + religious observances of his country are treated with so much levity, and + too often with indecency, Burns had not employed his genius in describing + religion under the serious and affecting aspects it must so frequently + take. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem254" id="Cpoem254"></a>254. *<i>Composed at Corra Linn, in + sight of Wallace Tower</i>.[II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I had seen this celebrated waterfall twice before. But the feelings to + which it had given birth were not expressed till they recurred in presence + of the object on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem255" id="Cpoem255"></a>255. *<i>Effusion in the + Pleasure-ground on the Banks of the Braw, near Dunkeld. [III.]</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not aware that this condemnatory effusion was ever seen by the owner + of the place. He might be disposed to pay little attention to it; but, + were it to prove otherwise, I should be glad, for the whole exhibition is + distressingly puerile. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem256" id="Cpoem256"></a>256. *<i>Yarrow Visited</i>.[IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As mentioned in my verses on the death of the Ettrick Shepherd, my first + visit to Yarrow was in his company. We had lodged the night before at + Traquhair, where Hogg had joined us, and also Dr. Anderson, the editor of + the British Poets, who was on a visit at the Manse. Dr. A. walked with us + till we came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage70" id="Cpage70"></a>{70}</span> + in view of the vale of Yarrow, and being advanced in life he then turned + back. The old man was passionately fond of poetry, though with not much of + a discriminating judgment, as the volumes he edited sufficiently shew. But + I was much pleased to meet with him and to acknowledge my obligation to + his Collection, which had been my brother John's companion in more than + one voyage to India, and which he gave me before his departure from + Grasmere never to return. Through these volumes I became first familiar + with Chaucer; and so little money had I then to spare for books, that, in + all probability, but for this same work, I should have known little of + Drayton, Daniel, and other distinguished poets of the Elizabethan age and + their immediate successors, till a much later period of my life. I am glad + to record this, not for any importance of its own, but as a tribute of + gratitude to this simple-hearted old man, whom I never again had the + pleasure of meeting. I seldom read or think of this poem without + regretting that my dear sister was not of the party, as she would have had + so much delight in recalling the time when, travelling together in + Scotland, we declined going in search of this celebrated stream, not + altogether, I will frankly confess, for the reasons assigned in the poem + on the occasion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="X_POEMS_DEDICATED_TO_NATIONAL_INDEPENDENCE_AND_LIBERTY" + id="X_POEMS_DEDICATED_TO_NATIONAL_INDEPENDENCE_AND_LIBERTY"></a>X. POEMS + DEDICATED TO NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND LIBERTY. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + [HEADED IN I.F. NOTES 'SONNETS DEDICATED TO LIBERTY.'] + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem257" id="Cpoem257"></a>257. <i>Robert Jones</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'Jones! as from Calais,' &c. [Sonnet III.]<br /> (See No. 9, Dedication + to Descriptive Sketches.) + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This excellent Person, one of my earliest and dearest friends, died in the + year 1835. We were under-graduates together of the same year, at the same + college, and companions in many a delightful ramble through his own + romantic country of North Wales. Much of the latter part of his life he + passed in comparative solitude; which I know was often cheered by + remembrance of our youthful adventures, and of the beautiful regions + which, at home and abroad, we had visited together. Our long friendship + was never subject to a moment's interruption,—and,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage71" id="Cpage71"></a>{71}</span> while + revising these volumes for the last time, I have been so often reminded of + my loss, with a not unpleasing sadness, that I trust the Reader will + excuse this passing mention of a Man who well deserves from me something + more than so brief a notice. Let me only add, that during the middle part + of his life he resided many years (as Incumbent of the Living) at a + Parsonage in Oxfordshire, which is the subject of the seventh of the + 'Miscellaneous Sonnets,' Part III. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem258" id="Cpoem258"></a>258. <i>I grieved for Buonaparte. + [Sonnet</i> IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Note No. 183 is repeated here.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem259" id="Cpoem259"></a>259. <i>The King of Sweden and + Toussaint L'Ouverture</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + [Sonnets VII. and VIII.] + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this and a succeeding Sonnet on the same subject, let me be understood + as a Poet availing himself of the situation which the King of Sweden + occupied, and of the principles AVOWED IN HIS MANIFESTOS; as laying hold + of these advantages for the purpose of embodying moral truths. This remark + might, perhaps, as well have been suppressed; for to those who may be in + sympathy with the course of these Poems, it will be superfluous; and will, + I fear, be thrown away upon that other class, whose besotted admiration of + the intoxicated despot hereafter placed in contrast with him is the most + melancholy evidence of degradation in British feeling and intellect which + the times have furnished. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem260" id="Cpoem260"></a>260. <i>September</i> 1, 1802. + [Sonnet IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Among the capricious acts of tyranny that disgraced these times was the + chasing of all negroes from France by decree of the Government; we had a + fellow-passenger who was one of the expelled. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem261" id="Cpoem261"></a>261. *'<i>Two Voices are there,' + &c.</i> [Sonnet XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was composed while pacing to and fro between the Hall of Coleorton, + then rebuilding, and the principal Farm-house of the Estate, in which we + lived for nine or ten months. I will here mention that the Song on the + Restoration of Lord Clifford, as well as that on the Feast of Brougham + Castle as mentioned [in the place], were produced on the same ground.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage72" id="Cpage72"></a>{72}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem262" id="Cpoem262"></a>262. *'<i>O Friend! I know not which + Way</i>.' [Sonnet XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was written immediately after my return from France to London, when I + could not but be struck, as here described, with the vanity and parade of + our own country, especially in great towns and cities, as contrasted with + the quiet, and I may say the desolation, that the Revolution had produced + in France. This must be borne in mind, or else the reader may think that + in this and succeeding sonnets I have exaggerated the mischief engendered + and fostered among us by undisturbed wealth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [In pencil—Query: Sonnets relating to the expected Invasion, &c., + p. 189, vol. iii. (1837) to p. 200; Ode, p. 201 to 203; Sonnets, part + second, p. 204 to 215]. [After three blank pages.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem263" id="Cpoem263"></a>263. *<i>War in Spain</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It would not be easy to conceive with what a depth of feeling I entered + into the struggle carried on by the Spaniards for their deliverance from + the usurped power of the French. Many times have I gone from Allan Bank, + in Grasmere Vale, where we were then residing, to the top of the + Raise-Gap, as it is called, so late as two o'clock in the morning, to meet + the carrier bringing the newspaper from Keswick. Imperfect traces of the + state of mind in which I then was may be found in my tract on the + Convention of Cintra, as well as in these Sonnets. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem264" id="Cpoem264"></a>264. *<i>Zaragossa</i>. [Sonnet XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this sonnet I am under some obligations to one of an Italian author, to + which I cannot refer. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem265" id="Cpoem265"></a>265. *<i>Lines on the expected + Invasion</i>, 1803. [Sonnet XXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To take their place among the political pieces. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem266" id="Cpoem266"></a>266. <i>Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke</i>. + [Sonnet XXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Danger which they fear, and honour which they understand not.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Words in Lord Brooke's Life of Sir Philip Sidney. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + So in the 'Thanksgiving Ode' (vi. 10) on 'And discipline was passion's + dire excess' is quoted, 'Discipline the rule whereof is passion.'<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage73" id="Cpage73"></a>{73}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem267" id="Cpoem267"></a>267. <i>The Oak of Guernica</i>. + [Part II. Sonnet XXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The ancient oak of Guernica, says Laborde, in his account of Biscay, is a + most venerable natural monument. Ferdinand and Isabella, in the year 1476, + after hearing mass in the church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, repaired to + this tree, under which they swore to the Biscayans to maintain their <i>fueros</i> + (privileges). What other interest belongs to it in the minds of the people + will appear from the following 'Supposed Address to the Same.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem268" id="Cpoem268"></a>268. <i>Thanksgiving Ode</i>. [Part + II. XLVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wholly unworthy of touching upon the momentous subject here treated would + that Poet be, before whose eyes the present distresses under which this + kingdom labours could interpose a veil sufficiently thick to hide, or even + to obscure, the splendour of this great moral triumph. If I have given way + to exultation, unchecked by these distresses, it might be sufficient to + protect me from a charge of insensibility, should I state my own belief + that the sufferings will be transitory. Upon the wisdom of a very large + majority of the British nation rested that generosity which poured out the + treasures of this country for the deliverance of Europe; and in the same + national wisdom, presiding in time of peace over an energy not inferior to + that which has been displayed in war, <i>they</i> confide who encourage a + firm hope that the cup of our wealth will be gradually replenished. There + will, doubtless, be no few ready to indulge in regrets and repinings; and + to feed a morbid satisfaction by aggravating these burthens in + imagination; in order that calamity so confidently prophesied, as it has + not taken the shape which their sagacity allotted to it, may appear as + grievous as possible under another. But the body of the nation will not + quarrel with the gain, because it might have been purchased at a less + price; and, acknowledging in these sufferings, which they feel to have + been in a great degree unavoidable, a consecration of their noble efforts, + they will vigorously apply themselves to remedy the evil. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nor is it at the expense of rational patriotism, or in disregard of sound + philosophy, that I have given vent to feelings tending to encourage a + martial spirit in the bosoms of my countrymen, at a time when there is a + general outcry against the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage74" + id="Cpage74"></a>{74}</span> prevalence of these dispositions. The British + army, both by its skill and valour in the field, and by the discipline + which rendered it, to the inhabitants of the several countries where its + operations were carried on, a protection from the violence of their own + troops, has performed services that will not allow the language of + gratitude and admiration to be suppressed or restrained (whatever be the + temper of the public mind) through a scrupulous dread lest the tribute due + to the past should prove an injurious incentive for the future. Every man + deserving the name of Briton adds his voice to the chorus which extols the + exploits of his countrymen, with a consciousness, at times overpowering + the effort, that they transcend all praise.—But this particular + sentiment, thus irresistibly excited, is not sufficient. The nation would + err grievously, if she suffered the abuse which other States have made of + military power to prevent her from perceiving that no people ever was or + can be independent, free, or secure, much less great, in any sane + application of the word, without a cultivation of military virtues. Nor + let it be overlooked, that the benefits derivable from these sources are + placed within the reach of Great Britain, under conditions peculiarly + favourable. The same insular position which, by rendering territorial + incorporation impossible, utterly precludes the desire of conquest under + the most seductive shape it can assume, enables her to rely, for her + defence against foreign foes, chiefly upon a species of armed force from + which her own liberties have nothing to fear. Such are the privileges of + her situation; and, by permitting, they invite her to give way to the + courageous instincts of human nature, and to strengthen and refine them by + culture. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But some have more than insinuated that a design exists to subvert the + civil character of the English people by unconstitutional applications and + unnecessary increase of military power. The advisers and abettors of such + a design, were it possible that it should exist, would be guilty of the + most heinous crime, which, upon this planet, can be committed. Trusting + that this apprehension arises from the delusive influences of an + honourable jealousy, let me hope that the martial qualities which I + venerate will be fostered by adhering to those good old usages which + experience has sanctioned; and by availing ourselves of new means of + indisputable promise: particularly by applying, in its utmost<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage75" id="Cpage75"></a>{75}</span> possible + extent, that system of tuition whose master-spring is a habit of gradually + enlightened subordination;—by imparting knowledge, civil, moral, and + religious, in such measure that the mind, among all classes of the + community, may love, admire, and be prepared and accomplished to defend, + that country under whose protection its faculties have been unfolded, and + its riches acquired:—by just dealing towards all orders of the + State, so that no members of it being trampled upon, courage may + everywhere continue to rest immoveably upon its ancient English + foundation, personal self-respect;—by adequate rewards, and + permanent honours, conferred upon the deserving;—by encouraging + athletic exercises and manly sports among the peasantry of the country;—and + by especial care to provide and support institutions, in which, during a + time of peace, a reasonable proportion of the youth of the country may be + instructed in military science. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have only to add, that I should feel little satisfaction in giving to + the world these limited attempts to celebrate the virtues of my country, + if I did not encourage a hope that a subject, which it has fallen within + my province to treat only in the mass, will by other poets be illustrated + in that detail which its importance calls for, and which will allow + opportunities to give the merited applause to PERSONS as well as to + THINGS. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The ode was published along with other pieces, now interspersed through + this Volume. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem269" id="Cpoem269"></a>269. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first stanza of this Ode was composed almost extempore, in front of + Rydal Mount before Church-time, on such a morning and precisely with such + objects before my eyes as are here described. The view taken of Napoleon's + character and proceedings is little in accordance with that taken by some + Historians and critical philosophers. I am glad and proud of the + difference, and trust that this series of Poems, infinitely below the + subject as they are, will survive to counteract in unsophisticated minds + the pernicious and degrading tendency of those views and doctrines that + lead to the idolatry of power as power, and in that false splendour to + lose sight of its real nature and constitution, as it often acts for the + gratification of its possessor without reference to a beneficial end—an + infirmity that has characterised men of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage76" id="Cpage76"></a>{76}</span> all ages, classes, and + employments, since Nimrod became a mighty hunter before the Lord, [In + pencil is the following by Mr. Quillinan—In a letter to Southey + about the rhythm of this Ode Wordsworth, comparing the first paragraph of + the 'Aeneid' with that of the 'Jerusalem Liberated,' says, that 'the + measure of the latter has the pace of a set of recruits shuffling to + vulgar music upon a parade, and receiving from the adjutant or + drill-sergeant the command to halt at every twenty steps.' Mr. W. had no + ear for instrumental music; or he would not have applied this vulgar + sarcasm to military march-music. Besides, awkward recruits are never + drilled to music at all. The Band on parade plays to perfectly-drilled + troops. Ne sutor ultra crepidam.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem270" id="Cpoem270"></a>270. <i>Spenser</i>. [Part II. Sonnet + XLIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Assoiled from all encumbrance of our time.'<br /></span> <span>'From + all this world's encumbrance did himself assoil.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XI_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_ON_THE_CONTINENT_1820" + id="XI_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_ON_THE_CONTINENT_1820"></a>XI. MEMORIALS OF A + TOUR ON THE CONTINENT, 1820. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem271" id="Cpoem271"></a>271. *<i>Introductory Remarks</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I set out in company with my wife and sister, and Mr. and Mrs. Monkhouse, + then just married, and Miss Horrocks. These two ladies, sisters, we left + at Berne, while Mr. Monkhouse took the opportunity of making an excursion + with us among the Alps, as far as Milan. Mr. H. C. Robinson joined us at + Lucerne, and when this ramble was completed we rejoined at Geneva the two + ladies we had left at Berne, and proceeded to Paris, where Mr. Monkhouse + and H. C. R. left us, and where we spent five weeks, of which there is not + a record in these poems. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem272" id="Cpoem272"></a>272. <i>The Fishwomen of Calais</i>, + [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If in this Sonnet [I. of 'Memorials of a Tour on the Continent,' 1820] I + should seem to have borne a little hard upon the personal appearance of + the worthy Poissardes of Calais, let me take shelter under the authority + of my lamented friend, the late Sir George Beaumont. He, a most accurate + observer, used to say of them, that their features and countenances seemed + to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage77" id="Cpage77"></a>{77}</span> + have conformed to those of the creatures they dealt in; at all events the + resemblance was striking. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem273" id="Cpoem273"></a>273. *<i>Incident at Bruges</i>. + [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This occurred at Bruges in the year 1828. Mr. Coleridge, my daughter, and + I, made a tour together in Flanders, upon the Rhine, and returned by + Holland. Dora and I, while taking a walk along a retired part of the town, + heard the voice as here described, and were afterwards informed that it + was a convent, in which were many English. We were both much touched, I + might say affected, and Dora moved as appears in the verses. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem274" id="Cpoem274"></a>274. <i>Between Namur and Liege</i>. + [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The scenery on the Meuse pleases me more, upon the whole, than that of the + Rhine, though the river itself is much inferior in grandeur. The rocks, + both in form and colour, especially between Namur and Liege, surpass any + upon the Rhine, though they are in several places disfigured by quarries, + whence stones were taken for the new fortifications. This is much to be + regretted, for they are useless, and the scars will remain, perhaps, for + thousands of years. A like injury to a still greater degree has been + inflicted, in my memory, upon the beautiful rocks at Clifton, on the banks + of the Avon. There is probably in existence a very long letter of mine to + Sir Uvedale Price, in which was given a description of the landscapes on + the Meuse as compared with those on the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Details in the spirit of these sonnets are given both in Mary's Journal + and my sister's; and the reperusal of them has strengthened a wish long + entertained, that somebody would put together, as in one work, the notes + contained in them, omitting particulars that were written down merely to + aid our memory, and bringing the whole into as small a compass as is + consistent with the general interests belonging to the scenes, + circumstances, and objects touched on by each writer. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem275" id="Cpoem275"></a>275. '<i>Miserere Domine</i>.' [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the beautiful song on Mr. Coleridge's Tragedy, 'The Remorse.' Why is + the harp of Quantock silent?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage78" + id="Cpage78"></a>{78}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem276" id="Cpoem276"></a>276. <i>The Danube</i>. [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Not, like his great Compeers, indignantly<br /></span> <span>Doth + Danube spring to life!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before this quarter of the Black Forest was inhabited, the source of the + Danube might have suggested some of those sublime images which Armstrong + has so finely described; at present, the contrast is most striking. The + Spring appears in a capacious stone Basin in front of a Ducal palace, with + a pleasure-ground opposite; then, passing under the pavement, takes the + form of a little, clear, bright, black, vigorous rill, barely wide enough + to tempt the agility of a child five years old to leap over it,—and + entering the garden, it joins, after a course of a few hundred yards, a + stream much more considerable than itself. The <i>copiousness</i> of the + spring at <i>Doneschingen</i> must have procured for it the honour of + being named the Source of the Danube. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem277" id="Cpoem277"></a>277. <i>The Staub-bach</i>. [XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The Staub-bach' is a narrow Stream, which, after a long course on the + heights, comes to the sharp edge of a somewhat overhanging precipice, + overleaps it with a bound, and, after a fall of 930 feet, forms again a + rivulet. The vocal powers of these musical Beggars may seem to be + exaggerated; but this wild and savage air was utterly unlike any sounds I + had ever heard; the notes reached me from a distance, and on what occasion + they were sung I could not guess, only they seemed to belong, in some way + or other, to the Waterfall—and reminded me of religious services + chanted to Streams and Fountains in Pagan times. Mr. Southey has thus + accurately characterised the peculiarity of this music: 'While we were at + the Waterfall, some half-score peasants, chiefly women and girls, + assembled just out of reach of the Spring, and set up—surely, the + wildest chorus that ever was heard by human ears,—a song not of + articulate sounds, but in which the voice was used as a mere instrument of + music, more flexible than any which art could produce,—sweet, + powerful, and thrilling beyond description.'—See Notes to 'A Tale of + Paraguay.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage79" id="Cpage79"></a>{79}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem278" id="Cpoem278"></a>278. <i>Memorial near the Outlet of + the Lake of Thun</i>. [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + Dem<br /> Andenken<br /> Meines Freundes<br /> ALOYS REDING<br /> MDCCCXVIII.<br /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Aloys Reding, it will be remembered, was Captain-General of the Swiss + Forces, which with a courage and perseverance worthy of the cause, opposed + the flagitious and too successful attempt of Buonaparte to subjugate their + country. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem279" id="Cpoem279"></a>279. <i>Engelbery</i>. [XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Convent whose site was pointed out, according to tradition, in this + manner, is seated at its base. The architecture of the building is + unimpressive, but the situation is worthy of the honour which the + imagination of the mountaineers has conferred upon it. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem280" id="Cpoem280"></a>280. <i>Our Lady of the Snow</i>. + [XIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mount Righi. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem281" id="Cpoem281"></a>281. <i>Effusion in presence of the + painted Tower of Tell at Altorf</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Tower stands upon the spot where grew the Linden Tree against which + his Son is said to have been placed, when the Father's archery was put to + proof under circumstances so famous in Swiss Story. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem282" id="Cpoem282"></a>282. <i>The Town of Schwytz</i>. + [XXI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nearly 500 years (says Ebel, speaking of the French Invasion) had elapsed, + when, for the first time, foreign soldiers were seen upon the frontiers of + this small Canton, to impose upon it the laws of their governors. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem283" id="Cpoem283"></a>283. <i>The Church of San Salvador, + seen from the Lake of Lugano</i>. [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Church was almost destroyed by lightning a few years ago, but the + altar and the image of the Patron Saint were untouched. The Mount, upon + the summit of which the Church is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage80" + id="Cpage80"></a>{80}</span> built, stands amid the intricacies of the + Lake of Lugano; and is, from a hundred points of view, its principal + ornament, rising to the height of 2000 feet, and, on one side, nearly + perpendicular. The ascent is toilsome; but the traveller who performs it + will be amply rewarded. Splendid fertility, rich woods and dazzling + waters, seclusion and confinement of view contrasted with sea-like extent + of plain fading into the sky; and this again, in an opposite quarter, with + an horizon of the loftiest and boldest Alps—unite in composing a + prospect more diversified by magnificence, beauty, and sublimity, than + perhaps any other point in Europe, of so inconsiderable an elevation, + commands. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem284" id="Cpoem284"></a>284. <i>Foot-note on lines</i> 31-36. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'He, too, of battle martyrs chief!<br /></span> <span>Who, to + recall his daunted peers,<br /></span> <span>For victory shaped an open + space,<br /></span> <span>By gathering with a wide embrace,<br /></span> + <span>Into his single breast, a sheaf<br /></span> <span>Of fatal + Austrian spears.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Arnold Winkelried, at the battle of Sampach, broke an Austrian phalanx in + this manner. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem285" id="Cpoem285"></a>285. <i>'The Last Supper' of Leonardo + da Vinci</i>. [xxvi.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Though searching damps and many an envious flaw<br /></span> <span>Have + marred this Work.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This picture of the Last Supper has not only been grievously injured by + time, but the greatest part of it, if not the whole, is said to have been + retouched, or painted over again. These niceties may be left to + connoisseurs,—I speak of it as I felt. The copy exhibited in London + some years ago, and the engraving by Morghen, are both admirable; but in + the original is a power which neither of those works has attained, or even + approached. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem286" id="Cpoem286"></a>286. <i>Statues on Milan Cathedral</i>. + [XXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Of figures human and divine.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Statues ranged round the spire and along the roof of the Cathedral of + Milan, have been found fault with by persons whose exclusive taste is + unfortunate for themselves. It is true that the same expense and labour, + judiciously directed to purposes more<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage81" id="Cpage81"></a>{81}</span> strictly architectural, might + have much heightened the general effect of the building; for, seen from + the ground, the Statues appear diminutive. But the <i>coup-d'œil</i>, + from the best point of view, which is half way up the spire, must strike + an unprejudiced person with admiration; and surely the selection and + arrangement of the Figures is exquisitely fitted to support the religion + of the country in the imaginations and feelings of the spectator. It was + with great pleasure that I saw, during the two ascents which we made, + several children, of different ages, tripping up and down the slender + spire, and pausing to look around them, with feelings much more animated + than could have been derived from these or the finest works of art, if + placed within easy reach.—Remember also that you have the Alps on + one side, and on the other the Apennines, with the plain of Lombardy + between! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem287" id="Cpoem287"></a>287. <i>A Religious Procession</i>. + [XXXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Still, with those white-robed Shapes—a living Stream,<br /></span> + <span>The glacier pillars join in solemn guise.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Procession is a part of the sacramental service performed once a + month. In the valley of Engleberg we had the good fortune to be present at + the <i>Grand Festival</i> of the Virgin—but the Procession on that + day, though consisting of upwards of 1000 persons, assembled from all the + branches of the sequestered valley, was much less striking + (notwithstanding the sublimity of the surrounding scenery): it wanted both + the simplicity of the other and the accompaniment of the Glacier-columns, + whose sisterly resemblance to the <i>moving</i> Figures gave it a most + beautiful and solemn peculiarity. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem288" id="Cpoem288"></a>288. <i>Elegiac Stanzas</i>. + [XXXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The lamented Youth whose untimely death gave occasion to these elegiac + verses was Frederick William Goddard, from Boston in North America. He was + in his twentieth year, and had resided for some time with a clergyman in + the neighbourhood of Geneva for the completion of his education. + Accompanied by a fellow-pupil, a native of Scotland, he had just set out + on a Swiss tour when it was his misfortune to fall in with a friend of + mine who was hastening to join our party. The travellers, after spending a + day together on the road from Berne and at Soleure, took leave of each + other at night, the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage82" + id="Cpage82"></a>{82}</span> men having intended to proceed directly to + Zurich. But early in the morning my friend found his new acquaintances, + who were informed of the object of his journey, and the friends he was in + pursuit of, equipped to accompany him. We met at Lucerne the succeeding + evening, and Mr. G. and his fellow-student became in consequence our + travelling companions for a couple of days. We ascended the Righi + together; and, after contemplating the sunrise from that noble mountain, + we separated at an hour and on a spot well suited to the parting of those + who were to meet no more. Our party descended through the valley of our + Lady of the Snow, and our late companions, to Art. We had hoped to meet in + a few weeks at Geneva; but on the third succeeding day (on the 21st of + August) Mr. Goddard perished, being overset in a boat while crossing the + lake of Zurich. His companion saved himself by swimming, and was + hospitably received in the mansion of a Swiss gentleman (M. Keller) + situated on the eastern coast of the lake. The corpse of poor Goddard was + cast ashore on the estate of the same gentleman, who generously performed + all the rites of hospitality which could be rendered to the dead as well + as to the living. He caused a handsome mural monument to be erected in the + church of Küsnacht, which records the premature fate of the young + American, and on the shores too of the lake the traveller may read an + inscription pointing out the spot where the body was deposited by the + waves. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem289" id="Cpoem289"></a>289. <i>Mount Righi</i> (foot-note). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—'the dread summit of the Queen<br /></span> <span>Of + Mountains.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mount Righi—Regina Montium. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem290" id="Cpoem290"></a>290. <i>The Tower of Caligula</i>. + [XXXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Near the town of Boulogne, and overhanging the beach, are the remains of a + tower which bears the name of Caligula, who here terminated his western + expedition, of which these sea-shells were the boasted spoils. And at no + great distance from these ruins, Buonaparte, standing upon a mound of + earth, harangued his 'Army of England,' reminding them of the exploits of + Caesar, and pointing towards the white cliffs, upon which their standards + <i>were to float</i>. He recommended also a<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage83" id="Cpage83"></a>{83}</span> subscription to be raised + among the Soldiery to erect on that ground, in memory of the foundation of + the 'Legion of Honour,' a Column—which was not completed at the time + we were there. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem291" id="Cpoem291"></a>291. <i>Herds of Cattle</i>. [XXXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'We mark majestic herds of cattle, free<br /></span> <span>To + ruminate.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is a most grateful sight for an Englishman returning to his native + land. Every where one misses in the cultivated grounds abroad, the + animated and soothing accompaniment of animals ranging and selecting their + own food at will. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem292" id="Cpoem292"></a>292. <i>The Forks</i>. ['Desultory + Stanzas,' l. 37.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Les Fourches, the point at which the two chains of mountains part, that + enclose the Valais, which terminates at St. Maurice. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem292a" id="Cpoem292a"></a>292a. <i>The Landenberg</i>. [Ibid. + ll. 49-51.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—'ye that occupy<br /></span> <span>Your Council-seats + beneath the open sky,<br /></span> <span>On Sarnen's Mount.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sarnen, one of the two capitals of the Canton of Underwalden; the spot + here alluded to is close to the town, and is called the Landenberg, from + the tyrant of that name, whose chateau formerly stood there. On the 1st of + January 1308, the great day which the confederated Heroes had chosen for + the deliverance of their country, all the castles of the Governors were + taken by force or stratagem; and the Tyrants themselves conducted, with + their creatures, to the frontiers, after having witnessed the destruction + of their strong-holds. From that time the Landenberg has been the place + where the Legislators of this division of the Canton assemble. The site, + which is well described by Ebel, is one of the most beautiful in + Switzerland. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem293" id="Cpoem293"></a>293. <i>Pictures in Bridges of + Switzerland</i>. [Ibid. l. 56.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'Calls me to pace her honoured Bridge.' + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The bridges of Lucerne are roofed, and open at the sides, so that the + passenger has, at the same time, the benefit of shade, and a view of the + magnificent country. The pictures<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage84" + id="Cpage84"></a>{84}</span> are attached to the rafters; those from + Scripture History, on the Cathedral-bridge, amount, according to my notes, + to 240. Subjects from the Old Testament face the passenger as he goes + towards the Cathedral, and those from the New as he returns. The pictures + on these bridges, as well as those in most other parts of Switzerland, are + not to be spoken of as works of art; but they are instruments admirably + answering the purpose for which they were designed. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem294" id="Cpoem294"></a>294. *<i>At Dover</i>. [XXXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For the impressions on which this Sonnet turns I am indebted to the + experience of my daughter during her residence at Dover with our dear + friend Miss Fenwick. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XII_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_IN_ITALY_1837" + id="XII_MEMORIALS_OF_A_TOUR_IN_ITALY_1837"></a>XII. MEMORIALS OF A TOUR IN + ITALY, 1837. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem295" id="Cpoem295"></a>295. *<i>Introductory Remarks</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + During my whole life I had felt a strong desire to visit Rome and the + other celebrated cities and regions of Italy, but did not think myself + justified in incurring the necessary expense till I received from Mr. + Moxon, the publisher of a large edition of my poems, a sum sufficient to + enable me to gratify my wish without encroaching upon what I considered + due to my family. My excellent friend H.C. Robinson readily consented to + accompany me, and in March 1837 we set off from London, to which we + returned in August—earlier than my companion wished, or I should + myself have desired, had I been, like him, a bachelor. These Memorials of + that Tour touch upon but a very few of the places and objects that + interested me; and in what they do advert to are for the most part much + slighter than I could wish. More particularly do I regret that there is no + notice in them of the south of France, nor of the Roman antiquities + abounding in that district; especially of the Pont de Degard, which, + together with its situation, impressed me full as much as any remains of + Roman architecture to be found in Italy. Then there was Vaucluse, with its + fountain, its Petrarch, its rocks [query—roses?] of all seasons, its + small plots of lawn in their first vernal freshness, and the blossoms of + the peach and other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage85" id="Cpage85"></a>{85}</span> + trees embellishing the scene on every side. The beauty of the stream also + called forcibly for the expression of sympathy from one who from his + childhood had studied the brooks and torrents of his native mountains. + Between two and three hours did I run about, climbing the steep and rugged + craggs, from whose base the water of Vaucluse breaks forth. 'Has Laura's + lover,' often said I to myself, 'ever sat down upon this stone? Or has his + foot ever pressed that turf?' Some, especially of the female sex, could + have felt sure of it; my answer was (impute it to my years), 'I fear, + not.' Is it not in fact obvious that many of his love-verses must have + flowed, I do not say from a wish to display his own talent, but from a + habit of exercising his intellect in that way, rather than from an impulse + of his heart? It is otherwise with his Lyrical Poems, and particularly + with the one upon the degradation of his country. There he pours out his + reproaches, lamentations, and aspirations like an ardent and sincere + patriot. But enough; it is time to turn to my own effusions, such as they + are. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem296" id="Cpoem296"></a>296. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Tour, of which the following Poems are very inadequate remembrances, + was shortened by report, too well founded, of the prevalence of cholera at + Naples. To make some amends for what was reluctantly left unseen in the + south of Italy, we visited the Tuscan Sanctuaries among the Apennines, and + the principal Italian Lakes among the Alps. Neither of those lakes, nor of + Venice, is there any notice in these poems, chiefly because I have touched + upon them elsewhere. See in particular 'Descriptive Sketches,' 'Memorials + of a Tour on the Continent in 1820,' and a Sonnet upon the extinction of + the Venetian Republic. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem297" id="Cpoem297"></a>297. *<i>Musings at Aquapendente, + April </i>1837. [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following note refers to Sir W. Scott: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Had his sunk eye kindled at those dear words<br /></span> <span>That + spake of Bards and Minstrels' (ll. 60-1).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>His</i>, Sir W. Scott's, eye <i>did</i> in fact kindle at them, for the + lines 'Places forsaken now,' and the two that follow, were adopted from a + poem of mine, which nearly forty years ago was in part read to him, and he + never forgot them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage86" id="Cpage86"></a>{86}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">'Old Helvellyn's brow,<br /></span> <span>Where once + together in his day of strength<br /></span> <span>We stood rejoicing' + (ll. 62-4).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir Hy. Davy was with us at the time. We had ascended from Paterdale, and + I could not but admire the vigour with which Scott scrambled along that + horn of the mountain called 'Striding Edge.' Our progress was necessarily + slow, and beguiled by Scott's telling many stories and amusing anecdotes, + as was his custom. Sir H. Davy would have probably been better pleased if + other topics had occasionally been interspersed and some discussion + entered upon; at all events, he did not remain with us long at the top of + the mountain, but left us to find our way down its steep side together + into the vale of Grasmere, where at my cottage Mrs. Scott was to meet us + at dinner. He said: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'When I am there, although 'tis fair,<br /></span> <span>'Twill be + another Yarrow.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See among these Notes the one upon Yarrow Revisited. [In the printed Notes + there is the following farther reference to the touching quotation by + Scott—These words were quoted to me from 'Yarrow Unvisited' by Sir + Walter Scott, when I visited him at Abbotsford, a day or two before his + departure for Italy; and the affecting condition in which he was when he + looked upon Rome from the Janicular Mount was reported to me by a lady who + had the honour of conducting him thither.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem298" id="Cpoem298"></a>298. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i25">'<i>He stood</i></span> <span class="i8"><i>A few + short steps, painful they were, apart From</i></span><br /> <span + class="i8"><i>Tasso's convent-haven and retired grave'</i>(ll. 83-5).</span><br /> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This, though introduced here, I did not know till it was told me at Rome + by Miss Mackenzie of Seaforth, a lady whose friendly attentions, during my + residence at Rome, I have gratefully acknowledged with expressions of + sincere regret that she is no more. Miss M. told me that she had + accompanied Sir Walter to the Janicular Mount, and, after showing him the + grave of Tasso in the church upon the top, and a mural monument there + erected to his memory, they left the church, and stood together on the + brow of the hill overlooking the city of Rome. His daughter Anne was with + them, and she, naturally desirous, for the sake of Miss Mackenzie + especially, to have some expression of pleasure from her father, half + reproached<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage87" id="Cpage87"></a>{87}</span> + him for showing nothing of that kind either by his looks or voice. 'How + can I,' replied he, 'having only one leg to stand upon, and that in + extreme pain?' so that the prophecy was more than fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem299" id="Cpoem299"></a>299. '<i>Over waves rough and deep</i>' + (line 122). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We took boat near the lighthouse at the point of the right horn of the + bay, which makes a sort of natural port for Genoa; but the wind was high, + and the waves long and rough, so that I did not feel quite recompensed by + the view of the city, splendid as it was, for the danger apparently + incurred. The boatman (I had only one) encouraged me, saying, we were + quite safe; but I was not a little glad when we gained the shore, though + Shelley and Byron—one of them at least who seemed to have courted + agitation from every quarter—would have probably rejoiced in such a + situation. More than once, I believe, were they both in extreme danger + even on the Lake of Geneva. Every man, however, has his fears of some kind + or other, and, no doubt, they had theirs. Of all men whom I have ever + known, Coleridge had the most of passive courage in bodily trial, but no + one was so easily cowed when moral firmness was required in miscellaneous + conversation or in the daily intercourse of social life. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem300" id="Cpoem300"></a>300. '<i>How lovely</i>—<i>didst + thou appear, Savona</i>' (ll. 209-11). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is not a single bay along this beautiful coast that might not raise + in a traveller a wish to take up his abode there; each as it succeeds + seems more inviting than the other; but the desolated convent on the cliff + in the bay of Savona struck my fancy most; and had I, for the sake of my + own health or of that of a dear friend, or any other cause, been desirous + of a residence abroad, I should have let my thoughts loose upon a scheme + of turning some part of this building into a habitation, provided as far + as might be with English comforts. There is close by it a row, or avenue + (I forget which), of tall cypresses. I could not forbear saying to myself, + 'What a sweet family walk, or one for lonely musings, would be found under + the shade!' but there probably the trees remain little noticed and seldom + enjoyed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage88" id="Cpage88"></a>{88}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem301" id="Cpoem301"></a>301. '<i>This flowering Broom's dear + Neighbourhood</i>' (l. 378). p/ + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Broom is a great ornament through the months of March and April to the + vales and hills of the Apennines, in the wild part of which it blows in + the utmost profusion, and of course successively at different elevations + as the season advances. It surpasses ours in beauty and fragrance; but, + speaking from my own limited observation only, I cannot affirm the same of + several of their wild Spring flowers, the primroses in particular, which I + saw not unfrequently but thinly scattered and languishing as compared with + ours. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem302" id="Cpoem302"></a>302. <i>The Religious Movement in the + English Church</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the printed Notes there is the following on Aquapendente: 'It would be + ungenerous not to advert to the religious movement that, since the + composition of these verses in 1837, has made itself felt, more or less + strongly, throughout the English Church; a movement that takes for its + first principle a devout deference to the voice of Christian antiquity. It + is not my office to pass judgment on questions of theological detail; but + my own repugnance to the spirit and system of Romanism has been so + repeatedly, and I trust feelingly, expressed that I shall not be suspected + of a leaning that way, if I do not join in the grave charges, thrown out, + perhaps, in the heat of controversy, against the learned and pious men to + whose labours I allude. I speak apart from controversy, but with a strong + faith in the moral temper which would elevate the present by doing + reverence to the past. I would draw cheerful auguries for the English + Church from this movement as likely to restore among us a tone of piety + more earnest and real than that produced by the mere formalities of the + understanding, refusing, in a degree which I cannot but lament, that its + own temper and judgment shall be controlled by those of antiquity.' From + the I.F. MSS. we learn that the preceding note was written by the Rev. + F.W. Faber, D.D., as thus: 'The Note at the close of the poem upon the + Oxford movement was intrusted to my friend Mr. Frederick Faber. I told him + what I wished to be said, and begged that as he was intimately acquainted + with several of the Leaders of it, he would express my thought in the way + least likely to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage89" id="Cpage89"></a>{89}</span> + taken amiss by them. Much of the work they are undertaking was grievously + wanted, and God grant their endeavours may continue to prosper as they + have done.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem302a" id="Cpoem302a"></a>302a. *'<i>The Pine-tree of Monte + Mario</i>,' [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rescued by Sir G. Beaumont from destruction. Sir G. Beaumont told me that + when he first visited Italy, pine-trees of this species abounded; but that + on his return thither, which was more than thirty years after, they had + disappeared from many places where he had been accustomed to admire them, + and had become rare all over the country, especially in and about Rome. + Several Roman villas have within these few years passed into the hands of + foreigners, who, I observed with pleasure, have taken care to plant this + tree, which in course of years will become a great ornament to the city + and to the general landscape. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May I venture to add here, that having ascended the Monte Mario I could + not resist embracing the trunk of this interesting monument of my departed + friend's feelings for the beauties of nature and the power of that art + which he loved so much and in the practice of which he was so + distinguished. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Among the printed Notes is the following—Within a couple of hours + of my arrival at Rome, I saw from Monte Pincio the Pine-tree as described + in the Sonnet; and while expressing admiration at the beauty of its + appearance, I was told by an acquaintance of my fellow-traveller, who + happened to join us at the moment, that a price had been paid for it by + the late Sir G. Beaumont, upon condition that the proprietor should not + act upon his known intention of cutting it down.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem303" id="Cpoem303"></a>303. '<i>Is this, ye gods</i>.' [III. + l. 1.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sight is at first a sad enemy to imagination, and to those pleasures + belonging to old times with which some exertions of that power will always + mingle. Nothing perhaps brings this truth home to the feelings more than + the city of Rome, not so much in respect to the impression made at the + moment when it is first seen and looked at as a whole, for then the + imagination may be invigorated, and the mind's eye quickened to perceive + as much as that of the imagination; but when <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage90" id="Cpage90"></a>{90}</span>particular spots or objects are + sought out, disappointment is, I believe, invariably felt. Ability to + recover from this disappointment will exist in proportion to knowledge, + and the power of the mind to reconstruct out of fragments and parts, and + to make details in the present subservient to more adequate comprehension + of the past. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem304" id="Cpoem304"></a>304. '<i>At Rome</i>.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'They who have seen the noble Roman's scorn.' [VII. l. 1.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have a private interest in this sonnet, for I doubt whether it would + ever have been written, but for the lively picture given me by Anna + Ricketts of what they had witnessed of the indignation and sorrow + expressed by some Italian noblemen of their acquaintance upon the + surrender, which circumstances had obliged them to make, of the best + portion of their family mansions to strangers. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem305" id="Cpoem305"></a>305. *<i>At Albano</i>. [IX] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This sonnet is founded on simple fact, and was written to enlarge, if + possible, the views of those who can see nothing but evil in the + intercessions countenanced by the Church of Rome. That they are in many + respects lamentably pernicious must be acknowledged; but, on the other + hand, they who reflect while they see and observe cannot but be struck + with instances which will prove that it is a great error to condemn in all + cases such mediation, as purely idolatrous. This remark bears with + especial force upon addresses to the Virgin. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem306" id="Cpoem306"></a>306. *<i>Cuckoo at Laverna</i>. + [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May 25th, 1837. Among a thousand delightful feelings connected in my mind + with the voice of the cuckoo, there is a personal one which is rather + melancholy. I was first convinced that age had rather dulled my hearing, + by not being able to catch the sound at the same distance as the younger + companions of my walks; and of this failure I had proof upon the occasion + that suggested these verses. I did not hear the sound till Mr. Robinson + had twice or thrice directed my attention to it.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage91" id="Cpage91"></a>{91}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem307" id="Cpoem307"></a>307. <i>Camaldoli</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This famous sanctuary was the original establishment of Saint Romualdo, + (or Rumwald, as our ancestors saxonised the name) in the 11th century, the + ground (campo) being given by a Count Maldo. The Camaldolensi, however, + have spread wide as a branch of Benedictines, and may therefore be classed + among the <i>gentlemen</i> of the monastic orders. The society comprehends + two orders, monks and hermits; symbolised by their arms, two doves + drinking out of the same cup. The monastery in which the monks here reside + is beautifully situated, but a large unattractive edifice, not unlike a + factory. The hermitage is placed in a loftier and wilder region of the + forest. It comprehends between 20 and 30 distinct residences, each + including for its single hermit an inclosed piece of ground and three very + small apartments. There are days of indulgence when the hermit may quit + his cell, and when old age arrives, he descends from the mountain and + takes his abode among the monks. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My companion had, in the year 1831, fallen in with the monk, the subject + of these two sonnets, who showed him his abode among the hermits. It is + from him that I received the following particulars. He was then about 40 + years of age, but his appearance was that of an older man. He had been a + painter by profession, but on taking orders changed his name from Santi to + Raffaello, perhaps with an unconscious reference as well to the great + Sanzio d'Urbino as to the archangel. He assured my friend that he had been + 13 years in the hermitage and had never known melancholy or ennui. In the + little recess for study and prayer, there was a small collection of books. + 'I read only,' said he, 'books of asceticism and mystical theology.' On + being asked the names of the most famous mystics, he enumerated <i>Scaramelli, + San Giovanni della Croce, St. Dionysius the Areopayite</i> (supposing the + work which bears his name to be really his), and with peculiar emphasis <i>Ricardo + di San Vittori</i>. The works of <i>Saint Theresa </i>are also in high + repute among ascetics. These names may interest some of my readers. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We heard that Raffaello was then living in the convent; my friend sought + in vain to renew his acquaintance with him. It was probably a day of + seclusion. The reader will perceive that<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage92" id="Cpage92"></a>{92}</span> these sonnets were supposed to + be written when he was a young man. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem308" id="Cpoem308"></a>308. <i>Monk-visitors of Camaldoli</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'What aim had they the pair of Monks?' (XVII. l. 1.) + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In justice to the Benedictines of Camaldoli, by whom strangers are so + hospitably entertained, I feel obliged to notice, that I saw among them no + other figures at all resembling, in size and complexion, the two monks + described in this Sonnet. What was their office, or the motive which + brought them to this place of mortification, which they could not have + approached without being carried in this or some other way, a feeling of + delicacy prevented me from inquiring. An account has before been given of + the hermitage they were about to enter. It was visited by us towards the + end of the month of May; yet snow was lying thick under the pine-trees, + within a few yards of the gate. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem309" id="Cpoem309"></a>309. *<i>At Vallombrosa</i>. [XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I must confess, though of course I did not acknowledge it in the few lines + I wrote in the strangers' book kept at the Convent, that I was somewhat + disappointed at Vallombrosa. I had expected, as the name implies, a deep + and narrow valley, over-shadowed by enclosing hills: but the spot where + the convent stands is in fact not a valley at all, but a cove or crescent + open to an extensive prospect. In the book before mentioned I read the + notice in the English language, that if any one would ascend the steep + ground above the convent, and wander over it, he would be abundantly + rewarded by magnificent views. I had not time to act upon the + recommendation, and only went with my young guide to a point, nearly on a + level with the site of the convent, that overlooks the Vale of Arno for + some leagues. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To praise great and good men has ever been deemed one of the worthiest + employments of poetry; but the objects of admiration vary so much with + time and circumstances, and the noblest of mankind have been found, when + intimately known, to be of characters so imperfect, that no eulogist can + find a subject which he will venture upon with the animation necessary to + create sympathy, unless he confines himself to a particular act, or he + takes something of a one-sided view of the person he is disposed to + celebrate. This is a melancholy truth, and affords a strong<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage93" id="Cpage93"></a>{93}</span> reason for + the poetic mind being chiefly exercised in works of fiction. The poet can + then follow wherever the spirit of admiration leads him, unchecked by such + suggestions as will be too apt to cross his way if all that he is prompted + to utter is to be tested by fact. Something in this spirit I have written + in the note attached to the Sonnet on the King of Sweden; and many will + think that in this poem, and elsewhere, I have spoken of the author of + 'Paradise Lost' in a strain of panegyric scarcely justifiable by the + tenour of some of his opinions, whether theological or political, and by + the temper he carried into public affairs, in which, unfortunately for his + genius, he was so much concerned. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Among the printed Notes is this—The name of Milton is pleasingly + connected with Vallombrosa in many ways. The pride with which the Monk, + without any previous question from me, pointed out his residence, I shall + not readily forget. It may be proper here to defend the Poet from a charge + which has been brought against him, in respect to the passage in 'Paradise + Lost' where this place is mentioned. It is said, that he has erred in + speaking of the trees there being deciduous, whereas they are, in fact, + pines. The fault-finders are themselves mistaken: the natural woods of the + region of Vallombrosa are deciduous and spread to a great extent; those + near the convent are, indeed, mostly pines; but they are avenues of trees + planted within a few steps of each other, and thus composing large tracts + of wood, plots of which are periodically cut down. The appearance of those + narrow avenues, upon steep slopes open to the sky, on account of the + height which the trees attain by being forced to grow upwards, is often + very impressive. My guide, a boy of about fourteen years old, pointed this + out to me in several places.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem310" id="Cpoem310"></a>310. *<i>Sonnet at Florence</i>. + [XIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'Under the shadow of a stately pile.' + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon what evidence the belief rests that this stone was a favourite seat + of Dante, I do not know; but a man would little consult his own interest + as a traveller, if he should busy himself with doubts as to the fact. The + readiness with which traditions of this character are received, and the + fidelity with which they are preserved from generation to generation, are + an evidence of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage94" id="Cpage94"></a>{94}</span> + feelings honourable to our nature. I remember now, during one of my + rambles in the course of a college vacation, I was pleased at being shown + at —— a seat near a kind of rocky cell at the source of the + river ——, on which it was said that Congreve wrote his <i>Old + Bachelor</i>. One can scarcely hit on any performance less in harmony with + the scene; but it was a local tribute paid to intellect by those who had + not troubled themselves to estimate the moral worth of that author's + comedies. And why should they? he was a man distinguished in his day, and + the sequestered neighbourhood in which he often resided was perhaps as + proud of him as Florence of her Dante. It is the same feeling, though + proceeding from persons one cannot bring together in this way without + offering some apology to the shade of the great visionary. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem311" id="Cpoem311"></a>311. *<i>The Baptist</i>. [XX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was very hot weather during the week we stayed at Florence; and, having + never been there before, I went through much hard service, and am not, + therefore, <i>ashamed</i> to confess, I fell asleep before this picture, + and sitting with my back towards the Venus de Medicis. Buonaparte, in + answer to one who had spoken of his being in a sound sleep up to the + moment when one of his great battles was to be fought, as a proof of the + calmness of his mind and command over anxious thoughts, said frankly, + 'that he slept because, from bodily exhaustion, he could not help it.' In + like manner it is noticed that criminals, on the night previous to their + execution, seldom awake before they are called, a proof that the body is + the master of us far more than we need be willing to allow. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Should this note by any possible chance be seen by any of my countrymen + who might have been in the Gallery at the time (and several persons were + there) and witnessed such an indecorum, I hope he will give up the opinion + which he might naturally have formed to my prejudice. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem312" id="Cpoem312"></a>312. *<i>Florence</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'Rapt above earth,' and the following one. [XXI.-II.] + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + However, at first, these two Sonnets from M. Angelo may seem in their + spirit somewhat inconsistent with each other, I<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage95" id="Cpage95"></a>{95}</span> have not scrupled to place + them side by side as characteristic of their great author, and others with + whom he lived. I feel, nevertheless, a wish to know at what periods of his + life they were respectively composed. The latter, as it expresses, was + written in his advanced years, when it was natural that the Platonism that + pervades the one should give way to the Christian feeling that inspired + the other. Between both, there is more than poetic affinity. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem312a" id="Cpoem312a"></a>312a. *<i>Among the Ruins of a + Convent in the Apennines</i>. [XXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The political revolutions of our time have multiplied on the Continent + objects that unavoidably call forth reflections such as are expressed in + these verses, but the ruins in those countries are too recent to exhibit + in anything like an equal degree the beauty with which time and Nature + have invested the remains of our convents and abbeys. These verses, it + will be observed, take up the beauty long before it is matured, as one + cannot but wish it may be among some of the desolations of Italy, France, + and Germany. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem313" id="Cpoem313"></a>313. *<i>Sonnets after leaving Italy</i>. + [XXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I had proof in several instances that the Carbonari, if I may still call + them so, and their favourers, are opening their eyes to the necessity of + patience, and are intent upon spreading knowledge actively, but quietly as + they can. May they have resolution to continue in this course, for it is + the only one by which they can truly benefit their country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We left Italy by the way which is called the 'Nuova Strada d'Allemagna,' + to the east of the high passes of the Alps, which take you at once from + Italy into Switzerland. The road leads across several smaller heights, and + winds down different vales in succession, so that it was only by the + accidental sound of a few German words I was aware we had quitted Italy; + and hence the unwelcome shock alluded to in the two or three last lines of + the Sonnet with which this imperfect series concludes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem314" id="Cpoem314"></a>314. *<i>Composed at Rydal on May + morning</i>, 1838. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This and the following Sonnet [now XXVI.] were composed on what we call + the 'far terrace' at Rydal Mount, where I have murmured out many thousands + of my verses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage96" id="Cpage96"></a>{96}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem315" id="Cpoem315"></a>315. *<i>Pillar of Trajan</i>. + [XXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These verses had better, perhaps, be transferred to the class of 'Italian + Poems.' I had observed in the newspaper that 'The Pillar of Trajan' was + given as a subject for a Prize Poem in English verse. I had a wish, + perhaps, that my son, who was then an undergraduate at Oxford, should try + his fortune; and I told him so: but he, not having been accustomed to + write verse, wisely declined to enter on the task; whereupon I showed him + these lines as a proof of what might, without difficulty, be done on such + a subject. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem316" id="Cpoem316"></a>316. *<i>The Egyptian Maid</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In addition to the short notice prefixed to this poem, it may be worth + while here to say, that it rose out of a few words casually used in + conversation by my nephew Henry Hutchinson. He was describing with great + spirit the appearance and movement of a vessel which he seemed to admire + more than any other he had ever seen, and said her name was the Water + Lily. This plant has been my delight from my boyhood, as I have seen it + floating on the lake; and that conversation put me upon constructing and + composing the poem. Had I not heard those words it would never have been + written. The form of the stanza is new, and is nothing but a repetition of + the first five lines as they were thrown off, and is, perhaps, not well + suited to narrative, and certainly would not have been trusted to had I + thought at the beginning that the poem would have gone to such a length. + [The short note referred to <i>supra</i> is as follows: 'For the names and + persons in the following poem see the <i>History of the Renowned Prince + Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table</i>; for the rest the author is + answerable; only it may be proper to add that the Lotus, with the bust of + the goddess appearing to rise out of the full-blown flower, was suggested + by the beautiful work of ancient art once included among the Townley + Marbles, and now in the British Museum.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage97" id="Cpage97"></a>{97}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XIII_THE_RIVER_DUDDON_A_SERIES_OF_SONNETS" + id="XIII_THE_RIVER_DUDDON_A_SERIES_OF_SONNETS"></a>XIII. THE RIVER DUDDON: + A SERIES OF SONNETS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem317" id="Cpoem317"></a>317. <i>Introduction</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The River Duddon rises upon Wrynose Fell, on the confines of Westmoreland, + Cumberland, and Lancashire: and, having served as a boundary to the two + last counties for the space of about twenty-five miles, enters the Irish + Sea, between the Isle of Walney and the Lordship of Millum. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem318" id="Cpoem318"></a>318. '<i>The River Duddon</i>.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A Poet, whose works are not yet known as they deserve to be, thus enters + upon his description of the 'Ruins of Rome:' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i12">'The rising Sun<br /></span> <span>Flames on the ruins + in the purer air<br /></span> <span>Towering aloft;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and ends thus— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i12">'The setting sun displays<br /></span> <span>His + visible great round, between yon towers,<br /></span> <span>As through + two shady cliffs.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crowe, in his excellent loco-descriptive Poem, 'Lewesdon Hill,' is + still more expeditious, finishing the whole on a May-morning, before + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Tomorrow for severer thought, but now<br /></span> <span>To + breakfast, and keep festival to-day.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + No one believes, or is desired to believe, that those Poems were actually + composed within such limits of time; nor was there any reason why a prose + statement should acquaint the Reader with the plain fact, to the + disturbance of poetic credibility. But, in the present case, I am + compelled to mention, that the above series of Sonnets was the growth of + many years;—the one which stands the 14th was the first produced; + and others were added upon occasional visits to the Stream, or as + recollections of the scenes upon its banks awakened a wish to describe + them. In this manner I had proceeded insensibly, without perceiving that I + was trespassing upon ground pre-occupied, at least as far as intention + went, by Mr. Coleridge; who, more than twenty years ago, used to speak of + writing a rural Poem, to be entitled 'The Brook,' of which he has given a + sketch in a recent publication. But a particular subject cannot, I<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage98" id="Cpage98"></a>{98}</span> think, much + interfere with a general one; and I have been further kept from + encroaching upon any right Mr. C. may still wish to exercise, by the + restriction which the frame of the Sonnet imposed upon me, narrowing + unavoidably the range of thought, and precluding, though not without its + advantages, many graces to which a freer movement of verse would naturally + have led. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May I not venture, then, to hope, that, instead of being a hindrance, by + anticipation of any part of the subject, these Sonnets may remind Mr. + Coleridge of his own more comprehensive design, and induce him to fulfil + it?—There is a sympathy in streams,—'one calleth to another;' + and I would gladly believe, that 'The Brook' will, ere long, murmur in + concert with 'The Duddon.' But, asking pardon for this fancy, I need not + scruple to say, that those verses must indeed be ill-fated which can enter + upon such pleasant walks of Nature, without receiving and giving + inspiration. The power of waters over the minds of Poets has been + acknowledged from the earliest ages;—through the 'Flumina amem + sylvasque inglorius' of Virgil, down to the sublime apostrophe to the + great rivers of the earth, by Armstrong, and the simple ejaculation of + Burns, (chosen, if I recollect right, by Mr. Coleridge, as a motto for his + embryo 'Brook,')— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The Muse nae Poet ever fand her,<br /></span> <span>Till by himsel' + he learned to wander<br /></span> <span>Adown some trotting burn's + meander<br /></span> <span>AND NA' THINK LANG.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem319" id="Cpoem319"></a>319. *<i>The Sonnets on the River + Duddon</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is with the little River Duddon as it is with most other rivers, Ganges + and Nile not excepted,—many springs might claim the honour of being + its head. In my own fancy, I have fixed its rise near the noted Shire + Stones placed at the meeting point of the counties Westmoreland, + Cumberland, and Lancashire. They stand by the wayside, on the top of the + Wrynose Pass, and it used to be reckoned a proud thing to say, that by + touching them at the same time with feet and hands, one had been in three + counties at once. At what point of its course the stream takes the name of + Duddon, I do not know. I first became acquainted with the Duddon, as I + have good reason to remember, in early boyhood. Upon the banks of the + Derwent, I had learnt to be very fond of angling. Fish abound in that<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage99" id="Cpage99"></a>{99}</span> large + river,—not so in the small streams in the neighbourhood of + Hawkshead; and I fell into the common delusion, that the farther from home + the better sport would be had. Accordingly, one day I attached myself to a + person living in the neighbourhood of Hawkshead, who was going to try his + fortune, as an angler, near the source of the Duddon. We fished a great + part of the day with very sorry success, the rain pouring torrents; and + long before we got home, I was worn out with fatigue; and if the good man + had not carried me on his back, I must have lain down under the best + shelter I could find. Little did I think then it would have been my lot to + celebrate, in a strain of love and admiration, the stream which for many + years I never thought of without recollections of disappointment and + distress. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + During my college vacation, and two or three years afterwards, before + taking my bachelor's degree, I was several times resident in the house of + a near relative, who lived in the small town of Broughton. I passed many + delightful hours upon the banks of this river, which becomes an estuary + about a mile from that place. The remembrances of that period are the + subject of the 21st Sonnet. The subject of the 27th Sonnet is, in fact, + taken from a tradition belonging to Rydal Hall, which once stood, as is + believed, upon a rocky and woody hill on the right hand as you go from + Rydal to Ambleside, and was deserted, from the superstitious fear here + described, and the present site fortunately chosen instead. The present + Hall was erected by Sir Michael le Fleming, and it may be hoped that at + some future time there will be an edifice more worthy of so beautiful a + position. With regard to the 30th Sonnet, it is odd enough that this + imagination was realised in the year 1840, when I made a tour through this + district with my wife and daughter, Miss Fenwick and her niece, and Mr. + and Miss Quillinan. Before our return from Seathwaite Chapel, the party + separated. Mrs. Wordsworth, while most of us went further up the stream, + chose an opposite direction, having told us that we would overtake her on + our way to Ulpha. But she was tempted out of the main road to ascend a + rocky eminence near it, thinking it impossible we should pass without + seeing her. This however unfortunately happened; and then ensued vexation + and distress, especially to me, which I should be ashamed to have + recorded, for I lost my temper entirely. Neither I nor those who were with + me saw her again till we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage100" + id="Cpage100"></a>{100}</span> reached the Inn at Broughton, seven miles. + This may perhaps in some degree excuse my irritability on the occasion, + for I could not but think she had been much to blame. It appeared, + however, on explanation, that she had remained on the rock, calling out + and waving her handkerchief as we were passing, in order that we also + might ascend and enjoy a prospect which had much charmed her. 'But on we + went, her signals proving vain.' How then could she reach Broughton before + us? When we found she had not gone on to Ulpha Kirk, Mr. Quillinan went + back in one of the carriages in search of her. He met her on the road, + took her up, and by a shorter way conveyed her to Broughton, where we were + all re-united and spent a happy evening. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have many affecting remembrances connected with this stream. These I + forbear to mention, especially things that occurred on its banks during + the latter part of that visit to the sea-side, of which the former part is + detailed in my Epistle to Sir George Beaumont. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [The following additional notices of his latter excursion to the banks of + the Duddon are from a letter to Lady Frederick Bentinck. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'You will have wondered, dear Lady Frederick, what is become of me. I have + been wandering about the country, and only returned yesterday. Our tour + was by Keswick, Scale Hill, Buttermere, Loweswater, Ennerdale, Calder + Abbey, Wastdale, Eskdale, the Vale of Duddon, Broughton, Furness Abbey, + Peele Castle, Ulverston, &c.; we had broken weather, which kept us + long upon the road, but we had also very fine intervals, and I often + wished you had been present. We had such glorious sights! one, in + particular, I never saw the like of. About sunset we were directly + opposite that large, lofty precipice at Wastwater, which is called the + Screes. The ridge of it is broken into sundry points, and along them, and + partly along the side of the steep, went driving a procession of yellow + vapoury clouds from the sea-quarter towards the mountain Scawfell. Their + colours I have called yellow, but it was exquisitely varied, and the + shapes of the rocks on the summit of the ridge varied with the density or + thinness of the vapours. The effect was most enchanting; for right above + was steadfastly fixed a beautiful rainbow. We were a party of seven, Mrs. + Wordsworth, my daughter, and Miss Fenwick included, and it would be + difficult<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage101" id="Cpage101"></a>{101}</span> + to say who was most delighted. The Abbey of Furness, as you well know, is + a noble ruin, and most happily situated in a dell that entirely hides it + from the surrounding country. It is taken excellent care of, and seems + little dilapidated since I first knew it, more than half a century ago.]<a + name="CFNanchor_1_1" id="CFNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#CFootnote_1_1" + class="fnanchor">[1]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem320" id="Cpoem320"></a>320. <i>The Wild Strawberry: Sympson</i>. + [Sonnet VI. ll. 9-10.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'There bloomed the strawberry of the wilderness,<br /></span> <span>The + trembling eyebright showed her sapphire blue.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These two lines are in a great measure taken from 'The Beauties of Spring, + a Juvenile Poem,' by the Rev. Joseph Sympson. He was a native of + Cumberland, and was educated in the vale of Grasmere, and at Hawkshead + school: his poems are little known, but they contain passages of splendid + description; and the versification of his 'Vision of Alfred' is harmonious + and animated. In describing the motions of the Sylphs, that constitute the + strange machinery of his Poem, he uses the following illustrative simile: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—'Glancing from their plumes<br /></span> <span>A changeful + light the azure vault illumes.<br /></span> <span>Less varying hues + beneath the Pole adorn<br /></span> <span>The streamy glories of the + Boreal morn,<br /></span> <span>That wavering to and fro their radiance + shed<br /></span> <span>On Bothnia's gulf with glassy ice o'erspread,<br /></span> + <span>Where the lone native, as he homeward glides,<br /></span> <span>On + polished sandals o'er the imprisoned tides,<br /></span> <span>And still + the balance of his frame preserves,<br /></span> <span>Wheeled on + alternate foot in lengthening curves,<br /></span> <span>Sees at a + glance, above him and below,<br /></span> <span>Two rival heavens with + equal splendour glow.<br /></span> <span>Sphered in the centre of the + world he seems;<br /></span> <span>For all around with soft effulgence + gleams;<br /></span> <span>Stars, moons, and meteors, ray opposed to ray,<br /></span> + <span>And solemn midnight pours the blaze of day.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He was a man of ardent feeling, and his faculties of mind, particularly + his memory, were extraordinary. Brief notices of his life ought to find a + place in the History of Westmoreland. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem321" id="Cpoem321"></a>321. '<i>Return' and 'Seathwaite + Chapel</i>.' [Sonnets XVII. and XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The EAGLE requires a large domain for its support: but several pairs, not + many years ago, were constantly resident in<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage102" id="Cpage102"></a>{102}</span> this country, building + their nests in the steeps of Borrowdale, Wastdale, Ennerdale, and on the + eastern side of Helvellyn. Often have I heard anglers speak of the + grandeur of their appearance, as they hovered over Red Tarn, in one of the + coves of this mountain. The bird frequently returns, but is always + destroyed. Not long since, one visited Rydal lake, and remained some hours + near its banks: the consternation which it occasioned among the different + species of fowl, particularly the herons, was expressed by loud screams. + The horse also is naturally afraid of the eagle.—There were several + Roman stations among these mountains; the most considerable seems to have + been in a meadow at the head of Windermere, established, undoubtedly, as a + check over the Passes of Kirkstone, Dunmailraise, and of Hardknot and + Wrynose. On the margin of Rydal lake, a coin of Trajan was discovered very + lately.—The ROMAN FORT here alluded to, called by the country people + '<i>Hardknot Castle</i>,' is most impressively situated half-way down the + hill on the right of the road that descends from Hardknot into Eskdale. It + has escaped the notice of most antiquarians, and is but slightly mentioned + by Lysons.—The DRUIDICAL CIRCLE is about half a mile to the left of + the road ascending Stone-side from the vale of Duddon: the country people + call it '<i>Sunken Church</i>.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The reader who may have been interested in the foregoing Sonnets, (which + together may be considered as a Poem,) will not be displeased to find in + this place a prose account of the Duddon, extracted from Green's + comprehensive <i>Guide to the Lakes</i>, lately published. 'The road + leading from Coniston to Broughton is over high ground, and commands a + view of the River Duddon; which, at high water, is a grand sight, having + the beautiful and fertile lands of Lancashire and Cumberland stretching + each way from its margin. In this extensive view, the face of Nature is + displayed in a wonderful variety of hill and dale; wooded grounds and + buildings; amongst the latter Broughton Tower, seated on the crown of a + hill, rising elegantly from the valley, is an object of extraordinary + interest. Fertility on each side is gradually diminished, and lost in the + superior heights of Blackcomb, in Cumberland, and the high lands between + Kirkby and Ulverstone. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The road from Broughton to Seathwaite is on the banks of<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage103" id="Cpage103"></a>{103}</span> the + Duddon, and on its Lancashire side it is of various elevations. The river + is an amusing companion, one while brawling and tumbling over rocky + precipices, until the agitated water becomes again calm by arriving at a + smoother and less precipitous bed, but its course is soon again ruffled, + and the current thrown into every variety of form which the rocky channel + of a river can give to water.'—<i>Vide Green's Guide to the Lakes</i>, + vol. i. pp. 98-100. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After all, the traveller would be most gratified who should approach this + beautiful Stream, neither at its source, as is done in the Sonnets, nor + from its termination; but from Coniston over Walna Scar; first descending + into a little circular valley, a collateral compartment of the long + winding vale through which flows the Duddon. This recess, towards the + close of September, when the after-grass of the meadow is still of a fresh + green, with the leaves of many of the trees faded, but perhaps none + fallen, is truly enchanting. At a point elevated enough to show the + various objects in the valley, and not so high as to diminish their + importance, the stranger will instinctively halt. On the foreground, a + little below the most favourable station, a rude foot-bridge is thrown + over the bed of the noisy brook foaming by the wayside. Russet and craggy + hills, of bold and varied outline, surround the level valley, which is + besprinkled with grey rocks plumed with birch trees. A few homesteads are + interspersed, in some places peeping out from among the rocks like + hermitages, whose site has been chosen for the benefit of sunshine as well + as shelter; in other instances, the dwelling-house, barn, and byre compose + together a cruciform structure, which, with its embowering trees, and the + ivy clothing part of the walls and roof like a fleece, call to mind the + remains of an ancient abbey. Time, in most cases, and Nature everywhere, + have given a sanctity to the humble works of man that are scattered over + this peaceful retirement. Hence a harmony of tone and colour, a + consummation and perfection of beauty, which would have been marred had + aim or purpose interfered with the course of convenience, utility, or + necessity. This unvitiated region stands in no need of the veil of + twilight to soften or disguise its features. As it glistens in the morning + sunshine, it would fill the spectator's heart with gladsomeness. Looking + from our chosen station, he would feel an impatience<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage104" id="Cpage104"></a>{104}</span> to rove among its pathways, + to be greeted by the milkmaid, to wander from house to house, exchanging + 'good-morrows' as he passed the open doors; but, at evening, when the sun + is set, and a pearly light gleams from the western quarter of the sky, + with an answering light from the smooth surface of the meadows; when the + trees are dusky, but each kind still distinguishable; when the cool air + has condensed the blue smoke rising from the cottage chimneys; when the + dark mossy stones seem to sleep in the bed of the foaming brook; <i>then</i>, + he would be unwilling to move forward, not less from a reluctance to + relinquish what he beholds, than from an apprehension of disturbing, by + his approach, the quietness beneath him. Issuing from the plain of this + valley, the brook descends in a rapid torrent passing by the churchyard of + Seathwaite. The traveller is thus conducted at once into the midst of the + wild and beautiful scenery which gave occasion to the Sonnets from the + 14th to the 20th inclusive. From the point where the Seathwaite brook + joins the Duddon, is a view upwards, into the pass through which the river + makes its way into the plain of Donnerdale. The perpendicular rock on the + right bears the ancient British name of THE PEN; the one opposite is + called WALLA-BARROW CRAG, a name that occurs in other places to designate + rocks of the same character. The <i>chaotic</i> aspect of the scene is + well marked by the expression of a stranger, who strolled out while dinner + was preparing, and at his return, being asked by his host, 'What way he + had been wandering?' replied, 'As far as it is <i>finished</i>!' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The bed of the Duddon is here strewn with large fragments of rocks fallen + from aloft; which, as Mr. Green truly says, 'are happily adapted to the + many-shaped waterfalls,' (or rather water-breaks, for none of them are + high,) 'displayed in the short space of half a mile.' That there is some + hazard in frequenting these desolate places, I myself have had proof; for + one night an immense mass of rock fell upon the very spot where, with a + friend, I had lingered the day before. 'The concussion,' says Mr. Green, + speaking of the event, (for he also, in the practice of his art, on that + day sat exposed for a still longer time to the same peril,) 'was heard, + not without alarm, by the neighbouring shepherds.' But to return to + Seathwaite Churchyard: it contains the following inscription:<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage105" id="Cpage105"></a>{105}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + In memory of the Reverend Robert Walker, who died the 25th of June, + 1802, in the 93d year of his age, and 67th of his curacy at Seathwaite. + </p> + <p> + 'Also, of Anne his wife, who died the 28th of January, in the 93d year + of her age.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the parish-register of Seathwaite Chapel, is this notice: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Buried, June 28th, the Rev. Robert Walker. He was curate of Seathwaite + sixty-six years. He was a man singular for his temperance, industry, and + integrity.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This individual is the Pastor alluded to, in the eighteenth Sonnet, as a + worthy compeer of the country parson of Chaucer, &c. In the seventh + book of the <i>Excursion</i>, an abstract of his character is given, + beginning— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A Priest abides before whose life such doubts<br /></span> <span>Fall + to the ground;—'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and some account of his life, for it is worthy of being recorded, will not + be out of place here. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem322" id="Cpoem322"></a>322. <i>Memoir of the Rev. Robert + Walker</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + ('Pastor,' in Book vii. of 'The Excursion.') + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the year 1709, Robert Walker was born at Under-crag, in Seathwaite; he + was the youngest of twelve children. His eldest brother, who inherited the + small family estate, died at Under-crag, aged ninety-four, being + twenty-four years older than the subject of this Memoir, who was born of + the same mother. Robert was a sickly infant; and, through his boyhood and + youth, continuing to be of delicate frame and tender health, it was deemed + best, according to the country phrase, to <i>breed him a scholar</i>; for + it was not likely that he would be able to earn a livelihood by bodily + labour. At that period few of these dales were furnished with + schoolhouses; the children being taught to read and write in the chapel; + and in the same consecrated building, where he officiated for so many + years both as preacher and schoolmaster, he himself received the rudiments + of his education. In his youth he became schoolmaster at Loweswater; not + being called upon, probably, in that situation, to teach more than + reading, writing, and arithmetic. But, by the assistance of a 'Gentleman' + in the neighbourhood, he acquired, at leisure hours, a knowledge of the + classics, and became qualified for taking holy orders. Upon his + ordination, he had the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage106" + id="Cpage106"></a>{106}</span> offer of two curacies: the one, Torver, in + the vale of Coniston,—the other, Seathwaite, in his native vale. The + value of each was the same, <i>viz</i>., five pounds <i>per annum</i>: but + the cure of Seathwaite having a cottage attached to it, as he wished to + marry, he chose it in preference. The young person on whom his affections + were fixed, though in the condition of a domestic servant, had given + promise, by her serious and modest deportment, and by her virtuous + dispositions, that she was worthy to become the helpmate of a man entering + upon a plan of life such as he had marked out for himself. By her + frugality she had stored up a small sum of money, with which they began + house-keeping. In 1735 or 1736, he entered upon his curacy; and, nineteen + years afterwards, his situation is thus described, in some letters to be + found in the <i>Annual Register</i> for 1760, from which the following is + extracted:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 6em;">'To MR. ——.</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">'Coniston, July 26, 1754.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Sir,—I was the other day upon a party of pleasure, about five or + six miles from this place, where I met with a very striking object, and of + a nature not very common. Going into a clergyman's house (of whom I had + frequently heard), I found him sitting at the head of a long square table, + such as is commonly used in this country by the lower class of people, + dressed in a coarse blue frock, trimmed with black horn buttons; a checked + shirt, a leathern strap about his neck for a stock, a coarse apron, and a + pair of great wooden-soled shoes plated with iron to preserve them (what + we call clogs in these parts), with a child upon his knee, eating his + breakfast; his wife, and the remainder of his children, were some of them + employed in waiting upon each other, the rest in teasing and spinning + wool, at which trade he is a great proficient; and moreover, when it is + made ready for sale, will lay it, by sixteen or thirty-two pounds' weight, + upon his back, and on foot, seven or eight miles, will carry it to the + market, even in the depth of winter. I was not much surprised at all this, + as you may possibly be, having heard a great deal of it related before. + But I must confess myself astonished with the alacrity and the good humour + that appeared both in the clergyman and his wife, and more so at the sense + and ingenuity of the clergyman himself...'<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage107" id="Cpage107"></a>{107}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Then follows a letter from another person, dated 1755, from which an + extract shall be given. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'By his frugality and good management, he keeps the wolf from the door, as + we say; and if he advances a little in the world, it is owing more to his + own care, than to anything else he has to rely upon. I don't find his + inclination is running after further preferment. He is settled among the + people, that are happy among themselves; and lives in the greatest + unanimity and friendship with them; and, I believe, the minister and + people are exceedingly satisfied with each other; and indeed how should + they be dissatisfied when they have a person of so much worth and probity + for their pastor? A man who, for his candour and meekness, his sober, + chaste, and virtuous conversation, his soundness in principle and + practice, is an ornament to his profession, and an honour to the country + he is in; and bear with me if I say, the plainness of his dress, the + sanctity of his manners, the simplicity of his doctrine, and the vehemence + of his expression, have a sort of resemblance to the pure practice of + primitive Christianity.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We will now give his own account of himself, to be found in the same + place. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'FROM THE REV. ROBERT WALKER. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Sir,—Yours of the 26th instant was communicated to me by Mr. C——, + and I should have returned an immediate answer, but the hand of + Providence, then laying heavy upon an amiable pledge of conjugal + endearment, hath since taken from me a promising girl, which the + disconsolate mother too pensively laments the loss of; though we have yet + eight living, all healthful, hopeful children, whose names and ages are as + follows:—Zaccheus, aged almost eighteen years; Elizabeth, sixteen + years and ten months; Mary, fifteen; Moses, thirteen years and three + months; Sarah, ten years and three months; Mabel, eight years and three + months; William Tyson, three years and eight months; and Anne Esther, one + year and three months; besides Anne, who died two years and six months + ago, and was then aged between nine and ten; and Eleanor, who died the 23d + inst., January, aged six years and ten months. Zaccheus, the eldest child, + is now learning the trade of tanner, and has two years and a half of his + apprenticeship to serve. The annual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage108" + id="Cpage108"></a>{108}</span> income of my chapel at present, as near as + I can compute it, may amount to about 17<i>l.</i>, of which is paid in + cash, viz., 5<i>l.</i> from the bounty of Queen Anne, and 5<i>l.</i> from + W.P., Esq., of P——, out of the annual rents, he being lord of + the manor; and 3<i>l.</i> from the several inhabitants of L——, + settled upon the tenements as a rent-charge; the house and gardens I value + at 4<i>l.</i> yearly, and not worth more; and I believe the surplice fees + and voluntary contributions, one year with another, may be worth 3<i>l.</i>; + but as the inhabitants are few in number, and the fees very low, this + last-mentioned sum consists merely in free-will offerings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I am situated greatly to my satisfaction with regard to the conduct and + behaviour of my auditory, who not only live in the happy ignorance of the + follies and vices of the age, but in mutual peace and good-will with one + another, and are seemingly (I hope really too) sincere Christians, and + sound members of the Established Church, not one dissenter of any + denomination being amongst them all. I got to the value of 40<i>l.</i> for + my wife's fortune, but had no real estate of my own, being the youngest + son of twelve children, born of obscure parents; and, though my income has + been but small, and my family large, yet, by a providential blessing upon + my own diligent endeavours, the kindness of friends, and a cheap country + to live in, we have always had the necessaries of life. By what I have + written (which is a true and exact account, to the best of my knowledge,) + I hope you will not think your favour to me, out of the late worthy Dr. + Stratford's effects, quite misbestowed, for which I must ever gratefully + own myself, Sir,<br /> 'Your much obliged and most obedient humble Servant, + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">'R.W., Curate of S——.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + 'To Mr. C., of Lancaster.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + About the time when this letter was written the Bishop of Chester + recommended the scheme of joining the curacy of Ulpha to the contiguous + one of Seathwaite, and the nomination was offered to Mr. Walker; but an + unexpected difficulty arising, Mr. W., in a letter to the Bishop, (a copy + of which, in his own beautiful handwriting, now lies before me,) thus + expresses himself. 'If he,' meaning the person in whom the difficulty + originated, 'had suggested any such objection before, I should utterly<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage109" id="Cpage109"></a>{109}</span> have + declined any attempt to the curacy of Ulpha; indeed, I was always + apprehensive it might be disagreeable to my auditory at Seathwaite, as + they have been always accustomed to double duty, and the inhabitants of + Ulpha despair of being able to support a schoolmaster who is not curate + there also; which suppressed all thoughts in me of serving them both.' And + in a second letter to the Bishop he writes: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'My Lord,—I have the favour of yours of the 1st instant, and am + exceedingly obliged on account of the Ulpha affair: if that curacy should + lapse into your Lordship's hands, I would beg leave rather to decline than + embrace it; for the chapels of Seathwaite and Ulpha, annexed together, + would be apt to cause a general discontent among the inhabitants of both + places; by either thinking themselves slighted, being only served + alternately, or neglected in the duty, or attributing it to covetousness + in me; all which occasions of murmuring I would willingly avoid.' And in + concluding his former letter, he expresses a similar sentiment upon the + same occasion, 'desiring, if it be possible, however, as much as in me + lieth, to live peaceably with all men.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The year following, the curacy of Seathwaite was again augmented; and, to + effect this augmentation, fifty pounds had been advanced by himself; and, + in 1760, lands were purchased with eight hundred pounds. Scanty as was his + income, the frequent offer of much better benefices could not tempt Mr. W. + to quit a situation where he had been so long happy, with a consciousness + of being useful. Among his papers I find the following copy of a letter, + dated 1775, twenty years after his refusal of the curacy of Ulpha, which + will show what exertions had been made for one of his sons. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'May it please your Grace,—Our remote situation here makes it + difficult to get the necessary information for transacting business + regularly; such is the reason of my giving your Grace the present trouble. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The bearer (my son) is desirous of offering himself candidate for + deacon's orders at your Grace's ensuing ordination; the first, on the 25th + instant, so that his papers could not be transmitted in due time. As he is + now fully at age, and I have afforded him education to the utmost of my + ability, it would give<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage110" + id="Cpage110"></a>{110}</span> me great satisfaction (if your Grace would + take him, and find him qualified) to have him ordained. His constitution + has been tender for some years; he entered the college of Dublin, but his + health would not permit him to continue there, or I would have supported + him much longer. He has been with me at home above a year, in which time + he has gained great strength of body, sufficient, I hope, to enable him + for performing the function. Divine Providence, assisted by liberal + benefactors, has blest my endeavours, from a small income, to rear a + numerous family; and as my time of life renders me now unfit for much + future expectancy from this world, I should be glad to see my son settled + in a promising way to acquire an honest livelihood for himself. His + behaviour, so far in life, has been irreproachable; and I hope he will not + degenerate, in principles or practice, from the precepts and pattern of an + indulgent parent. Your Grace's favourable reception of this, from a + distant corner of the diocese, and an obscure hand, will excite filial + gratitude, and a due use shall be made of the obligation vouchsafed + thereby to + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Your Grace's very dutiful and most obedient Son and Servant, + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">ROBERT WALKER.'</span><br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The same man, who was thus liberal in the education of his numerous + family, was even munificent in hospitality as a parish priest. Every + Sunday, were served, upon the long table, at which he has been described + sitting with a child upon his knee, messes of broth, for the refreshment + of those of his congregation who came from a distance, and usually took + their seats as parts of his own household. It seems scarcely possible that + this custom could have commenced before the augmentation of his cure; and + what would to many have been a high price of self-denial, was paid, by the + pastor and his family, for this gratification; as the treat could only be + provided by dressing at one time the whole, perhaps, of their weekly + allowance of fresh animal food; consequently, for a succession of days, + the table was covered with cold victuals only. His generosity in old age + may be still further illustrated by a little circumstance relating to an + orphan grandson, then ten years of age, which I find in a copy of a letter + to one of his sons; he requests that half a guinea may be left for 'little + Robert's pocket-money,' who was then at school: intrusting it to the care + of a lady, who, as he says, 'may sometimes<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage111" id="Cpage111"></a>{111}</span> frustrate his squandering + it away foolishly,' and promising to send him an equal allowance annually + for the same purpose. The conclusion of the same letter is so + characteristic, that I cannot forbear to transcribe it. 'We,' meaning his + wife and himself, 'are in our wonted state of health, allowing for the + hasty strides of old age knocking daily at our door, and threateningly + telling us, we are not only mortal, but must expect ere long to take our + leave of our ancient cottage, and lie down in our last dormitory. Pray + pardon my neglect to answer yours: let us hear sooner from you, to augment + the mirth of the Christmas holidays. Wishing you all the pleasures of the + approaching season, I am, dear Son, with lasting sincerity, yours + affectionately, + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">ROBERT WALKER.'</span><br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + He loved old customs and old usages, and in some instances stuck to them + to his own loss; for, having had a sum of money lodged in the hands of a + neighbouring tradesman, when long course of time had raised the rate of + interest, and more was offered, he refused to accept it; an act not + difficult to one, who, while he was drawing seventeen pounds a year from + his curacy, declined, as we have seen, to add the profits of another small + benefice to his own, lest he should be suspected of cupidity.—From + this vice he was utterly free; he made no charge for teaching school; such + as could afford to pay, gave him what they pleased. When very young, + having kept a diary of his expenses, however trifling, the large amount, + at the end of the year, surprised him; and from that time the rule of his + life was to be economical, not avaricious. At his decease he left behind + him no less a sum than 2000<i>l.</i>; and such a sense of his various + excellencies was prevalent in the country, that the epithet of WONDERFUL + is to this day attached to his name. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is in the above sketch something so extraordinary as to require + further <i>explanatory</i> details.—And to begin with his industry; + eight hours in each day, during five days in the week, and half of + Saturday, except when the labours of husbandry were urgent, he was + occupied in teaching. His seat was within the rails of the altar; the + communion table was his desk; and, like Shenstone's schoolmistress, the + master employed himself at the spinning-wheel, while the children were + repeating their lessons by his side. Every evening, after school hours, if + not more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage112" id="Cpage112"></a>{112}</span> + profitably engaged, he continued the same kind of labour, exchanging, for + the benefit of exercise, the small wheel, at which he had sate, for the + large one on which wool is spun, the spinner stepping to and fro. Thus, + was the wheel constantly in readiness to prevent the waste of a moment's + time. Nor was his industry with the pen, when occasion called for it, less + eager. Intrusted with extensive management of public and private affairs, + he acted, in his rustic neighbourhood, as scrivener, writing out + petitions, deeds of conveyance, wills, covenants, &c., with pecuniary + gain to himself, and to the great benefit of his employers. These labours + (at all times considerable) at one period of the year, viz., between + Christmas and Candlemas, when money transactions are settled in this + country, were often so intense, that he passed great part of the night, + and sometimes whole nights, at his desk. His garden also was tilled by his + own hand; he had a right of pasturage upon the mountains for a few sheep + and a couple of cows, which required his attendance; with this pastoral + occupation, he joined the labours of husbandry upon a small scale, renting + two or three acres in addition to his own less than one acre of glebe; and + the humblest drudgery which the cultivation of these fields required was + performed by himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He also assisted his neighbours in haymaking and shearing their flocks, + and in the performance of this latter service he was eminently dexterous. + They, in their turn, complimented him with the present of a haycock, or a + fleece; less as a recompence for this particular service than as a general + acknowledgment. The Sabbath was in a strict sense kept holy; the Sunday + evenings being devoted to reading the Scripture and family prayer. The + principal festivals appointed by the Church were also duly observed; but + through every other day in the week, through every week in the year, he + was incessantly occupied in work of hand or mind; not allowing a moment + for recreation, except upon a Saturday afternoon, when he indulged himself + with a Newspaper, or sometimes with a Magazine. The frugality and + temperance established in his house, were as admirable as the industry. + Nothing to which the name of luxury could be given was there known; in the + latter part of his life, indeed, when tea had been brought into almost + general use, it was provided for visitors, and for such of his own family + as returned occasionally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage113" + id="Cpage113"></a>{113}</span> to his roof, and had been accustomed to + this refreshment elsewhere; but neither he nor his wife ever partook of + it. The raiment worn by his family was comely and decent, but as simple as + their diet; the home-spun materials were made up into apparel by their own + hands. At the time of the decease of this thrifty pair, their cottage + contained a large store of webs of woollen and linen cloth, woven from + thread of their own spinning. And it is remarkable that the pew in the + chapel in which the family used to sit, remains neatly lined with woollen + cloth spun by the pastor's own hands. It is the only pew in the chapel so + distinguished; and I know of no other instance of his conformity to the + delicate accommodations of modern times. The fuel of the house, like that + of their neighbours, consisted of peat, procured from the mosses by their + own labour. The lights by which, in the winter evenings, their work was + performed, were of their own manufacture, such as still continue to be + used in these cottages; they are made of the pith of rushes, dipped in any + unctuous substance that the house affords. <i>White</i> candles, as tallow + candles are here called, were reserved to honour the Christmas festivals, + and were perhaps produced upon no other occasions. Once a month, during + the proper season, a sheep was drawn from their small mountain flock, and + killed for the use of the family; and a cow, towards the close of the + year, was salted and dried for winter provision: the hide was tanned to + furnish them with shoes.—By these various resources, this venerable + clergyman reared a numerous family, not only preserving them, as he + affectingly says, 'from wanting the necessaries of life;' but affording + them an unstinted education, and the means of raising themselves in + society. In this they were eminently assisted by the effects of their + father's example, his precepts, and injunctions: he was aware that + truth-speaking, as a moral virtue, is best secured by inculcating + attention to accuracy of report even on trivial occasions; and so rigid + were the rules of honesty by which he endeavoured to bring up his family, + that if one of them had chanced to find in the lanes or fields anything of + the least use or value without being able to ascertain to whom it + belonged, he always insisted upon the child's carrying it back to the + place from which it had been brought. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + No one it might be thought could, as has been described, convert his body + into a machine, as it were, of industry for the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage114" id="Cpage114"></a>{114}</span> humblest uses, and keep his + thoughts so frequently bent upon secular concerns, without grievous injury + to the more precious parts of his nature. How could the powers of + intellect thrive, or its graces be displayed, in the midst of + circumstances apparently so unfavourable, and where, to the direct + cultivation of the mind, so small a portion of time was allotted? But, in + this extraordinary man, things in their nature adverse were reconciled. + His conversation was remarkable, not only for being chaste and pure, but + for the degree in which it was fervent and eloquent; his written style was + correct, simple, and animated. Nor did his <i>affections</i> suffer more + than his intellect; he was tenderly alive to all the duties of his + pastoral office: the poor and needy 'he never sent empty away,'—the + stranger was fed and refreshed in passing that unfrequented vale—the + sick were visited; and the feelings of humanity found further exercise + among the distresses and embarrassments in the worldly estate of his + neighbours, with which his talents for business made him acquainted; and + the disinterestedness, impartiality, and uprightness which he maintained + in the management of all affairs confided to him, were virtues seldom + separated in his own conscience from religious obligation. Nor could such + conduct fail to remind those who witnessed it of a spirit nobler than law + or custom: they felt convictions which, but for such intercourse, could + not have been afforded, that, as in the practice of their pastor, there + was no guile, so in his faith there was nothing hollow; and we are + warranted in believing, that upon these occasions, selfishness, obstinacy, + and discord would often give way before the breathings of his good-will, + and saintly integrity. It may be presumed also—while his humble + congregation were listening to the moral precepts which he delivered from + the pulpit, and to the Christian exhortations that they should love their + neighbours as themselves, and do as they would be done unto—that + peculiar efficacy was given to the preacher's labours by recollections in + the minds of his congregation, that they were called upon to do no more + than his own actions were daily setting before their eyes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The afternoon service in the chapel was less numerously attended than that + of the morning, but by a more serious auditory; the lesson from the New + Testament, on those occasions, was accompanied by Burkitt's Commentaries. + These lessons he read with impassioned emphasis, frequently drawing tears + from his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage115" id="Cpage115"></a>{115}</span> + hearers, and leaving a lasting impression upon their minds. His devotional + feelings and the powers of his own mind were further exercised, along with + those of his family, in perusing the Scriptures; not only on the Sunday + evenings, but on every other evening, while the rest of the household were + at work, some one of the children, and in her turn the servant, for the + sake of practice in reading, or for instruction, read the Bible aloud; and + in this manner the whole was repeatedly gone through. That no common + importance was attached to the observance of religious ordinances by his + family, appears from the following memorandum by one of his descendants, + which I am tempted to insert at length, as it is characteristic, and + somewhat curious. 'There is a small chapel in the county palatine of + Lancaster, where a certain clergyman has regularly officiated above sixty + years, and a few months ago administered the sacrament of the Lord's + Supper in the same, to a decent number of devout communicants. After the + clergyman had received himself, the first company out of the assembly who + approached the altar, and kneeled down to be partakers of the sacred + elements, consisted of the parson's wife; to whom he had been married + upwards of sixty years; one son and his wife; four daughters, each with + her husband; whose ages, all added together, amount to above 714 years. + The several and respective distances from the place of each of their + abodes, to the chapel where they all communicated, will measure more than + 1000 English miles. Though the narration will appear surprising, it is + without doubt a fact that the same persons, exactly four years before, met + at the same place, and all joined in performance of the same venerable + duty.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He was indeed most zealously attached to the doctrine and frame of the + Established Church. We have seen him congratulating himself that he had no + dissenters in his cure of any denomination. Some allowance must be made + for the state of opinion when his first religious impressions were + received, before the reader will acquit him of bigotry, when I mention, + that at the time of the augmentation of the cure, he refused to invest + part of the money in the purchase of an estate offered to him upon + advantageous terms, because the proprietor was a Quaker;—whether + from scrupulous apprehension that a blessing would not attend a contract + framed for the benefit of the Church <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage116" id="Cpage116"></a>{116}</span>between persons not in + religious sympathy with each other; or, as a seeker of peace, he was + afraid of the uncomplying disposition which at one time was too frequently + conspicuous in that sect. Of this an instance had fallen under his own + notice; for, while he taught school at Loweswater, certain persons of that + denomination had refused to pay annual interest due under the title of + Church-stock;<a name="CFNanchor_2_2" id="CFNanchor_2_2"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> a great hardship upon the + incumbent, for the curacy of Loweswater was then scarcely less poor than + that of Seathwaite. To what degree this prejudice of his was blameable + need not be determined;—certain it is, that he was not only + desirous, as he himself says, to live in peace, but in love, with all men. + He was placable, and charitable in his judgments; and, however correct in + conduct and rigorous to himself, he was ever ready to forgive the + trespasses of others, and to soften the censure that was cast upon their + frailties.—It would be unpardonable to omit that, in the maintenance + of his virtues, he received due support from the partner of his long life. + She was equally strict, in attending to her share of their joint cares, + nor less diligent in her appropriate occupations. A person who had been + some time their servant in the latter part of their lives, concluded the + panegyric of her mistress by saying to me, 'She was no less excellent than + her husband; she was good to the poor; she was good to every thing!' He + survived for a short time this virtuous companion. When she died, he + ordered that her body should be borne to the grave by three of her + daughters and one grand-daughter; and, when the corpse was lifted from the + threshold, he insisted upon lending his aid, and feeling about, for he was + then almost blind, took hold of a napkin fixed to the coffin; and, as a + bearer of the body, entered the chapel, a few steps from the lowly + parsonage. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What a contrast does the life of this obscurely-seated, and, in point of + worldly wealth, poorly-repaid Churchman, present to that of a Cardinal + Wolsey! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'O 'tis a burthen, Cromwell, 'tis a burthen<br /></span> <span>Too + heavy for a man who hopes for heaven!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have been dwelling upon images of peace in the moral world, that have + brought us again to the quiet enclosure of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage117" id="Cpage117"></a>{117}</span> consecrated ground, in + which this venerable pair lie interred. The sounding brook, that rolls + close by the churchyard, without disturbing feeling or meditation, is now + unfortunately laid bare; but not long ago it participated, with the + chapel, the shade of some stately ash-trees, which will not spring again. + While the spectator from this spot is looking round upon the girdle of + stony mountains that encompasses the vale,—masses of rock, out of + which monuments for all men that ever existed might have been hewn—it + would surprise him to be told, as with truth he might be, that the plain + blue slab dedicated to the memory of this aged pair is a production of a + quarry in North Wales. It was sent as a mark of respect by one of their + descendants from the vale of Festiniog, a region almost as beautiful as + that in which it now lies! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon the Seathwaite Brook, at a small distance from the parsonage, has + been erected a mill for spinning yarn; it is a mean and disagreeable + object, though not unimportant to the spectator, as calling to mind the + momentous changes wrought by such inventions in the frame of society—changes + which have proved especially unfavourable to these mountain solitudes. So + much had been effected by those new powers, before the subject of the + preceding biographical sketch closed his life, that their operation could + not escape his notice, and doubtless excited touching reflections upon the + comparatively insignificant results of his own manual industry. But Robert + Walker was not a man of times and circumstances; had he lived at a later + period, the principle of duty would have produced application as + unremitting; the same energy of character would have been displayed, + though in many instances with widely different effects. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With pleasure I annex, as illustrative and confirmatory of the above + account, extracts from a paper in the <i>Christian Remembrancer</i>, + October, 1819: it bears an assumed signature, but is known to be the work + of the Rev. Bobert Bamford, vicar of Bishopton, in the county of Durham; a + great-grandson of Mr. Walker, whose worth it commemorates, by a record not + the less valuable for being written in very early youth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'His house was a nursery of virtue. All the inmates were industrious, and + cleanly, and happy. Sobriety, neatness, quietness, characterised the whole + family. No railings, no idleness, no indulgence of passion, were + permitted. Every child,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage118" + id="Cpage118"></a>{118}</span> ever young, had its appointed engagements; + every hand was busy. Knitting, spinning, reading, writing, mending + clothes, making shoes, were by the different children constantly + performing. The father himself sitting amongst them, and guiding their + thoughts, was engaged in the same occupations.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'He sate up late, and rose early; when the family were at rest, he retired + to a little room which he had built on the roof of his house. He had + slated it, and fitted it up with shelves for his books, his stock of + cloth, wearing apparel, and his utensils. There many a cold winter's + night, without fire, while the roof was glazed with ice, did he remain + reading or writing till the day dawned. He taught the children in the + chapel, for there was no schoolhouse. Yet in that cold, damp place he + never had a fire. He used to send the children in parties either to his + own fire at home, or make them run up the mountain side. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'It may be further mentioned, that he was a passionate admirer of Nature; + she was his mother, and he was a dutiful child. While engaged on the + mountains it was his greatest pleasure to view the rising sun; and in + tranquil evenings, as it slided behind the hills, he blessed its + departure. He was skilled in fossils and plants; a constant observer of + the stars and winds: the atmosphere was his delight. He made many + experiments on its nature and properties. In summer he used to gather a + multitude of flies and insects, and, by his entertaining description, + amuse and instruct his children. They shared all his daily employments, + and derived many sentiments of love and benevolence from his observations + on the works and productions of Nature. Whether they were following him in + the field, or surrounding him in school, he took every opportunity of + storing their minds with useful information.—Nor was the circle of + his influence confined to Seathwaite. Many a distant mother has told her + child of Mr. Walker, and begged him to be as good a man. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Once, when I was very young, I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing + that venerable old man in his 90th year, and even then, the calmness, the + force, the perspicuity of his sermon, sanctified and adorned by the wisdom + of grey hairs, and the authority of virtue, had such an effect upon my + mind, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage119" id="Cpage119"></a>{119}</span> + I never see a hoary-headed clergyman, without thinking of Mr. Walker.... + He allowed no dissenter or methodist to interfere in the instruction of + the souls committed to his cure: and so successful were his exertions, + that he had not one dissenter of any denomination whatever in the whole + parish.—Though he avoided all religious controversies, yet when age + had silvered his head, and virtuous piety had secured to his appearance + reverence and silent honour, no one, however determined in his hatred of + apostolic descent, could have listened to his discourse on ecclesiastical + history and ancient times, without thinking, that one of the beloved + apostles had returned to mortality, and in that vale of peace had come to + exemplify the beauty of holiness in the life and character of Mr. Walker. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Until the sickness of his wife, a few months previous to her death, his + health and spirits and faculties were unimpaired. But this misfortune gave + him such a shock, that his constitution gradually decayed. His senses, + except sight, still preserved their powers. He never preached with + steadiness after his wife's death. His voice faltered: he always looked at + the seat she had used. He could not pass her tomb without tears. He + became, when alone, sad and melancholy, though still among his friends + kind and good-humoured. He went to bed about twelve o'clock the night + before his death. As his custom was, he went, tottering and leaning upon + his daughter's arm, to examine the heavens, and meditate a few moments in + the open air. "How clear the moon shines to-night!" He said these words, + sighed, and laid down. At six next morning he was found a corpse. Many a + tear, and many a heavy heart, and many a grateful blessing followed him to + the grave.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having mentioned in this narrative the vale of Loweswater as a place where + Mr. Walker taught school, I will add a few memoranda from its parish + register, respecting a person apparently of desires as moderate, with whom + he must have been intimate during his residence there. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Let him that would, ascend the tottering seat<br /></span> <span>Of + courtly grandeur, and become as great<br /></span> <span>As are his + mounting wishes; but for me,<br /></span> <span>Let sweet repose and rest + my portion be.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">HENRY FOREST, Curate,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage120" id="Cpage120"></a>{120}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Honour, the idol which the most adore,<br /></span> <span>Receives + no homage from my knee;<br /></span> <span>Content in privacy I value + more<br /></span> <span>Than all uneasy dignity.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + 'Henry Forest came to Loweswater, 1708, being 25 years of age.'<br /> <br /> + 'This curacy was twice augmented by Queen Anne's Bounty. The first + payment, with great difficulty, was paid to Mr. John Curwen of London, on + the 9th of May, 1724, deposited by me, Henry Forest, Curate of Loweswater. + Ye said 9th of May, ye said Mr. Curwen went to the office, and saw my name + registered there, &c. This, by the Providence of God, came by lot to + this poor place. + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Haec testor H. Forest.'</span> <br /> + </p> + <p> + In another place he records, that the sycamore trees were planted in the + churchyard in 1710. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He died in 1741, having been curate thirty-four years. It is not + improbable that H. Forest was the gentleman who assisted Robert Walker in + his classical studies at Loweswater. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To this parish register is prefixed a motto, of which the following verses + are a part: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Invigilate viri, tacito nam tempora gressu<br /></span> <span>Diffugiunt, + nulloque sono convertitur annus;<br /></span> <span>Utendum est aetate, + cito pede praeterit ajtas.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem323" id="Cpoem323"></a>323. <i>Milton</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'We feel that we are greater than we know.' [Sonnet XXXIV. l. 14.]<br /></span> + <span>'And feel that I am happier than I know.' MILTON.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The allusion to the Greek Poet will be obvious to the classical reader. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem324" id="Cpoem324"></a>324. <i>The White Doe of Rylstone; or + the Fate of the Nortons</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + ADVERTISEMENT. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + During the summer of 1807 I visited, for the first time, the beautiful + country that surrounds Bolton Priory, in Yorkshire; and the Poem of the + White Doe, founded upon a tradition connected with that place, was + composed at the close of the same year. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + THE WHITE DOE OF RYLSTONE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Poem of the White Doe of Rylstone is founded on a local tradition, and + on the Ballad in Percy's Collection, entitled, 'The Rising of the North.' + The tradition is as follows: 'About this time,' not long after the + Dissolution, 'a White Doe,' say the aged people of the neighbourhood, + 'long continued to make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage121" + id="Cpage121"></a>{121}</span> a weekly pilgrimage from Rylstone over the + falls of Bolton, and was constantly found in the Abbey Churchyard during + divine service; after the close of which she returned home as regularly as + the rest of the congregation.'—Dr. Whitaker's <i>History of the + Deanery of Craven</i>.—Rylstone was the property and residence of + the Nortons, distinguished in that ill-advised and unfortunate + Insurrection; which led me to connect with this tradition the principal + circumstances of their fate, as recorded in the Ballad. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Bolton Priory,' says Dr. Whitaker in his excellent book, <i>The History + and Antiquities of the Deanery of Craven</i>, 'stands upon a beautiful + curvature of the Wharf, on a level sufficiently elevated to protect it + from inundations, and low enough for every purpose of picturesque effect. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Opposite to the east window of the Priory Church the river washes the + foot of a rock nearly perpendicular, and of the richest purple, where + several of the mineral beds, which break out, instead of maintaining their + usual inclination to the horizon, are twisted by some inconceivable + process into undulating and spiral lines. To the south all is soft and + delicious; the eye reposes upon a few rich pastures, a moderate reach of + the river, sufficiently tranquil to form a mirror to the sun, and the + bounding hills beyond, neither too near nor too lofty to exclude, even in + winter, any portion of his rays. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'But, after all, the glories of Bolton are on the north. Whatever the most + fastidious taste could require to constitute a perfect landscape, is not + only found here, but in its proper place. In front, and immediately under + the eye, is a smooth expanse of park-like enclosure, spotted with native + elm, ash, &c. of the finest growth: on the right a skirting oak wood, + with jutting points of grey rock; on the left a rising copse. Still + forward are seen the aged groves of Bolton Park, the growth of centuries; + and farther yet, the barren and rocky distances of Simonseat and Barden + Fell contrasted with the warmth, fertility, and luxuriant foliage of the + valley below. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'About half a mile above Bolton the valley closes, and either side of the + Wharf is overhung by solemn woods, from which huge perpendicular masses of + grey rock jut out at intervals. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'This sequestered scene was almost inaccessible till of late, that ridings + have been cut on both sides of the river, and the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage122" id="Cpage122"></a>{122}</span> most interesting points + laid open by judicious thinnings in the woods. Here a tributary stream + rushes from a waterfall, and bursts through a woody glen to mingle its + waters with the Wharf: there the Wharf itself is nearly lost in a deep + cleft in the rock, and next becomes a horned flood enclosing a woody + island—sometimes it reposes for a moment, and then resumes its + native character, lively, irregular, and impetuous. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The cleft mentioned above is the tremendous STRID. This chasm, being + incapable of receiving the winter floods, has formed on either side a + broad strand of naked gritstone full of rock-basins, or "pots of the + Linn," which bear witness to the restless impetuosity of so many Northern + torrents. But, if here Wharf is lost to the eye, it amply repays another + sense by its deep and solemn roar, like "the Voice of the angry Spirit of + the Waters," heard far above and beneath, amidst the silence of the + surrounding woods. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The terminating object of the landscape is the remains of Barden Tower, + interesting from their form and situation, and still more so from the + recollections which they excite.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem325" id="Cpoem325"></a>325. *<i>The White Doe of Rylstone</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The earlier half of this poem was composed at Stockton-upon-Tees, when + Mary and I were on a visit to her eldest brother, Mr. Hutchinson, at the + close of the year 1807. The country is flat, and the weather was rough. I + was accustomed every day to walk to and fro under the shelter of a row of + stacks, in a field at a small distance from the town, and there poured + forth my verses aloud, as freely as they would come. Mary reminds me that + her brother stood upon the punctilio of not sitting down to dinner till I + joined the party; and it frequently happened that I did not make my + appearance till too late, so that she was made uncomfortable. I here beg + her pardon for this and similar transgressions during the whole course of + our wedded life. To my beloved sister the same apology is due. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When, from the visit just mentioned, we returned to Town-End, Grasmere, I + proceeded with the poem. It may be worth while to note as a caution to + others who may cast their eyes on these memoranda, that the skin having + been rubbed off my heel by my wearing too tight a shoe, though I desisted + from walking, I found that the irritation of the wounded part was kept up<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage123" id="Cpage123"></a>{123}</span> by the + act of composition, to a degree that made it necessary to give my + constitution a holiday. A rapid cure was the consequence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Poetic excitement, when accompanied by protracted labour in composition, + has throughout my life brought on more or less bodily derangement. + Nevertheless I am, at the close of my seventy-third year, in what may be + called excellent health. So that intellectual labour is not, necessarily, + unfavourable to longevity. But perhaps I ought here to add, that mine has + been generally carried on out of doors. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let me here say a few words of this Poem, by way of criticism. The subject + being taken from feudal times has led to its being compared to some of + Walter Scott's poems that belong to the same age and state of society. The + comparison is inconsiderate. Sir Walter pursued the customary and very + natural course of conducting an action, presenting various turns of + fortune, to some outstanding point on which the mind might rest as a + termination or catastrophe. The course I attempted to pursue is entirely + different. Everything that is attempted by the principal personages in the + 'White Doe' fails, so far as its object is external and substantial: so + far as it is moral and spiritual, it succeeds. The heroine of the poem + knows that her duty is not to interfere with the current of events, either + to forward or delay them; but— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">'To abide<br /></span> <span>The shock, and finally + secure<br /></span> <span>O'er pain and grief a triumph pure.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This she does in obedience to her brother's injunction, as most suitable + to a mind and character that, under previous trials, had been proved to + accord with his. She achieves this, not without aid from the communication + with the inferior creature, which often leads her thoughts to revolve upon + the past with a tender and humanising influence that exalts rather than + depresses her. The anticipated beatification, if I may so say, of her + mind, and the apotheosis of the companion of her solitude, are the points + at which the poem aims, and constitute its legitimate catastrophe; far too + spiritual a one for instant or widely-spread sympathy, but not therefore + the less fitted to make a deep and permanent impression upon that class of + minds who think and feel more independently than the many do of the + surfaces of things,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage124" id="Cpage124"></a>{124}</span> + and interests transitory because belonging more to the outward and social + forms of life than to its internal spirit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How insignificant a thing, for example, does personal prowess appear, + compared with the fortitude of patience and heroic martyrdom; in other + words, with struggles for the sake of principle, in preference to victory + gloried in for its own sake! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [To these remarks may be added the following, in a letter from the writer + to his friend Archdeacon Wrangham: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">'Thanksgiving Day, Jan. 1816.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Rydal Mount.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'MY DEAR WRANGHAM, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'You have given me an additional mark of that friendly disposition, and + those affectionate feelings which I have long known you to possess, by + writing to me after my long and unjustifiable silence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Of the "White Doe" I have little to say, but that I hope it will be + acceptable to the intelligent, for whom alone it is written. It starts + from a high point of imagination, and comes round, through various + wanderings of that faculty, to a still higher—nothing less than the + apotheosis of the animal who gives the first of the two titles to the + poem. And as the poem thus begins and ends with pure and lofty + imagination, every motive and impetus that actuates the persons introduced + is from the same source; a kindred spirit pervades, and is intended to + harmonise the whole. Throughout, objects (the banner, for instance) derive + their influence, not from properties inherent in them, not from what they + <i>are</i> actually in themselves, but from such as are <i>bestowed</i> + upon them by the minds of those who are conversant with or affected by + those objects. Thus the poetry, if there be any in the work, proceeds, as + it ought to do, from the <i>soul of man</i>, communicating its creative + energies to the images of the external world. But, too much of this. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">'Most faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 28em;">'W. WORDSWORTH.']<a name="CFNanchor_3_3" + id="CFNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#CFootnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage125" id="Cpage125"></a>{125}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem326" id="Cpoem326"></a>326. <i>William Hazlitt's Quotation</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Action is transitory.' [Dedication-postscript, II. 1-6.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This and the five lines that follow were either read or recited by me, + more than thirty years since, to the late Mr. Hazlitt, who quoted some + expressions in them (imperfectly remembered) in a work of his published + several years ago. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem327" id="Cpoem327"></a>327. <i>Bolton Alley</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'From Bolton's old monastic Tower' (c. i. l. 1). + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is to be regretted that at the present day Bolton Abbey wants this + ornament; but the Poem, according to the imagination of the Poet, is + composed in Queen Elizabeth's time. 'Formerly,' says Dr. Whitaker, 'over + the Transept was a tower. This is proved not only from the mention of + bells at the Dissolution, when they could have had no other place, but + from the pointed roof of the choir, which must have terminated westward, + in some building of superior height to the ridge.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem328" id="Cpoem328"></a>328. '<i>When Lady Aäliza + mourned</i>' (c. i. l. 226). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The detail of this tradition may be found in Dr. Whitaker's book, and in a + Poem of this Collection, 'The Force of Prayer:' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Bare breast I take and an empty hand' (c. ii. l. 179 and onward). + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the Old Ballad—'The Rising of the North.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem328a" id="Cpoem328a"></a>328a. <i>Brancepeth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + Nor joy for you,' &c. (c. iii. l. 1). + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Brancepeth Castle stands near the river Were, a few miles from the city of + Durham. It formerly belonged to the Nevilles, Earls of Westmoreland. See + Dr. Percy's account. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem329" id="Cpoem329"></a>329. <i>The Battle of the Standard</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Of mitred Thurston—what a Host<br /></span> <span>He + conquered' (c. iii. ll. 121-2).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the Historians for the account of this memorable battle, usually + denominated the Battle of the Standard.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage126" id="Cpage126"></a>{126}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem330" id="Cpoem330"></a>330. <i>Bells of Rylstone</i> (c. + vii. l. 212). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'When the Bells of Rylstone played<br /></span> <span>Their Sabbath + music—"God us ayde!"'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On one of the bells of Rylstone church, which seems coeval with the + building of the tower, is this cypher, 'I.N.,' for John Norton, and the + motto, 'God us Ayde.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem331" id="Cpoem331"></a>331. '<i>The grassy rock-encircled + Pound</i>' (c. vii. l. 253). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After a quotation from Whitaker. I cannot conclude without recommending to + the notice of all lovers of beautiful scenery, Bolton Abbey and its + neighbourhood. This enchanting spot belongs to the Duke of Devonshire; and + the superintendence of it has for some years been entrusted to the Rev. + William Carr, who has most skilfully opened out its features; and in + whatever he has added, has done justice to the place, by working with an + invisible hand of art in the very spirit of Nature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XIV_ECCLESIASTICAL_SONNETS" id="XIV_ECCLESIASTICAL_SONNETS"></a>XIV. + ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem332" id="Cpoem332"></a>332. <i>Ecclesiastical Sonnets in + Series</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ADVERTISEMENT. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + During the month of December, 1820, I accompanied a much-beloved and + honoured Friend in a walk through different parts of his estate, with a + view to fix upon the site of a new Church which he intended to erect. It + was one of the most beautiful mornings of a mild season,—our + feelings were in harmony with the cherishing influences of the scene; and + such being our purpose, we were naturally led to look back upon past + events with wonder and gratitude, and on the future with hope. Not long + afterwards, some of the Sonnets which will be found towards the close of + this series were produced as a private memorial of that morning's + occupation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Catholic Question, which was agitated in Parliament about that time, + kept my thoughts in the same course; and it struck me that certain points + in the Ecclesiastical History of our Country might advantageously be + presented to view in verse. Accordingly, I took up the subject, and what I + now offer to the reader was the result. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When this work was far advanced, I was agreeably surprised<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage127" id="Cpage127"></a>{127}</span> to find + that my friend, Mr. Southey, had been engaged with similar views in + writing a concise History of the Church <i>in</i> England. If our + Productions, thus unintentionally coinciding, shall be found to illustrate + each other, it will prove a high gratification to me, which I am sure my + friend will participate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14.5em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> Rydal Mount, + January 24, 1822.<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For the convenience of passing from one point of the subject to another + without shocks of abruptness, this work has taken the shape of a series of + Sonnets: but the Reader, it is to be hoped, will find that the pictures + are often so closely connected as to have jointly the effect of passages + of a poem in a form of stanza to which there is no objection but one that + bears upon the Poet only—its difficulty. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem333" id="Cpoem333"></a>333. *<i>Introductory Remarks</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My purpose in writing this Series was, as much as possible, to confine my + view to the 'introduction, progress, and operation of the CHURCH in + ENGLAND, both previous and subsequent to the Reformation. The Sonnets were + written long before Ecclesiastical History and points of doctrine had + excited the interest with which they have been recently enquired into and + discussed. The former particular is mentioned as an excuse for my having + fallen into error in respect to an incident which had been selected as + setting forth the height to which the power of the Popedom over temporal + sovereignty had attained, and the arrogance with which it was displayed. I + allude to the last sonnet but one in the first series, where Pope + Alexander the Third, at Venice, is described as setting his foot on the + neck of the Emperor Barbarossa. Though this is related as a fact in + history, I am told it is a mere legend of no authority. Substitute for it + an undeniable truth, not less fitted for my purpose, namely, the penance + inflicted by Gregory the Seventh upon the Emperor Henry the Fourth, at + [Canosa].<a name="CFNanchor_4_4" id="CFNanchor_4_4"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before I conclude my notice of these Sonnets, let me observe that the + opinion I pronounced in favour of Laud (long before the Oxford Tract + movement), and which had brought censure upon me from several quarters, is + not in the least changed. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage128" + id="Cpage128"></a>{128}</span>Omitting here to examine into his conduct in + respect to the persecuting spirit with which he has been charged, I am + persuaded that most of his aims to restore ritual practices which had been + abandoned, were good and wise, whatever errors he might commit in the + manner he sometimes attempted to enforce them. I further believe, that had + not he, and others who shared his opinions and felt as he did, stood up in + opposition to the Reformers of that period, it is questionable whether the + Church would ever have recovered its lost ground, and become the blessing + it now is, and will, I trust, become in a still greater degree, both to + those of its communion, and those who unfortunately are separated from it: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'<i> 1 saw the Figure of a lovely Maid</i>.' [Sonnet I. Part III.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I came to this part of the Series I had the dream described in this + sonnet. The figure was that of my daughter, and the whole past exactly as + here represented. The sonnet was composed on the middle road leading from + Grasmere to Ambleside: it was begun as I left the last house in the vale, + and finished, word for word, as it now stands, before I came in view of + Rydal. I wish I could say the same of the five or six hundred I have + written: most of them were frequently retouched in the course of + composition, and not a few laboriously. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have only further to observe that the intended church which prompted + these Sonnets was erected on Coleorton Moor, towards the centre of a very + populous parish, between three and four miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, on + the road to Loughborough, and has proved, I believe, a great benefit to + the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [POSTSCRIPT. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As an addition to these general remarks on the 'Ecclesiastical Sonnets,' + it seems only right to give here from the <i>Memoirs</i> (vol. ii. p. 113) + the following on Sonnet XL. (Pt. II.): + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'With what entire affection did they prize<br /></span> <span>Their + <i>new-born</i> Church!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The invidious inferences that would be drawn from this epithet by the + enemies of the English Church and Reformation are too obvious to be + dilated on. The author was aware of this, and in reply to a friend who + called his attention to the misconstruction and perversion to which the + passage was liable, he replied as follows:<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage129" id="Cpage129"></a>{129}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">'Nov. 12. 1846.</span><br /> MY DEAR C——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The passage which you have been so kind as to comment upon in one of the + "Ecclesiastical Sonnets," was altered several years ago by my pen, in a + copy of my poems which I possess, but the correction was not printed till + a place was given it in the last edition, printed last year, in one + volume. It there stands, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + "Their church reformed." + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Though for my own part, as I mentioned some time since in a letter I had + occasion to write to the Bishop of ——, I do not like the term + <i>reformed</i>; if taken in its literal sense, as a <i>transformation</i>, + it is very objectionable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">'Yours affectionately,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 17em;">'W. WORDSWORTH.'</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Further, on the Sonnets on 'Aspects of Christianity in America,' + Wordsworth wrote to his valued friend, Professor Reed of Philadelphia, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'A few days ago, after a very long interval, I returned to poetical + composition; and my first employment was to write a couple of sonnets upon + subjects recommended by you to take place in the Ecclesiastical Series. + They are upon the Marriage Ceremony and the Funeral Service. I have also, + at the same time, added two others, one upon Visiting the Sick, and the + other upon the Thanksgiving of Women after Childbirth, both subjects taken + from the Services of our Liturgy. To the second part of the same series, I + have also added two, in order to do more justice to the Papal Church for + the services which she did actually render to Christianity and humanity in + the Middle Ages. By the by, the sonnet beginning, "Men of the Western + World," &c. was slightly altered after I sent it to you, not in the + hope of substituting a better verse, but merely to avoid the repetition of + the same word, "book," which occurs as a rhyme in "The Pilgrim Fathers." + These three sonnets, I learn, from several quarters, have been well + received by those of your countrymen whom they most concern.']<a + name="CFNanchor_5_5" id="CFNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#CFootnote_5_5" + class="fnanchor">[5]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage130" id="Cpage130"></a>{130}</span> + </p> + <h2> + PART I. FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY INTO BRITAIN TO THE + CONSUMMATION OF THE PAPAL DOMINION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem334" id="Cpoem334"></a>334. <i>St. Paul never in Britain</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Did holy Paul,' &c. [Sonnet II. l. 6.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Stillingfleet adduces many arguments in support of this opinion, but they + are unconvincing. The latter part of this Sonnet (II. 'Conjectures') + refers to a favourite notion of Roman Catholic writers, that Joseph of + Arimathea and his companions brought Christianity into Britain, and built + a rude church at Glastonbury; alluded to hereafter in a passage upon the + dissolution of monasteries. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem335" id="Cpoem335"></a>335. <i>Water-fowl</i>. [Sonnet III. + l. 1.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Screams round the Arch-druid's brow the sea-mew.' + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This water-fowl was among the Druids an emblem of those traditions + connected with the deluge that made an important part of their mysteries. + The cormorant was a bird of bad omen. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem336" id="Cpoem336"></a>336. <i>Hill at St. Allan's: Bede</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'That hill, whose flowery platform,' &c. [Sonnet VI. l. 13.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This hill at St. Alban's must have been an object of great interest to the + imagination of the venerable Bede, who thus describes it, with a delicate + feeling delightful to meet with in that rude age, traces of which are + frequent in his works:—'Variis herbarum floribus depictus imo + usquequaque vestitus, in quo nihil repente arduum, nihil praeceps, nihil + abruptum, quem lateribus longe lateque deductum in modum aequoris natura + complanat, dignum videlicet eum pro insitâ sibi specie venustatis + jam olim reddens, qui beati martyris canore dicaretur.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem337" id="Cpoem337"></a>337. <i>Hallelujahs</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'Nor wants the cause the panic-striking aid Of hallelujahs.' [Sonnet XI. + ll. 1-2.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alluding to the victory gained under Germanus. See Bede.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage131" id="Cpage131"></a>{131}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem338" id="Cpoem338"></a>338. <i>Samuel Daniel and Thomas + Fuller </i>. [Ibid. ll. 9-10.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'By men yet scarcely conscious of a care<br /></span> <span>For + other monuments than those of earth.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The last six lines of this Sonnet are chiefly from the prose of Daniel; + and here I will state (though to the Readers whom this Poem will chiefly + interest it is unnecessary) that my obligations to other prose writers are + frequent,—obligations which, even if I had not a pleasure in + courting, it would have been presumptuous to shun, in treating an + historical subject. I must, however, particularise Fuller, to whom I am + indebted in the Sonnet upon Wycliffe and in other instances. And upon the + acquittal of the Seven Bishops I have done little more than versify a + lively description of that event in the MS. Memoirs of the first Lord + Lonsdale. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem339" id="Cpoem339"></a>339. <i>Monastery of Old Bangor</i>. + [Sonnet XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After a quotation from Turner's 'valuable History of the Anglo-Saxons.' + Taliesen was present at the battle which preceded this desolation. The + account Bede gives of this remarkable event, suggests a most striking + warning against National and Religious prejudices. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem340" id="Cpoem340"></a>340. <i>Paulinus</i>. [Sonnet XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The person of Paulinus is thus described by Bede, from the memory of an + eye-witness: 'Longae staturae, paululum incurvus, nigro capillo, facie + macilenta, naso adunco, pertenui, venerabilis simul et terribilis + aspectu.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem341" id="Cpoem341"></a>341. <i>King Edwin and the Sparrow</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Man's life is like a sparrow.' [Sonnet XVI. l. 1.] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See the original of this speech in Bede.—The Conversion of Edwin, as + related by him, is highly interesting—and the breaking up of this + Council accompanied with an event so striking and characteristic, that I + am tempted to give it at length in a translation. 'Who, exclaimed the + King, when the Council was ended, shall first desecrate the altars and the + temples? I, answered the Chief Priest; for who more fit than myself, + through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage132" id="Cpage132"></a>{132}</span> + the wisdom which the true God hath given me, to destroy, for the good + example of others, what in foolishness is worshipped? Immediately, casting + away vain superstition, he besought the King to grant him what the laws + did not allow to a priest, arms and a courser (equum emissarium); which + mounting, and furnished with a sword and lance, he proceeded to destroy + the Idols. The crowd, seeing this, thought him mad—he however halted + not, but, approaching the profaned temple, casting against it the lance + which he had held in his hand, and, exulting in acknowledgment of the + worship of the true God, he ordered his companions to pull down the + temple, with all its enclosures. The place is shown where those idols + formerly stood, not far from York, at the source of the river Derwent, and + is at this day called Gormund Gaham ubi pontifex ille, inspirante Deo + vero, polluit ac destruxit eas, <i>quas ipse sacraverat aras</i>.' The + last expression is a pleasing proof that the venerable monk of Wearmouth + was familiar with the poetry of Virgil. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem342" id="Cpoem342"></a>342. '<i>Near fresh Streams</i>.' + [Sonnet XVII. l. 12.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The early propagators of Christianity were accustomed to preach near + rivers for the convenience of baptism. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem343" id="Cpoem343"></a>343. <i>The Clergy</i>. [Sonnet XIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having spoken of the zeal, disinterestedness, and temperance of the clergy + of those times, Bede thus proceeds:—'Unde et in magna erat + veneratione tempore illo religionis habitus, ita ut ubicunque clericus + aliquis, aut monachus adveniret, gaudeutur ab omnibus tanquam Dei famulus + exciperetur. Etiam si in itinere pergens inveniretur, accurrebant, et flexâ + cervice, vel manu signari, vel ore illius se benedici, gaudebant. Verbis + quoque horum exhortatoriis diligenter auditum praebebant.'—Lib. iii. + cap. 26. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem343a" id="Cpoem343a"></a>343a. <i>Bede</i>. [Sonnet XIII. l. + 14.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He expired dictating the last words of a translation of St. John's Gospel. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem344" id="Cpoem344"></a>344. <i>Zeal</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'The people work like congregated bees!' [Sonnet XXIV. l. 2.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See in Turner's History, vol. iii. p. 528, the account of the erection of + Ramsey Monastery. Penances were removable by the performance of acts of + charity and benevolence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage133" + id="Cpage133"></a>{133}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem345" id="Cpoem345"></a>345. <i>Alfred</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'pain narrows not his cares.' [Sonnet XXVI. l. 10.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Through the whole of his life, Alfred was subject to grievous maladies. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem346" id="Cpoem346"></a>346. <i>Crown and Cowl</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Woe to the Crown that doth the Cowl obey.' [Sonnet XXXIX. l.1.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The violent measures carried on under the influence of Dunstan, for + strengthening the Benedictine Order, were a leading cause of the second + series of Danish invasions. See Turner. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem347" id="Cpoem347"></a>347. <i>The Council of Clermont</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'in awe-stricken countries far and nigh ... that + voice resounds.<br /></span> <span>[Sonnet XXXIII. ll. 13-14.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The decision of this Council was believed to be instantly known in remote + parts of Europe. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + PART II. TO THE CLOSE OF THE TROUBLES IN THE REIGN OF CHARLES I. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem348" id="Cpoem348"></a>348. <i>Cistertian Monastery</i>. + [Sonnet III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Here man more purely lives,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Bonum est nos hic esse, quia homo vivit purius, cadit rarius, surgit + velocius, incedit cautius, quiescit securius, moritur felicius, purgatur + utius, praemiatur copiosius.'—Bernard. 'This sentence,' says Dr. + Whitaker, 'is usually inscribed in some conspicuous part of the Cistertian + houses.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem349" id="Cpoem349"></a>349. <i>Waldenses</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Whom obloquy pursues with hideous bark.' [Sonnet XIV. l. 8.] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The list of foul names bestowed upon those poor creatures is long and + curious;—and, as is, alas! too natural, most of the opprobrious + appellations are drawn from circumstances into which they were forced by + their persecutors, who even consolidated their miseries into one + reproachful term, calling them Patarenians, or Paturins, from <i>pati</i>, + to suffer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage134" id="Cpage134"></a>{134}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Dwellers with wolves, she names them, for the pine<br /></span> + <span>And green oak are their covert; as the gloom<br /></span> <span>Of + night oft foils their enemy's design,<br /></span> <span>She calls them + Riders on the flying broom;<br /></span> <span>Sorcerers, whose frame and + aspect have become<br /></span> <span>One and the same through practices + malign.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem350" id="Cpoem350"></a>350. <i>Borrowed Lines</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And the green lizard and the gilded newt<br /></span> <span>Lead + unmolested lives, and die of age.' [Sonnet XXI. ll. 7-8.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These two lines are adopted from a MS., written about 1770, which + accidentally fell into my possession. The close of the preceding Sonnet + 'On Monastic Voluptuousness' is taken from the same source, as is the + verse, 'Where Venus sits,' &c., and the line, 'Once ye were holy, ye + are holy still,' in a subsequent Sonnet. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem351" id="Cpoem351"></a>351. <i>Transfiguration</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'One (like those prophets whom God sent of old)<br /></span> <span>Transfigured,' + &c. [Sonnet XXXIV. ll. 4-5.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'M. Latimer suffered his keeper very quietly to pull off his hose, and his + other array, which to looke unto was very simple: and being stripped unto + his shrowd, he seemed as comely a person to them that were present, as one + should lightly see: and whereas in his clothes hee appeared a withered and + crooked sillie (weak) olde man, he now stood bolt upright, as comely a + father as one might lightly behold.... Then they brought a faggotte, + kindled with fire, and laid the same downe at doctor Ridley's feete. To + whome M. Latimer spake in this manner, "Bee of good comfort, master + Ridley, and play the man: wee shall this day light such a candle by God's + grace in England, as I trust shall never bee put out."'—<i>Fox's + Acts, &c.</i> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Similar alterations in the outward figure and deportment of persons + brought to like trial were not uncommon. See note to the above passage in + Dr. Wordsworth's Ecclesiastical Biography, for an example in an humble + Welsh fisherman. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem352" id="Cpoem352"></a>352. <i>Craft</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'craftily incites<br /></span> <span>The overweening, + personates the mad.' [Sonnet XLI. l. 11.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A common device in religious and political conflicts. See Strype in + support of this instance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage135" + id="Cpage135"></a>{135}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem353" id="Cpoem353"></a>353. <i>The Virgin Mountain</i>. + [Sonnet XLIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Jung-frau. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem354" id="Cpoem354"></a>354. <i>Laud</i>. [Sonnet XLV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In this age a word cannot be said in praise of Laud, or even in compassion + for his fate, without incurring a charge of bigotry; but fearless of such + imputation, I concur with Hume, 'that it is sufficient for his vindication + to observe that his errors were the most excusable of all those which + prevailed during that zealous period.' A key to the right understanding of + those parts of his conduct that brought the most odium upon him in his own + time, may be found in the following passage of his speech before the bar + of the House of Peers:—'Ever since I came in place, I have laboured + nothing more than that the external publick worship of God, so much + slighted in divers parts of this kingdom, might be preserved, and that + with as much decency and uniformity as might be. For I evidently saw that + the publick neglect of God's service in the outward face of it, and the + nasty lying of many places dedicated to that service, <i>had almost cast a + damp upon the true and inward worship of God, which while we live in the + body, needs external helps, and all little enough to keep it in any vigour</i>.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + PART III. FROM THE RESTORATION TO THE PRESENT TIME. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem355" id="Cpoem355"></a>355. <i>The Pilgrim Fathers</i>. + [Sonnet XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + American episcopacy, in union with the church in England, strictly belongs + to the general subject; and I here make my acknowledgments to my American + friends, Bishop Doane, and Mr. Henry Reed of Philadelphia, for having + suggested to me the propriety of adverting to it, and pointed out the + virtues and intellectual qualities of Bishop White, which so eminently + fitted him for the great work he undertook. Bishop White was consecrated + at Lambeth, Feb. 4, 1787, by Archbishop Moor; and before his long life was + closed, twenty-six bishops had been consecrated in America, by himself. + For his character and opinions, see his own numerous Works, and a 'Sermon + in commemoration of him, by George Washington Doane, Bishop of New + Jersey.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage136" id="Cpage136"></a>{136}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem356" id="Cpoem356"></a>356. <i>The Clergyman</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A genial hearth——<br /></span> <span>And a refined + rusticity, belong<br /></span> <span>To the neat mansion.' [Sonnet XVIII. + ll. 1-3.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Among the benefits arising, as Mr. Coleridge has well observed, from a + Church Establishment of endowments corresponding with the wealth of the + country to which it belongs, may be reckoned as eminently important, the + examples of civility and refinement which the Clergy stationed at + intervals, afford to the whole people. The Established clergy in many + parts of England have long been, as they continue to be, the principal + bulwark against barbarism, and the link which unites the sequestered + peasantry with the intellectual advancement of the age. Nor is it below + the dignity of the subject to observe, that their taste, as acting upon + rural residences and scenery often furnishes models which country + gentlemen, who are more at liberty to follow the caprices of fashion, + might profit by. The precincts of an old residence must be treated by + ecclesiastics with respect, both from prudence and necessity. I remember + being much pleased, some years ago, at Rose Castle, the rural seat of the + See of Carlisle, with a style of garden and architecture, which, if the + place had belonged to a wealthy layman, would no doubt have been swept + away. A parsonage-house generally stands not far from the church; this + proximity imposes favourable restraints, and sometimes suggests an + affecting union of the accommodations and elegances of life with the + outward signs of piety and mortality. With pleasure I recall to mind a + happy instance of this in the residence of an old and much-valued Friend + in Oxfordshire. The house and church stand parallel to each other, at a + small distance; a circular lawn or rather grass-plot, spreads between + them; shrubs and trees curve from each side of the dwelling, veiling, but + not hiding, the church. From the front of this dwelling, no part of the + burial-ground is seen; but as you wind by the side of the shrubs towards + the steeple-end of the church, the eye catches a single, small, low, + monumental headstone, moss-grown, sinking into, and gently inclining + towards the earth. Advance, and the churchyard, populous and gay with + glittering tombstones, opens upon the view. This humble<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage137" id="Cpage137"></a>{137}</span> and + beautiful parsonage called forth a tribute, for which see the seventh of + the 'Miscellaneous Sonnets,' Part III. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem357" id="Cpoem357"></a>357. <i>Rush-bearing</i>. [Sonnet + XXXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is still continued in many churches in Westmoreland. It takes place + in the month of July, when the floor of the stalls is strewn with fresh + rushes; and hence it is called the 'Rush-bearing.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem358" id="Cpoem358"></a>358. <i>George Dyer</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Teaching us to forget them or forgive.' [Sonnet XXXV. l. 10.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is borrowed from an affecting passage in Mr. George Dyer's History of + Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem359" id="Cpoem359"></a>359. <i>Apprehension</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'had we, like them, endured<br /></span> <span>Sore + stress of apprehension.' [Sonnet XXXVII. l. 6.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See Burnet, who is unusually animated on this subject; the east wind, so + anxiously expected and prayed for, was called the 'Protestant wind.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem360" id="Cpoem360"></a>360. <i>The Cross</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Yet will we not conceal the precious Cross,<br /></span> <span>Like + men ashamed.' [Sonnet XL. ll. 9-10.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Lutherans have retained the Cross within their churches: it is to be + regretted that we have not done the same. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem361" id="Cpoem361"></a>361. <i>Monte Rosa</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Or like the Alpine Mount, that takes its name<br /></span> <span>From + roseate hues,' &c. [Sonnet XLVI. ll. 5-6.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Some say that Monte Rosa takes its name from a belt of rock at its summit—a + very unpoetical and scarcely a probable supposition. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage138" id="Cpage138"></a>{138}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XV_YARROW_REVISITED_AND_OTHER_POEMS" + id="XV_YARROW_REVISITED_AND_OTHER_POEMS"></a>XV. 'YARROW REVISITED,' AND + OTHER POEMS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + COMPOSED (TWO EXCEPTED) DURING A TOUR IN SCOTLAND, AND ON THE ENGLISH + BORDER, IN THE AUTUMN OF 1831. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem362" id="Cpoem362"></a>362. <i>Dedication</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + TO SAMUEL ROGERS, ESQ. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + As a testimony of friendship, and acknowledgment of intellectual + obligations, these Memorials are affectionately inscribed. + </p> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount, Dec. 11, 1834. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following stanzas ['Yarrow Revisited'] are a memorial of a day passed + with Sir Walter Scott, and other friends, visiting the banks of the Yarrow + under his guidance, immediately before his departure from Abbotsford for + Naples. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The title 'Yarrow Revisited' will stand in no need of explanation, for + Readers acquainted with the Author's previous poems suggested by that + celebrated stream. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem363" id="Cpoem363"></a>363. *<i>Yarrow Revisited</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I first became acquainted with this great and amiable man (Sir Walter + Scott) in the year 1803, when my sister and I, making a tour in Scotland, + were hospitably received by him in Lasswade, upon the banks of the Esk, + where he was then living. We saw a good deal of him in the course of the + following week. The particulars are given in my sister's journal of that + tour. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (2) *<i>Ibid.</i> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1831, my daughter and I set off from Rydal to visit Sir + Walter Scott, before his departure for Italy. This journey had been + delayed, by an inflammation in my eyes, till we found that the time + appointed for his leaving home would be too near for him to receive us + without considerable inconvenience. Nevertheless, we proceeded, and + reached Abbotsford on Monday. I was then scarcely able to lift up my eyes + to the light. How sadly changed did I find him from the man I had seen so + healthy, gay, and hopeful a few years before, when he said at the inn at + Paterdale, in my presence, his daughter Anne also being there, with Mr. + Lockhart, my own wife and daughter, and Mr. Quillinan, 'I mean to live + till I am eighty, and shall write as long as I live.' Though we had none + of us the least thought of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage139" + id="Cpage139"></a>{139}</span> cloud of misfortune which was then going to + break upon his head, I was startled, and almost shocked, at that bold + saying, which could scarcely be uttered by such a man, sanguine as he was, + without a momentary forgetfulness of the instability of human life. But to + return to Abbotsford. The inmates and guests we found there were Sir + Walter, Major Scott, Anne Scott, and Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart; Mr. Liddell, + his lady and brother, and Mr. Allan, the painter, and Mr. Laidlaw, a very + old friend of Sir Walter's. One of Burns's sons, an officer in the Indian + service, had left the house a day or two before, and had kindly expressed + his regret that he could not wait my arrival, a regret that I may truly + say was mutual. In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Liddell sang, and Mrs. + Lockhart chaunted old ballads to her harp; and Mr. Allan, hanging over the + back of a chair, told and acted odd stories in a humorous way. With this + exhibition, and his daughter's singing, Sir Walter was much amused, and, + indeed, were we all, as far as circumstances would allow. But what is most + worthy of mention is the admirable demeanour of Major Scott during that + evening.<a name="CFNanchor_6_6" id="CFNanchor_6_6"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> He had much to suffer from + the sight of his father's infirmities and from the great change that was + about to take place at the residence he had built, and where he had long + lived in so much prosperity and happiness. But what struck me most was the + patient kindness with which he supported himself under the many fretful + expressions that his sister Anne addressed to him or uttered in his + hearing, and she, poor thing, as mistress of that house, had been subject, + after her mother's death, to a heavier load of care and responsibility, + and greater sacrifices of time, than one of such a constitution of body + and mind was able to bear. Of this Dora and I were made so sensible, that + as soon as we had crossed the Tweed on our departure, we gave vent at the + same moment to our apprehensions that her brain would fail and she would + go out of her mind, or that she would sink under the trials she had passed + and those which awaited her. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday morning, Sir Walter Scott accompanied us, and most of the + party, to Newark Castle, on the <i>Yarrow</i>. When we alighted from the + carriages, he walked pretty stoutly, and had great pleasure in revisiting + these his favourite haunts. Of that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage140" + id="Cpage140"></a>{140}</span> excursion, the verses, 'Yarrow Revisited' + are a memorial. Notwithstanding the romance that pervades Sir Walter's + works, and attaches to many of his habits, there is too much pressure of + fact for these verses to harmonise, as much as I could wish, with the two + preceding poems. On our return in the afternoon, we had to cross the + Tweed, directly opposite Abbotsford. The wheels of our carriage grated + upon the pebbles in the bed of the stream, that there flows somewhat + rapidly. A rich, but sad light, of rather a purple than a golden hue, was + spread over the Eildon Hills at that moment; and, thinking it probable + that it might be the last time Sir Walter would cross the stream, I was + not a little moved, and expressed some of my feelings in the sonnet + beginning, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A trouble, not of clouds,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At noon on Thursday we left Abbotsford, and on the morning of that day, + Sir Walter and I had a serious conversation, <i>tête-à-tête</i>, + when he spoke with gratitude of the happy life which, upon the whole, he + had led. He had written in my daughter's album, before he came into the + breakfast-room that morning, a few stanzas addressed to her; and while + putting the book into her hand, in his own Study, standing by his desk, he + said to her in my presence, 'I should not have done any thing of this + kind, but for your father's sake; they are probably the last verses I + shall ever write.' They show how much his mind was impaired; not by the + strain of thought, but by the execution, some of the lines being + imperfect, and one stanza wanting corresponding rhymes. One letter, the + initial S., had been omitted in the spelling of his own name. In this + interview, also, it was that, upon my expressing a hope of his health + being benefited by the climate of the country to which he was going, and + by the interest he would take in the classic remembrances of Italy, he + made use of the quotation from 'Yarrow Revisited,' as recorded by me in + the 'Musings at Aquapendente,' six years afterwards. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lockhart has mentioned in his life of him, what I heard from several + quarters while abroad, both at Rome and elsewhere, that little seemed to + interest him but what he could collect or heard of the fugitive Stuarts, + and their adherents who had followed them into exile. Both the 'Yarrow + Revisited' and the 'Sonnet' were sent him before his departure from + England. Some further particulars of the conversations which occurred + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage141" id="Cpage141"></a>{141}</span>during + this visit I should have set down, had they not been already accurately + recorded by Mr. Lockhart. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem364" id="Cpoem364"></a>364. *<i>A Place of Burial in the + South of Scotland</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Similar places for burial are not unfrequent in Scotland. The one that + suggested this sonnet lies on the banks of a small stream, called the + Wauchope, that flows into the Esk near Langholme. Mickle, who, as it + appears from his poem on Sir Martin, was not without genuine poetic + feelings, was born and passed his boyhood in this neighbourhood, under his + father, who was a minister of the Scotch Kirk. The Esk, both above and + below Langholme, flows through a beautiful country; and the two streams of + the Wauchope and the Ewes, which join it near that place, are such as a + pastoral poet would delight in. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem365" id="Cpoem365"></a>365. *<i>On the Sight of a Manse in + the South of Scotland</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The manses in Scotland, and the gardens and grounds about them, have + seldom that attractive appearance which is common about our English + parsonages, even when the clergyman's income falls below the average of + the Scotch minister's. This is not merely owing to the one country being + poor in comparison with the other, but arises rather out of the equality + of their benefices, so that no one has enough to spare for decorations + that might serve as an example for others, whereas with us the taste of + the richer incumbent extends its influence more or less to the poorest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After all, in these observations, the surface only of the matter is + touched. I once heard a conversation, in which the Roman Catholic religion + was decried on account of its abuses: 'You cannot deny, however,' said a + lady of the party, repeating an expression used by Charles II., 'that it + is the religion of a gentleman.' It may be left to the Scotch themselves + to determine how far this observation applies to the [religion] of their + Kirk; while it cannot be denied [that] if it is wanting in that + characteristic quality, the aspect of common life, so far as concerns its + beauty, must suffer. Sincere Christian piety may be thought not to stand + in need of refinement or studied ornament, but assuredly it is ever ready + to adopt them, when they fall within its notice, as means allow: and this + observation applies not only to manners, but to everything that a + Christian (truly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage142" id="Cpage142"></a>{142}</span> + so in spirit) cultivates and gathers round him, however humble his social + condition. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem366" id="Cpoem366"></a>366. *<i>Composed in Roslin Chapel + during a Storm</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We were detained, by incessant rain and storm, at the small inn near + Roslin Chapel, and I passed a great part of the day pacing to and fro in + this beautiful structure, which, though not used for public service, is + not allowed to go to ruin. Here this sonnet was composed, and [I shall be + fully satisfied] if it has at all done justice to the feeling which the + place and the storm raging without inspired. I was as a prisoner. A + Painter delineating the interior of the chapel and its minute features, + under such circumstances, would have no doubt found his time agreeably + shortened. But the movements of the mind must be more free while dealing + with words than with lines and colours. Such, at least, was then, and has + been on many other occasions, my belief; and as it is allotted to few to + follow both arts with success, I am grateful to my own calling for this + and a thousand other recommendations which are denied to that of the + Painter. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem367" id="Cpoem367"></a>367. *<i>The Trosachs</i>. [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem368" id="Cpoem368"></a>368. *<i>Composed in the Glen of Lock + Etive</i>. [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'That make the patriot spirit.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was mortifying to have frequent occasions to observe the bitter hatred + of the lower orders of the Highlanders to their superiors: love of country + seemed to have passed into its opposite. Emigration was the only relief + looked to with hope. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem369" id="Cpoem369"></a>369. <i>Eagles: composed at Dunollie + Castle in the Bay of Oban</i>. [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The last I saw was on the wing, off the promontory of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage143" id="Cpage143"></a>{143}</span> Fairhead, county of Antrim. + I mention this, because, though my tour in Ireland, with Mr. Marshall and + his son, was made many years ago, this allusion to the eagle is the only + image supplied by it to the poetry I have since written. We travelled + through the country in October; and to the shortness of the days, and the + speed with which we travelled (in a carriage-and-four), may be ascribed + this want of notices, in my verse, of a country so interesting. The + deficiency I am somewhat ashamed of, and it is the more remarkable, as + contrasted with my Scotch and continental tours, of which are to be found + in these volumes so many memorials. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem370" id="Cpoem370"></a>370. *<i>In the Sound of Mull</i>. + [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Touring late in the season in Scotland is an uncertain speculation. We + were detained a week by rain at Bunaw, on Loch Etive, in a vain hope that + the weather would clear up, and allow me to show my daughter the beauties + of Glencoe. Two days we were at the Isle of Mull, on a visit to Major + Campbell; but it rained incessantly, and we were obliged to give up our + intention of going to Staffa. The rain pursued us to Tyndrum, where the + next sonnet was composed in a storm. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem371" id="Cpoem371"></a>371. '<i>Shepherds of Etive Glen</i>.' + [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In Gaelic—Buachaill Eite. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem372" id="Cpoem372"></a>372. <i>Highland Broach</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On ascending a hill that leads from Loch Awe towards Inverary, I fell into + conversation with a woman of the humbler class, who wore one of these + Highland broaches. I talked with her about it, and upon parting with her, + when I said, with a kindness I truly felt, 'May the broach continue in + your family for many generations to come, as you have already possessed + it,' she thanked me most becomingly, and seemed not a little moved. The + exact resemblance which the old broach (still in use, though rarely met + with among the Highlanders) bears to the Roman Fibula must strike every + one, and concurs, with the plaid and kilt, to recall to mind the + communication which the ancient Romans had with this remote country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Note.—How much the Broach is sometimes prized by persons in humble + stations may be gathered from an occurrence<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage144" id="Cpage144"></a>{144}</span> mentioned to me by a female + friend. She had an opportunity of benefiting a poor old woman in her own + hut, who, wishing to make a return, said to her daughter in Erse, in a + tone of plaintive earnestness, 'I would give anything I have, but I <i>hope</i> + she does not wish for my Broach!' and uttering these words she put her + hand upon the Broach which fastened her kerchief, and which she imagined + had attracted the eye of her benefactress.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem373" id="Cpoem373"></a>373. <i>The Brownie</i>. [XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon a small island not far from the head of Loch Lomond, are some remains + of an ancient building, which was for several years the abode of a + solitary Individual, one of the last survivors of the clan of Macfarlane, + once powerful in that neighbourhood. Passing along the shore opposite this + island in the year 1814, the Author learned these particulars, and that + this person then living there had acquired the appellation of 'The + Brownie.' See 'The Brownie's Cell' ['Memorials of a Tour in Scotland, + 1814,' I.], to which the following is a sequel. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem374" id="Cpoem374"></a>374. *<i>Bothwell Castle</i>. + [XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In my Sister's Journal is an account of Bothwell Castle as it appeared to + us at that time. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem375" id="Cpoem375"></a>375. *<i>The Avon: a Feeder of the + Avon</i>. [XX. l. 2.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Yet is it one that other rivulets bear.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is the Shakspeare Avon, the Bristol Avon, the one that flows by + Salisbury, and a small river in Wales, I believe, bear the name; Avon + being, in the ancient tongue, the general name for river. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem376" id="Cpoem376"></a>376. *<i>Suggested by a View from an + Eminence in Inglewood Forest</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The extensive forest of Inglewood has been enclosed within my memory. I + was well acquainted with it in its ancient state. The Hartshorn tree, + mentioned in the next sonnet, was one of its remarkable objects, as well + as another tree that grew upon an eminence not far from Penrith. It was + single and conspicuous, and, being of a round shape, though it was + universally known to be a 'sycamore,' it was always called the 'Round + Thorn,' so difficult is it to chain fancy down to fact.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage145" id="Cpage145"></a>{145}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem377" id="Cpoem377"></a>377. <i>Hart's-Horn Tree, near + Penrith</i>. [XXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [After a quotation from Nicholson and Burns's History of Westmoreland and + Cumberland.] The tree has now disappeared, but I well remember its + imposing appearance as it stood, in a decayed state, by the side of the + high road leading from Penrith to Appleby. The whole neighbourhood abounds + in interesting traditions and vestiges of antiquity, viz., Julian's Bower; + Brougham and Penrith Castles; Penrith Beacon, and the curious remains in + Penrith Churchyard; Arthur's Round Table, and, close by, Maybrough; the + excavation, called the Giant's Cave, on the banks of the Emont; Long Meg + and her daughters, near Eden, &c., &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem378" id="Cpoem378"></a>378. <i>Fancy and Tradition</i>. + [XXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Suggested by the recollection of Juliana's bower and other traditions + connected with this ancient forest. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem379" id="Cpoem379"></a>379. <i>Countess' Pillar</i>. [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On the road-side between Penrith and Appleby there stands a pillar with + the following inscription:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + 'This pillar was erected in the year 1656, by Anne Countess Dowager of + Pembroke, &c. for a memorial of her last parting with her pious + mother, Margaret Countess Dowager of Cumberland, on the 2d April, 1616; + in memory whereof she hath left an annuity of £4, to be + distributed to the poor of the parish of Brougham, every 2d day of April + for ever, upon the stone table placed hard by. <i>Laus Deo</i>!' + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XVI_EVENING_VOLUNTARIES" id="XVI_EVENING_VOLUNTARIES"></a>XVI. + EVENING VOLUNTARIES. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem380" id="Cpoem380"></a>380. <i>Lines composed on a high part + of the coast of Cumberland, Easter Sunday, April 7th, the Author's + sixty-third birthday</i>. [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The lines were composed on the road between Moresby and Whitehaven, while + I was on a visit to my son, then rector of Moresby. This succession of + Voluntaries, with the exception of the 8th and 9th, originated in the + concluding lines of the last paragraph of this poem. With this coast I + have been familiar from my earliest childhood, and remember being struck + for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage146" id="Cpage146"></a>{146}</span> + first time by the town and port of Whitehaven, and the white waves + breaking against its quays and piers, as the whole came into view from the + top of the high ground down which the road,—which has since been + altered,—then descended abruptly. My sister, when she first heard + the voice of the sea from this point, and beheld the scene spread before + her, burst into tears. Our family then lived at Cockermouth, and this fact + was often mentioned among us as indicating the sensibility for which she + was so remarkable. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem381" id="Cpoem381"></a>381. *<i>By the Sea-side</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These lines were suggested during my residence under my son's roof at + Moresby on the coast near Whitehaven, at the time when I was composing + those verses among the Evening Voluntaries that have reference to the Sea. + In some future edition I purpose to place it among that class of poems. It + was in that neighbourhood I first became acquainted with the ocean and its + appearances and movements. My infancy and early childhood were passed at + Cockermouth, about eight miles from the coast, and I well remember that + mysterious awe with which I used to listen to anything said about storms + and shipwrecks. Sea-shells of many descriptions were common in the town, + and I was not a little surprised when I heard Mr. Landor had denounced me + as a Plagiarist from himself for having described a boy applying a + sea-shell to his ear, and listening to it for intimation of what was going + on in its native element. This I had done myself scores of times, and it + was a belief among us that we could know from the sound whether the tide + was ebbing or flowing. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem382" id="Cpoem382"></a>382. <i>Not in the lucid intervals of + life</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The lines following, 'Nor do words,' &c., were written with Lord + Byron's character as a poet before me, and that of others among his + contemporaries, who wrote under like influences. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem383" id="Cpoem383"></a>383. <i>The leaves that rustled on + this oak-crowned hill</i>. [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed by the side of Grasmere Lake. The mountains that enclose the + vale, especially towards Easedale, are most favourable to the + reverberation of sound: there is a passage in 'The Excursion,' towards the + close of the 4th book, where the voice of the raven in flight is traced + through the modifications<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage147" + id="Cpage147"></a>{147}</span> it undergoes, as I have often heard it in + that vale and others of this district. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem384" id="Cpoem384"></a>384. <i>Impromptu</i>. [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Impromptu appeared, many years ago, among the Author's Poems, from + which, in subsequent editions, it was excluded. It is reprinted at the + request of the Friend in whose presence the lines were thrown off. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem384a" id="Cpoem384a"></a>384a. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Reprinted at the request of my Sister, in whose presence the lines were + thrown off. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem385" id="Cpoem385"></a>385. *<i>Composed upon an Evening of + extraordinary Splendour and Beauty</i>. [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Felt, and in a great measure composed, upon the little mount in front of + our abode at Rydal. In concluding my notices of this class of poems it may + be as well to observe, that among the Miscellaneous Sonnets are a few + alluding to morning impressions, which might be read with mutual benefit + in connection with these Evening Voluntaries. See for example that one on + Westminster Bridge, that on May 2d, on the song of the Thrush, and the one + beginning 'While beams of orient light.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem386" id="Cpoem386"></a>386. <i>Alston: American Painter</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Wings at my shoulder seem to play' (IX. iii. l. 9).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In these lines I am under obligation to the exquisite picture of 'Jacob's + Dream,' by Mr. Alston, now in America. It is pleasant to make this public + acknowledgment to a man of genius, whom I have the honour to rank among my + friends. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem387" id="Cpoem387"></a>387. <i>Mountain-ridges</i>. [<i>Ibid.</i> + IV. l. 20.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The multiplication of mountain-ridges, described at the commencement of + the third stanza of this Ode as a kind of Jacob's Ladder, leading to + Heaven, is produced either by watery vapours or sunny haze; in the present + instance by the latter cause. Allusions to the Ode, entitled 'Intimations + of Immortality,' pervade the last stanza of the foregoing Poem. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage148" id="Cpage148"></a>{148}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a + name="XVII_POEMS_COMPOSED_OR_SUGGESTED_DURING_A_TOUR_IN_THE_SUMMER_OF_1833" + id="XVII_POEMS_COMPOSED_OR_SUGGESTED_DURING_A_TOUR_IN_THE_SUMMER_OF_1833"></a>XVII. + POEMS COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem388" id="Cpoem388"></a>388. <i>Advertisement</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having been prevented by the lateness of the season, in 1831, from + visiting Staffa and Iona, the author made these the principal objects of a + short tour in the summer of 1833, of which the following series of poems + is a Memorial. The course pursued was down the Cumberland river Derwent, + and to Whitehaven; thence (by the Isle of Man, where a few days were + passed,) up the Frith of Clyde to Greenock, then to Oban, Staffa, Iona, + and back towards England by Loch Awe, Inverary, Loch Goil-head, Greenock, + and through parts of Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, and Dumfriesshire to + Carlisle, and thence up the River Eden, and homeward by Ullswater. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem389" id="Cpoem389"></a>389. <i>The Greta</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'But if thou, like Cocytus,' &c. (IV. l. 5).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many years ago, when I was at Greta Bridge, in Yorkshire, the hostess of + the inn, proud of her skill in etymology, said, that 'the name of the + river was taken from the <i>bridge</i>, the form of which, as every one + must notice, exactly resembled a great A.' Dr. Whitaker has derived it + from the word of common occurrence in the north of England, '<i>to greet</i>;' + signifying to lament aloud, mostly with weeping; a conjecture rendered + more probable from the stony and rocky channel of both the Cumberland and + Yorkshire rivers. The Cumberland Greta, though it does not, among the + country people, take up <i>that</i> name till within three miles of its + disappearance in the river Derwent, may be considered as having its source + in the mountain cove of Wythburn, and flowing through Thirlmere, the + beautiful features of which lake are known only to those who, travelling + between Grasmere and Keswick, have quitted the main road in the vale of + Wythburn, and, crossing over to the opposite side of the lake, have + proceeded with it on the right hand. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The channel of the Greta, immediately above Keswick, has, for the purposes + of building, been in a great measure cleared of the immense stones which, + by their concussion in high floods, produced the loud and awful noises + described in the sonnet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage149" + id="Cpage149"></a>{149}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The scenery upon this river,' says Mr. Southey in his Colloquies, 'where + it passes under the woody side of Latrigg, is of the finest and most + rememberable kind: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——"ambiguo lapsu refluitque fluitque,<br /></span> + <span>Occurrensque sibi venturas aspicit undas."'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem390" id="Cpoem390"></a>390. <i>Brigham Church</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'By hooded votaresses,' &c. (VIII. l. 11).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Attached to the church of Brigham was formerly a chantry, which held a + moiety of the manor; and in the decayed parsonage some vestiges of + monastic architecture are still to be seen. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem391" id="Cpoem391"></a>391. *<i>Nun's Well, Brigham</i>. + [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + So named from the Religious House which stood close by. I have rather an + odd anecdote to relate of the Nun's Well. One day the landlady of a public + house, a field's length from it, on the road-side, said to me, 'You have + been to see the Nun's Well, sir.' 'The Nun's Well! What is that?' said the + postman, who in his royal livery stopt his mail-car at the door. The + landlady and I explained to him what the name meant, and what sort of + people the nuns were. A countryman who was standing by rather tipsy + stammered out, 'Ay, those Nuns were good people; they are gone, but we + shall soon have them back again.' The Reform mania was just then at its + height. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem392" id="Cpoem392"></a>392. *<i>To a Friend</i>. [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Pastor and Patriot.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My son John, who was then building a parsonage on his small living at + Brigham. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem393" id="Cpoem393"></a>393. <i>Mary Queen of Scots landing + at Workington</i>. [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The fears and impatience of Mary were so great,' says Robertson, 'that + she got into a fisher-boat, and with about twenty attendants landed at + Workington, in Cumberland; and thence she was conducted with many marks of + respect to Carlisle.' The apartment in which the Queen had slept at + Workington Hall (where she was received by Sir Henry Curwen as became her + rank and misfortunes) was long preserved, out of respect to her memory, as + she had left it; and one cannot but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage150" + id="Cpage150"></a>{150}</span> regret that some necessary alterations in + the mansion could not be effected without its destruction. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem394" id="Cpoem394"></a>394. *<i>Mary Queen of Scots</i>.[X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Bright as a star.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will mention for the sake of the friend who is writing down these Notes + that it was among the fine Scotch firs near Ambleside, and particularly + those near Green Bank, that I have over and over again paused at the sight + of this image. Long may they stand to afford a like gratification to + others! This wish is not uncalled for—several of their brethren + having already disappeared. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + N.B. The Poem of St. Bees to follow at this place. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem395" id="Cpoem395"></a>395. <i>St. Bees and Charlotte Smith</i>. + [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + St. Bees' Heads, anciently called the Cliff of Baruth, are a conspicuous + sea-mark for all vessels sailing in the N.E. parts of the Irish Sea. In a + bay, one side of which is formed by the southern headland, stands the + village of St. Bees; a place distinguished, from very early times, for its + religious and scholastic foundations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'St. Bees,' say Nicholson and Burns, 'had its name from Bega, an holy + woman from Ireland, who is said to have founded here, about the year of + our Lord 650, a small monastery, where afterwards a church was built in + memory of her. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The aforesaid religious house, being destroyed by the Danes, was restored + by William de Meschiens, son of Ranulph, and brother of Ranulph de + Meschiens, first Earl of Cumberland after the Conquest; and made a cell of + a prior and six Benedictine monks to the Abbey of St. Mary at York.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Several traditions of miracles, connected with the foundation of the first + of these religious houses, survive among the people of the neighbourhood; + one of which is alluded to in these Stanzas; and another, of a somewhat + bolder and more peculiar character, has furnished the subject of a + spirited poem by the Rev. R. Parkinson, M.A., late Divinity Lecturer of + St. Bees' College, and now Fellow of the Collegiate Church of Manchester. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After the dissolution of the monasteries, Archbishop Grindal founded a + free school at St. Bees, from which the counties of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage151" id="Cpage151"></a>{151}</span> Cumberland and Westmoreland + have derived great benefit; and recently, under the patronage of the Earl + of Lonsdale, a college has been established there for the education of + ministers for the English Church. The old Conventual Church has been + repaired under the superintendence of the Rev. Dr. Ainger, the Head of the + College; and is well worthy of being visited by any strangers who might be + led to the neighbourhood of this celebrated spot. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The form of stanza in this Poem, and something in the style of + versification, are adopted from the 'St. Monica,' a poem of much beauty + upon a monastic subject, by Charlotte Smith: a lady to whom English verse + is under greater obligations than are likely to be either acknowledged or + remembered. She wrote little, and that little unambitiously, but with true + feeling for rural Nature, at a time when Nature was not much regarded by + English Poets; for in point of time her earlier writings preceded, I + believe, those of Cowper and Burns. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem396" id="Cpoem396"></a>396. <i>Requiems</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Are not, in sooth, their Requiems sacred ties?' (XI. l. 73.)<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am aware that I am here treading upon tender ground; but to the + intelligent reader I feel that no apology is due. The prayers of + survivors, during passionate grief for the recent loss of relatives and + friends, as the object of those prayers could no longer be the suffering + body of the dying, would naturally be ejaculated for the souls of the + departed; the barriers between the two worlds dissolving before the power + of love and faith. The ministers of religion, from their habitual + attendance upon sick-beds, would be daily witnesses of these benign + results; and hence would be strongly tempted to aim at giving to them + permanence, by embodying them in rites and ceremonies, recurring at stated + periods. All this, as it was in course of nature, so was it blameless, and + even praiseworthy; since some of its effects, in that rude state of + society, could not but be salutary. No reflecting person, however, can + view without sorrow the abuses which rose out of thus formalising sublime + instincts and disinterested movements of passion, and perverting them into + means of gratifying the ambition and rapacity of the priesthood. But, + while we deplore and are indignant at these abuses, it would be a great + mistake if we imputed the origin of the offices<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage152" id="Cpage152"></a>{152}</span> to prospective selfishness + on the part of the monks and clergy; <i>they</i> were at first sincere in + their sympathy, and in their degree dupes rather of their own creed than + artful and designing men. Charity is, upon the whole, the safest guide + that we can take in judging our fellow-men, whether of past ages or of the + present time. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem397" id="Cpoem397"></a>397. <i>Sir William Hillary</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">'And they are led by noble Hillary' (XV. + l. 14).</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The TOWER OF REFUGE, an ornament to Douglas Bay, was erected chiefly + through the humanity and zeal of Sir William Hillary; and he also was the + founder of the lifeboat establishment at that place; by which, under his + superintendence, and often by his exertions at the imminent hazard of his + own life, many seamen and passengers have been saved. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem398" id="Cpoem398"></a>398. <i>Isle of Man</i>. [XVI. l. + 14.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sea-water on the coast of the Isle of Man is singularly pure and + beautiful. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem399" id="Cpoem399"></a>399. *<i>Isle of Man</i>. [XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My son William is here the person alluded to as saving the life of the + youth; and the circumstances were as mentioned in the Sonnet. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem400" id="Cpoem400"></a>400. *<i>By a retired Mariner</i>. + [XIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mary's brother Henry. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem401" id="Cpoem401"></a>401. *<i>At Bala Sala</i>. [XX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A thankful refuge. Supposed to be written by a friend (Mr. Cookson) who + died there a few years after. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem402" id="Cpoem402"></a>402. *<i>Tynwald Hill</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Robinson and I walked the greater part of the way from Castle-Town to + Peel, and stopped some time at Tynwald Hill. My companions were an elderly + man, who in a muddy way (for he was tipsy) explained and answered as far + as he could my enquiries about the place and the ceremonies held here. I + found more agreeable company in some little children, one of whom, upon my + request, recited the Lord's Prayer to me, and I helped her to a clearer + understanding of it as well as I could; but I was not at all satisfied + with my own part. Hers was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage153" + id="Cpage153"></a>{153}</span> much better done; and I am persuaded that, + like other children, she knew more about it than she was able to express, + especially to a stranger. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem403" id="Cpoem403"></a>403. <i>Snafell</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Off with you cloud, old Snafell' (Sonnet XXI. l. 9).<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The summit of this mountain is well chosen by Cowley as the scene of the + 'Vision,' in which the spectral angel discourses with him concerning the + government of Oliver Cromwell. 'I found myself,' says he, 'on the top of + that famous hill in the Island Mona, which has the prospect of three + great, and not long since most happy, kingdoms. As soon as ever I looked + upon them, they called forth the sad representation of all the sins and + all the miseries that had overwhelmed them these twenty years.' It is not + to be denied that the changes now in progress, and the passions, and the + way in which they work, strikingly resemble those which led to the + disasters the philosophic writer so feelingly bewails. God grant that the + resemblance may not become still more striking as months and years + advance! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem404" id="Cpoem404"></a>404. <i>Eagle in Mosaic</i>. [Sonnet + XXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'On revisiting Dunolly Castle.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This ingenious piece of workmanship, as I afterwards learned, had been + executed for their own amusement by some labourers employed about the + place. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem405" id="Cpoem405"></a>405. *<i>In the Frith of Clyde</i>.—<i>Ailsa + Crag during an eclipse of the sun, July 17, 1833</i>. [XXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The morning of the eclipse was exquisitely beautiful while we passed the + Crag, as described in the sonnet. On the deck of the steamboat were + several persons of the poor and labouring class; and I could not but be + struck with their cheerful talk with each other, while not one of them + seemed to notice the magnificent objects with which we were surrounded; + and even the phenomenon of the eclipse attracted but little of their + attention. Was it right not to regret this? They appeared to me, however, + so much alive in their own minds to their own concerns that I could not + but look upon it as a misfortune that they had little perception for such + pleasures as cannot be cultivated without ease and leisure. Yet, if one + surveys life in all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage154" id="Cpage154"></a>{154}</span> + its duties and relations, such ease and leisure will not be found so + enviable a privilege as it may at first appear. Natural philosophy, + painting, and poetry, and refined taste, are no doubt great acquisitions + to society; but among those who dedicate themselves to such pursuits it is + to be feared that few are as happy and as consistent in the management of + their lives as the class of persons who at that time led me into this + course of reflection. I do not mean by this to be understood to derogate + from intellectual pursuits, for that would be monstrous. I say it in deep + gratitude for this compensation to those whose cares are limited to the + necessities of daily life. Among them, self-tormentors, so numerous in the + higher classes of society, are rare. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem406" id="Cpoem406"></a>406. *<i>On the Frith of Clyde</i>.—<i>In + a Steamboat</i>, [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The mountain outline on the north of this island [Arran], as seen from the + Frith of Clyde, is much the finest I have ever noticed in Scotland or + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem407" id="Cpoem407"></a>407. '<i>There, said a Stripling</i>.' + [XXXVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mosgiel was thus pointed out to me by a young man, on the top of the coach + on my way from Glasgow to Kilmarnock. It is remarkable, that though Burns + lived some time here, and during much the most productive period of his + poetical life, he nowhere adverts to the splendid prospects stretching + towards the sea, and bounded by the peaks of Arran on one part, which in + clear weather he must have had daily before his eyes. Yet this is easily + explained. In one of his poetical effusions he speaks of describing 'fair + Nature's face,' as a privilege on which he sets a high value; + nevertheless, natural appearances rarely take a lead in his poetry. It is + as a human being, eminently sensitive and intelligent, and not as a poet + clad in his priestly robes and carrying the ensigns of sacerdotal office, + that he interests and affects us. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Whether he speaks of rivers, hills, and woods, it is not so much on + account of the properties with which they are absolutely endowed, as + relatively to local patriotic remembrances and associations, or as they + are ministerial to personal feelings, especially those of love, whether + happy or otherwise; yet it is not <i>always</i> so. Soon after we had + passed Mosgiel Farm we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage155" + id="Cpage155"></a>{155}</span> crossed the Ayr, murmuring and winding + through a narrow woody hollow. His line, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Auld hermit Ayr staw thro' his woods,' [=stole]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + came at once to my mind, with Irwin, Lugar, Ayr, and Doon, Ayrshire + streams over which he breathes a sigh, as being unnamed in song; and, + surely, his own attempts to make them known were as successful as his + heart could desire. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem408" id="Cpoem408"></a>408. *<i>Written on a Blank Leaf of + Macpherson's 'Ossian</i>.' [XXVII] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This poem should, for variety's sake, take its place among the itinerary + Sonnets on one of the Scotch Tours. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem409" id="Cpoem409"></a>409. <i>Cave of Staffa</i>. [XXIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The reader may be tempted to exclaim, 'How came this and the two following + Sonnets to be written, after the dissatisfaction expressed in the + preceding one?' In fact, at the risk of incurring the reasonable + displeasure of the master of the steamboat, I returned to the cave, and + explored it under circumstances more favourable to those imaginative + impressions which it is so wonderfully fitted to make upon the mind. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem410" id="Cpoem410"></a>410. <i>Ox-eyed Daisy</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Hope smiled when your nativity was cast,<br /></span> <span>Children + of summer!' (XXXI. ll. 1-2.)<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon the head of the columns which form the front of the cave, rests a + body of decomposed basaltic matter, which was richly decorated with that + large bright flower, the ox-eyed daisy. I had noticed the same flower + growing with profusion among the bold rocks on the western coast of the + Isle of Man; making a brilliant contrast with their black and gloomy + surfaces. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem411" id="Cpoem411"></a>411. <i>Iona</i>. [XXXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The four last lines of this Sonnet are adapted from a well-known Sonnet of + Russel, as conveying my feeling better than any words of my own could do.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage156" id="Cpage156"></a>{156}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem412" id="Cpoem412"></a>412. <i>River Eden</i>, [XXXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Yet fetched from Paradise.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is to be feared that there is more of the poet than the sound + etymologist in this derivation of the name Eden. On the western coast of + Cumberland is a rivulet which enters the sea at Moresby, known also in the + neighbourhood by the name of Eden. May not the latter syllable come from + the word Dean, <i>a valley</i>? Langdale, near Ambleside, is by the + inhabitants called Langden. The former syllable occurs in the name Emont, + a principal feeder of the Eden; and the stream which flows, when the tide + is out, over Cartmel Sands, is called the Ea—eau, French—aqua, + Latin. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem413" id="Cpoem413"></a>413. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Nature gives thee flowers that have no rival amidst British + bowers.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This can scarcely be true to the letter; but without stretching the point + at all, I can say that the soil and air appear more congenial with many + upon the bank of this river than I have observed in any other parts of + Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem414" id="Cpoem414"></a>414. *<i>Monument of Mrs. Howard</i>. + [XXXIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before this monument was put up in the chapel at Wetheral, I saw it in the + sculptor's studio. Nollekens, who, by the bye, was a strange and grotesque + figure that interfered much with one's admiration of his works, showed me + at the same time the various models in clay which he had made one after + another of the mother and her infant. The improvement on each was + surprising, and how so much grace, beauty, and tenderness had come out of + such a head I was sadly puzzled to conceive. Upon a window-seat in his + parlour lay two casts of faces; one of the Duchess of Devonshire, so noted + in her day, and the other of Mr. Pitt, taken after his death—a + ghastly resemblance, as these things always are, even when taken from the + living subject, and more ghastly in this instance (of Mr. Pitt) from the + peculiarity of the features. The heedless and apparently neglectful manner + in which the faces of these two persons were left—the one so + distinguished in London society, and the other upon whose counsels and + public conduct during a most momentous period depended the fate of this + great empire, and, perhaps, of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage157" + id="Cpage157"></a>{157}</span> all Europe—afforded a lesson to which + the dullest of casual visitors could scarcely be insensible. It touched me + the more because I had so often seen Mr. Pitt upon his own ground at + Cambridge and upon the floor of the House of Commons. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem415" id="Cpoem415"></a>415. <i>Nunnery</i>. [XLI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I became acquainted with the walks of Nunnery when a boy. They are within + easy reach of a day's pleasant excursion from the town of Penrith, where I + used to pass my summer holidays under the roof of my maternal grandfather. + The place is well worth visiting, tho' within these few years its privacy, + and therefore the pleasure which the scene is so well fitted to give, has + been injuriously affected by walks cut in the rocks on that side the + stream which had been left in its natural state. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem416" id="Cpoem416"></a>416. <i>Scene at Corby</i>. [XLII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Canal, and Viaduct, and Railway tell!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Corby, a few miles below Nunnery, the Eden is crossed by a magnificent + viaduct; and another of these works is thrown over a deep glen or ravine + at a very short distance from the main stream. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem417" id="Cpoem417"></a>417. *<i>Druidical Monument</i>. + [XLIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A weight of awe not easy to be borne.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The daughters of Long Meg, placed in a perfect circle eighty yards in + diameter, are seventy-two in number above ground; a little way out of the + circle stands Long Meg herself, a single stone, eighteen feet high. When I + first saw this monument, as I came upon it by surprise, I might over-rate + its importance as an object; but, though it will not bear a comparison + with Stonehenge, I must say, I have not seen any other relique of those + dark ages, which can pretend to rival it in singularity and dignity of + appearance. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem418" id="Cpoem418"></a>418. *<i>Lowther</i>. [XLIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Cathedral pomp.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It may be questioned whether this union was in the contemplation of the + Artist when he planned the edifice. However this might be, a Poet may be + excused for taking the view of the subject presented in this Sonnet.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage158" id="Cpage158"></a>{158}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem419" id="Cpoem419"></a>419. <i>To the Earl of Lonsdale</i>. + [XLV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This sonnet was written immediately after certain trials, which took place + at the Cumberland Assizes, when the Earl of Lonsdale, in consequence of + repeated and long-continued attacks upon his character, through the local + press, had thought it right to prosecute the conductors and proprietors of + three several journals. A verdict of libel was given in one case; and, in + the others, the prosecutions were withdrawn, upon the individuals + retracting and disavowing the charges, expressing regret that they had + been made, and promising to abstain from the like in future. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem420" id="Cpoem420"></a>420. *<i>The Somnambulist</i>. + [XLVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This poem might be dedicated to my friend Sir G. Beaumont and Mr. Rogers + jointly. While we were making an excursion together in this part of the + Lake District, we heard that Mr. Glover the artist, while lodging at + Lyulph's Tower, had been disturbed by a loud shriek, and upon rising he + learnt that it had come from a young woman in the house who was in the + habit of walking in her sleep. In that state she had gone down stairs, and + while attempting to open the outer door, either from some difficulty, or + the effect of the cold stone upon her feet, had uttered the cry which + alarmed him. It seemed to us all that this might serve as a hint for a + poem, and the story here told was constructed, and soon after put into + verse by me as it now stands. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Note.—'Lyulph's Tower'—A pleasure-house built by the late + Duke of Norfolk upon the banks of Ullswater. Force is the word used in the + Lake District for Waterfall.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XVIII_POEMS_OF_SENTIMENT_AND_REFLECTION" + id="XVIII_POEMS_OF_SENTIMENT_AND_REFLECTION"></a>XVIII. POEMS OF SENTIMENT + AND REFLECTION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem421" id="Cpoem421"></a>421. <i>Expostulation and Reply</i>. + [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This poem is a favourite among the Quakers, as I have learnt on many + occasions. It was composed in front of the house at Alfoxden, in the + spring of 1798. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem422" id="Cpoem422"></a>422. <i>The Tables turned</i>. [II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed at the same time [as Expostulation and Reply]. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage159" id="Cpage159"></a>{159}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem423" id="Cpoem423"></a>423. *<i>Lines written in early + Spring</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1798. Actually composed while I was sitting by the side of the brook that + runs down from the <i>Comb</i>, in which stands the village of Alford, + through the grounds of Alfoxden. It was a chosen resort of mine. The brook + fell down a sloping rock, so as to make a waterfall, considerable for that + country; and, across the pool below, had fallen a tree, an ash, if I + rightly remember, from which rose, perpendicularly, boughs in search of + the light intercepted by the deep shade above. The boughs bore leaves of + green, that for want of sunshine had faded into almost lily-white; and + from the underside of this natural sylvan bridge depended long and + beautiful tresses of ivy, which waved gently in the breeze, that might, + poetically speaking, be called the breath of the waterfall. This motion + varied, of course, in proportion to the power of water in the brook. When, + with dear friends, I revisited this spot, after an interval of more than + forty years, this interesting feature of the scene was gone. To the owner + of the place I could not but regret that the beauty of this retired part + of the grounds had not tempted him to make it more accessible, by a path, + not broad or obtrusive, but sufficient for persons who love such scenes to + creep along without difficulty. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem424" id="Cpoem424"></a>424. *<i>A Character</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The principal features are taken from that of my friend Robert Jones. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem425" id="Cpoem425"></a>425. *<i>To my Sister</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed in front of Alfoxden House. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My little boy-messenger on this occasion was the son of Basil Montagu. The + larch mentioned in the first stanza was standing when I revisited the + place in May, 1841, more than forty years after. I was disappointed that + it had not improved in appearance, as to size, nor had it acquired + anything of the majesty of age, which, even though less perhaps than any + other tree, the larch sometimes does. A few score yards from this tree + grew, when we inhabited Alfoxden, one of the most remarkable beech-trees + ever seen. The ground sloped both towards and from it. It was of immense + size, and threw out arms that struck into the soil like those of the + banyan-tree, and rose again<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage160" + id="Cpage160"></a>{160}</span> from it. Two of the branches thus inserted + themselves twice, which gave to each the appearance of a serpent moving + along by gathering itself up in folds. One of the large boughs of this + tree had been torn off by the wind before we left Alfoxden, but five + remained. In 1841 we could barely find the spot where the tree had stood. + So remarkable a production of nature could not have been wilfully + destroyed. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem426" id="Cpoem426"></a>426. *<i>Simon Lee, the old Huntsman</i>. + [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This old man had been huntsman to the Squires of Alfoxden, which, at the + time we occupied it, belonged to a minor. The old man's cottage stood upon + the Common, a little way from the entrance to Alfoxden Park. But [in 1841] + it had disappeared. Many other changes had taken place in the adjoining + village, which I could not but notice with a regret more natural than + well-considered. Improvements but rarely appear such to those who after + long intervals of time revisit places they have had much pleasure in. It + is unnecessary to add, the fact was as mentioned in the poem; and I have, + after an interval of forty-five years, the image of the old man as fresh + before my eyes as if I had seen him yesterday. The expression when the + hounds were out, 'I dearly love their voice,' was word for word from his + own lips. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem427" id="Cpoem427"></a>427. *<i>Lines written in Germany</i>. + 1798-9. [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A plague,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A bitter winter it was when these verses were composed by the side of my + sister, in our lodgings, at a draper's house, in the romantic imperial + town of Goslar, on the edge of the Hartz Forest. In this town the German + Emperors of the Franconian line were accustomed to keep their court, and + it retains vestiges of ancient splendour. So severe was the cold of this + winter, that when we passed out of the parlour warmed by the stove, our + cheeks were struck by the air as by cold iron. I slept in a room over a + passage that was not ceiled. The people of the house used to say rather + unfeelingly, that they expected I should be frozen to death some night; + but with the protection of a pelisse lined with fur, and a dog's-skin + bonnet, such as was worn by the peasants, I walked daily on the ramparts, + or on a sort of public ground or garden, in which was a pond. Here I had + no companion but a kingfisher, a beautiful creature that <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage161" id="Cpage161"></a>{161}</span>used to + glance by me. I consequently became much attached to it. During these + walks I composed the poem that follows, 'The Poet's Epitaph.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Foot-note.—The Reader must be apprised, that the Stoves in North + Germany generally have the impression of a gallopping horse upon them, + this being part of the Brunswick Arms. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem428" id="Cpoem428"></a>428. *<i>To the Daisy</i>. [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This and the other poems addressed to the same flower were composed at + Town-End, Grasmere, during the earlier part of our residence there. I have + been censured for the last line but one, 'thy function apostolical,' as + being little less than profane. How could it be thought so? The word is + adopted with reference to its derivation, implying something sent on a + mission; and assuredly, this little flower, especially when the subject of + verse, may be regarded, in its humble degree, as administering both to + moral and to spiritual purposes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem429" id="Cpoem429"></a>429. <i>Matthew</i>. [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the school [of Hawkshead] is a tablet, on which are inscribed, in gilt + letters, the names of the several persons who have been schoolmasters + there since the foundation of the school, with the time at which they + entered upon and quitted their office. Opposite to one of those names the + Author wrote the following lines: 'If Nature,' &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem430" id="Cpoem430"></a>430. *<i>Matthew</i>. [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such a tablet as is here spoken of continued to be preserved in Hawkshead + school, though the inscriptions were not brought down to our time. This + and other poems connected with Matthew would not gain by a literal detail + of facts. Like the wanderer in the 'Excursion,' this schoolmaster was made + up of several, both of his class and men of other occupations. I do not + ask pardon for what there is of untruth in such verses, considered + strictly as matters of fact. It is enough if, being true and consistent in + spirit, they move and teach in a manner not unworthy of a Poet's calling.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage162" id="Cpage162"></a>{162}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem431" id="Cpoem431"></a>431. *<i>Personal Talk</i>. [XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written at Town-End. The last line but two stood at first, better and more + characteristically, thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'By my half-kitchen and half-parlour fire.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister and I were in the habit of having the teakettle in our little + sitting-room; and we toasted the bread ourselves, which reminds me of a + little circumstance not unworthy of being set down among these minutiae. + Happening both of us to be engaged a few minutes one morning, when we had + a young prig of a Scotch lawyer to breakfast with us, my dear sister, with + her usual simplicity, put the toasting-fork with a slice of bread into the + hands of this Edinburgh genius. Our little book-case stood on one side of + the fire. To prevent loss of time, he took down a book, and fell to + reading, to the neglect of the toast, which was burnt to a cinder. Many a + time have we laughed at this circumstance and other cottage simplicities + of that day. By the bye, I have a spite at one of this series of sonnets + (I will leave the reader to discover which), as having been the means of + nearly putting off for ever our acquaintance with dear Miss Fenwick, who + has always stigmatised one line of it as vulgar, and worthy only of having + been composed by a country squire. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem432" id="Cpoem432"></a>432. *<i>To the Spade of a Friend</i>. + 1804. [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This person was Thomas Wilkinson, a Quaker by religious profession; by + natural constitution of mind—or, shall I venture to say, by God's + grace? he was something better. He had inherited a small estate, and built + a house upon it, near Yanwath, upon the banks of the Emont. I have heard + him say that his heart used to beat, in his boyhood, when he heard the + sound of a drum and fife. Nevertheless, the spirit of enterprise in him + confined itself in tilling his ground, and conquering such obstacles as + stood in the way of its fertility. Persons of his religious persuasion do + now, in a far greater degree than formerly, attach themselves to trade and + commerce. He kept the old track. As represented in this poem, he employed + his leisure hours in shaping pleasant walks by the side of his beloved + river, where he also built something between a hermitage and a + summer-house, attaching to it inscriptions, after the manner of Shenstone + at his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage163" id="Cpage163"></a>{163}</span> + Leasowes. He used to travel from time to time, partly from love of Nature, + and partly with religious friends, in the service of humanity. His + admiration of genius in every department did him much honour. Through his + connection with the family in which Edmund Burke was educated, he became + acquainted with that great man, who used to receive him with great + kindness and condescension; and many times have I heard Wilkinson speak of + those interesting interviews. He was honoured also by the friendship of + Elizabeth Smith, and of Thomas Clarkson and his excellent wife, and was + much esteemed by Lord and Lady Lonsdale, and every member of that family. + Among his verses (he wrote many), are some worthy of preservation; one + little poem in particular, upon disturbing, by prying curiosity, a bird + while hatching her young in his garden. The latter part of this innocent + and good man's life was melancholy. He became blind, and also poor, by + becoming surety for some of his relations. He was a bachelor. He bore, as + I have often witnessed, his calamities with unfailing resignation. I will + only add, that while working in one of his fields, he unearthed a stone of + considerable size, then another, and then two more; and observing that + they had been placed in order, as if forming the segment of a circle, he + proceeded carefully to uncover the soil, and brought into view a beautiful + Druid's temple, of perfect, though small dimensions. In order to make his + farm more compact, he exchanged this field for another, and, I am sorry to + add, the new proprietor destroyed this interesting relic of remote ages + for some vulgar purpose. The fact, so far as concerns Thomas Wilkinson, is + mentioned in the note on a sonnet on 'Long Meg and her Daughters.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem433" id="Cpoem433"></a>433. *<i>A Night Thought</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These verses were thrown off extempore upon leaving Mr. Luff's house at + Fox Ghyll one evening. The good woman is not disposed to look at the + bright side of things, and there happened to be present certain ladies who + had reached the point of life where <i>youth</i> is ended, and who seemed + to contend with each other in expressing their dislike of the country and + the climate. One of them had been, heard to say she could not endure a + country where there was 'neither sunshine nor cavaliers.' [In pencil on + opposite page—Gossip.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage164" + id="Cpage164"></a>{164}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem434" id="Cpoem434"></a>434. *<i>An Incident characteristic + of a favourite Dog</i>. [XVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This dog I knew well. It belonged to Mrs. Wordsworth's brother, Mr. Thomas + Hutchinson, who then lived at Sockburn-on-the-Tees, a beautiful retired + situation, where I used to visit him and his sisters before my marriage. + My sister and I spent many months there after my return from Germany in + 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem435" id="Cpoem435"></a>435. <i>Tribute to the Memory of the + same Dog</i>. [XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Was written at the same time, 1805. The dog Music died, aged and blind, by + falling into a draw-well at Gallow Hill, to the great grief of the family + of the Hutchinsons, who, as has been before mentioned, had removed to that + place from Sockburn. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem436" id="Cpoem436"></a>436. <i>Fidelity</i>. [XVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The young man whose death gave occasion to this poem was named Charles + Gough, and had come early in the Spring to Patterdale for the sake of + angling. While attempting to cross over Helvellyn to Grasmere he slipped + from a steep part of the rock where the ice was not thawed, and perished. + His body was discovered as described in this poem. Walter Scott heard of + the accident, and both he and I, without either of us knowing that the + other had taken up the subject, each wrote a poem in admiration of the + dog's fidelity. His contains a most beautiful stanza: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'How long didst thou think that his silence was slumber!<br /></span> + <span>When the wind waved his garment how oft didst thou start!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will add that the sentiment in the last four lines of the last stanza of + my verses was uttered by a shepherd with such exactness, that a traveller, + who afterwards reported his account in print, was induced to question the + man whether he had read them, which he had not. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem437" id="Cpoem437"></a>437. *<i>Ode to Duty</i>. [XIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Ode, written in 1805, is on the model of Gray's 'Ode to Adversity,' + which is copied from Horace's 'Ode to Fortune.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many and many a time have I been twitted by my wife and sister for having + forgotten this dedication of myself to the stern<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage165" id="Cpage165"></a>{165}</span> law-giver. Transgressor + indeed I have been, from hour to hour, from day to day; I would fain hope + however not more flagrantly or in a worse way than most of my tuneful + brethren. But these last words are in a wrong strain. We should be + rigorous to ourselves, and forbearing, if not indulgent, to others, and if + we make comparisons at all it ought to be with those who have morally + excelled us. [In pencil—But is not the first stanza of Gray's from a + chorus of Aeschylus? And is not Horace's Ode also modelled on the Greek?] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem438" id="Cpoem438"></a>438. *<i>Character of the Happy + Warrior</i>. [XX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The course of the great war with the French naturally fixed one's + attention upon the military character; and, to the honour of our country, + there are many illustrious instances of the qualities that constitute its + highest excellence. Lord Nelson carried most of the virtues that the + trials he was exposed to in his department of the service necessarily call + forth and sustain, if they do not produce the contrary vices. But his + public life was stained with one great crime, so that, though many + passages of these lines were suggested by what was generally known as + excellent in his conduct, I have not been able to connect his name with + the poem as I could wish, or even to think of him with satisfaction in + reference to the idea of what a warrior ought to be. For the sake of such + of my friends as may happen to read this note I will add, that many + elements of the character here portrayed were found in my brother John, + who perished by shipwreck, as mentioned elsewhere. His messmates used to + call him 'the Philosopher;' from which it must be inferred that the + qualities and dispositions I allude to had not escaped their notice. He + often expressed his regret, after the war had continued some time, that he + had not chosen the Naval instead of the East India Company's Service, to + which his family connection had led him. He greatly valued moral and + religious instruction for youth, as tending to make good sailors. The + best, he used to say, came from Scotland; the next to them from the north + of England, especially from Westmoreland and Cumberland, where, thanks to + the piety and local attachments of our ancestors, endowed, or, as they are + called, free-schools abound.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage166" + id="Cpage166"></a>{166}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem439" id="Cpoem439"></a>439. *<i>The Force of Prayer</i>. + [XXI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + An appendage to 'The White Doe.' My friend, Mr. Rogers, has also written + on the subject. The story is preserved in Dr. Whitaker's <i>History of + Craven</i>, a topographical writer of first-rate merit in all that + concerns the past; but such was his aversion from the modern spirit, as + shown in the spread of manufactories in those districts of which he + treated, that his readers are left entirely ignorant, both of the progress + of these arts, and their real bearing upon the comfort, virtues, and + happiness of the inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + While wandering on foot through the fertile valleys, and over the + moorlands of the Apennine that divides Yorkshire from Lancashire, I used + to be delighted with observing the number of substantial cottages that had + sprung up on every side, each having its little plot of fertile ground, + won from the surrounding waste. A bright and warm fire, if needed, was + always to be found in these dwellings. The father was at his loom, the + children looked healthy and happy. Is it not to be feared that the + increase of mechanic power has done away with many of these blessings, and + substituted many evils? Alas, if these evils grow, how are they to be + checked, and where is the remedy to be found? Political economy will not + supply it, that is certain. We must look to something deeper, purer, and + higher. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem440" id="Cpoem440"></a>440. *<i>A Fact and an Imagination</i>. + [XXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first and last four lines of this poem each make a sonnet, and were + composed as such. But I thought that by intermediate lines they might be + connected so as to make a whole. One or two expressions are taken from + Milton's <i>History of England</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem441" id="Cpoem441"></a>441. *<i>A little Onward</i>. + [XXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The complaint in my eyes which gave occasion to this address to my + daughter first showed itself as a consequence of inflammation, caught at + the top of Kirkstone, when I was over-heated by having carried up the + ascent my eldest son, a lusty infant. Frequently has the disease recurred + since, leaving the eyes in a state which has often prevented my reading + for months, and makes me at this day incapable of bearing without injury<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage167" id="Cpage167"></a>{167}</span> any + strong light by day or night. My acquaintance with books has therefore + been far short of my wishes, and on this account, to acknowledge the + services daily and hourly done me by my family and friends, this note is + written. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem442" id="Cpoem442"></a>442. <i>Ode to Lycoris</i>. [XXIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This, as well as the preceding and the two that follow, were composed in + front of Rydal Mount, and during my walks in the neighbourhood. + Nine-tenths of my verses have been murmured out in the open air. And here + let me repeat what I believe has already appeared in print. One day a + stranger, having walked round the garden and grounds of Rydal Mount, asked + of one of the female servants, who happened to be at the door, permission + to see her master's Study. 'This,' said she, leading him forward, 'is my + master's library, where he keeps his books; but his study is out of + doors.' After a long absence from home, it has more than once happened + that some one of my cottage neighbours (not of the double-coach-house + cottages) has said, 'Well, there he is; we are glad to hear him <i>booing</i> + about again.' Once more, in excuse for so much egotism, let me say these + notes are written for my familiar friends, and at their earnest request. + Another time a gentleman, whom James had conducted through the grounds, + asked him what kind of plants throve best there. After a little + consideration, he answered, 'Laurels.' 'That is,' said the stranger, 'as + it should be. Don't you know that the laurel is the emblem of poetry, and + that poets used, on public occasions, to be crowned with it?' James stared + when the question was first put, but was doubtless much pleased with the + information. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem443" id="Cpoem443"></a>443. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The discerning reader who is aware that in the poem of 'Ellen Irwin' I was + desirous of throwing the reader at once out of the old ballad, so as if + possible to preclude a comparison between that mode of dealing with the + subject and the mode I meant to adopt, may here, perhaps, perceive that + this poem originated in the four last lines of the first stanza. These + specks of snow reflected in the lake, and so transferred, as it were, to + the subaqueous sky, reminded me of the swans which the fancy of the + ancient classic poets yoked to the car of Venus. Hence the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage168" id="Cpage168"></a>{168}</span> tenor of + the whole first stanza and the name of Lycoris, which with some readers, + who think mythology and classical allusion too far-fetched, and therefore + more or less unnatural or affected, will tend to unrealise the sentiment + that pervades these verses. But surely one who has written so much in + verse as I have done may be allowed to retrace his steps into the regions + of fancy which delighted him in his boyhood, when he first became + acquainted with the Greek and Roman Poets. Before I read Virgil I was so + strongly attached to Ovid, whose <i>Metamorphoses</i> I read at school, + that I was quite in a passion whenever I found him, in books of criticism, + placed below Virgil. As to Homer, I was never weary of travelling over the + scenes through which he led me. Classical literature affected me by its + own beauty. But the truths of Scripture having been entrusted to the dead + languages, and these fountains having been recently laid open at the + Reformation, an importance and a sanctity were at that period attached to + classical literature that extended, as is obvious in Milton's <i>Lycidas</i>, + for example, both to its spirit and form in a degree that can never be + revived. No doubt the hackneyed and lifeless use into which mythology fell + towards the close of the 17th century, and which continued through the + 18th, disgusted the general reader with all allusion to it in modern + verse. And though, in deference to this disgust, and also in a measure + participating in it, I abstained in my earlier writings from all + introduction of pagan fable,—surely, even in its humble form, it may + ally itself with real sentiment—as I can truly affirm it did in the + present case. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem444" id="Cpoem444"></a>444. <i>Memory</i>. [XXVIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The verses 'Or strayed from hope and promise, self-betrayed,' were, I am + sorry to say, suggested from apprehensions of the fate of my friend H.C., + the subject of the verses addressed to H.C. when six years old. The piece + which follows, to 'Memory,' arose out of similar feelings. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem445" id="Cpoem445"></a>445. <i>This Lawn</i>. [XXIX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This lawn is the sloping one approaching the kitchen-garden, and was made + out of it. Hundreds of times have I here watched the dancing of shadows + amid a press of sunshine, and other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage169" + id="Cpage169"></a>{169}</span> beautiful appearances of light and shade, + flowers and shrubs. What a contrast between this and the cabbages and + onions and carrots that used to grow there on a piece of ugly-shaped + unsightly ground! No reflection, however, either upon cabbages or onions. + The latter, we know, were worshipped by the Egyptians; and he must have a + poor eye for beauty who has not observed how much of it there is in the + form and colour which cabbages and plants of this genus exhibit through + the various stages of their growth and decay. A richer display of colour + in vegetable nature can scarcely be conceived than Coleridge, my sister, + and I saw in a bed of potatoe plants in blossom near a hut upon the moor + between Inversneyd and Loch Katrine. These blossoms were of such + extraordinary beauty and richness that no one could have passed them + without notice. But the sense must be cultivated through the mind before + we can perceive those inexhaustible treasures of Nature—for such + they truly are—without the least necessary reference to the utility + of her productions, or even to the laws whereupon, as we learn by + research, they are dependent. Some are of opinion that the habit of + analysing, decomposing, and anatomising, is inevitably unfavourable to the + perception of beauty. People are led into this mistake by overlooking the + fact that such processes being to a certain extent within the reach of a + limited intellect, we are apt to ascribe to them that insensibility of + which they are in truth the effect, and not the cause. Admiration and + love, to which all knowledge truly vital must tend, are felt by men of + real genius in proportion as their discoveries in Natural Philosophy are + enlarged; and the beauty in form of a plant or an animal is not made less + but more apparent as a whole by a more accurate insight into its + constituent properties and powers. A <i>Savant</i>, who is not also a poet + in soul and a religionist in heart, is a feeble and unhappy creature. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem446" id="Cpoem446"></a>446. <i>Humanity</i>. [XXX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These verses and the preceding ones, entitled 'Liberty,' were composed as + one piece, which Mrs. W. complained of as unwieldy and ill-proportioned; + and accordingly it was divided into two, on her judicious recommendation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Printed notes: 'The rocking-stones alluded to in the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage170" id="Cpage170"></a>{170}</span>beginning of the following + verses are supposed to have been used, by our British ancestors, both for + judicial and religious purposes. Such stones are not uncommonly found, at + this day, both in Great Britain and in Ireland.' On l. 32, 'Descending to + the worm in charity:' 'I am indebted here to a passage in one of Mr. + Digby's valuable works.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem447" id="Cpoem447"></a>447. <i>Thought on the Seasons</i>. + [XXXI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written at Rydal Mount, 1829. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem448" id="Cpoem448"></a>448. <i>To</i> ——, <i>on + the Birth of her first Child</i>. [XXXII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written at Moresby near Whitehaven, 1833, when I was on a visit to my son, + then incumbent of that small living. While I am dictating these Notes to + my friend Miss Fenwick, Jan. 24th, 1843, the child, upon whose birth these + verses were written, is under my roof, and is of a disposition so + promising that the wishes and prayers and prophecies which I then breathed + forth in verse are, thro' God's mercy, likely to be realised. [In pencil—Jane?] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem449" id="Cpoem449"></a>449. <i>The Warning: a Sequel to the + Foregoing</i>. [XXXIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These lines were composed during the fever spread through the nation by + the Reform Bill. As the motives which led to this measure, and the good or + evil which has attended or has risen from it, will be duly appreciated by + future historians, there is no call for dwelling on the subject in this + place. I will content myself with saying that the then condition of the + people's mind is not, in these verses, exaggerated. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem450" id="Cpoem450"></a>450. <i>The Labourer's Noon-day Hymn</i>. + [XXXV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Bishop Ken's Morning and Evening Hymns are, as they deserve to be, + familiarly known. Many other hymns have also been written on the same + subjects; but not being aware of any being designed for noon-day I was + induced to compose these verses. Often we had occasion to observe cottage + children carrying in their baskets dinner to their fathers engaged with + their daily labours in the fields and woods. How gratifying would it be to + me could I be assured that any portion of these<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage171" id="Cpage171"></a>{171}</span> stanzas had been sung by + such a domestic concert under such circumstances. A friend of mine has + told me that she introduced this Hymn into a village-school which she + superintended; and the stanzas in succession furnished her with texts to + comment upon in a way which without difficulty was made intelligible to + the children, and in which they obviously took delight; and they were + taught to sing it to the tune of the old 100th Psalm. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem451" id="Cpoem451"></a>451. *<i>Ode composed on May Morning</i>. + [XXXVI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + *<i>To May</i>. [XXXVII.] + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These two Poems originated in these lines 'How delicate, &c.' My + daughter and I left Rydal Mount upon a Tour through our mountains with Mr. + and Mrs. Carr, in the month of May 1826; and as we were going up the Vale + of Newlands I was struck with the appearance of the little chapel gleaming + through the veil of half-opened leaves, and the feeling which was then + conveyed to my mind was expressed in the stanza that follows. As in the + case of 'Liberty' and 'Humanity,' mentioned before, my first intention was + to write only one Poem; but subsequently I broke it into two, making + additions to each part, so as to produce a consistent and appropriate + whole. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem452" id="Cpoem452"></a>452. *<i>Lines suggested by a + Portrait from the Pencil of F. Stone</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <i>The foregoing Subject resumed</i>. [XXXIX.] + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Portrait has hung for many years in our principal sitting-room, and + represents J.Q. as she was when a girl. The picture, though it is somewhat + thinly painted, has much merit in tone and general effect. It is chiefly + valuable, however, from the sentiment that pervades it. The anecdote of + the saying of the monk in sight of Titian's picture was told in this house + by Mr. Wilkie, and was, I believe, first communicated to the public in + this poem, the former portion of which I was composing at the time. + Southey heard the story from Miss Hutchinson, and transferred it to the + 'Doctor;' but it is not easy to explain how my friend Mr. Rogers, in a + note subsequently added to his 'Italy,' was led to speak of the same + remarkable words having many years before been spoken in his hearing by a + monk or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage172" id="Cpage172"></a>{172}</span> + priest in front of a picture of the Last Supper placed over a + refectory-table in a convent at Padua. [Printed note on XXXVIII., last + line: 'The Escurial. The pile of buildings composing the palace and + convent of San Lorenzo has, in common usage, lost its proper name in that + of the Escurial, a village at the foot of the hill upon which the splendid + edifice, built by Philip the Second, stands. It need scarcely be added, + that Wilkie is the painter alluded to.' On XXXIX.: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Frail ties, dissolving or dissolved<br /></span> <span>On earth, + will be revived, we trust, in heaven.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'In the class entitled "Musings," in Mr. Southey's Minor Poems, is one + upon his own miniature picture, taken in childhood, and another upon a + landscape painted by Gaspar Poussin. It is possible that every word of the + above verses, though similar in subject, might have been written had the + author been unacquainted with those beautiful effusions of poetic + sentiment. But, for his own satisfaction, he must be allowed thus publicly + to acknowledge the pleasure those two Poems of his friend have given him, + and the grateful influence they have upon his mind as often as he reads + them or thinks of them.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem453" id="Cpoem453"></a>453. *<i>Upon seeing a coloured + Drawing of the Bird of Paradise in an Album</i>. [XLI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot forbear to record that the last seven lines of this poem were + composed in bed, during the night of the day on which my sister S.H. died, + about six P.M., and it was the thought of her innocent and beautiful life + that through faith prompted the words: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'On wings that fear no glance of God's pure sight,<br /></span> + <span>No tempest from His breath.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The reader will find two Poems on pictures of this bird among my Poems. I + will here observe, that in a far greater number of instances than have + been mentioned in these Notes one Poem has, as in this case, grown out of + another, either because I felt the subject had been inadequately treated + or that the thoughts and images suggested in course of composition have + been such as I found interfered with the unity indispensable to every work + of art, however humble in character. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage173" id="Cpage173"></a>{173}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XIX_SONNETS_DEDICATED_TO_LIBERTY_AND_ORDER" + id="XIX_SONNETS_DEDICATED_TO_LIBERTY_AND_ORDER"></a>XIX. SONNETS DEDICATED + TO LIBERTY AND ORDER. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem454" id="Cpoem454"></a>454. <i>Change</i>, [iv. 1. 14.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Perilous is sweeping change, all chance unsound.'<br /></span> + <span>'All change is perilous, and all chance unsound.' SPENSER.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem455" id="Cpoem455"></a>455. <i>American Repudiation</i>. + [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'Men of the Western World.' + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These lines were written several years ago, when reports prevailed of + cruelties committed in many parts of America, by men making a law of their + own passions. A far more formidable, as being a more deliberate mischief, + has appeared among those States, which have lately broken faith with the + public creditor in a manner so infamous. I cannot, however, but look at + both evils under a similar relation to inherent good, and hope that the + time is not distant when our brethren of the West will wipe off this stain + from their name and nation. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem456" id="Cpoem456"></a>456. <i>To the Pennsylvanians</i>. + [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Happily the language of expostulation in which this Sonnet is written is + no longer applicable. It will be gratifying to Americans and Englishmen + (indignos fraternum rumpere foedus) to read the following particulars + communicated in a letter from Mr. Reed, dated October 28, 1850. 'In Mr. + Wordsworth's letters to me you will have observed that a good deal is said + on the Pennsylvania Loans, a subject in which, as you are aware, he was + interested for his friends rather than for himself. Last December, when I + learned that a new edition of his poems was in press, I wrote to him (it + was my last letter) to say frankly that his Sonnet "To Pennsylvanians" <i>was + no longer just</i>, and to desire him <i>not to let</i> it stand so for + after time. It was very gratifying to me on receiving a copy of the new + edition, which was not till after his death, to find the '<i>additional + note</i>' at the end of the fifth volume, showing by its being printed on + the unusual place of a fly-leaf, that he had been anxious to attend to + such a request. It was characteristic of that righteousness which + distinguished him as an author; and it has this interest (as I conjecture) + that it was probably the last sentence he <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage174" id="Cpage174"></a>{174}</span>composed for the press. It + is chiefly on this account that I mention it to you.'<a + name="CFNanchor_7_7" id="CFNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#CFootnote_7_7" + class="fnanchor">[7]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem457" id="Cpoem457"></a>457. *<i>Feel for the Wrongs, &c.</i> + [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This Sonnet is recommended to the perusal of the Anti-Corn-Law-Leaguers, + the Political Economists, and of all those who consider that the evils + under which we groan are to be removed or palliated by measures ungoverned + by moral and religious principles. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem458" id="Cpoem458"></a>458. <i>Sonnets upon the Punishment + of Death</i>,[XX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of these Sonnets the author thus wrote to John Peace, Esq., Bristol: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Feb. 23. 1842.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was truly pleased with the receipt of the letter which you were put upon + writing by the perusal of my 'Penal Sonnets' in the <i>Quarterly Review</i>. + Being much engaged at present, I might have deferred making my + acknowledgments for this and other favours (particularly your 'Descant') + if I had not had a special occasion for addressing you at this moment. A + Bristol lady has kindly undertaken to be the bearer of the walking-stick + which I spoke to you of some time since. It was cut from a holly-tree + planted in our garden by my own hand. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your 'Descant' amused me, but I must protest against your system, which + would discard punctuation to the extent you propose. It would, I think, + destroy the harmony of blank verse when skilfully written. What would + become of the pauses at the third syllable followed by an <i>and</i>, or + any such word, without the rest which a comma, when consistent with the + sense, calls upon the reader to make, and which being made, he starts with + the weak syllable that follows, as from the beginning of a verse? I am + sure Milton would have supported me in this opinion. Thomson wrote his + blank verse before his ear was formed as it was when he wrote the 'Castle + of Indolence,' and some of his short rhyme poems. It was, therefore,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage175" id="Cpage175"></a>{175}</span> rather + hard in you to select him as an instance of punctuation abused. I am glad + that you concur in my view on the <i>Punishment of Death</i>. An outcry, + as I expected, has been raised against me by weak-minded humanitarians. + What do you think of one person having opened a battery of nineteen + fourteen-pounders upon me, <i>i.e.</i> nineteen sonnets, in which he gives + himself credit for having blown me and my system to atoms? Another + sonneteer has had a solitary shot at me from Ireland. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_8_8" + id="CFNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#CFootnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XX_MISCELLANEOUS_POEMS" id="XX_MISCELLANEOUS_POEMS"></a>XX. + MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem459" id="Cpoem459"></a>459. <i>Epistle to Sir G. H. + Beaumont, Bart</i>.[1.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From the South-west Coast of Cumberland,—1811. This poem opened, + when first written, with a paragraph that has been transferred as an + introduction to the first series of my 'Scotch Memorials.' The journey, of + which the first part is here described, was from Grasmere to Bootle, on + the south-west coast of Cumberland, the whole along mountain-roads, + through a beautiful country, and we had fine weather. The verses end with + our breakfast at the Head of Yewdale, in a yeoman's house, which, like all + the other property in that sequestered vale, has passed, or is passing, + into the hands of Mr. James Marshall, of Monk Coniston, in Mr. Knott's, + the late owner's time, called Waterhead. Our hostess married a Mr. + Oldfield, a lieutenant in the navy; they lived together for some time at + Hackett, where she still resides as his widow. It was in front of that + house, on the mountain-side, near which stood the peasant who, while we + were passing at a distance, saluted us, waving a kerchief in his hand, as + described in the poem. The dog which we met soon after our starting, had + belonged to Mr. Rowlandson, who for forty years was curate at Grasmere, in + place of the rector, who lived to extreme old age, in a state of insanity. + Of this Mr. R. much might be said, both with reference to his character, + and the way in which he was regarded by his parishioners. He was a man of + a robust frame, had a firm voice and authoritative manner, of<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage176" id="Cpage176"></a>{176}</span> strong + natural talents, of which he was himself conscious, for he has been heard + to say (it grieves me to add with an oath), 'If I had been brought up at + college by —— I should have been a Bishop.' Two vices used to + struggle in him for mastery, avarice and the love of strong drink. But + avarice, as is common in like cases, always got the better of its + opponent, for though he was often intoxicated it was never, I believe, at + his own expense. As has been said of one in a more exalted station, he + could take any <i>given</i> quantity. I have heard a story of him which is + worth the telling. One Summer's morning our Grasmere curate, after a + night's carouse in the Vale of Langdale, on his return home having reached + a point near which the whole Vale of Grasmere might be seen with the Lake + immediately below him, he stept aside and sat down upon the turf. After + looking for some time at the landscape, then in the perfection of its + morning beauty, he exclaimed, 'Good God! that I should have led so long + such a life in such a place!' This no doubt was deeply felt by him at the + time, but I am not authorised to say that any noticeable amendment + followed. Penuriousness strengthened upon him as his body grew feebler + with age. He had purchased property and kept some land in his own hands, + but he could not find in his heart to lay out the necessary hire for + labourers at the proper season, and consequently he has often been seen in + half dotage working his hay in the month of November by moonlight—a + melancholy sight, which I myself have witnessed. Notwithstanding all that + has been said, this man, on account of his talents and superior education, + was looked up to by his parishioners, who, without a single exception, + lived at that time (and most of them upon their own small inheritances) in + a state of republican equality, a condition favourable to the growth of + kindly feelings among them, and, in a striking degree, exclusive to + temptations to gross vice and scandalous behaviour. As a pastor, their + curate did little or nothing for them; but what could more strikingly set + forth the efficacy of the Church of England, through its Ordinances and + Liturgy, than that, in spite of the unworthiness of the minister, his + church was regularly attended; and though there was not much appearance in + his flock of what might be called animated piety, intoxication was rare, + and dissolute morals unknown? With the Bible they were, for the most part, + well acquainted, and, as was strikingly shown when they<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage177" id="Cpage177"></a>{177}</span> were + under affliction, must have been supported and comforted by habitual + belief in those truths which it is the aim of the Church to inculcate. + [Notes: 'Sled' (l.110)—a local word for sledge; 'bield' (l. 175)—a + word common in the country, signifying shelter, as in Scotland.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem460" id="Cpoem460"></a>460. *<i>Upon perusing the foregoing + Epistle, thirty Years after its thirty Years after its Compositon</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + Loughrigg Tarn. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This beautiful pool, and the surrounding scene, are minutely described in + my little book on the Lakes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir G.H.B., in the earlier part of his life, was induced, by his love of + Nature and the art of painting, to take up his abode at Old Brathay, about + three miles from this spot, so that he must have seen it [the Tarn] under + many aspects; and he was so much pleased with it, that he purchased the + Tarn with a view to build such a residence as is alluded to in this + 'Epistle.' Baronets and knights were not so common in that day as now, and + Sir M. le Fleming, not liking to have a rival in this kind of distinction + so near him, claimed a sort of lordship over the territory, and showed + dispositions little in unison with those of Sir G. Beaumont, who was + eminently a lover of peace. The project of building was given up, Sir G.B. + retaining possession of the Tarn. Many years afterwards, a Kendal + tradesman, born upon its banks, applied to me for the purchase of it, and, + accordingly, it was sold for the sum that had been given for it, and the + money was laid out, under my direction, upon a substantial oak fence for a + certain number of yew-trees, to be planted in Grasmere Churchyard. Two + were planted in each enclosure, with a view to remove, after a certain + time, the one which throve the least. After several years, the stouter + plant being left, the others were taken up, and placed in other parts of + the same churchyard, and were adequately fenced at the expense and under + the care of the late Mr. Barber, Mr. Greenwood, and myself. The whole + eight are now thriving, and are an ornament to a place which, during late + years, has lost much of its rustic simplicity by the introduction of iron + palisades, to fence off family burying-grounds, and by numerous monuments, + some of them in very bad taste, from which this place of burial was in my + memory quite free: see the lines in the sixth book of 'The Excursion,' + beginning,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage178" id="Cpage178"></a>{178}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Green is the Churchyard.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The 'Epistle,' to which these notes refer, though written so far back as + 1811, was carefully revised so late as 1842, previous to its publication. + I am loath to add, that it was never seen by the person to whom it is + addressed. So sensible am I of the deficiencies in all that I write, and + so far does every thing that I attempt fall short of what I wish it to be, + that even private publication, if such a term may be allowed, requires + more resolution than I can command. I have written to give vent to my own + mind, and not without hope that, some time or other, kindred minds might + benefit by my labours; but I am inclined to believe I should never have + ventured to send forth any verses of mine to the world, if it had not been + done on the pressure of personal occasions. Had I been a rich man, my + productions, like this 'Epistle,' the 'Tragedy of the Borderers,' &c., + would most likely have been confined to MS. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem461" id="Cpoem461"></a>461. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Loughrigg Tarn, alluded to in the foregoing Epistle, resembles, though + much smaller in compass, the Lake Nemi, or <i>Speculum Dianae</i> as it is + often called, not only in its clear waters and circular form, and the + beauty immediately surrounding it, but also as being overlooked by the + eminence of Langdale Pikes as Lake Nemi is by that of Monte Calvo. Since + this Epistle was written Loughrigg Tarn has lost much of its beauty by the + felling of many natural clumps of wood, relics of the old forest, + particularly upon the farm called 'The Oaks,' from the abundance of that + tree which grew there. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is to be regretted, upon public grounds, that Sir George Beaumont did + not carry into effect his intention of constructing here a Summer Retreat + in the style I have described; as his taste would have set an example how + buildings, with all the accommodations modern society requires, might be + introduced even into the most secluded parts of this country without + injuring their native character. The design was not abandoned from failure + of inclination on his part, but in consequence of local untowardness which + need not be particularised.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage179" + id="Cpage179"></a>{179}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem462" id="Cpoem462"></a>462. *<i>Gold and Silver Fishes in a + Vase</i>.[II.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + They were a present from Miss Jewsbury, of whom mention is made in the + Note at the end of the next poem. The fish were healthy to all appearance + in their confinement for a long time, but at last, for some cause we could + not make out, languished; and one of them being all but dead, they were + taken to the pool under the old pollard oak. The apparently dying one lay + on its side unable to move. I used to watch it, and about the tenth day it + began to right itself, and in a few days more was able to swim about with + its companions. For many months they continued to prosper in their new + place of abode; but one night by an unusually great flood they were swept + out of the pool and perished, to our great regret. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem463" id="Cpoem463"></a>463. *<i>Liberty</i> (<i>Sequel to + the above</i>). [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The connection of this with the preceding poem is sufficiently obvious. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem464" id="Cpoem464"></a>464. <i>Liberty</i>. [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Life's book for thee may be unclosed, till age<br /></span> <span>Shall + with a thankful tear bedrop its latest page.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is now, alas! no possibility of the anticipation, with which the + above Epistle concludes, being realised: nor were the verses ever seen by + the Individual for whom they were intended. She accompanied her husband, + the Rev. Wm. Fletcher, to India, and died of cholera, at the age of + thirty-two or thirty-three years, on her way from Shalapore to Bombay, + deeply lamented by all who knew her. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Her enthusiasm was ardent, her piety steadfast; and her great talents + would have enabled her to be eminently useful in the difficult path of + life to which she had been called. The opinion she entertained of her own + performances, given to the world under her maiden name, Jewsbury, was + modest and humble, and, indeed, far below their merits; as is often the + case with those who are making trial of their powers, with a hope to + discover what they are best fitted for. In one quality, viz., quickness in + the motions of her mind, she had, within the range of the Author's + acquaintance, no equal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage180" + id="Cpage180"></a>{180}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem465" id="Cpoem465"></a>465. <i>Poor Robin</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The small wild Geranium known by that name. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem466" id="Cpoem466"></a>466. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I often ask myself what will become of Rydal Mount after our day. Will the + old walls and steps remain in front of the house and about the grounds, or + will they be swept away with all the beautiful mosses and ferns and wild + geraniums and other flowers which their rude construction suffered and + encouraged to grow among them? This little wild flower, 'Poor Robin,' is + here constantly courting my attention and exciting what may be called a + domestic interest with the varying aspects of its stalks and leaves and + flowers. Strangely do the tastes of men differ, according to their + employment and habits of life. 'What a nice well would that be,' said a + labouring man to me one day, 'if all that rubbish was cleared off.' The + 'rubbish' was some of the most beautiful mosses and lichens and ferns and + other wild growths, as could possibly be seen. Defend us from the tyranny + of trimness and neatness, showing itself in this way! Chatterton says of + Freedom, 'Upon her head wild weeds were spread,' and depend upon it, if + 'the marvellous boy' had undertaken to give Flora a garland, he would have + preferred what we are apt to call weeds to garden-flowers. True taste has + an eye for both. Weeds have been called flowers out of place. I fear the + place most people would assign to them is too limited. Let them come near + to our abodes, as surely they may without impropriety or disorder. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem467" id="Cpoem467"></a>467. *<i>To the Lady le Fleming</i>. + [IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After thanking in prose Lady Fleming for the service she had done to her + neighbourhood by erecting this Chapel, I have nothing to say beyond the + expression of regret that the architect did not furnish an elevation + better suited to the site in a narrow mountain pass, and what is of more + consequence, better constructed in the interior for the purposes of + worship. It has no chancel. The Altar is unbecomingly confined. The Pews + are so narrow as to preclude the possibility of kneeling. There is no + vestry, and what ought to have been first mentioned, the Font, instead of + standing at its proper place at the entrance, is thrust<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage181" id="Cpage181"></a>{181}</span> into the + farthest end of a little pew. When these defects shall be pointed out to + the munificent patroness, they will, it is hoped, be corrected. [In pencil—Have + they not been corrected in part at least? 1843.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem468" id="Cpoem468"></a>468. *<i>To a Redbreast (in Sickness)</i>. + [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Almost the only Verses composed by our lamented sister S.H. [=Miss Sarah + Hutchinson, sister of Mrs. Wordsworth]. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem469" id="Cpoem469"></a>469. *<i>Floating Island</i>. [VII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My poor sister takes a pleasure in repeating these Verses, which she + composed not long before the beginning of her sad illness. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem470" id="Cpoem470"></a>470. *<i>Once I could hail, &c.</i> + [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'No faculty yet given me to espy the dusky shape.' Afterwards, when I + could not avoid seeing it, I wondered at this, and the more so because, + like most children, I had been in the habit of watching the moon thro' all + her changes, and had often continued to gaze at it while at the full, till + half-blinded. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem471" id="Cpoem471"></a>471. *<i>The Gleaner (suggested by a + Picture)</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This poem was first printed in the Annual called 'The Keep-sake.' The + Painter's name I am not sure of, but I think it was Holmes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem472" id="Cpoem472"></a>472. <i>Nightshade</i>. [IX. ii. 6.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Bekangs Ghyll—or the dell of Nightshade—in which stands St. + Mary's Abbey in Low Furness. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem473" id="Cpoem473"></a>473. <i>Churches—East and West</i>. + [X.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Our churches, invariably perhaps, stand east and west, but why is by few + persons exactly known; nor that the degree of deviation from due east + often noticeable in the ancient ones was determined, in each particular + case, by the point on the horizon at which the sun rose upon the day of + the saint to whom the church was dedicated. These observances of our + ancestors, and the causes of them, are the subject of the following + stanzas.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage182" id="Cpage182"></a>{182}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem474" id="Cpoem474"></a>474. <i>The Horn of Egremont Castle</i>. + [XI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This story is a Cumberland tradition. I have heard it also related of the + Hall of Hutton John, an ancient residence of the Huddlestons, in a + sequestered valley upon the river Dacor. [In the I.F. MSS. the Note runs + thus: '1806. A tradition transferred from the ancient mansion of Hutton + John, the seat of the Huddlestons, to Egremont Castle.'] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem475" id="Cpoem475"></a>475. *<i>Goody Blake and Harry Gill</i>. + [XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Written at Alfoxden, 1798. The incident from Dr. Darwin's <i>Zoonomia</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem476" id="Cpoem476"></a>476. *<i>To a Child: written in her + Album</i>. [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This quatrain was extempore on observing this image, as I had often done, + on the lawn of Rydal Mount. It was first written down in the Album of my + god-daughter, Rotha Quillinan. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem477" id="Cpoem477"></a>477. *<i>Lines written in the Album + of the Countess of Lonsdale</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is a faithful picture of that amiable Lady as she then was. The + youthfulness of figure and demeanour and habits, which she retained in + almost unprecedented degree, departed a very few years after, and she died + without violent disease by gradual decay, before she reached the period of + old age. [In pencil—Was she not 70? Mr. J.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem478" id="Cpoem478"></a>478. <i>The Russian Fugitive</i>. + [XVII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Peter Henry Bruce, having given in his entertaining Memoirs the substance + of this Tale, affirms that, besides the concurring reports of others, he + had the story from the lady's own mouth. The Lady Catherine, mentioned + towards the close, is the famous Catherine, then bearing that name as the + acknowledged wife of Peter the Great. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem479" id="Cpoem479"></a>479. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Early in life this story had interested me; and I often thought it would + make a pleasing subject for an Opera or musical drama. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage183" id="Cpage183"></a>{183}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XXI_INSCRIPTIONS" id="XXI_INSCRIPTIONS"></a>XXI. INSCRIPTIONS. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem480" id="Cpoem480"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>480.</b> *(I.) In the grounds of Coleorton these verses are engraved on + a stone, placed near the tree, which was thriving and spreading when I saw + it in the summer of 1841. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem481" id="Cpoem481"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>481.</b> *(II.) This Niche is in the sandstone rock in the + winter-garden at Coleorton, which garden, as has been elsewhere said, was + made under our direction out of an old unsightly quarry. While the + labourers were at work Mrs. Wordsworth, my sister, and I used to amuse + ourselves occasionally in scooping this seat out of the soft stone. It is + of the size, with something of the appearance, of a stall in a cathedral. + This inscription is not engraven, as the former and the two following are, + in the grounds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem482" id="Cpoem482"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>482.</b> *(VI.) The circumstance alluded to at the conclusion of these + verses was told me by Dr. Satterthwaite, who was Incumbent of Boodle, a + small town at the foot of Black Combe. He had the particulars from one of + the engineers, who was employed in making trigonometrical surveys of that + region. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem483" id="Cpoem483"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>483.</b> *(VIII.) Engraven, during my absence in Italy, upon a brass + plate + </p> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem484" id="Cpoem484"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>484.</b> *(IX.) The walk is what we call the far-terrace, beyond the + summer-house, at Rydal Mount. The lines were written when we were afraid + of being obliged to quit the place to which we were so much attached. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem485" id="Cpoem485"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>485.</b> *(XI.) The monument of ice here spoken of I observed while + ascending the middle road of the three ways that lead from Rydal to + Grasmere. It was on my right hand, and my eyes were upon it when it fell, + as told in these lines. + </p> + <p> + <a name="Cpoem486" id="Cpoem486"></a> + </p> + <p> + <b>486.</b> *(XII.) Where the second quarry now is, as you pass from Rydal + to Grasmere, there was formerly a length of smooth rock that sloped + towards the road on the right hand. I used to call it tadpole slope, from + having frequently observed there the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage184" id="Cpage184"></a>{184}</span> water bubbles gliding under + the ice, exactly in the shape of that creature. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XXII_SELECTIONS_FROM_CHAUCER_MODERNISED" + id="XXII_SELECTIONS_FROM_CHAUCER_MODERNISED"></a>XXII. SELECTIONS FROM + CHAUCER MODERNISED. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem487" id="Cpoem487"></a>487. <i>Of the Volume in which the + 'Selections' appeared</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of these 'Selections' the Author wrote as follows to Professor Reed, of + Philadelphia: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'There has recently been published in London a volume of some of Chaucer's + tales and poems modernised. This little specimen originated in what I + attempted with the "Prioress's Tale;" and if the book should find its way + to America, you will see in it two further specimens from myself. I had no + further connection with the publication than by making a present of these + to one of the contributors. Let me, however, recommend to your notice the + "Prologue" and the "Franklin's Tale;" they are both by Mr. Horne, a + gentleman unknown to me, but are, the latter in particular, very well + done. Mr. Leigh Hunt has not failed in the "Manciple's Tale," which I + myself modernised many years ago; but, though I much admire the genius of + Chaucer as displayed in this performance, I could not place my version at + the disposal of the editor, as I deemed the subject somewhat too + indelicate, for pure taste, to be offered to the world at this time of + day. Mr. Horne has much hurt this publication by not abstaining from the + "Reve's Tale;" this, after making all allowance for the rude manners of + Chaucer's age, is intolerable, and by indispensably softening down the + incidents, he has killed the spirit of that humour, gross and farcical, + that pervades the original. When the work was first mentioned to me, I + protested as strongly as possible against admitting any coarseness or + indelicacy; so that my conscience is clear of countenancing aught of that + kind. So great is my admiration of Chaucer's genius, and so profound my + reverence for him as an instrument in the hands of Providence for + spreading the light of literature through his native land, that, + notwithstanding the defects and faults in this publication, I am glad of + it, as a mean for making many acquainted with the original who would + otherwise be ignorant of everything about him but his name.'<a + name="CFNanchor_9_9" id="CFNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#CFootnote_9_9" + class="fnanchor">[9]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage185" + id="Cpage185"></a>{185}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem488" id="Cpoem488"></a>488. <i>The Prioress's Tale</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Call up him who left half told<br /></span> <span>The story of + Cambuscan bold.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the following Poem no further deviation from the original has been made + than was necessary for the fluent reading and instant understanding of the + Author: so much, however, is the language altered since Chaucer's time, + especially in pronunciation, that much was to be removed, and its place + supplied with as little incongruity as possible. The ancient accent has + been retained in a few conjunctions, as <i>alsò</i> and <i>alwày</i>, + from a conviction that such sprinklings of antiquity would be admitted, by + persons of taste, to have a graceful accordance with the subject. The + fierce bigotry of the Prioress forms a fine back-ground for her + tender-hearted sympathies with the Mother and Child; and the mode in which + the story is told amply atones for the extravagance of the miracle. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XXIII_POEMS_REFERRING_TO_THE_PERIOD_OF_OLD_AGE" + id="XXIII_POEMS_REFERRING_TO_THE_PERIOD_OF_OLD_AGE"></a>XXIII. POEMS + REFERRING TO THE PERIOD OF OLD AGE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem489" id="Cpoem489"></a>489. <i>The Old Cumberland Beggar</i>. + [I.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The class of Beggars to which the Old Man here described belongs will + probably soon be extinct. It consisted of poor, and mostly old and infirm + persons, who confined themselves to a stated round in their neighbourhood, + and had certain fixed days, on which, at different houses, they regularly + received alms, sometimes in money, but mostly in provisions. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem490" id="Cpoem490"></a>490. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Observed, and with great benefit to my own heart, when I was a child. + Written at Racedown and Alfoxden in my 23d year. The political economists + were about that time beginning their war upon mendicity in all its forms, + and by implication, if not directly, on alms-giving also. This heartless + process has been carried as far as it can go by the AMENDED Poor Law Bill, + tho' the inhumanity that prevails in this measure is somewhat disguised by + the profession that one of its objects is to throw the poor upon the + voluntary donations of their neighbours, that is, if rightly interpreted, + to force them into a condition between <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage186" id="Cpage186"></a>{186}</span>relief in the Union Poor + House and alms robbed of their Christian grace and spirit, as being forced + rather from the avaricious and selfish; and all, in fact, but the humane + and charitable are at liberty to keep all they possess from their + distressed brethren. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem491" id="Cpoem491"></a>491. <i>The Farmer of Tilsbury Vale</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With this picture, which was taken from real life, compare the imaginative + one of 'The Reverie of Poor Susan,' and see (to make up the deficiencies + of the class) 'The Excursion' <i>passim</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem492" id="Cpoem492"></a>492. <i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The character of this man was described to me, and the incident upon which + the verses turn was told me by Mr. Pool, of Nether Stowey, with whom I + became acquainted through our common friend S.T.C. During my residence at + Alfoxden, I used to see a great deal of him, and had frequent occasions to + admire the course of his daily life, especially his conduct to his + labourers and poor neighbours. Their virtues he carefully encouraged, and + weighed their faults in the scales of charity. If I seem in these verses + to have treated the weaknesses of the farmer and his transgression too + tenderly, it may in part be ascribed to my having received the story from + one so averse to all harsh judgment. After his death was found in his <i>escritoir</i> + a lock of gray hair, carefully preserved, with a notice that it had been + cut from the head of his faithful shepherd, who had served him for a + length of years. I need scarcely add that he felt for all men as brothers. + He was much beloved by distinguished persons:—Mr. Coleridge, Mr. + Southey, Sir H. Davy, and many others, and in his own neighbourhood was + highly valued as a magistrate, a man of business, and in every other + social relation. The latter part of the poem, perhaps, requires some + apology, as being too much of an echo to the 'Reverie of Poor Susan.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem493" id="Cpoem493"></a>493. <i>The small Celandine</i>. + [III.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See <a href="#V_POEMS_OF_THE_FANCY">'Poems of the Fancy' [XI.].</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem494" id="Cpoem494"></a>494. *<i>The two Thieves</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is described from the life, as I was in the habit of observing when a + boy at Hawkshead School. Daniel was more<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage187" id="Cpage187"></a>{187}</span> than 80 years older than + myself when he was daily thus occupied under my notice. No book could have + so early taught me to think of the changes to which human life is subject, + and while looking at him I could not but say to myself, We may, any of us, + I or the happiest of my playmates, live to become still more the object of + pity than the old man, this half-doating pilferer. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem495" id="Cpoem495"></a>495. *<i>Animal Tranquillity and + Decay</i>. [V.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If I recollect right, these verses were an overflow from the 'Old + Cumberland Beggar.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XXIV_EPITAPHS_AND_ELEGIAC_PIECES" + id="XXIV_EPITAPHS_AND_ELEGIAC_PIECES"></a>XXIV. EPITAPHS AND ELEGIAC + PIECES. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem496" id="Cpoem496"></a>496. *<i>From Chiabrera</i>. [I. to + IX.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Those from Chiabrera were chiefly translated when Mr. Coleridge was + writing his <i>Friend</i>, in which periodical my Essay on Epitaphs, + written about that time, was first published. For further notice of + Chiabrera in connection with his Epitaphs see 'Musings at Aquapendente.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem497" id="Cpoem497"></a>497. *<i>By a blest Husband, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This lady was named Carleton. She, along with a sister, was brought up in + the neighbourhood of Ambleside. The Epitaph, a part of it at least, is in + the church at Bromsgrove, where she resided after her marriage. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem498" id="Cpoem498"></a>498. <i>Cenotaph</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In affectionate remembrance of Frances Fermor, whose remains are deposited + in the Church of Claines, near Worcester, this stone is erected by her + sister, Dame Margaret, wife of Sir George Beaumont, Bart., who, feeling + not less than the love of a brother for the deceased, commends this + memorial to the care of his heirs and successors in the possession of this + place. (See the verses on Mrs. F.) + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem499" id="Cpoem499"></a>499. *<i>Epitaph in the Chapel-yard + of Langdale, Westmoreland</i>. [IV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Owen Lloyd, the subject of this Epitaph, was born at Old<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage188" id="Cpage188"></a>{188}</span> Brathay, + near Ambleside, and was the son of Charles Lloyd and his wife Sophia (née + Pemberton), both of Birmingham. They had many children, both sons and + daughters, of whom the most remarkable was the subject of this Epitaph. He + was educated under Dawes of Ambleside, Dr. Butler of Shrewsbury, and + lastly at Trin. Coll., Cambridge, where he would have been greatly + distinguished as a scholar, but for inherited infirmities of bodily + constitution, which from early childhood affected his mind. His love for + the neighbourhood in which he was born and his sympathy with the habits + and characters of the mountain yeomanry, in conjunction with irregular + spirits, that unfitted him for facing duties in situations to which he was + unaccustomed, inclined him to accept the retired curacy of Langdale. How + much he was beloved and honoured there and with what feelings he + discharged his duty under the oppressions of severe malady is set forth, + though imperfectly, in this Epitaph. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem500" id="Cpoem500"></a>500. *<i>Address to the Scholars of + the Village School</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Were composed at Goslar in Germany. They will be placed among the Elegiac + pieces. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem501" id="Cpoem501"></a>501. <i>Elegiac Stanzas suggested by + a Picture of Peel Castle</i>. [VI.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir George Beaumont painted two pictures of this subject, one of which he + gave to Mrs. Wordsworth, saying she ought to have it: but Lady B. + interfered, and after Sir George's death she gave it to Sir Uvedale Price, + in whose house at Foxley I have seen it—rather grudgingly I own. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem502" id="Cpoem502"></a>502. <i>Elegiac Verses</i>. [VIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In memory of my Brother, John Wordsworth, Commander of the E.I. Company's + ship the Earl of Abergavenny, in which he perished by calamitous + shipwreck, Feb. 6, 1805. Composed near the Mountain track that leads from + Grasmere through Grisdale Hawes, where it descends towards Patterdale. + 1805. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem503" id="Cpoem503"></a>503. <i>Moss Campion</i> (<i>Silene + acaulis</i>). [<i>Ibid.</i> II. l. 5.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This most beautiful plant is scarce in England, though it is found in + great abundance upon the mountains of Scotland. The<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage189" id="Cpage189"></a>{189}</span> first specimen I ever saw + of it, in its native bed, was singularly fine, the tuft or cushion being + at least eight inches in diameter, and the root proportionably thick. I + have only met with it in two places among our mountains, in both of which + I have since sought for it in vain. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Botanists will not, I hope, take it ill, if I caution them against + carrying off, inconsiderately, rare and beautiful plants. This has often + been done, particularly from Ingleborough and other mountains in + Yorkshire, till the species have totally disappeared, to the great regret + of lovers of Nature living near the places where they grew. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem504" id="Cpoem504"></a>504. <i>Lines</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed at Grasmere, during a walk one evening after a stormy day, the + Author having just read in a newspaper that the dissolution of Mr. Fox was + hourly expected, 'Loud is the Vale,' &c. [IX.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem505" id="Cpoem505"></a>505. *<i>Invocation to the Earth</i>. + [x.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Composed immediately after the Thanksgiving Ode, to which it may be + considered as a second part. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem506" id="Cpoem506"></a>506. *<i>Elegiac Stanzas. Addressed + to Sir G.H.B</i>. [XII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On Mrs. Fermor. This lady had been a widow long before I knew her. Her + husband was of the family of the lady celebrated in the 'Rape of the + Lock,' and was, I believe, a Roman Catholic. The sorrow which his death + caused her was fearful in its character, as described in this Poem, but + was subdued in course of time by the strength of her religious faith. I + have been for many weeks at a time an inmate with her at Coleorton Hall, + as were also Mary and my sister. The truth in the sketch of her character + here given was acknowledged with gratitude by her nearest relatives. She + was eloquent in conversation, energetic upon public matters, open in + respect to these, but slow to communicate her personal feelings. Upon + these she never touched in her intercourse with me, so that I could not + regard myself as her confidential friend, and was accordingly surprised + when I learnt she had left me a legacy of 100<i>l.</i> as a token of her + esteem. See in further illustration, the second stanza inscribed upon her + cenotaph in Coleorton Church.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage190" + id="Cpage190"></a>{190}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem507" id="Cpoem507"></a>507. *<i>Elegiac Musings in the + Grounds of Coleorton Hall</i>.[XIII.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These verses were in fact composed on horseback during a storm, whilst I + was on my way from Coleorton to Cambridge. They are alluded to elsewhere. + [Intercalated by Mrs. Quillinan—My father was on my pony, which he + rode all the way from Rydal to Cambridge that I might have the comfort and + pleasure of a horse at Cambridge. The storm of wind and rain on this day + was so violent that the coach in which my mother and I travelled, the same + coach, was all but blown over, and had the coachman drawn up as he + attempted to do at one of his halting-places, we must have been upset. My + father and his pony were several times actually blown out of the road. + D.Q.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem508" id="Cpoem508"></a>508. <i>Charles Lamb</i>. [XIV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>From the most gentle creature nursed in fields.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This way of indicating the <i>name</i> of my lamented friend has been + found fault with; perhaps rightly so; but I may say in justification of + the double sense of the word, that similar allusions are not uncommon in + epitaphs. One of the best in our language in verse I ever read, was upon a + person who bore the name of Palmer; and the course of the thought, + throughout, turned upon the Life of the Departed, considered as a + pilgrimage. Nor can I think that the objection in the present case will + have much force with any one who remembers Charles Lamb's beautiful sonnet + addressed to his own name, and ending— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'No deed of mine shall shame thee, gentle name!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem509" id="Cpoem509"></a>509. *<i>Ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Light will be thrown upon the tragic circumstance alluded to in this Poem + when, after the death of Charles Lamb's sister, his biographer, Mr. + Serjeant Talfourd, shall be at liberty to relate particulars which could + not, at the time when his Memoir was written, be given to the public. Mary + Lamb was ten years older than her brother, and has survived him as long a + time. Were I to give way to my own feelings, I should dwell not only on + her genius and intellectual powers, but upon the delicacy and refinement + of manner which she maintained inviolable under most trying circumstances. + She was loved and honoured by all her brother's friends, and others, some + of them strange <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage191" id="Cpage191"></a>{191}</span>characters + whom his philanthropic peculiarities induced him to countenance. The death + of C. Lamb himself was doubtless hastened by his sorrow for that of + Coleridge, to whom he had been attached from the time of their being + schoolfellows at Christ's Hospital. Lamb was a good Latin scholar, and + probably would have gone to college upon one of the School foundations but + for the impediment in his speech. Had such been his lot, he would have + probably been preserved from the indulgences of social humours and fancies + which were often injurious to himself and causes of severe regret to his + friends, without really benefiting the object of his misapplied kindness. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem510" id="Cpoem510"></a>510. *<i>Extempore Effusion upon the + Death of James Hogg</i>. [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These verses were written extempore immediately after reading a notice of + the Ettrick Shepherd's death in the Newcastle Paper, to the Editor of + which I sent a copy for publication. The persons lamented in these Verses + were all either of my friends or acquaintance. In Lockhart's Life of Sir + Walter Scott an account is given of my first meeting with him in 1803. How + the Ettrick Shepherd and I became known to each other has already been + mentioned in these Notes. He was undoubtedly a man of original genius, but + of coarse manners and low and offensive opinions. Of Coleridge and Lamb I + need not speak here. Crabbe I have met in London at Mr. Rogers', but more + frequently and favourably at Mr. Hoare's upon Hampstead Heath. Every + Spring he used to pay that family a visit of some length, and was upon + terms of intimate friendship with Mrs. Hoare, and still more with her + daughter-in-law, who has a large collection of his letters addressed to + herself. After the Poet's decease application was made to her to give up + these letters to his biographer, that they, or at least a part of them, + might be given to the public. She hesitated to comply, and asked my + opinion on the subject. 'By no means,' was my answer, grounded not upon + any objection there might be to publishing a selection from those letters, + but from an aversion I have always felt to meet idle curiosity by calling + back the recently departed to become the object of trivial and familiar + gossip. Crabbe obviously for the most part preferred the company of women + to that of men; for this among other reasons, that he did not like to be + put upon the stretch in general conversation. Accordingly, in <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage192" id="Cpage192"></a>{192}</span>miscellaneous + society his talk was so much below what might have been expected from a + man so deservedly celebrated, that to me it seemed trifling. It must upon + other occasions have been of a different character, as I found in our + rambles together on Hampstead Heath; and not so much so from a readiness + to communicate his knowledge of life and manners as of natural history in + all its branches. His mind was inquisitive, and he seems to have taken + refuge from a remembrance of the distresses he had gone through in these + studies and the employments to which they led. Moreover such + contemplations might tend profitably to counterbalance the painful truths + which he had collected from his intercourse with mankind. Had I been more + intimate with him I should have ventured to touch upon his office as a + Minister of the Gospel, and how far his heart and soul were in it, so as + to make him a zealous and diligent labourer. In poetry, tho' he wrote + much, as we all know, he assuredly was not so. I happened once to speak of + pains as necessary to produce merit of a certain kind which I highly + valued. His observation was, 'It is not worth while.' You are right, + thought I, if the labour encroaches upon the time due to teach truth as a + steward of the mysteries of God; but if poetry is to be produced at all, + make what you do produce as good as you can. Mr. Rogers once told me that + he expressed his regret to Crabbe that he wrote in his late works so much + less correctly than in his earlier. 'Yes,' replied he, 'but then I had a + reputation to make; now I can afford to relax.' Whether it was from a + modest estimate of his own qualifications or from causes less creditable, + his motives for writing verse and his hopes and aims were not so high as + is to be desired. After being silent for more than twenty years he again + applied himself to poetry, upon the spur of applause he received from the + periodical publications of the day, as he himself tells us in one of his + Prefaces. Is it not to be lamented that a man who was so conversant with + permanent truth, and whose writings are so valuable an acquisition to our + country's literature, should have <i>required</i> an impulse from such a + quarter?<a name="CFNanchor_10_10" id="CFNanchor_10_10"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage193" id="Cpage193"></a>{193}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hemans was unfortunate as a Poetess in being obliged by circumstances + to write for money, and that so frequently and so much, that she was + compelled to look out for subjects wherever she could find them, and to + write as expeditiously as possible. As a woman she was to a considerable + degree a spoilt child of the world. She had been early in life + distinguished for talents, and poems of hers were published whilst she was + a girl. She had also been handsome in her youth, but her education had + been most unfortunate. She was totally ignorant of housewifery, and could + as easily have managed the spear of Minerva as her needle. It was from + observing these deficiencies that one day, while she was under my roof, I + purposely directed her attention to household economy, and told her I had + purchased scales which I intended to present to a young lady as a wedding + present; pointed out their utility (for her especial benefit), and said + that no menage ought to be without them. Mrs. Hemans, not in the least + suspecting my drift, reported this saying in a letter to a friend at the + time, as a proof of my simplicity. Being disposed to make large allowances + for the faults of her education and the circumstances in which she was + placed, I felt most kindly disposed towards her and took her part upon all + occasions, and I was not a little affected by learning that after she + withdrew to Ireland a long and severe illness raised her spirit as it + depressed her body. This I heard from her most intimate friends, and there + is striking evidence of it in a poem entitled [Blank; and in pencil on + opposite page—Do you mean a Sonnet entitled 'Sabbath Sonnet,' + composed by Mrs. Hemans, April 26th, 1835, a few days before her death? + 'How many blessed groups this hour are wending!'] These notices of Mrs. + Hemans would be very unsatisfactory to her intimate friends, as indeed + they are to myself, not so much for what is said, but what for brevity's + sake is left unsaid. Let it suffice to add there was much sympathy between + us, and if opportunity had been allowed me to see more of her, I should + have loved and valued her accordingly. As it is, I remember her with true + affection for her amiable qualities, and above all for her delicate and + irreproachable conduct during her long separation from an unfeeling + husband, whom she had been led to marry from the romantic notions of + inexperienced youth. Upon this husband I never heard her cast the least + reproach, nor did I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage194" id="Cpage194"></a>{194}</span>ever + hear her even name him, though she did not forbear wholly to touch upon + her domestic position; but never so as that any fault could be found with + her manner of adverting to it. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem511" id="Cpoem511"></a>511. <i>Dead friends: 'Immortals.'</i> + [XV.] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="65%" summary="The Immortals"> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Walter Scott + </td> + <td align="center"> + died + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 21st Sept. + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1832. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + S.T. Coleridge + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 25th July + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1834. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Charles Lamb + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 27th Dec. + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1834. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Geo. Crabbe + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 3rd Feb. + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1832. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Felicia Hemans + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 16th May + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1835. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem512" id="Cpoem512"></a>512. *<i>Ode: Intimations of + Immortality, from Recollections of early Childhood</i>. [Headed in I.F. + MSS. 'The Ode.'] + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This was composed during my residence at Town-End, Grasmere. Two years at + least passed between the writing of the four first stanzas and the + remaining part. To the attentive and competent reader the whole + sufficiently explains itself, but there may be no harm in adverting here + to particular feelings or <i>experiences</i> of my own mind on which the + structure of the poem partly rests. Nothing was more difficult for me in + childhood than to admit the notion of death as a state applicable to my + own being. I have said elsewhere + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i14">'A simple child<br /></span> <span class="i2">That + lightly draws its breath,<br /></span> <span>And feels its life in every + limb,<br /></span> <span class="i2">What should it know of death?'<a + name="CFNanchor_11_11" id="CFNanchor_11_11"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it was not so much from the source of animal vivacity that <i>my</i> + difficulty came as from a sense of the indomitableness of the spirit + within me. I used to brood over the stories of Enoch and Elijah, and + almost to persuade myself that, whatever might become of others, I should + be translated in something of the same way to heaven. With a feeling + congenial to this, I was often unable to think of external things as + having external existence, and I communed with all that I saw as something + not apart from, but inherent in, my own immaterial nature. Many times + while going to school have I grasped at a wall or tree to recall myself + from this abyss of idealism to the reality. At that time I was afraid of + such processes. In later periods of life I have deplored, <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage195" id="Cpage195"></a>{195}</span>as we + have all reason to do, a subjugation of an opposite character, and have + rejoiced over the remembrances, as is expressed in the lines, 'Obstinate + questionings,' &c. To that dreamlike vividness and splendour which + invest objects of sight in childhood, every one, I believe, if he would + look back, could bear testimony, and I need not dwell upon it here; but + having in the Poem regarded it as presumptive evidence of a prior state of + existence, I think it right to protest against a conclusion which has + given pain to some good and pious persons, that I meant to inculcate such + a belief. It is far too shadowy a notion to be recommended to faith as + more than an element in our instincts of immortality. But let us bear in + mind that, though the idea is not advanced in Revelation, there is nothing + there to contradict it, and the fall of man presents an analogy in its + favour. Accordingly, a pre-existent state has entered into the popular + creeds of many nations, and among all persons acquainted with classic + literature is known as an ingredient in Platonic philosophy. Archimedes + said that he could move the world if he had a point whereon to rest his + machine. Who has not felt the same aspirations as regards the world of his + own mind? Having to wield some of its elements when I was impelled to + write this poem on the 'Immortality of the Soul,' I took hold of the + notion of pre-existence as having sufficient foundation in humanity for + authorising me to make for my purpose the best use of it I could as a + Poet. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="XXV_THE_EXCURSION" id="XXV_THE_EXCURSION"></a>XXV. 'THE + EXCURSION.' + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem513" id="Cpoem513"></a>513. *<i>On the leading Characters + and Scenes of the Poem</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Something must now be said of this Poem, but chiefly, as has been done + through the whole of these Notes, with reference to my personal friends, + and especially to her [Miss Fenwick] who has perseveringly taken them down + from my dictation. Towards the close of the 1st book, stand the lines that + were first written, beginning 'Nine tedious years,' and ending 'last human + tenant of these ruined walls.' These were composed in 1795, at Racedown; + and for several passages describing the employment and demeanour of + Margaret during her affliction, I was indebted to observations made in + Dorsetshire, and afterwards at Alfoxden, in Somersetshire, where I resided + in 1797 and 1798. The lines<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage196" + id="Cpage196"></a>{196}</span> towards the conclusion of the 4th book, + 'Despondency corrected,' beginning 'For the man who in this spirit,' to + the words 'intellectual soul,' were in order of time composed the next, + either at Racedown or Alfoxden, I do not remember which. The rest of the + poem was written in the vale of Grasmere, chiefly during our residence at + Allan Bank. The long poem on my own education was, together with many + minor poems, composed while we lived at the cottage at Town-End. Perhaps + my purpose of giving an additional interest to these my poems, in the eyes + of my nearest and dearest friends, may he promoted by saying a few words + upon the character of the 'Wanderer,' the 'Solitary,' and the 'Pastor,' + and some other of the persons introduced. And first of the principal one, + the 'Wanderer.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My lamented friend Southey (for this is written a month after his decease<a + name="CFNanchor_12_12" id="CFNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#CFootnote_12_12" + class="fnanchor">[12]</a>) used to say that had he been a Papist, the + course of life which would in all probability have been his, was the one + for which he was most fitted and most to his mind, that of a Benedictine + Monk, in a Convent, furnished, as many once were, and some still are, with + an inexhaustible library. <i>Books</i>, as appears from many passages in + his writings, and was evident to those who had opportunities of observing + his daily life, were, in fact, <i>his passion</i>; and <i>wandering</i>, I + can with truth affirm, was mine; but this propensity in me was happily + counteracted by inability from want of fortune to fulfil my wishes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But had I been born in a class which would have deprived me of what is + called a liberal education, it is not unlikely that, being strong in body, + I should have taken to a way of life such as that in which my 'Pedlar' + passed the greater part of his days. At all events, I am here called upon + freely to acknowledge that the character I have represented in his person + is chiefly an idea of what I fancied my own character might have become in + his circumstances. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless much of what he says and does had an external existence, that + fell under my own youthful and subsequent observation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + An individual, named Patrick, by birth and education a Scotchman, followed + this humble occupation for many years, and afterwards settled in the town + of Kendal. He married a kinswoman of my wife's, and her sister Sarah was + brought up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage197" id="Cpage197"></a>{197}</span> + from early childhood under this good man's eye.<a name="CFNanchor_13_13" + id="CFNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#CFootnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> + My own imaginations I was happy to find clothed in reality, and fresh ones + suggested, by what she reported of this man's tenderness of heart, his + strong and pure imagination, and his solid attainments in literature, + chiefly religious, whether in prose or verse. At Hawkshead also, while I + was a school-boy, there occasionally resided a packman (the name then + generally given to this calling), with whom I had frequent conversations + upon what had befallen him, and what he had observed during his wandering + life, and, as was natural, we took much to each other; and upon the + subject of Pedlarism in general, as <i>then</i> followed, and its + favourableness to an intimate knowledge of human concerns, not merely + among the humbler classes of society, I need say nothing here in addition + to what is to be found in 'The Excursion,' and a note attached to it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now for the <i>Solitary</i>. Of him I have much less to say. Not long + after we took up our abode at Grasmere, came to reside there, from what + motive I either never knew or have forgotten, a Scotchman, a little past + the middle of life, who had for many years been chaplain to a Highland + regiment. He was in no respect, as far as I know, an interesting + character, though in his appearance there was a good deal that attracted + attention, as if he had been shattered in for bane, and not happy in mind. + Of his quondam position I availed myself to connect with the 'Wanderer,' + also a Scotchman, a character suitable to my purpose, the elements of + which I drew from several persons with whom I had been connected, and who + fell under my observation during frequent residences in London at the + beginning of the French Revolution. The chief of these was, one may now + say, a Mr. Fawcett, a preacher at a Dissenting meeting-house at the Old + Jewry. It happened to me several times to be one of his congregation + through my connection with Mr. Nicholson of Cateaton Street, Strand, who, + at a time when I had not many acquaintances in London, used often to + invite me to dine with him on Sundays; and I took that opportunity (Mr. N. + being a Dissenter) of going to hear Fawcett, who was an able and eloquent + man. He published a poem on War, which had a good deal of merit, and made + me think more about him than I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage198" + id="Cpage198"></a>{198}</span> should otherwise have done. But his + Christianity was probably never very deeply rooted; and, like many others + in those times of like shewy talents, he had not strength of character to + withstand the effects of the French Revolution, and of the wild and lax + opinions which had done so much towards producing it, and far more in + carrying it forward in its extremes. Poor Fawcett, I have been told, + became pretty much such a person as I have described, and early + disappeared from the stage, having fallen into habits of intemperance, + which I have heard (though I will not answer for the fact) hastened his + death. Of him I need say no more. There were many like him at that time, + which the world will never be without, but which were more numerous then, + for reasons too obvious to be dwelt upon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>The Pastor</i>.—To what is said of the 'Pastor' in the poem, I + have little to add but what may be deemed superfluous. It has ever + appeared to me highly favourable to the beneficial influence of the Church + of England upon all gradations and classes of society, that the patronage + of its benefices is in numerous instances attached to the estates of noble + families of ancient gentry; and accordingly I am gratified by the + opportunity afforded me in 'The Excursion,' to pourtray the character of a + country clergyman of more than ordinary talents, born and bred in the + upper ranks of society so as to partake of their refinements, and at the + same time brought by his pastoral office and his love of rural life into + intimate connection with the peasantry of his native district. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To illustrate the relation which in my mind this 'Pastor' bore to the + 'Wanderer,' and the resemblances between them, or rather the points of + community in their nature, I likened one to an oak, and the other to a + sycamore; and having here referred to this comparison, I need only add, I + had no one individual in my mind, wishing rather to embody this idea than + to break in upon the simplicity of it by traits of individual character, + or of any peculiarity of opinion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And now for a few words upon the scene where these interviews and + conversations are supposed to occur. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The scene of the first book of the poem is, I must own, laid in a tract of + country not sufficiently near to that which soon comes into view in the + second book, to agree with the fact. All that relates to Margaret, and the + ruined cottage, &c., was taken<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage199" + id="Cpage199"></a>{199}</span> from observations made in the south-west of + England, and certainly it would require more than seven-leagued boots to + stretch in one morning from a common in Somersetshire, or Dorsetshire, to + the heights of Furness Fells, and the deep valleys they embosom. For this + dealing with space, I need make, I trust, no apology; but my friends may + be amused by the truth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the poem, I suppose that the Pedlar and I ascended from a plain country + up the vale of Langdale, and struck off a good way above the chapel to the + western side of the Vale. We ascended the hill, and thence looked down + upon the circular recess in which lies Blea Tarn, chosen by the 'Solitary' + for his retreat. After we quit his cottage, passing over a low ridge, we + descend into another Vale, that of Little Langdale, towards the head of + which stands embowered, or partly shaded by yews and other trees, + something between a cottage and a mansion, or gentleman's house, such as + they once were in this country. This I convert into the parsonage, and at + the same time, and as by the waving of a magic wand, I turn the + comparatively confined Vale of Langdale, its tarn, and the rude chapel + which once adorned the valley, into the stately and comparatively spacious + Vale of Grasmere and its ancient parish church; and upon the side of + Loughrigg Fell, at the foot of the Lake, and looking down upon it and the + whole Vale and its accompanying mountains, the 'Pastor' is supposed by me + to stand, when at sunset he addresses his companions in words which I hope + my readers may remember,<a name="CFNanchor_14_14" id="CFNanchor_14_14"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> or I should not have + taken the trouble of giving so much in detail the materials on which my + mind actually worked. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now for a few particulars of <i>fact</i>, respecting the persons whose + stories are told or characters described by the different speakers. To + Margaret I have already alluded. I will add here that the lines beginning, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'She was a woman of a steady mind,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Live on earth a life of happiness,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + faithfully delineate, as far as they go, the character possessed in common + by many women whom it has been my happiness to know in humble life; and + that several of the most touching things which she is represented as + saying and doing are taken from actual observation of the distresses and + trials under which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage200" id="Cpage200"></a>{200}</span> + different persons were suffering, some of them strangers to me, and others + daily under my notice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was born too late to have a distinct remembrance of the origin of the + American war; but the state in which I represent Robert's mind to be, I + had frequent opportunities of observing at the commencement of our rupture + with France in 1793; opportunities of which I availed myself in the story + of the 'Female Vagrant,' as told in the poem on 'Guilt and Sorrow.' The + account given by the 'Solitary,' towards the close of the second book, in + all that belongs to the character of the old man, was taken from a + Grasmere pauper, who was boarded in the last house quitting the Vale on + the road to Ambleside; the character of his hostess, and all that befell + the poor man upon the mountain, belongs to Paterdale. The woman I knew + well; her name was Ruth Jackson, and she was exactly such a person as I + describe. The ruins of the old chapel, among which the old man was found + lying, may yet be traced, and stood upon the ridge that divides Paterdale + from Boardale and Martindale, having been placed there for the convenience + of both districts. The glorious appearance disclosed above and among the + mountains, was described partly from what my friend Mr. Luff, who then + lived in Paterdale, witnessed upon this melancholy occasion, and partly + from what Mrs. Wordsworth and I had seen, in company with Sir G. and Lady + Beaumont, above Hartshope Hall, in our way from Paterdale to Ambleside. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And now for a few words upon the church, its monuments, and of the + deceased who are spoken of as lying in the surrounding churchyard. But + first for the one picture given by the 'Wanderer' of the living. In this + nothing is introduced but what was taken from Nature, and real life. The + cottage was called Hackett, and stands, as described, on the southern + extremity of the ridge which separates the two Langdales. The pair who + inhabited it were called Jonathan and Betty Yewdale. Once when our + children were ill, of whooping-cough I think, we took them for change of + air to this cottage, and were in the habit of going there to drink tea + upon fine summer afternoons; so that we became intimately acquainted with + the characters, habits, and lives of these good, and let me say, in the + main, wise people. The matron had, in her early youth, been a servant in a + house at Hawkshead, where several boys boarded, while I <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage201" id="Cpage201"></a>{201}</span>was a + school-boy there. I did not remember her as having served in that + capacity; but we had many little anecdotes to tell to each other of + remarkable boys, incidents, and adventures, which had made a noise in + their day in that small town. These two persons were induced afterwards to + settle at Rydal, where they both died. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Church and Churchyard</i>.—The church, as already noticed, is + that of Grasmere. The interior of it has been improved lately and made + warmer by underdrawing the roof, and raising the floor; but the rude and + antique majesty of its former appearance has been impaired by painting the + rafters; and the oak benches, with a simple rail at the back dividing them + from each other, have given way to seats that have more the appearance of + pews. It is remarkable that, excepting only the pew belonging to Rydal + Hall, that to Rydal Mount, the one to the parsonage, and, I believe, + another, the men and women still continue, as used to be the custom in + Wales, to sit separate from each other. Is this practice as old as the + Reformation? and when and how did it originate? In the Jewish synagogues, + and in Lady Huntingdon's chapels, the sexes are divided in the same way. + In the adjoining churchyard greater changes have taken place; it is now + not a little crowded with tombstones; and near the schoolhouse, which + stands in the churchyard, is an ugly structure, built to receive the + hearse, which is recently come into use. It would not be worth while to + allude to this building, or the hearse-vehicle it contains, but that the + latter has been the means of introducing a change much to be lamented in + the mode of conducting funerals among the mountains. Now, the coffin is + lodged in the hearse at the door of the house of the deceased, and the + corpse is so conveyed to the churchyard gate. All the solemnity which + formerly attended its progress, as described in this poem, is put an end + to. So much do I regret this, that I beg to be excused for giving + utterance here to a wish that, should it befall me to die at Rydal Mount, + my own body may be carried to Grasmere Church after the manner in which, + till lately, that of every one was borne to the place of sepulchre here, + namely, on the shoulders of neighbours; no house being passed without some + words of a funeral psalm being sung at the time by the attendants bearing + it. When I put into the mouth of the 'Wanderer,' 'Many precious rites and + customs of our rural ancestry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage202" + id="Cpage202"></a>{202}</span> are gone, or stealing from us,' 'this, I + hope, will last for ever,' and what follows, little did I foresee that the + observance and mode of proceeding which had often affected me so much + would so soon be superseded. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having said much of the injury done to this churchyard, let me add, that + one is at liberty to look forward to a time when, by the growth of the + yew-trees thriving there, a solemnity will be spread over the place that + will in some degree make amends for the old simple character which has + already been so much encroached upon, and will be still more every year. I + will here set down, by way of memorial, that my friend Sir G. Beaumont, + having long ago purchased the beautiful piece of water called Loughrigg + Tarn, on the banks of which he intended to build, I told him that a person + in Kendal who was attached to the place wished to purchase it. Sir George, + finding the possession of no use to him, consented to part with it, and + placed the purchase-money, 20<i>l.</i>, at my disposal, for any local use + which I thought proper. Accordingly, I resolved to plant yew-trees in the + churchyard; and had four pretty strong large oak enclosures made, in each + of which was planted under my own eye, and principally, if not entirely, + by my own hand, two young trees, with the intention of leaving the one + that throve best to stand. Many years after, Mr. Barber, who will long be + remembered in Grasmere, Mr. Greenwood (the chief landed proprietor), and + myself, had four other enclosures made in the churchyard at our own + expense, in each of which was planted a tree taken from its neighbour, and + they all stand thriving admirably, the fences having been removed as no + longer necessary. May the trees be taken care of hereafter, when we are + all gone; and some of them will perhaps, at some far-distant time, rival + the majesty of the yew of Lorton, and those which I have described as + growing at Borrowdale, where they are still to be seen in grand + assemblage. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And now for the persons that are selected as lying in the churchyard. But + first for the individual whose grave is prepared to receive him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + His story is here truly related. He was a schoolfellow of mine for some + years. He came to us when he was at least seventeen years of age, very + tall, robust, and full grown. This prevented him from falling into the + amusements and games of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage203" + id="Cpage203"></a>{203}</span> the school; consequently, he gave more time + to books. He was not remarkably bright or quick, but, by industry, he made + a progress more than respectable. His parents not being wealthy enough to + send him to college when he left Hawkshead, he became a schoolmaster, with + a view to preparing himself for holy orders. About this time he fell in + love, as related in the poem, and every thing followed as there described, + except that I do not know exactly when and where he died. The number of + youths that came to Hawkshead school from the families of the humble + yeomanry, to be educated to a certain degree of scholarship, as a + preparation for the church, was considerable; and the fortunes of those + persons in after life various of course, and some not a little remarkable. + I have now one of this class in my eye who became an usher in a + preparatory school, and ended in making a large fortune. His manners, when + he came to Hawkshead, were as uncouth as well could be; but he had good + abilities, with skill to turn them to account, and when the master of the + school to which he was usher died, he stept into his place, and became + proprietor of the establishment. He continued to manage it with such + address, and so much to the taste of what is called high society and the + fashionable world, that no school of the kind, even till he retired, was + in such high request. Ministers of State, the wealthiest gentry, and + nobility of the first rank, vied with each other in bespeaking a place for + their sons in the seminary of this fortunate teacher. [In pencil on + opposite page—Mr. Pearson.] In the solitude of Grasmere, while + living as a married man in a cottage of 8<i>l.</i> per annum rent, I often + used to smile at the tales which reached me of the brilliant career of + this quondam clown—for such in reality he was, in manners and + appearance, before he was polished a little by attrition with gentlemen's + sons trained at Hawkshead, rough and rude as many of our families were. + Not 200 yards from the cottage in Grasmere just mentioned, to which I + retired, this gentleman, who many years afterwards purchased a small + estate in the neighbourhood, is now erecting a boat-house, with an upper + story to be resorted to as an entertaining room when he and his associates + may feel inclined to take their pastime on the Lake. Every passenger will + be disgusted with the sight of this edifice, not merely as a tasteless + thing in itself, but as utterly out of place, and peculiarly fitted, as + far as it is observed (and it <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage204" + id="Cpage204"></a>{204}</span>obtrudes itself on notice at every point of + view), to mar the beauty and destroy the pastoral simplicity of the Vale. + For my own part, and that of my household, it is our utter detestation, + standing by a shore to which, before the high road was made to pass that + way, we used daily and hourly to repair for seclusion and for the shelter + of a grove, under which I composed many of my poems—the 'Brothers' + especially; and for this reason we gave the grove that name. 'That which + each man loved and prized in his peculiar nook of earth dies with him or + is changed.' So much for my old schoolfellow and his exploits. I will only + add that, as the foundation has twice failed, from the Lake no doubt being + intolerant of the intrusion, there is some ground for hoping that the + impertinent structure will not stand. It has been rebuilt in somewhat + better taste, and much as one wishes it away, it is not now so very + unsightly. The structure is an emblem of the man. Perseverance has + conquered difficulties, and given something of form and polish to + rudeness. [In pencil on opposite page—This boat-house, badly built, + gave way, and was rebuilt. It again tumbled, and was a third time + reconstructed, but in a better fashion than before. It is not now, <i>per + se</i>, an ugly building, however obtrusive it may be.] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Miner, next described as having found his treasure after twice ten + years of labour, lived in Paterdale, and the story is true to the letter. + It seems to me, however, rather remarkable, that the strength of mind + which had supported him through his long unrewarded labour, did not enable + him to bear its successful issue. Several times in the course of my life I + have heard of sudden influxes of great wealth being followed by + derangement; and, in one instance, the shock of good fortune was so great + as to produce absolute idiotcy. But these all happened where there had + been little or no previous effort to acquire the riches, and therefore + such a consequence might the more naturally be expected, than in the case + of the solitary miner. In reviewing his story, one cannot but regret that + such perseverance was not sustained by a worthier object. Archimedes + leaped out of his bath and ran about the streets, proclaiming his + discovery in a transport of joy; but we are not told that he lost either + his life or his senses in consequence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The next character, to whom the priest is led by contrast with the + resoluteness displayed by the foregoing, is taken from<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage205" id="Cpage205"></a>{205}</span> a person born and bred in + Grasmere, by name Dawson, and whose talents, dispositions, and way of + life, were such as are here delineated. I did not know him, but all was + fresh in memory when we settled at Grasmere in the beginning of the + century. From this point the conversation leads to the mention of two + individuals, who by their several fortunes were, at different times, + driven to take refuge at the small and obscure town of Hawkshead on the + skirt of these mountains. Their stories I had from the dear old dame with + whom, as a school-boy, and afterwards, I lodged for the space of nearly + ten years. The elder, the Jacobite, was named Drummond, and was of a high + family in Scotland; the Hanoverian Whig bore the name of Vandeput,<a + name="CFNanchor_15_15" id="CFNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#CFootnote_15_15" + class="fnanchor">[15]</a> and might, perhaps, be a descendant of some + Dutchman who had come over in the train of King William. At all events, + his zeal was such, that he ruined himself by a contest for the + representation of London or Westminster, undertaken to support his Party, + and retired to this corner of the world, selected as it had been by + Drummond for that obscurity which, since visiting the Lakes became + fashionable, it has no longer retained. So much was this region considered + out of the way till a late period, that persons who had fled from justice + used often to resort hither for concealment, and some were so bold as to + not unfrequently make excursions from the place of their retreat for the + purpose of committing fresh offences. Such was particularly the case with + two brothers of the name of Weston, who took up their abode at Old + Brathay, I think about seventy years ago. They were highwaymen, and lived + there some time without being discovered, though it was known that they + often disappeared, in a way, and upon errands, which could not be + accounted for. Their horses were noticed as being of a choice breed, and I + have heard from the Relph family, one of whom was a saddler in the town of + Kendal, that they were curious in their saddles, and housings, and + accoutrements of their horses. They, as I have heard, and as was + universally believed, were, in the end, both taken and hanged. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Tall was her stature, her complexion dark, and saturnine</i>.—This + person lived at Town-End, and was almost our next neighbour. I have little + to notice concerning her beyond what is said in the poem. She was a most + striking instance how far a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage206" + id="Cpage206"></a>{206}</span> woman may surpass in talent, in knowledge, + and culture of mind, those with and among whom she lives, and yet fall + below them in Christian virtues of the heart and spirit. It seemed almost, + and I say it with grief, that in proportion as she excelled in the one, + she failed in the other. How frequently has one to observe in both sexes + the same thing, and how mortifying is the reflection! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>As on a sunny bank the tender lamb</i>.—The story that follows + was told to Mrs. Wordsworth and my sister, by the sister of this unhappy + young woman. Every particular was exactly as I have related. The party was + not known to me, though she lived at Hawkshead; but it was after I left + school. The clergyman who administered comfort to her in her distress I + knew well. Her sister, who told the story, was the wife of a leading + yeoman in the Vale of Grasmere, and they were an affectionate pair, and + greatly respected by every one who knew them. Neither lived to be old; and + their estate, which was, perhaps, the most considerable then in the Vale, + and was endeared to them by many remembrances of a salutary character, not + easily understood or sympathised with by those who are born to great + affluence, past to their eldest son, according to the practice of these + Vales, who died soon after he came into possession. He was an amiable and + promising youth, but was succeeded by an only brother, a good-natured man, + who fell into habits of drinking, by which he gradually reduced his + property, and the other day the last acre of it was sold, and his wife and + children, and he himself still surviving, have very little left to live + upon; which it would not, perhaps, have been worth while to record here, + but that through all trials this woman has proved a model of patience, + meekness, affectionate forbearance, and forgiveness. Their eldest son, who + through the vices of his father has thus been robbed of an ancient family + inheritance, was never heard to murmur or complain against the cause of + their distress, and is now, deservedly, the chief prop of his mother's + hopes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + BOOK VII.—The clergyman and his family described at the beginning of + this book were, during many years, our principal associates in the Vale of + Grasmere, unless I were to except our very nearest neighbours. I have + entered so particularly into the main points of their history, that I will + barely testify in prose that (with the single exception of the particulars + of their journey<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage207" id="Cpage207"></a>{207}</span> + to Grasmere, which, however, was exactly copied from real life in another + instance) the whole that I have said of them is as faithful to the truth + as words can make it. There was much talent in the family, and the eldest + son was distinguished for poetical talent, of which a specimen is given in + my Notes to the Sonnets on the Duddon. Once, when in our cottage at + Town-End, I was talking with him about poetry, in the course of our + conversation I presumed to find fault with the versification of Pope, of + whom he was an enthusiastic admirer. He defended him with a warmth that + indicated much irritation; nevertheless I would not abandon my point, and + said, 'In compass and variety of sound your own versification surpasses + his.' Never shall I forget the change in his countenance and tone of + voice: the storm was laid in a moment, he no longer disputed my judgment, + and I passed immediately in his mind, no doubt, for as great a critic as + ever lived. I ought to add, he was a clergyman and a well-educated man, + and his verbal memory was the most remarkable of any individual I have + known, except a Mr. Archer, an Irishman, who lived several years in this + neighbourhood, and who in this faculty was a prodigy: he afterwards became + deranged, and I fear continues so if alive. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Then follows the character of Robert Walker, for which see Nates to the + Duddon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Next that of the <i>Deaf Man</i>, whose epitaph may be seen in the + churchyard at the head of Hawes-Water, and whose qualities of mind and + heart, and their benign influence in conjunction with his privation, I had + from his relatives on the spot. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The <i>Blind Man</i>, next commemorated, was John Gough, of Kendal, a man + known, far beyond his neighbourhood, for his talents and attainments in + natural history and science. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of the <i>Infants' Grave</i> next noticed, I will only say, it is an exact + picture of what fell under my own observation; and all persons who are + intimately acquainted with cottage life must often have observed like + instances of the working of the domestic affections. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>A volley thrice repeated</i>.—This young volunteer bore the name + of Dawson, and was younger brother, if I am not mistaken, to the prodigal + of whose character and fortunes an account is given towards the beginning + of the preceding book. The father of the family I knew well; he was a man + of literary education<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage208" id="Cpage208"></a>{208}</span> + and [considerable] experience in society, much beyond what was common + among the inhabitants of the Vale. He had lived a good while in the + Highlands of Scotland as a manager of iron-works at Bunaw, and had acted + as clerk to one of my predecessors in the office of distributor of stamps, + when he used to travel round the country collecting and bringing home the + money due to Government in gold, which it may be worth while to mention, + for the sake of my friends, was deposited in the cell or iron closet under + the west window, which still exists, with the iron doors that guarded the + property. This, of course, was before the time of bills and notes. The two + sons of this person had no doubt been led by the knowledge of their father + to take more delight in scholarship, and had been accustomed, in their own + minds, to take a wider view of social interests, than was usual among + their associates. The premature death of this gallant young man was much + lamented, and as an attendant upon the funeral, I myself witnessed the + ceremony, and the effect of it as described in the poems, 'Tradition tells + that in Eliza's golden days,' 'A knight came on a war-horse,' 'The house + is gone.' The pillars of the gateway in front of the mansion remained when + we first took up our abode at Grasmere. Two or three cottages still remain + which are called Nott Houses, from the name of the gentleman (I have + called him a knight) concerning whom these traditions survive. He was the + ancestor of the <i>Knott</i> family, formerly considerable proprietors in + the district. What follows in the discourse of the 'Wanderer,' upon the + changes he had witnessed in rural life by the introduction of machinery, + is truly described from what I myself saw during my boyhood and early + youth, and from what was often told me by persons of this humble calling. + Happily, most happily, for these mountains, the mischief was diverted from + the banks of their beautiful streams, and transferred to open and flat + counties abounding in coal, where the agency of steam was found much more + effectual for carrying on those demoralising works. Had it not been for + this invention, long before the present time, every torrent and river in + this district would have had its factory, large and populous in proportion + to the power of the water that could there be commanded. Parliament has + interfered to prevent the night-work which was carried on in these mills + as actively as during the daytime, and by necessity, still more + perniciously; a sad disgrace to the <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage209" id="Cpage209"></a>{209}</span>proprietors and to the + nation which could so long tolerate such unnatural proceedings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Reviewing, at this late period, 1843, what I put into the mouths of my + interlocutors a few years after the commencement of the century, I grieve + that so little progress has been made in diminishing the evils deplored, + or promoting the benefits of education which the 'Wanderer' anticipates. + The results of Lord Ashley's labours to defer the time when children might + legally be allowed to work in factories, and his endeavours to still + further limit the hours of permitted labour, have fallen far short of his + own humane wishes, and of those of every benevolent and right-minded man + who has carefully attended to this subject; and in the present session of + Parliament (1843) Sir James Graham's attempt to establish a course of + religious education among the children employed in factories has been + abandoned, in consequence of what might easily have been foreseen, the + vehement and turbulent opposition of the Dissenters; so that for many + years to come it may be thought expedient to leave the religious + instruction of children entirely in the hands of the several denominations + of Christians in the Island, each body to work according to its own means + and in its own way. Such is my own confidence, a confidence I share with + many others of my most valued friends, in the superior advantages, both + religious and social, which attend a course of instruction presided over + and guided by the clergy of the Church of England, that I have no doubt, + that if but once its members, lay and clerical, were duly sensible of + those benefits, their Church would daily gain ground, and rapidly, upon + every shape and fashion of Dissent; and in that case, a great majority in + Parliament being sensible of these benefits, the ministers of the country + might be emboldened, were it necessary, to apply funds of the State to the + support of education on church principles. Before I conclude, I cannot + forbear noticing the strenuous efforts made at this time in Parliament by + so many persons to extend manufacturing and commercial industry at the + expense of agricultural, though we have recently had abundant proofs that + the apprehensions expressed by the 'Wanderer' were not groundless. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'I spake of mischief by the wise diffused,<br /></span> <span>With + gladness thinking that the more it spreads<br /></span> <span>The + healthier, the securer we become;<br /></span> <span>Delusion which a + moment may destroy!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage210" id="Cpage210"></a>{210}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Chartists are well aware of this possibility, and cling to it with all + ardour and perseverance which nothing but wiser and more brotherly dealing + towards the many on the part of the wealthy few can moderate or remove. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + BOOK IX., <i>towards conclusion</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'While from the grassy mountain's open side<br /></span> <span>We + gazed.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The point here fixed upon in my imagination is half-way up the northern + side of Loughrigg Fell, from which the 'Pastor' and his companions are + supposed to look upwards to the sky and mountain-tops, and round the Vale, + with the Lake lying immediately beneath them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'But turned, not without welcome promise given<br /></span> <span>That + he would share the pleasures and pursuits<br /></span> <span>Of yet + another Summer's day, consumed<br /></span> <span>In wandering with us.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I reported this promise of the 'Solitary,' and long after, it was my + wish, and I might say intention, that we should resume our wanderings and + pass the borders into his native country, where, as I hoped, he might + witness, in the society of the 'Wanderer,' some religious ceremony—a + sacrament say, in the open fields, or a preaching among the mountains, + which, by recalling to his mind the days of his early childhood, when he + had been present on such occasions in company with his parents and nearest + kindred, might have dissolved his heart into tenderness, and so done more + towards restoring the Christian faith in which he had been educated, and, + with that, contentedness and even cheerfulness of mind, than all that the + 'Wanderer' and 'Pastor' by their several effusions and addresses had been + enabled to effect. An issue like this was in my intentions, but alas! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'mid the wreck of is and was,<br /></span> <span>Things + incomplete and purposes betrayed<br /></span> <span>Make sadder transits + o'er thought's optic glass<br /></span> <span>Than noblest objects + utterly decayed.'<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Bydal Mount, June 24. 1843.<br /></span> <span>St. John Baptist + Day.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of the 'Church' in the 'Excursion' (Book v.) we find this additional + morsel in a letter to Lady Frederick Bentinck (<i>Memoirs</i>, i. 156): + 'The Church is a very ancient structure; some<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage211" id="Cpage211"></a>{211}</span> persons now propose to ceil + it, a project which, as a matter of taste and feeling, I utterly + disapprove. At present, it is open to the rafters, and is accordingly + spacious, and has a venerable appearance, favourable, when one first + enters, to devotional impressions.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem514" id="Cpoem514"></a>514. <i>The Aristocracy of Nature</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'much did he see of men.' ['Excursion,' Book i. 1. + 344.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At the risk of giving a shock to the prejudices of artificial society, I + have ever been ready to pay homage to the aristocracy of nature; under a + conviction that vigorous human-heartedness is the constituent principle of + true taste. It may still, however, be satisfactory to have prose testimony + how far a Character, employed for purposes of imagination, is founded upon + general fact. I, therefore, subjoin an extract from an author who had + opportunities of being well acquainted with a class of men, from whom my + own personal knowledge emboldened me to draw this portrait. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'We learn from Caesar and other Roman Writers, that the travelling + merchants who frequented Gaul and other barbarous countries, either newly + conquered by the Roman arms, or bordering on the Roman conquests, were + ever the first to make the inhabitants of those countries familiarly + acquainted with the Roman modes of life, and to inspire them with an + inclination to follow the Roman fashions, and to enjoy Roman conveniences. + In North America, travelling merchants from the settlements have done and + continue to do much more towards civilising the Indian natives, than all + the missionaries, Papist or Protestant, who have ever been sent among + them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'It is farther to be observed, for the credit of this most useful class of + men, that they commonly contribute, by their personal manners, no less + than by the sale of their wares, to the refinement of the people among + whom they travel. Their dealings form them to great quickness of wit and + acuteness of judgment. Having constant occasion to recommend themselves + and their goods, they acquire habits of the most obliging attention, and + the most insinuating address. As in their peregrinations they have + opportunity of contemplating the manners of various men and various + cities, they become eminently skilled in the knowledge of the world. <i>As + they wander, each alone, through <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage212" + id="Cpage212"></a>{212}</span>thinly-inhabited districts they form habits + of reflection and of sublime contemplation</i>. With all these + qualifications, no wonder that they should often be, in remote parts of + the country, the best mirrors of fashion, and censors of manners; and + should contribute much to polish the roughness, and soften the rusticity + of our peasantry. It is not more than twenty or thirty years since a young + man going from any part of Scotland to England, of purpose to <i>carry the + pack</i>, was considered as going to lead the life and acquire the fortune + of a gentleman. When, after twenty years' absence, in that honourable line + of employment, he returned with his acquisitions to his native country, he + was regarded as a gentleman to all intents and purposes.' <i>Heron's + Journey in Scotland</i>, Vol. i. p. 89. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem515" id="Cpoem515"></a>515. <i>Eternity</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Lost in unsearchable Eternity!' ['Excursion,' Book iii. 1. 112.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Since this paragraph was composed, I have read with so much pleasure, in + Burnet's <i>Theory of the Earth</i>, a passage expressing corresponding + sentiments, excited by objects of a similar nature, that I cannot forbear + to transcribe it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Siquod verò Natura nobis dedit spectaculum, in hâc tellure, + verè gratum, et philosopho dignum, id semel mihi contigisse + arbitror; cùm ex celsissimâ rupe speculabundus ad oram maris + Mediterranei, hinc aequor caeruleum, illinc tractus Alpinos prospexi; + nihil quidem magìs dispar aut dissimile, nec in suo genere, magìs + egregium et singulare. Hoc theatrum ego facilè praetulerim Romanis + cunctis, Graecisve; atque id quod natura hîc spectandum exhibet, + scenicis ludis omnibus, aut amphitheatri certamiuibus. Nihil hîc + elegans aut venustum, sed ingens et magnificum, et quod placet magnitudine + suâ et quâdam specie immensitatis. Hinc intuebar maris + aequabilem superficiem, usque et usque diffusam, quantum maximùm + oculorum acies ferri potuit; illinc disruptissimam terrae faciem, et + vastas moles variè elevatas aut depressas, erectas, propendentes, + reclinatas, coacervatas, omni situ inaequali et turbido. Placuit, ex hàc + parte, Naturae unitas et simplicitas, et inexhausta quaedam planities; ex + alterâ, multiformis confusio magnorum corporum, et insanae rerum + strages: quas cùm intuebar, non urbis alicujus aut oppidi, sed + confracti mundi rudera, ante oculos habere mihi visus sum.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage213" id="Cpage213"></a>{213}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'In singulis ferè montibus erat aliquid insolens et mirabile, sed + prae caeteris mihi placebat illa, quâ sedebam, rupes; erat maxima et + altissima, et quâ terram respiciebat, molliori ascensu altitudinem + suam dissimulabat: quà verò mare, horrendúm praeceps, + et quasi ad perpendiculum facta, instar parietis. Praetereà facies + illa marina adeò erat laevis ac uniformis (quod in rupibus + aliquando observare licet) ac si scissa fuisset à summo ad imum, in + illo plano; vel terrae motu aliquo, aut fulmine, divulsa. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Ima pars rupis erat cava, recessusque habuit, et saxeos specus, euntes in + vacuum montem; sive naturâ pridem factos, sive exesos mari, et + undarum crebris ictibus: In hos enim cum impetu ruebant et fragore, + aestuantis maris fluctus; quos iterum spumantes reddidit antrum, et quasi + ab imo ventre evomuit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Dextrum latus montis erat praeruptum, aspero saxo et nuda caute; + sinistrum non adeò neglexerat Natura, arboribus utpote ornatum: et + prope pedem montis rivus limpidae aquae prorupit; qui cùm vicinam + vallem irrigaverat, lento motu serpens, et per varios maeandros, quasi ad + protrahendam vitam, in magno mari absorptus subito periit. Denique in + summo vertice promontorii, commodè eminebat saxum, cui insidebam + contemplabundus. Vale augusta sedes, Rege digna: Augusta rupes, semper + mihi memoranda!' P. 89. <i>Telluris Theoria sacra, &c. Editio secunda</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem516" id="Cpoem516"></a>516. <i>'Of Mississippi, or that + Northern Stream;' William Gilbert</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'A man is supposed to improve by going out into the <i>World</i>, by + visiting <i>London</i>. Artificial man does; he extends with his sphere; + but, alas! that sphere is microscopic; it is formed of minutiae, and he + surrenders his genuine vision to the artist, in order to embrace it in his + ken. His bodily senses grow acute, even to barren and inhuman pruriency; + while his mental become proportionally obtuse. The reverse is the Man of + Mind: he who is placed in the sphere of Nature and of God, might be a mock + at Tattersall's and Brooks', and a sneer at St. James's: he would + certainly be swallowed alive by the first <i>Pizarro</i> that crossed him:—But + when he walks along the river of Amazons; when he rests his eye on the + unrivalled Andes; when he measures the long and watered savannah; or + contemplates, from a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage214" id="Cpage214"></a>{214}</span> + sudden promontory, the distant, vast Pacific—and feels himself a + freeman in this vast theatre, and commanding each ready produced fruit of + this wilderness, and each progeny of this stream—his exaltation is + not less than imperial. He is as gentle, too, as he is great: his emotions + of tenderness keep pace with his elevation of sentiment; for he says, + "These were made by a good Being, who, unsought by me, placed me here to + enjoy them." He becomes at once a child and a king. His mind is in + himself; from hence he argues, and from hence he acts, and he argues + unerringly, and acts magisterially: his mind in himself is also in his + God; and therefore he loves, and therefore he soars.'—From the notes + upon 'The Hurricane,' a Poem, by William Gilbert. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Reader, I am sure, will thank me for the above quotation, which, + though from a strange book, is one of the finest passages of modern + English prose. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem517" id="Cpoem517"></a>517. <i>Richard Baxter</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>''Tis, by comparison, an easy task<br /></span> <span>Earth to + despise,' &c. ['Excursion,' Book iv. ll. 131-2.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + See, upon this subject, Baxter's most interesting review of his own + opinions and sentiments in the decline of life. It may be found (lately + reprinted) in Dr. Wordsworth's <i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem518" id="Cpoem518"></a>518. <i>Endowment of immortal Power</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Alas! the endowment of Immortal Power,' &c. ['Excursion,' + Ibid. ll. 206<br /></span> <span><i>et seqq.</i>]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This subject is treated at length in the Ode 'Intimations of Immortality.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem519" id="Cpoem519"></a>519. <i>Samuel Daniel and Countess of + Cumberland</i>. ['Excursion,' <i>ibid.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Knowing the heart of Man is set to be,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The passage quoted from Daniel is taken from a poem addressed to the Lady + Margaret, Countess of Cumberland, and the two last lines, printed in + Italics, are by him translated from Seneca. The whole Poem is very + beautiful. I will transcribe four stanzas from it, as they contain an + admirable picture of the state of a wise Man's mind in a time of public + commotion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage215" id="Cpage215"></a>{215}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Nor is he moved with all the thunder-cracks<br /></span> <span>Of + tyrants' threats, or with the surly brow<br /></span> <span>Of Power, + that proudly sits on other's crimes;<br /></span> <span>Charged with more + crying sins than those he checks.<br /></span> <span>The storms of sad + confusion that may grow<br /></span> <span>Up in the present for the + coming times,<br /></span> <span>Appal not him; that hath no side at all,<br /></span> + <span>But of himself, and knows the worst can fall.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Although his heart (so near allied to earth)<br /></span> <span>Cannot + but pity the perplexed state<br /></span> <span>Of troublous and + distressed mortality,<br /></span> <span>That thus make way unto the ugly + birth<br /></span> <span>Of their own sorrows, and do still beget<br /></span> + <span>Affliction upon Imbecility;<br /></span> <span>Yet seeing thus the + course of things must run,<br /></span> <span>He looks thereon not + strange, but as foredone.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And whilst distraught ambition compasses,<br /></span> <span>And is + encompassed, while as craft deceives,<br /></span> <span>And is deceived: + whilst man doth ransack man,<br /></span> <span>And builds on blood, and + rises by distress;<br /></span> <span>And th' Inheritance of desolation + leaves<br /></span> <span>To great-expecting hopes: He looks thereon,<br /></span> + <span>As from the shore of peace, with unwet eye,<br /></span> <span>And + bears no venture in Impiety.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Thus, Lady, fares that man that hath prepared<br /></span> <span>A + rest for his desire; and sees all things<br /></span> <span>Beneath him; + and hath learned this book of man,<br /></span> <span>Full of the notes + of frailty; and compared<br /></span> <span>The best of glory with her + sufferings:<br /></span> <span>By whom, I see, you labour all you can<br /></span> + <span>To plant your heart! and set your thoughts as near<br /></span> + <span>His glorious mansion as your powers can bear.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem520" id="Cpoem520"></a>520. <i>Spires</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>And spires whose "silent finger points to Heaven."' ['Excursion,'<br /></span> + <span>Book vi. l. 19.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + An instinctive taste teaches men to build their churches in flat countries + with spire-steeples, which as they cannot be referred to any other object, + point as with silent finger to the sky and stars, and sometimes, when they + reflect the brazen light of a rich though rainy sunset, appear like a + pyramid of flame burning heaven-ward. See 'The Friend,' by S. T. + Coleridge, No. 14, p. 223.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage216" + id="Cpage216"></a>{216}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem521" id="Cpoem521"></a>521. <i>Sycamores</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'That sycamore which annually holds<br /></span> <span>Within its + shade as in a stately tent.' ['Excursion,' Book vii. ll. 622-3.]<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">'This sycamore oft musical with Bees;<br /></span> <span + class="i2"><i>Such tents</i> the Patriarch loved.' S.T. COLERIDGE.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem522" id="Cpoem522"></a>522. <i>The Transitory</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Perish the roses and the flowers of Kings.' ['Excursion,' Book + vii. l. 990.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The 'Transit gloria mundi' is finely expressed in the Introduction to the + Foundation-charters of some of the ancient Abbeys. Some expressions here + used are taken from that of the Abbey of St. Mary's, Furness, the + translation of which is as follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Considering every day the uncertainty of life, that the roses and flowers + of Kings, Emperors, and Dukes, and the crowns and palms of all the great, + wither and decay; and that all things, with an uninterrupted course, tend + to dissolution and death: I therefore,' &c. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem523" id="Cpoem523"></a>523. <i>Dyer and 'The Fleece.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i1">—-'Earth has lent<br /></span> <span>Her waters, + Air her breezes.' ['Excursion,' Book viii. ll. 112-3.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In treating this subject, it was impossible not to recollect, with + gratitude, the pleasing picture, which, in his Poem of the Fleece, the + excellent and amiable Dyer has given of the influences of manufacturing + industry upon the face of this Island. He wrote at a time when machinery + was first beginning to be introduced, and his benevolent heart prompted + him to augur from it nothing but good. Truth has compelled me to dwell + upon the baneful effects arising out of an ill-regulated and excessive + application of powers so admirable in themselves. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cpoem524" id="Cpoem524"></a>524. <i>Dr. Bell</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Binding herself by Statute.' ['Excursion,' Book ix. l. 300.]<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The discovery of Dr. Bell affords marvellous facilities for carrying this + into effect; and it is impossible to over-rate the benefit which might + accrue to humanity from the universal application of this simple engine + under an enlightened and conscientious government. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage217" id="Cpage217"></a>{217}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="II_LETTERS_AND_EXTRACTS_FROM_LETTERS" + id="II_LETTERS_AND_EXTRACTS_FROM_LETTERS"></a>II. LETTERS AND EXTRACTS + FROM LETTERS. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage218" id="Cpage218"></a>{218}</span> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> On this division of the Prose, the Reader may see our <a + href="#PREFACE"> Preface, Vol. I.</a>G. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage219" id="Cpage219"></a>{219}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter1" id="Cletter1"></a>1. <i>Autobiographical Memoranda + dictated by William Wordsworth, P.L., at Rydal Mount, November 1847</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was born at Cockermouth, in Cumberland, on April 7th, 1770, the second + son of John Wordsworth, attorney-at-law, as lawyers of this class were + then called, and law-agent to Sir James Lowther, afterwards Earl of + Lonsdale. My mother was Anne, only daughter of William Cookson, mercer, of + Penrith, and of Dorothy, born Crackanthorp, of the ancient family of that + name, who from the times of Edward the Third had lived in Newbiggen Hall, + Westmoreland. My grandfather was the first of the name of Wordsworth who + came into Westmoreland, where he purchased the small estate of Sockbridge. + He was descended from a family who had been settled at Peniston in + Yorkshire, near the sources of the Don, probably before the Norman + Conquest. Their names appear on different occasions in all the + transactions, personal and public, connected with that parish; and I + possess, through the kindness of Col. Beaumont, an almery made in 1325, at + the expense of a William Wordsworth, as is expressed in a Latin + inscription<a name="CFNanchor_16_16" id="CFNanchor_16_16"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> carved upon it, which + carries the pedigree of the family back four generations from himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The time of my infancy and early boyhood was passed partly at Cockermouth, + and partly with my mother's parents at Penrith, where my mother, in the + year 1778, died of a decline, brought on by a cold, the consequence of + being put, at a friend's house in London, in what used to be called 'a + best bedroom.' My father never recovered his usual cheerfulness of mind + after this loss, and died when I was in my fourteenth year, a school-boy, + just returned from Hawkshead, whither I had been sent with my elder + brother Richard, in my ninth year. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I remember my mother only in some few situations, one of which was her + pinning a nosegay to my breast when I was going<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage220" id="Cpage220"></a>{220}</span> to say the catechism in the + church, as was customary before Easter.<a name="CFNanchor_17_17" + id="CFNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#CFootnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> + I remember also telling her on one week day that I had been at church, for + our school stood in the churchyard, and we had frequent opportunities of + seeing what was going on there. The occasion was, a woman doing penance in + the church in a white sheet. My mother commended my having been present, + expressing a hope that I should remember the circumstance for the rest of + my life. 'But,' said I, 'Mama, they did not give me a penny, as I had been + told they would.' 'Oh,' said she, recanting her praises, 'if that was your + motive, you were very properly disappointed.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My last impression was having a glimpse of her on passing the door of her + bedroom during her last illness, when she was reclining in her easy chair. + An intimate friend of hers, Miss Hamilton by name, who was used to visit + her at Cockermouth, told me that she once said to her, that the only one + of her five children about whose future life she was anxious, was William; + and he, she said, would be remarkable either for good or for evil. The + cause of this was, that I was of a stiff, moody, and violent temper; so + much so that I remember going once into the attics of my grandfather's + house at Penrith, upon some indignity having been put upon me, with an + intention of destroying myself with one of the foils which I knew was kept + there. I took the foil in hand, but my heart failed. Upon another + occasion, while I was at my grandfather's house at Penrith, along with my + eldest brother, Richard, we were whipping tops together in the large + drawing-room, on which the carpet was only laid down upon particular + occasions. The walls were hung round with family pictures, and I said to + my brother, 'Dare you strike your whip through that old lady's petticoat?' + He replied, 'No, I won't.' 'Then,' said I, 'here goes;' and I struck my + lash through her hooped petticoat, for which no doubt, though I have + forgotten it, I was properly punished. But possibly, from some want of + judgment in punishments inflicted, I had become perverse and obstinate in + defying chastisement, and rather proud of it than otherwise. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of my earliest days at school I have little to say, but that they were + very happy ones, chiefly because I was left at liberty, then and in the + vacations, to read whatever books I liked. For<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage221" id="Cpage221"></a>{221}</span> example, I read all + Fielding's works, <i>Don Quixote, Gil Blas,</i> and any part of Swift that + I liked; <i>Gulliver's Travels,</i> and the <i>Tale of the Tub,</i> being + both much to my taste. I was very much indebted to one of the ushers of + Hawkshead School, by name Shaw, who taught me more of Latin in a fortnight + than I had learnt during two preceding years at the school of Cockermouth. + Unfortunately for me this excellent master left our school, and went to + Stafford, where he taught for many years. It may be perhaps as well to + mention, that the first verses which I wrote were a task imposed by my + master; the subject, 'The Summer Vacation;' and of my own accord I added + others upon 'Return to School.' There was nothing remarkable in either + poem; but I was called upon, among other scholars, to write verses upon + the completion of the second centenary from the foundation of the school + in 1585, by Archbishop Sandys. These verses were much admired, far more + than they deserved, for they were but a tame imitation of Pope's + versification, and a little in his style. This exercise, however, put it + into my head to compose verses from the impulse of my own mind, and I + wrote, while yet a school-boy, a long poem running upon my own adventures, + and the scenery of the country in which I was brought up. The only part of + that poem which has been preserved is the conclusion of it, which stands + at the beginning of my collected Poems ['Dear native regions,' &c.]. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the month of October, 1787, I was sent to St. John's College, + Cambridge, of which my uncle, Dr. Cookson, had been a fellow. The master, + Dr. Chevallier, died very soon after;<a name="CFNanchor_18_18" + id="CFNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#CFootnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> + and, according to the custom of that time, his body, after being placed in + the coffin, was removed to the hall of the college, and the pall, spread + over the coffin, was stuck over by copies of verses, English or Latin, the + composition of the students of St. John's. My uncle seemed mortified when + upon inquiry he learnt that none of these verses were from my pen, + 'because,' said he, 'it would have been a fair opportunity for + distinguishing yourself.' I did not, however, regret that <i>I</i> had + been silent on this occasion, as I felt no interest in the deceased + person, with whom I had had no intercourse, and whom I had never seen but + during his walks in the college grounds. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When at school, I, with the other boys of the same standing,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage222" id="Cpage222"></a>{222}</span> was put + upon reading the first six books of Euclid, with the exception of the + fifth; and also in algebra I learnt simple and quadratic equations; and + this was for me unlucky, because I had a full twelvemonth's start of the + freshmen of my year, and accordingly got into rather an idle way; reading + nothing but classic authors according to my fancy, and Italian poetry. My + Italian master was named Isola, and had been well acquainted with Gray the + poet. As I took to these studies with much interest, he was proud of the + progress I made. Under his correction I translated the <i>Vision of Mirza</i>, + and two or three other papers of the <i>Spectator</i>, into Italian. In + the month of August, 1790, I set off for the Continent, in companionship + with Robert Jones, a Welshman, a fellow-collegian. We went staff in hand, + without knapsacks, and carrying each his needments tied up in a pocket + handkerchief, with about twenty pounds apiece in our pockets. We crossed + from Dover and landed at Calais on the eve of the day when the king was to + swear fidelity to the new constitution: an event which was solemnised with + due pomp at Calais. On the afternoon of that day we started, and slept at + Ardres. For what seemed best to me worth recording in this tour, see the + 'Poem of my own Life.'<a name="CFNanchor_19_19" id="CFNanchor_19_19"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After taking my degree in January, 1791, I went to London, stayed there + some time, and then visited my friend Jones, who resided in the Yale of + Clwydd, North Wales. Along with him I made a pedestrian tour through North + Wales, for which also see the Poem.<a name="CFNanchor_20_20" + id="CFNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#CFootnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1791 I went to Paris, where I stayed some little time, + and then went to Orleans, with a view of being out of the way of my own + countrymen, that I might learn to speak the language fluently. At Orleans, + and Blois, and Paris, on my return, I passed fifteen or sixteen months.<a + name="CFNanchor_21_21" id="CFNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#CFootnote_21_21" + class="fnanchor">[21]</a> It was a stirring time. The king was dethroned + when I was at Blois, and the massacres of September took place when I was + at Orleans. But for these matters see also the Poem. I came home before + the execution of the king, and passed the subsequent time among my friends + in London and elsewhere, till I settled with my only sister at Piacedown + in Dorsetshire, in the year 1796. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage223" id="Cpage223"></a>{223}</span>Here + we were visited by Mr. Coleridge, then residing at Bristol; and for the + sake of being near him when he had removed to Nether-Stowey, in + Somersetshire, we removed to Alfoxden, three miles from that place. This + was a very pleasant and productive time of my life. Coleridge, my sister, + and I, set off on a tour to Linton and other places in Devonshire; and in + order to defray his part of the expense, Coleridge on the same afternoon + commenced his poem of the 'Ancient Mariner;' in which I was to have borne + my part, and a few verses were written by me, and some assistance given in + planning the poem; but our styles agreed so little, that I withdrew from + the concern, and he finished it himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the course of that spring I composed many poems, most of which were + printed at Bristol, in one volume, by my friend Joseph Cottle, along with + Coleridge's 'Ancient Mariner,' and two or three other of his pieces. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1798, Mr. Coleridge, a friend of his Mr. Chester, my + sister, and I, crossed from Yarmouth to Hamburgh, where we remained a few + days, and saw, several times, Klopstock the poet. Mr. Coleridge and his + friend went to Ratzburg, in the north of Germany, and my sister and I + preferred going southward; and for the sake of cheapness, and the + neighbourhood of the Hartz Mountains, we spent the winter at the old + imperial city of Goslar. The winter was perishingly cold—the coldest + of this century; and the good people with whom we lodged told me one + morning, that they expected to find me frozen to death, my little sleeping + room being immediately over an archway. However, neither my sister nor I + took any harm. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We returned to England in the following spring, and went to visit our + friends the Hutchinsons, at Sockburn-on-Tees, in the county of Durham, + with whom we remained till the 19th of December. We then came, on St. + Thomas's Day, the 21st, to a small cottage at Town-End, Grasmere, which, + in the course of a tour some months previously with Mr. Coleridge, I had + been pleased with, and had hired. This we furnished for about a hundred + pounds, which sum had come to my sister by a legacy from her uncle + Crackanthorp. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I fell to composition immediately, and published, in 1800, the second + volume of the 'Lyrical Ballads.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the year 1802 I married Mary Hutchinson, at Brompton,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage224" id="Cpage224"></a>{224}</span> near + Scarborough, to which part of the country the family had removed from + Sockburn. We had known each other from childhood, and had practised + reading and spelling under the same old dame at Penrith, a remarkable + personage, who had taught three generations, of the upper classes + principally, of the town of Penrith and its neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After our marriage we dwelt, together with our sister, at Town-End, where + three of our children were born. In the spring of 1808, the increase of + our family caused us to remove to a larger house, then just built, Allan + Bank, in the same vale; where our two younger children were born, and who + died at the rectory, the house we afterwards occupied for two years. They + died in 1812, and in 1813 we came to Rydal Mount, where we have since + lived with no further sorrow till 1836, when my sister became a confirmed + invalid, and our sister Sarah Hutchinson died. She lived alternately with + her brother and with us.<a name="CFNanchor_22_22" id="CFNanchor_22_22"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter2" id="Cletter2"></a>2. <i>His Schoolmistress, Mrs. Anne + Birkett, Penrith</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The old dame did not affect to make theologians, or logicians, but she + taught to read, and she practised the memory, often no doubt by rote; but + still the faculty was improved. Something perhaps she explained, and left + the rest to parents, to masters, and to the pastor of the parish.'<a + name="CFNanchor_23_23" id="CFNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#CFootnote_23_23" + class="fnanchor">[23]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter3" id="Cletter3"></a>3. <i>Books and Reading</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Do not trouble yourself with reading modern authors at present; confine + your attention to ancient classical writers; make yourself master of them; + and when you have done that, you will come down to us; and then you will + be able to judge us according to our deserts.'<a name="CFNanchor_24_24" + id="CFNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#CFootnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter4" id="Cletter4"></a>4. <i>Tour on the Continent</i>, + 1790. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO MISS WORDSWORTH, SEPT. 6 1790. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Sept. 6, 1790, Keswill (a small village + on the Lake of Constance).</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR SISTER,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My last letter was addressed to you from St. Valier and the Grande + Chartreuse. I have, since that period, gone over a very<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage225" id="Cpage225"></a>{225}</span> + considerable tract of country, and I will give you a sketch of my route as + far as relates to mentioning places where I have been, after I have + assured you that I am in excellent health and spirits, and have had no + reason to complain of the contrary during our whole tour. My spirits have + been kept in a perpetual hurry of delight, by the almost uninterrupted + succession of sublime and beautiful objects which have passed before my + eyes during the course of the last mouth. I will endeavour to give you + some idea of our route. It will be utterly impossible for me to dwell upon + particular scenes, as my paper would be exhausted before I had done with + the journey of two or three days. On quitting the Grande Chartreuse, where + we remained two days, contemplating, with increased pleasure, its + wonderful scenery, we passed through Savoy to Geneva; thence, along the + Pays do Vaud side of the lake, to Villeneuve, a small town seated at its + head. The lower part of the lake did not afford us a pleasure equal to + what might have been expected from its celebrity; this owing partly to its + width, and partly to the weather, which was one of those hot gleamy days + in which all distant objects are veiled in a species of bright obscurity. + But the higher part of the lake made us ample amends; 'tis true we had + some disagreeable weather, but the banks of the water are infinitely more + picturesque, and, as it is much narrower, the landscape suffered + proportionally less from that pale steam which before almost entirely hid + the opposite shore. From Villeneuve we proceeded up the Rhone to Martigny, + where we left our bundles, and struck over the mountains to Chamouny, and + visited the glaciers of Savoy. You have undoubtedly heard of these + celebrated scenes, but if you have not read about them, any description + which I have room to give you must be altogether inadequate. After passing + two days in the environs of Chamouny, we returned to Martigny, and pursued + our mount up the Valais, along the Rhine, to Brig. At Brig we quitted the + Valais, and passed the Alps at the Simplon, in order to visit part of + Italy. The impressions of three hours of our walk among these Alps will + never be effaced. From Duomo d'Ossola, a town of Italy which lay in our + route, we proceeded to the lake of Locarno, to visit the Boromean Islands, + and thence to Como. A more charming path was scarcely ever travelled over. + The banks of many of the Italian and Swiss lakes are so steep and rocky as + not to admit of roads; that of Como is<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage226" id="Cpage226"></a>{226}</span> partly of this character. A + small foot-path is all the communication by land between one village and + another, on the side along which we passed, for upwards of thirty miles. + We entered upon this path about noon, and, owing to the steepness of the + banks, were soon unmolested by the sun, which illuminated the woods, + rocks, and villages of the opposite shore. The lake is narrow, and the + shadows of the mountains were early thrown across it. It was beautiful to + watch them travelling up the side of the hills,—for several hours to + remark one half of a village covered with shade, and the other bright with + the strongest sunshine. It was with regret that we passed every turn of + this charming path, where every new picture was purchased by the loss of + another which we should never have been tired of gazing upon. The shores + of the lake consist of steeps covered with large, sweeping woods of + chestnut, spotted with villages; some clinging from the summits of the + advancing rocks, and others hiding themselves within their recesses. Nor + was the surface of the lake less interesting than its shores; half of it + glowing with the richest green and gold, the reflection of the illuminated + wood and path, shaded with a soft blue tint. The picture was still further + diversified by the number of sails which stole lazily by us as we paused + in the wood above them. After all this we had the moon. It was impossible + not to contrast that repose, that complacency of spirit, produced by these + lovely scenes, with the sensations I had experienced two or three days + before, in passing the Alps. At the lake of Como, my mind ran through a + thousand dreams of happiness, which might be enjoyed upon its banks, if + heightened by conversation and the exercise of the social affections. + Among the more awful scenes of the Alps, I had not a thought of man, or a + single created being; my whole soul was turned to Him who produced the + terrible majesty before me. But I am too particular for the limits of my + paper. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We followed the lake of Como to its head, and thence proceeded to + Chiavenna, where we began to pass a range of the Alps, which brought us + into the country of the Grisons at Sovozza. From Sovozza we pursued the + valley of Myssen, in which it is situated, to its head; passed Mount Adula + to Hinter Rhine, a small village near one of the sources of the Rhine. We + pursued this branch of the Rhine downward through the Grisons to Michenem, + where we turned up the other branch of the same<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage227" id="Cpage227"></a>{227}</span> river, and following it to + Chiamut, a small village near its source. Here we quitted the Grisons, and + entered Switzerland at the valley of Urseren, and pursued the course of + the Reuss down to Altorf; thence we proceeded, partly upon the lake and + partly behind the mountains on its banks, to Lucerne, and thence to + Zurich. From Zurich, along the banks of the lake, we continued our route + to Richtenschwyl: here we left the lake to visit the famous church and + convent of Einsiedeln, and thence to Glaris. But this catalogue must be + shockingly tedious. Suffice it to say, that, after passing a day in + visiting the romantic valley of Glaris, we proceeded by the lake of + Wallenstadt and the canton of Appenzell to the lake of Constance, where + this letter was begun nine days ago. From Constance we proceeded along the + banks of the Rhine to Schaffhausen, to view the falls of the Rhine there. + Magnificent as this fall certainly is, I must confess I was disappointed + in it. I had raised my ideas too high. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We followed the Rhine downward about eight leagues from Schaffhausen, + where we crossed it, and proceeded by Baden to Lucerne. I am at this + present moment (14th September) writing at a small village on the road + from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen. By consulting your maps, you will find + these villages in the south-east part of the canton of Berne, not far from + the lakes of Thun and Brientz. After viewing the valley of Lauterbrunnen, + we shall have concluded our tour of the more Alpine part of Switzerland. + We proceed thence to Berne, and intend, after making two or three small + excursions about the lake of Neufchatel, to go to Basle, a town in + Switzerland, upon the Rhine, whence we shall, if we find we can afford it, + take advantage of the river down to Cologne, and so cross to Ostend, where + we shall take the packet to Margate. To-day is the 14th of September; and + I hope we shall be in England by the 10th of October. I have had, during + the course of this delightful tour, a great deal of uneasiness from an + apprehension of your anxiety on my account. I have thought of you + perpetually; and never have my eyes burst upon a scene of particular + loveliness but I have almost instantly wished that you could for a moment + be transported to the place where I stood to enjoy it. I have been more + particularly induced to form those wishes, because the scenes of + Switzerland have no resemblance to any I have found in England; + consequently it may probably never be in your<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage228" id="Cpage228"></a>{228}</span> power to form an idea of + them. We are now, as I observed above, upon the point of quitting these + most sublime and beautiful parts; and you cannot imagine the melancholy + regret which I feel at the idea. I am a perfect enthusiast in my + admiration of nature in all her various forms; and I have looked upon, + and, as it were, conversed with, the objects which this country has + presented to my view so long, and with such increasing pleasure, that the + idea of parting from them oppresses me with a sadness similar to what I + have always felt in quitting a beloved friend. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is no reason to be surprised at the strong attachment which the + Swiss have always shown to their native country. Much of it must + undoubtedly have been owing to those charms which have already produced so + powerful an effect upon me, and to which the rudest minds cannot possibly + be indifferent. Ten thousand times in the course of this tour have I + regretted the inability of my memory to retain a more strong impression of + the beautiful forms before me; and again and again, in quitting a + fortunate station, have I returned to it with the most eager avidity, in + the hope of bearing away a more lively picture. At this moment, when many + of these landscapes are floating before my mind, I feel a high enjoyment + in reflecting that perhaps scarcely a day of my life will pass in which I + shall not derive some happiness from these images. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With regard to the manners of the inhabitants of this singular country, + the impressions which we have had often occasion to receive have been + unfavourable; but it must be remembered that we have had little to do but + with innkeepers, and those corrupted by perpetual intercourse with + strangers. Had we been able to speak the language, which is German, and + had we time to insinuate ourselves into their cottages, we should probably + have had as much occasion to admire the simplicity of their lives as the + beauties of their country. My partiality to Switzerland, excited by its + natural charms, induces me to hope that the manners of the inhabitants are + amiable; but at the same time I cannot help frequently comparing them with + those of the French, and, as far as I have had opportunity to observe, + they lose very much by the comparison. We not only found the French a much + less imposing people, but that politeness diffused through the lowest + ranks had an air so engaging that you could scarce attribute it to any + other cause than real benevolence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage229" + id="Cpage229"></a>{229}</span> During the time, which was near a month, + that we were in France, we had not once to complain of the smallest + deficiency in courtesy in any person, much less of any positive rudeness. + We had also perpetual occasion to observe that cheerfulness and + sprightliness for which the French have always been remarkable. But I must + remind you that we crossed at the time when the whole nation was mad with + joy in consequence of the Revolution. It was a most interesting period to + be in France; and we had many delightful scenes, where the interest of the + picture was owing solely to this cause. I was also much pleased with what + I saw of the Italians during the short time we were among them. We had + several times occasion to observe a softness and elegance which contrasted + strongly with the severe austereness of their neighbours on the other side + of the Alps. It was with pleasure I observed, at a small inn on the lake + of Como, the master of it playing upon his harpsichord, with a large + collection of Italian music about him. The outside of the instrument was + such that it would not much have graced an English drawing-room; but the + tones that he drew from it were by no means contemptible. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it is time to talk about England. When you write to my brothers, I + must beg of you to give my love, and tell them I am sorry it has not been + in my power to write to them. Kit will be surprised he has not heard from + me, as we were almost upon terms of regular correspondence. I had not + heard from Richard for some time before I set out. I did not call upon him + when I was in London; not so much because we were determined to hurry + through London, but because he, as many of our friends at Cambridge did, + would look upon our scheme as mad and impracticable. I expect great + pleasure, on my return to Cambridge, in exulting over those of my friends + who threatened us with such an accumulation of difficulties as must + undoubtedly render it impossible for us to perform the tour. Every thing, + however, has succeeded with us far beyond my most sanguine expectations. + We have, it is true, met with little disasters occasionally, but far from + distressing, and they rather gave us additional resolution and spirits. We + have both enjoyed most excellent health; and we have been so inured to + walking, that we are become almost insensible to fatigue. We have several + times performed a journey of thirteen leagues over the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage230" id="Cpage230"></a>{230}</span> most mountainous parts of + Switzerland without any more weariness than if we had been walking an hour + in the groves of Cambridge. Our appearance is singular; and we have often + observed, that, in passing through a village, we have excited a general + smile. Our coats, which we had made light on purpose for the journey, are + of the same piece; and our manner of carrying our bundles, which is upon + our heads, with each an oak stick in our hands, contributes not a little + to that general curiosity which we seem to excite. But I find I have again + relapsed into egotism, and must here entreat you, not only to pardon this + fault, but also to make allowance for the illegible hand and desultory + style of this letter. It has been written, as you will see by its + different shades, at many sittings, and is, in fact, the produce of most + of the leisure which I have had since it was begun, and is now finally + drawing to a conclusion, it being on the 16th of September. I flatter + myself still with the hope of seeing you for a fortnight or three weeks, + if it be agreeable to my uncle, as there will be no necessity for me to be + in Cambridge before the 10th of November. I shall be better able to judge + whether I am likely to enjoy this pleasure in about three weeks. I shall + probably write to you again before I quit France; if not, most certainly + immediately on my landing in England. You will remember me affectionately + to my uncle and aunt: as he was acquainted with my giving up all thoughts + of a fellowship, he may, perhaps, not be so much displeased at this + journey. I should be sorry if I have offended him by it. I hope my little + cousin is well. I must now bid you adieu, with assuring you that you are + perpetually in my thoughts, and that + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Most affectionately yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + On looking over this letter, I am afraid you will not be able to read half + of it. I must again beg you to excuse me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Miss Wordsworth, Rev. Wm. Cookson's, Long Stretton, Norfolk, L'Angleterre.<a + name="CFNanchor_25_25" id="CFNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#CFootnote_25_25" + class="fnanchor">[25]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage231" + id="Cpage231"></a>{231}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter5" id="Cletter5"></a>5. <i>In Wales</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'You will see by the date of this letter that I am in Wales, and whether + you remember the place of Jones's residence or no, you will immediately + conclude that I am with him. I quitted London about three weeks ago, where + my time passed in a strange manner, sometimes whirled about by the vortex + of its <i>strenua inertia</i>, and sometimes thrown by the eddy into a + corner of the stream. Think not, however, that I had not many pleasant + hours.... My time has been spent since I reached Wales in a very agreeable + manner, and Jones and I intend to make a tour through its northern + counties,—on foot, as you will easily suppose.'<a + name="CFNanchor_26_26" id="CFNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#CFootnote_26_26" + class="fnanchor">[26]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter6" id="Cletter6"></a>6. <i>Melancholy of a Friend</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I regret much not to have been made acquainted with your wish to have + employed your vacation in a pedestrian tour, both on your account, as it + would have contributed greatly to exhilarate your spirits, and on mine, as + we should have gained much from the addition of your society. Such an + excursion would have served like an Aurora Borealis to gild your long + Lapland night of melancholy.'<a name="CFNanchor_27_27" id="CFNanchor_27_27"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter7" id="Cletter7"></a>7. <i>Holy Orders</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + About this time Wordsworth was urged by some of his relatives to take holy + orders. Writing from Cambridge, September 23rd, to Mathews, he says: 'I + quitted Wales on a summons from Mr. Robinson, a gentleman you most likely + have heard me speak of, respecting my going into orders and taking a + curacy at Harwich; which curacy he considered as introductory to the + living. I thought it was best to pay my respects to him in person, to + inform him that I am not of age for ordination.'<a name="CFNanchor_28_28" + id="CFNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#CFootnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter8" id="Cletter8"></a>8. <i>The French Revolution: </i>1792. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The horrors excited by the relation of the events consequent upon the + commencement of hostilities is general. Not but that there are some men + who felt a gloomy satisfaction from a measure which seemed to put the + patriot army out of a possibility of success. An ignominious flight, the + massacre of their general,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage232" + id="Cpage232"></a>{232}</span> a dance performed with savage joy round his + burning body, the murder of six prisoners, are events which would have + arrested the attention of the reader of the annals of Morocco.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He then expresses his fear that the patriot army would be routed by the + invaders. But 'suppose,' he adds, 'that the German army is at the gates of + Paris, what will be the consequence? It will be impossible for it to make + any material alterations in the constitution; impossible to reinstate the + clergy in its ancient guilty splendour; impossible to restore an existence + to the noblesse similar to that it before enjoyed; impossible to add much + to the authority of the king. Yet there are in France some (millions?)—I + speak without exaggeration—who expect that this will take place.'<a + name="CFNanchor_29_29" id="CFNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#CFootnote_29_29" + class="fnanchor">[29]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter9" id="Cletter9"></a>9. <i>Failure of Louvets Denunciation + of Robespierre</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Paris his feelings were still more disturbed by the abortive issue of + Louvet's denunciation of Robespierre: he began to forebode the + commencement of the Reign of Terror; he was paralysed with sorrow and + dismay, and stung with disappointment, that no paramount spirit had + emerged to abash the impious crests of the leaders of 'the atheist crew,' + and 'to quell outrage and bloody power,' and to 'clear a passage for just + government, and leave a solid birthright to the state.'<a + name="CFNanchor_30_30" id="CFNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#CFootnote_30_30" + class="fnanchor">[30]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter10" id="Cletter10"></a>10. <i>Of inflammatory Political + Opinions</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I disapprove of monarchical and aristocratical governments, however + modified. Hereditary distinctions, and privileged orders of every species, + I think, must necessarily counteract the progress of human improvement. + Hence it follows, that I am not among the admirers of the British + constitution. I conceive that a more excellent system of civil policy + might be established among us; yet in my ardour to attain the goal, I do + not forget the nature of the ground where the race is to be run. The + destruction of those institutions which I condemn appears to me to be + hastening on too rapidly. I recoil from the very idea of a revolution. I + am a determined enemy to every species of violence. I see no connection, + but what the obstinacy of pride and ignorance renders necessary, between + justice and the sword, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage233" + id="Cpage233"></a>{233}</span>between reason and bonds. I deplore the + miserable condition of the French, and think that <i>we</i> can only be + guarded from the same scourge by the undaunted efforts of good men.... I + severely condemn all inflammatory addresses to the passions of men. I know + that the multitude walk in darkness. I would put into each man's hands a + lantern, to guide him; and not have him to set out upon his journey + depending for illumination on abortive flashes of lightning, or the + coruscations of transitory meteors.'<a name="CFNanchor_31_31" + id="CFNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#CFootnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter11" id="Cletter11"></a>11. <i>At Milkhouse, Halifax</i>: + 'Not <i>to take orders</i>.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'My sister,' he says, in a letter to Mathews (February 17th, 1794), 'is + under the same roof with me; indeed it was to see her that I came into + this country. I have been doing nothing, and still continue to do nothing. + What is to become of me I know not.' He announces his resolve <i>not</i> + to take orders; and 'as for the Law, I have neither strength of mind, + purse, or constitution, to engage in that pursuit.'<a + name="CFNanchor_32_32" id="CFNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#CFootnote_32_32" + class="fnanchor">[32]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter12" id="Cletter12"></a>12. <i>Literary Work: Evening Walk + and Descriptive Sketches</i>: 1794. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In May, 1794, William Wordsworth was at Whitehaven, at his uncle's, Mr. + Richard Wordsworth's; and he then proposes to his friend Mathews, who was + resident in London, that they should set on foot a monthly political and + literary Miscellany, to which, he says, 'he would communicate critical + remarks on poetry, the arts of painting, gardening, &c., besides + essays on morals and politics.' 'I am at present,' he adds, 'nearly at + leisure—I say <i>nearly</i>, for I am <i>not quite</i> so, as I am + correcting, and considerably adding to, those poems which I published in + your absence' ('The Evening Walk' and 'Descriptive Sketches'). 'It was + with great reluctance that I sent those two little works into the world in + so imperfect a state. But as I had done nothing by which to distinguish + myself at the university, I thought these little things might show that I + <i>could</i> do something. They have been treated with unmerited contempt + by some of the periodicals, and others have spoken in higher terms of them + than they deserve.'<a name="CFNanchor_33_33" id="CFNanchor_33_33"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage234" id="Cpage234"></a>{234}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter13" id="Cletter13"></a>13. <i>Employment on a London + Newspaper</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Writing from Keswick on November 7th, 1794, he announces to his friend + Mathews, who <i>was</i> employed on the newspapers, his desire and + intention of coming to London for the same purpose, and requests him to + procure for him a similar engagement. 'You say a newspaper would be glad + of me. Do you think you could ensure me employment in that way, on terms + similar to your own? I mean, also, in an Opposition paper, for I cannot + abet, in the smallest degree, the measures pursued by the present + ministry. They are already so deeply advanced in iniquity, that, like + Macbeth, they cannot retreat. When I express myself in this manner, I am + far from reprobating those whose sentiments differ from my own; I know + that many good men are persuaded of the expediency of the present war.' He + then turns to domestic matters: 'You would probably see that my brother + [afterwards the Master of Trinity] has been honoured with two college + declamation prizes. This goes towards a fellowship, which I hope he will + obtain, and am sure he will merit. He is a lad of talents, and industrious + withal. This same industry is a good old Roman quality, and nothing is to + be done without it.'<a name="CFNanchor_34_34" id="CFNanchor_34_34"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter14" id="Cletter14"></a>14. <i>Raisley Culvert's last + Illness</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'My friend' [Calvert] 'has every symptom of a confirmed consumption, and I + cannot think of quitting him in his present debilitated state.'<a + name="CFNanchor_35_35" id="CFNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#CFootnote_35_35" + class="fnanchor">[35]</a> Again: 'I have been here [Mr. Somerby's, at the + sign of the Robin Hood, Penrith] for some time. I am still much engaged + with my sick friend; and sorry am I to add that he worsens daily ... he is + barely alive.'<a name="CFNanchor_36_36" id="CFNanchor_36_36"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter15" id="Cletter15"></a>15. <i>Family History</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR GEORGE H. BEAUMONT, BART. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Grasmere, Feb. 20, 1805.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + My dear friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My father, who was an attorney of considerable eminence, died intestate + when we were children; and the chief part of his personal property after + his decease was expended in an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage235" + id="Cpage235"></a>{235}</span> unsuccessful attempt to compel the late + Lord Lonsdale to pay a debt of about 5000<i>l.</i> to my father's estate. + Enough, however, was scraped together to educate us all in different ways. + I, the second son, was sent to college with a view to the profession of + the church or law; into one of which I should have been forced by + necessity, had not a friend left me 900<i>l.</i> This bequest was from a + young man with whom, though I call him friend, I had had but little + connection; and the act was done entirely from a confidence on his part + that I had powers and attainments which might be of use to mankind. This I + have mentioned, because it was his due, and I thought the fact would give + you pleasure. Upon the interest of the 900<i>l.</i>, 400<i>l.</i> being + laid out in annuity, with 200<i>l.</i> deducted from the principal, and + 100<i>l.</i> a legacy to my sister, and a 100<i>l.</i> more which the + 'Lyrical Ballads' have brought me, my sister and I contrived to live seven + years, nearly eight. Lord Lonsdale. then died, and the present Lord + Lowther paid to my father's estate 8500<i>l.</i> Of this sum I believe + 1800<i>l.</i> apiece will come to my sister and myself; at least, would + have come: but 3000<i>l.</i> was lent out to our poor brother,<a + name="CFNanchor_37_37" id="CFNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#CFootnote_37_37" + class="fnanchor">[37]</a> I mean taken from the whole sum, which was about + 1200<i>l.</i> more than his share, which 1200<i>l.</i> belonged to my + sister and me. This 1200<i>l.</i> we freely lent him; whether it was + insured or no, I do not know; but I dare say it will prove to be the case; + we did not, however, stipulate for its being insured. But you shall + faithfully know all particulars as soon as I have learned them.<a + name="CFNanchor_38_38" id="CFNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#CFootnote_38_38" + class="fnanchor">[38]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter16" id="Cletter16"></a>16. <i>Reading: 1795</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here [Racedown Lodge, near Crewkerne, Dorsetshire] he and his sister + employed themselves industriously in reading—'if reading can ever + deserve the name of industry,' says Wordsworth in a letter to his friend + Mathews of March 21, 1796.<a name="CFNanchor_39_39" id="CFNanchor_39_39"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter17" id="Cletter17"></a>17. <i>Satire: Poetical Imitations + of Juvenal: 1795</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO WRANGHAM. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Nov. 7. 1806.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + 'I have long since come to a fixed resolution to steer clear of personal + satire; in fact, I never will have anything to do with<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage236" id="Cpage236"></a>{236}</span> it as far as concerns the + <i>private</i> vices of individuals on any account. With respect to public + delinquents or offenders, I will not say the same; though I should be slow + to meddle even with these. This is a rule which I have laid down for + myself, and shall rigidly adhere to; though I do not in all cases blame + those who think and act differently. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'It will therefore follow, that I cannot lend any assistance to your + proposed publication. The verses which you have of mine I should wish to + be destroyed; I have no copy of them myself, at least none that I can + find. I would most willingly give them up to you, fame, profit, and + everything, if I thought either true fame or profit could arise out of + them.'<a name="CFNanchor_40_40" id="CFNanchor_40_40"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter18" id="Cletter18"></a>18. <i>Visit to Thelwall</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Coleridge, my sister, and I had been visiting the famous John + Thelwall, who had taken refuge from politics after a trial for high + treason, with a view to bring up his family by the profits of agriculture, + which proved as unfortunate a speculation as that he had fled from. + Coleridge and he had been public lecturers, Coleridge mingling with his + politics theology, from which the other elocutionist abstained, unless it + were for the sake of a sneer. This quondam community of public employment + induced Thelwall to visit Coleridge, at Nether-Stowey, where he fell in my + way. He really was a man of extraordinary talent, an affectionate husband, + and a good father. Though brought up in the City, on a tailor's board, he + was truly sensible of the beauty of natural objects. I remember once, when + Coleridge, he, and I were seated upon the turf on the brink of the stream, + in the most beautiful part of the most beautiful glen of Alfoxden, + Coleridge exclaimed, "This is a place to reconcile one to all the jarrings + and conflicts of the wide world." "Nay," said Thelwall, "to make one + forget them altogether." The visit of this man to Coleridge was, as I + believe Coleridge has related, the occasion of a spy being sent by + Government to watch our proceedings, which were, I can say with truth, + such as the world at large would have thought ludicrously harmless.'<a + name="CFNanchor_41_41" id="CFNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#CFootnote_41_41" + class="fnanchor">[41]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage237" id="Cpage237"></a>{237}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter19" id="Cletter19"></a>19. <i>Poetry added to: April 12th, + 1798</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'You will be pleased to hear that I have gone on very rapidly adding to my + stock of poetry. Do come and let me read it to you under the old trees in + the park [at Alfoxden]. We have little more than two months to stay in + this place.'<a name="CFNanchor_42_42" id="CFNanchor_42_42"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter20" id="Cletter20"></a>20. <i>On the Wye</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'We left Alfoxden on Monday morning, the 26th of June, stayed with + Coleridge till the Monday following, then set forth on foot towards + Bristol. We were at Cottle's for a week, and thence we went towards the + banks of the Wye. We crossed the Severn Ferry, and walked ten miles + further to Tintern Abbey, a very beautiful ruin on the Wye. The next + morning we walked along the river through Monmouth to Goderich Castle, + there slept, and returned the next day to Tintern, thence to Chepstow, and + from Chepstow back again in a boat to Tintern, where we slept, and thence + back in a small vessel to Bristol. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The Wye is a stately and majestic river from its width and depth, but + never slow and sluggish; you can always hear its murmur. It travels + through a woody country, now varied with cottages and green meadows, and + now with huge and fantastic rocks.'<a name="CFNanchor_43_43" + id="CFNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#CFootnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter21" id="Cletter21"></a>21. <i>At Home again</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'We are now' (he says in a letter to Cottle) 'in the county of Durham, + just upon the borders of Yorkshire. We left Coleridge well at Gottingen a + month ago. We have spent our time pleasantly enough in Germany, but we are + right glad to find ourselves in England—for we have learnt to know + its value.'<a name="CFNanchor_44_44" id="CFNanchor_44_44"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter22" id="Cletter22"></a>22. <i>Early Visit to the Lake + District</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On September 2nd [1799] Wordsworth writes from Sockburn to his friend + Cottle: 'If you come down.... I will accompany you on your tour. You will + come by Greta Bridge, which is about twenty miles from this place: thither + Dorothy and I will go to meet you.... Dorothy will return to Sockburn, and + I will accompany you into Cumberland and Westmoreland.'<a + name="CFNanchor_45_45" id="CFNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#CFootnote_45_45" + class="fnanchor">[45]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage238" id="Cpage238"></a>{238}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter23" id="Cletter23"></a>23. <i>On a Tour, 1799</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'We left Cottle, as you know, at Greta Bridge. We were obliged to take the + mail over Stanemoor: the road interesting with sun and mist. At Temple + Sowerby I learned that John was at Newbiggin. I sent a note; he came, + looks very well, said he would accompany us a few days. Next day we set + off and dined at Mr. Myers', thence to Bampton, where we slept. On Friday + proceeded along the lake of Hawes-Water, a noble scene which pleased us + much. The mists hung so low that we could not go directly over to + Ambleside, so we went round by Long Sleddale to Kentmere, Troutbeck, + Rayrigg, and Bowness;... a rainy and raw day.... Went to the ferry, much + disgusted with the new erections about Windermere;... thence to Hawkshead: + great change among the people since we were last there. Next day by Rydal + to Grasmere, Robert Newton's. At Robert Newton's we have remained till + to-day. John left us on Tuesday: we walked with him to the tarn. This day + was a fine one, and we had some grand mountain scenery; the rest of the + week has been bad weather. The evening before last we walked to the upper + waterfall at Rydal, and saw it through the gloom, and it was very + magnificent. Coleridge was much struck with Grasmere and its + neighbourhood. I have much to say to you. You will think my plan a mad + one, but I have thought of building a house there by the lake-side. John + would give me 40<i>l.</i> to buy the ground. There is a small house at + Grasmere empty, which, perhaps, we may take; but of this we will speak.'<a + name="CFNanchor_46_46" id="CFNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#CFootnote_46_46" + class="fnanchor">[46]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter24" id="Cletter24"></a>24. <i>At the Lakes</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO COLERIDGE (1799): JOURNEY FROM SOCKBURN TO GRASMERE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'We arrived here on the evening of St. Thomas's day, last Friday [1799], + and have now been four days in our new abode without writing to you—a + long time! but we have been in such confusion as not to have had a + moment's leisure. My dear friend, we talk of you perpetually, and for me I + see you every where. But let me be a little more methodical. We left + Sockburn last Tuesday morning. We crossed the Tees by moon<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage239" id="Cpage239"></a>{239}</span>light in + the Sockburn fields, and after ten good miles' riding came in sight of the + Swale. It is there a beautiful river, with its green bank and flat holms + scattered over with trees. Four miles further brought us to Richmond, with + its huge ivied castle, its friarage steeple, its castle tower resembling a + huge steeple, and two other steeple towers, for such they appeared to us. + The situation of this place resembles that of Barnard Castle, but I should + suppose is somewhat inferior to it. George accompanied us eight miles + further, and there we parted with sorrowful hearts. We were now in Wensley + Dale, and D[orothy] and I set off side by side to foot it as far as + Kendal. I will not clog my letter with a description of this celebrated + dale; but I must not neglect to mention that a little before sunset we + reached one of the waterfalls, of which I read you a short description in + Mr. Taylor's tour. It is a singular scene; I meant to have given you some + account of it, but I feel myself too lazy to execute the task. 'Tis such a + performance as you might have expected from some giant gardener employed + by one of Queen Elizabeth's courtiers, if this same giant gardener had + consulted with Spenser, and they two had finished the work together. By + this you will understand that it is at once formal and wild. We reached + Askrigg, twelve miles, before six in the evening, having been obliged to + walk the last two miles over hard frozen roads, to the great annoyance of + our ankles and feet. Next morning the earth was thinly covered with snow, + enough to make the road soft, and prevent its being slippery. On leaving + Askrigg, we turned aside to see another waterfall. It was a beautiful + morning, with driving snow showers, which disappeared by fits, and + unveiled the east, which was all one delicious pale orange colour. After + walking through two small fields we came to a mill, which we passed; and + in a moment a sweet little valley opened before us with an area of grassy + ground, and a stream dashing over various laminae of black rocks close + under a bank covered with firs; the bank and stream on our left, another + woody bank on our right, and the flat meadow in front, from which, as at + Buttermere the stream had retired, as it were, to hide itself under the + shade. As we walked up this delightful valley we were tempted to look back + perpetually on the stream, which reflected the orange lights of the + morning among the gloomy rocks, with a brightness varying with the + agitation of the current. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage240" + id="Cpage240"></a>{240}</span> steeple of Askrigg was between us and the + east, at the bottom of the valley; it was not a quarter of a mile distant, + but oh! how far we were from it! The two banks seemed to join before us + with a facing of rock common to them both. When we reached this bottom the + valley opened out again; two rocky banks on each side, which, hung with + ivy and moss, and fringed luxuriantly with brushwood, ran directly + parallel to each other, and then approaching with a gentle curve at their + point of union, presented a lofty waterfall, the termination of the + valley. It was a keen frosty morning, showers of snow threatening us, but + the sun bright and active. We had a task of twenty-one miles to perform in + a short winter's day. All this put our minds into such a state of + excitation, that we were no unworthy spectators of this delightful scene. + On a nearer approach the waters seemed to fall down a tall arch, or niche, + that had shaped itself by insensible moulderings in the wall of an old + castle. We left this spot with reluctance, but highly exhilarated. When we + had walked about a mile and a half, we overtook two men with a string of + ponies and some empty carts. I recommended to Dorothy to avail herself of + this opportunity of husbanding her strength: we rode with them more than + two miles. 'Twas bitter cold, the wind driving the snow behind us in the + best style of a mountain storm. We soon reached an inn at a place called + Hardrane, and descending from our vehicles, after warming ourselves by the + cottage fire, we walked up the brook-side to take a view of a third + waterfall. We had not walked above a few hundred yards between two winding + rocky banks, before we came full upon the waterfall, which seemed to throw + itself in a narrow line from a lofty wall of rock, the water, which shot + manifestly to some distance from the rock, seeming to be dispersed into a + thin shower scarcely visible before it reached the bason. We were + disappointed in the cascade itself, though the introductory and + accompanying banks were an exquisite mixture of grandeur and beauty. We + walked up to the fall; and what would I not give if I could convey to you + the feelings and images which were then communicated to me? After + cautiously sounding our way over stones of all colours and sizes, encased + in the clearest water formed by the spray of the fall, we found the rock, + which before had appeared like a wall, extending itself over our heads, + like the ceiling of a huge cave, from the summit of which the waters<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage241" id="Cpage241"></a>{241}</span> shot + directly over our heads into a bason, and among fragments wrinkled over + with masses of ice as white as snow, or rather, as Dorothy says, like + congealed froth. The water fell at least ten yards from us, and we stood + directly behind it, the excavation not so deep in the rock as to impress + any feeling of darkness, but lofty and magnificent; but in connection with + the adjoining banks excluding as much of the sky as could well be spared + from a scene so exquisitely beautiful. The spot where we stood was as dry + as the chamber in which I am now sitting, and the incumbent rock, of which + the groundwork was limestone, veined and dappled with colours which melted + into each other with every possible variety of colour. On the summit of + the cave were three festoons, or rather wrinkles, in the rock, run up + parallel like the folds of a curtain when it is drawn up. Each of these + was hung with icicles of various length, and nearly in the middle of the + festoon in the deepest valley of the waves that ran parallel to each + other, the stream shot from the rows of icicles in irregular fits of + strength, and with a body of water that varied every moment. Sometimes the + stream shot into the bason in one continued current; sometimes it was + interrupted almost in the midst of its fall, and was blown towards part of + the waterfall at no great distance from our feet like the heaviest + thunder-shower. In such a situation you have at every moment a feeling of + the presence of the sky. Large fleecy clouds drove over our heads above + the rush of the water, and the sky appeared of a blue more than usually + brilliant. The rocks on each side, which, joining with the side of this + cave, formed the vista of the brook, were chequered with three diminutive + waterfalls, or rather courses of water. Each of these was a miniature of + all that summer and winter can produce of delicate beauty. The rock in the + centre of the falls, where the water was most abundant, a deep black, the + adjoining parts yellow, white, purple, and dove-colour, covered with + water-plants of the most vivid green, and hung with streaming icicles, + that in some places seem to conceal the verdure of the plants, and the + violet and yellow variegation of the rocks; and in some places render the + colours more brilliant. I cannot express to you the enchanting effect + produced by this Arabian scene of colour as the wind blew aside the great + waterfall behind which we stood, and alternately hid and revealed each of + these fairy cataracts in irregular succession, or displayed<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage242" id="Cpage242"></a>{242}</span> them + with various gradations of distinctness as the intervening spray was + thickened or dispersed. What a scene, too, in summer! In the luxury of our + imagination we could not help feeding upon the pleasure which this cave, + in the heat of a July noon, would spread through a frame exquisitely + sensible. That huge rock on the right, the bank winding round on the left, + with all its living foliage, and the breeze stealing up the valley, and + bedewing the cavern with the freshest imaginable spray. And then the + murmur of the water, the quiet, the seclusion, and a long summer day.'<a + name="CFNanchor_47_47" id="CFNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#CFootnote_47_47" + class="fnanchor">[47]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter25" id="Cletter25"></a>25. <i>Inconsistent Opinions on his + Poems</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + 'HARMONIES OF CRITICISM.' + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary="Harmonies of Criticism"> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Nutting</i>.' + </td> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Nutting</i>.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Mr. C.W.: + </td> + <td align="left"> + Mr. S.: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 'Worth its weight in gold.' + </td> + <td align="left"> + 'Can make neither head nor tail of it.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Joanna</i>.' + </td> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Joanna</i>.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Mr. J.W.: + </td> + <td align="left"> + Mr. S.: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 'The finest poem of its length you have written.' + </td> + <td align="left"> + 'Can make nothing of it.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Poet's Epitaph</i>.' + </td> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Poet's Epitaph</i>.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Charles Lamb: + </td> + <td align="left"> + Mr. S.: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 'The latter part preëminently good, and your own.' + </td> + <td align="left"> + 'The latter part very ill written. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Cumberland Beggar</i>.' + </td> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Cumberland Beggar</i>.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Mr. J.W.: + </td> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Charles Lamb: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 'Everybody seems delighted.' + </td> + <td align="left"> + 'You seem to presume your readers are stupid: the instructions too + direct.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Idiot Boy</i>.' + </td> + <td align="center"> + '<i>Idiot Boy</i>.' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + Mr. J.W.: + </td> + <td align="left"> + Mr. S.: + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + 'A lady, a friend of mine, could talk of nothing else: this, of all + the poems, her delight.' + </td> + <td align="left"> + 'Almost thrown by it into a fit with disgust; <i>cannot read it</i>!' + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + But here comes the waggon + </td> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + + </td> + <td align="left"> + W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_48_48" id="CFNanchor_48_48"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage243" id="Cpage243"></a>{243}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter26" id="Cletter26"></a>26. <i>On his Scottish Tour</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO SCOTT. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Oct. 16. 1803.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + 'We had a delightful journey home, delightful weather, and a sweet country + to travel through. We reached our little cottage in high spirits, and + thankful to God for all His bounties. My wife and child were both well, + and, as I need not say, we had all of us a happy meeting.... We passed + Branxholme (your Branxholme, we supposed) about four miles on this side of + Hawick. It looks better in your poem than in its present realities. The + situation, however, is delightful, and makes amends for an ordinary + mansion. The whole of the Teviot, and the pastoral steeps about Mosspaul, + pleased us exceedingly. The Esk, below Langholm, is a delicious river, and + we saw it to great advantage. We did not omit noticing Johnnie Armstrong's + Keep; but his hanging-place, to our great regret, we missed. We were, + indeed, most truly sorry that we could not have you along with us into + Westmoreland. The country was in its full glory; the verdure of the + valleys, in which we are so much superior to you in Scotland, but little + tarnished by the weather; and the trees putting on their most beautiful + looks. My sister was quite enchanted; and we often said to each other, + "What a pity Mr. Scott is not with us!..." I had the pleasure of seeing + Coleridge and Southey at Keswick last Sunday. Southey, whom I never saw + much of before, I liked much: he is very pleasant in his manner, and a man + of great reading in old books, poetry, chronicles, memoirs, &c., + particularly Spanish and Portuguese.... My sister and I often talk of the + happy days that we spent in your company. Such things do not occur often + in life. If we live, we shall meet again; that is my consolation when I + think of these things. Scotland and England sound like division, do what + we can; but we really are but neighbours, and if you were no further off, + and in Yorkshire, we should think so. Farewell! God prosper you, and all + that belongs to you! Your sincere friend, for such I will call myself, + though slow to use a word of such solemn meaning to any one, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div style="margin-left: 28em;"> + 'W. WORDSWORTH.'<a name="CFNanchor_49_49" id="CFNanchor_49_49"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage244" id="Cpage244"></a>{244}</span> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter27" id="Cletter27"></a>27. <i>The Grove: Captain John + Wordsworth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + John Wordsworth left Grasmere on Michaelmas-day, 1800, walking over by + Grisedale Tarn to Paterdale, whence he would proceed to Penrith; he took + leave of his brother William, near the Tarn, where Ullswater first comes + in view; and he went to sea again, in the Abergavenny East-Indiaman, in + the spring of 1801. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After his departure from Grasmere, the Poet discovered a track which had + been worn by his brother's steps 'pacing there unwearied and alone,' + during the winter weather, in a sheltering fir-grove above the cottage, + and henceforth <i>that</i> fir-grove was known to the Poet's household by + the name of 'John's Grove,' or 'Brother's Grove.' Of this Wordsworth + writes: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + '<i>When to the attractions of the busy world</i>,' 1805.—'The grove + still exists, but the plantation has been walled in, and is not so + accessible as when my brother John wore the path in the manner described. + The grove was a favourite haunt with us all while we lived at Town-End.'<a + name="CFNanchor_50_50" id="CFNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#CFootnote_50_50" + class="fnanchor">[50]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter28" id="Cletter28"></a>28. <i>Spenser and Milton</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Captain Wordsworth returned from the voyage on which he sailed in 1801; + and in November 1802, he writes for directions what books to buy to carry + with him on a voyage of sixteen months.... + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage245" id="Cpage245"></a>{245}</span> + </p> + <p> + 'Tell John' says Wordsworth, 'when he buys Spenser, to purchase an edition + which has his "State of Ireland" in it. This is in prose. This edition may + be scarce, but one surely can be found. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Milton's Sonnets (transcribe all this for John, as said by me to him) I + think manly and dignified compositions, distinguished by simplicity and + unity of object and aim, and undisfigured by false or vicious ornaments. + They are in several places incorrect, and sometimes uncouth in language, + and, perhaps, in some, inharmonious; yet, upon the whole, I think the + music exceedingly well suited to its end, that is, it has an energetic and + varied flow of sound crowding into narrow room more of the combined effect + of rhyme and blank verse than can be done by any other kind of verse I + know. The Sonnets of Milton which I like best are that to <i>Cyriack + Skinner</i>; on his <i>Blindness</i>; <i>Captain or Colonel</i>; <i>Massacre + of Piedmont</i>; <i>Cromwell</i>, except two last lines; <i>Fairfax</i>, + &c.'<a name="CFNanchor_51_51" id="CFNanchor_51_51"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter29" id="Cletter29"></a>29. <i>Death of Captain John + Wordsworth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR GEORGE H. BEAUMONT, BART. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Feb. 11. 1805.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR FRIEND,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The public papers will already have broken the shock which the sight of + this letter will give you: you will have learned by them the loss of the + Earl of Abergavenny East-Indiaman, and, along with her, of a great + proportion of the crew,—that of her captain, our brother, and a most + beloved brother he was. This calamitous news we received at 2 o'clock + to-day, and I write to you from a house of mourning. My poor sister, and + my wife who loved him almost as we did (for he was one of the most amiable + of men), are in miserable affliction, which I do all in my power to + alleviate; but Heaven knows I want consolation myself. I can say nothing + higher of my ever-dear brother, than that he was worthy of his sister, who + is now weeping beside me, and of the friendship of Coleridge; meek, + affectionate, silently enthusiastic, loving all quiet things, and a poet + in every thing but words. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Alas! what is human life! This present moment, I thought,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage246" id="Cpage246"></a>{246}</span> this + morning, would have been devoted to the pleasing employment of writing a + letter to amuse you in your confinement. I had singled out several little + fragments (descriptions merely), which I purposed to have transcribed from + my poems, thinking that the perusal of them might give you a few minutes' + gratification; and now I am called to this melancholy office. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall never forget your goodness in writing so long and interesting a + letter to me under such circumstances. This letter also arrived by the + same post which brought the unhappy tidings of my brother's death, so that + they were both put into my hands at the same moment.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Your affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall do all in my power to sustain my sister under her sorrow, which + is, and long will be, bitter and poignant. We did not love him as a + brother merely, but as a man of original mind, and an honour to all about + him. Oh! dear friend, forgive me for talking thus. We have had no tidings + of Coleridge. I tremble for the moment when he is to hear of my brother's + death; it will distress him to the heart,—and his poor body cannot + bear sorrow. He loved my brother, and he knows how we at Grasmere loved + him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nine days afterwards, Wordsworth resumed the subject as follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Feb. 20. 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having spoken of worldly affairs, let me again mention my beloved brother. + It is now just five years since, after a separation of fourteen years (I + may call it a separation, for we only saw him four or five times, and by + glimpses), he came to visit his sister and me in this cottage, and passed + eight blessed months with us. He was then waiting for the command of the + ship to which he was appointed when he quitted us. As you will have seen, + we had little to live upon, and he as little (Lord Lonsdale being then + alive). But he encouraged me to persist, and to keep my eye steady on its + object. He would work for me (that was his language), for me and his + sister; and I was to endeavour to do something for the world. He went to + sea, as commander, with this hope; his voyage was very unsuccessful,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage247" id="Cpage247"></a>{247}</span> he + having lost by it considerably. When he came home, we chanced to be in + London, and saw him. 'Oh!' said he, 'I have thought of you, and nothing + but you; if ever of myself, and my bad success, it was only on your + account.' He went again to sea a second time, and also was unsuccessful; + still with the same hopes on our account, though then not so necessary, + Lord Lowther having paid the money.<a name="CFNanchor_52_52" + id="CFNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#CFootnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> + Lastly came the lamentable voyage, which he entered upon, full of + expectation, and love to his sister and myself, and my wife, whom, indeed, + he loved with all a brother's tenderness. This is the end of his part of + the agreement—of his efforts for my welfare! God grant me life and + strength to fulfil mine! I shall never forget him,—never lose sight + of him: there is a bond between us yet, the same as if he were living, + nay, far more sacred, calling upon me to do my utmost, as he to the last + did his utmost to live in honour and worthiness. Some of the newspapers + carelessly asserted that he did not wish to survive his ship. This is + false. He was heard by one of the surviving officers giving orders, with + all possible calmness, a very little before the ship went down; and when + he could remain at his post no longer, then, and not till then, he + attempted to save himself. I knew this would be so, but it was + satisfactory for me to have it confirmed by external evidence. Do not + think our grief unreasonable. Of all human beings whom I ever knew, he was + the man of the most rational desires, the most sedate habits, and the most + perfect self-command. He was modest and gentle, and shy even to disease; + but this was wearing off. In every thing his judgments were sound and + original; his taste in all the arts, music and poetry in particular (for + these he, of course, had had the best opportunities of being familiar + with), was exquisite; and his eye for the beauties of nature was as fine + and delicate as ever poet or painter was gifted with, in some + discriminations, owing to his education and way of life, far superior to + any person's I ever knew. But, alas! what avails it? It was the will of + God that he should be taken away. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I trust in God that I shall not want fortitude; but my loss is great and + irreparable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage248" id="Cpage248"></a>{248}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for the offer of your house; but I am not likely to be called + to town. Lady Beaumont gives us hope we may see you next summer: this + would, indeed, be great joy to us all. My sister thanks Lady B. for her + affectionate remembrance of her and her letter, and will write as soon as + ever she feels herself able. Her health, as was to be expected, has + suffered much. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your most affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Again: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, March 12. 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As I have said, your last letter affected me much. A thousand times have I + asked myself, as your tender sympathy led me to do, 'why was he taken + away?' and I have answered the question as you have done. In fact, there + is no other answer which can satisfy and lay the mind at rest. Why have we + a choice, and a will, and a notion of justice and injustice, enabling us + to be moral agents? Why have we sympathies that make the best of us so + afraid of inflicting pain and sorrow, which yet we see dealt about so + lavishly by the Supreme Governor? Why should our notions of right towards + each other, and to all sentient beings within our influence, differ so + widely from what appears to be His notion and rule, <i>if every thing were + to end here</i>? Would it not be blasphemy to say that, upon the + supposition of the thinking principle being <i>destroyed by death</i>, + however inferior we may be to the great Cause and Ruler of things, we have + <i>more of love</i> in our nature than He has? The thought is monstrous; + and yet how to get rid of it, except upon the supposition of <i>another</i> + and a <i>better world</i>, I do not see. As to my departed brother, who + leads our minds at present to these reflections, he walked all his life + pure among many impure. Except a little hastiness of temper, when any + thing was done in a clumsy or bungling manner, or when improperly + contradicted upon occasions of not much importance, he had not one vice of + his profession. I never heard an oath, or even an indelicate expression or + allusion, from him in my life; his modesty was equal to that of the purest + woman. In prudence, in meekness, in self-denial, in fortitude, in just + desires and elegant and refined enjoyments, with an entire simplicity of + manners, life, and habit, he was all<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage249" id="Cpage249"></a>{249}</span> that could be wished for in + man; strong in health, and of a noble person, with every hope about him + that could render life dear, thinking of, and living only for, others,—and + we see what has been his end! So good must be better; so high must be + destined to be higher. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will take this opportunity of saying, that the newspaper accounts of the + loss of the ship are throughout grossly inaccurate. The chief facts I will + state, in a few words, from the deposition at the India House of one of + the surviving officers. She struck at 5 P.M. Guns were fired immediately, + and were continued to be fired. She was gotten off the rock at half-past + seven, but had taken in so much water, in spite of constant pumping, as to + be water-logged. They had, however, hope that she might still be run upon + Weymouth Sands, and with this view continued pumping and baling till + eleven, when she went down. The longboat could not be hoisted out, as, had + that been done, there would have been no possibility of the ship being run + aground. I have mentioned these things, because the newspaper accounts + were such as tended to throw discredit on my brother's conduct and + personal firmness, stating that the ship had struck an hour and a half + before guns were fired, and that, in the agony of the moment, the boats + had been forgotten to be hoisted out. We knew well this could not be; but, + for the sake of the relatives of the persons lost, it distressed us much + that it should have been said. A few minutes before the ship went down, my + brother was seen talking with the first mate, with apparent cheerfulness; + and he was standing on the hen-coop, which is the point from which he + could overlook the whole ship, the moment she went down, dying, as he had + lived, in the very place and point where his duty stationed him. I must + beg your pardon for detaining you so long on this melancholy subject; and + yet it is not altogether melancholy, for what nobler spectacle can be + contemplated than that of a virtuous man, with a serene countenance, in + such an overwhelming situation? I will here transcribe a passage which I + met with the other day in a review; it is from Aristotle's 'Synopsis of + the Virtues and Vices.'<a name="CFNanchor_53_53" id="CFNanchor_53_53"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> 'It is,' says he, 'the + property of fortitude not to be easily terrified by the dread of things + pertaining to death; to possess good confidence<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage250" id="Cpage250"></a>{250}</span> in things terrible, and + presence of mind in dangers; rather to prefer to be put to death worthily, + than to be preserved basely; and to be the cause of victory. Moreover, it + is the property of fortitude to labour and endure, and to make valorous + exertion an object of choice. Further, presence of mind, a well-disposed + soul, confidence and boldness are the attendants on fortitude; and, + besides these, industry and patience.' Except in the circumstance of + making valorous exertion an 'object <i>of choice</i>' (if the philosopher + alludes to general habits of character), my brother might have sat for + this picture; but he was of a meek and retired nature, loving all quiet + things. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, dear Sir George,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your most affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following, to his friend Southey, was written the morrow after the + arrival of the sad tidings: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Tuesday Evening, Grasmere, 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We see nothing here that does not remind us of our dear brother; there is + nothing about us (save the children, whom he had not seen) that he has not + known and loved. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If you could bear to come to this house of mourning to-morrow, I should be + for ever thankful. We weep much to-day, and that relieves us. As to + fortitude, I hope I shall show that, and that all of us will show it in a + proper time, in keeping down many a silent pang hereafter. But grief will, + as you say, and must, have its course; there is no wisdom in attempting to + check it under the circumstances which we are all of us in here. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I condole with you, from my soul, on the melancholy account of your own + brother's situation; God grant you may not hear such tidings! Oh! it makes + the heart groan, that, with such a beautiful world as this to live in, and + such a soul as that of man's is by nature and gift of God, that we should + go about on such errands as we do, destroying and laying waste; and + ninety-nine of us in a hundred never easy in any road that travels towards + peace and quietness. And yet, what virtue and what goodness, what heroism + and courage, what triumphs of disinterested love everywhere, and human + life, after all, what is it! Surely, this is not to be for ever, even on + this perishable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage251" id="Cpage251"></a>{251}</span> + planet! Come to us to-morrow, if you can; your conversation, I know, will + do me good. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All send best remembrances to you all. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Your affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following, to another friend, completes the sad tale: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, March 16. 1805.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He wrote to us from Portsmouth, about twelve days before this disaster, + full of hopes, saying that he was to sail to-morrow. Of course, at the + time when we heard this deplorable news, we imagined that he was as far on + his voyage as Madeira. It was, indeed, a thunderstroke to us! The language + which he held was always so encouraging, saying that ships were, in nine + instances out of ten, lost by mismanagement: he had, indeed, a great fear + of pilots, and I have often heard him say, that no situation could be + imagined more distressing than that of being at the mercy of these men. + 'Oh!' said he, 'it is a joyful hour for us when we get rid of them.' His + fears, alas! were too well founded; his own ship was lost while under the + management of the pilot, whether mismanaged by him or not, I do not know; + but know for certain, which is, indeed, our great consolation, that our + dear brother did all that man could do, even to the sacrifice of his own + life. The newspaper accounts were grossly inaccurate; indeed, that must + have been obvious to any person who could bear to think upon the subject, + for they were absolutely unintelligible. There are two pamphlets upon the + subject; one a mere transcript from the papers; the other may be + considered, as to all important particulars, as of authority; it is by a + person high in the India House, and contains the deposition of the + surviving officers concerning the loss of the ship. The pamphlet, I am + told, is most unfeelingly written: I have only seen an extract from it, + containing Gilpin's deposition, the fourth mate. From this, it appears + that every thing was done that could be done, under the circumstances, for + the safety of the lives and the ship. My poor brother was standing on the + hen-coop (which is placed upon the poop, and is the most commanding + situation in the vessel) when she went down, and he was<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage252" id="Cpage252"></a>{252}</span> thence + washed overboard by a large sea, which sank the ship. He was seen + struggling with the waves some time afterwards, having laid hold, it is + said, of a rope. He was an excellent swimmer; but what could it avail in + such a sea, encumbered with his clothes, and exhausted in body, as he must + have been! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For myself, I feel that there is something cut out of my life which cannot + be restored. I never thought of him but with hope and delight: we looked + forward to the time, not distant, as we thought, when he would settle near + us, when the task of his life would be over, and he would have nothing to + do but reap his reward. By that time, I hoped also that the chief part of + my labours would be executed, and that I should be able to show him that + he had not placed a false confidence in me. I never wrote a line without a + thought of its giving him pleasure: my writings, printed and manuscript, + were his delight, and one of the chief solaces of his long voyages. But + let me stop: I will not be cast down; were it only for his sake, I will + not be dejected. I have much yet to do, and pray God to give me strength + and power: his part of the agreement between us is brought to an end, mine + continues; and I hope when I shall be able to think of him with a calmer + mind, that the remembrance of him dead will even animate me more than the + joy which I had in him living. I wish you would procure the pamphlet I + have mentioned; you may know the right one, by its having a motto from + Shakspeare, from Clarence's dream. I wish you to see it, that you may read + G.'s statement, and be enabled, if the affair should ever be mentioned in + your hearing, to correct the errors which they must have fallen into who + have taken their ideas from the newspaper accounts. I have dwelt long, too + long I fear, upon this subject, but I could not write to you upon any + thing else, till I had unburthened my heart. We have great consolations + from the sources you allude to; but, alas! we have much yet to endure. + Time only can give us regular tranquillity. We neither murmur nor repine, + but sorrow we must; we should be senseless else.<a name="CFNanchor_54_54" + id="CFNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#CFootnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage253" id="Cpage253"></a>{253}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter30" id="Cletter30"></a>30. <i>Of Dryden</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR WALTER SCOTT.<a name="CFNanchor_55_55" id="CFNanchor_55_55"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Paterdale, Nov. 7. 1803.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SCOTT,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was much pleased to hear of your engagement with Dryden: not that he is, + as a poet, any great favourite of mine. I admire his talents and genius + highly, but his is not a poetical genius. The only qualities I can find in + Dryden that are <i>essentially</i> poetical, are a certain ardour and + impetuosity of mind, with an excellent ear. It may seem strange that I do + not add to this, great command of language. <i>That</i> he certainly has, + and of such language too, as it is most desirable that a poet should + possess, or rather, that he should not be without. But it is not language + that is, in the highest sense of the word, poetical, being neither of the + imagination nor of the passions; I mean the amiable, the ennobling, or the + intense passions. I do not mean to say that there is nothing of this in + Dryden, but as little, I think, as is possible, considering how much he + has written. You will easily understand my meaning, when I refer to his + versification of 'Palamon and Arcite,' as contrasted with the language of + Chaucer. Dryden had neither a tender heart nor a lofty sense of moral + dignity. Whenever his language is poetically impassioned, it is mostly + upon unpleasing subjects, such as the follies, vices, and crimes of + classes of men, or of individuals. That his cannot be the language of + imagination, must have necessarily followed from this,—that there is + not a single image from Nature in the whole body of his works; and in his + translation from Virgil, whenever Virgil can be fairly said to have his <i>eye</i> + upon his object, Dryden always spoils the passage. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But too much of this; I am glad that you are to be his editor. His + political and satirical pieces may be greatly benefited by illustration, + and even absolutely require it. A correct text is the first object of an + editor; then such notes as explain difficult or obscure passages; and + lastly, which is much less important, notes pointing out authors to whom + the Poet has been indebted, not in the fiddling way of phrase here and + phrase<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage254" id="Cpage254"></a>{254}</span> + there (which is detestable as a general practice), but where he has had + essential obligations either as to matter or manner. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If I can be of any use to you, do not fail to apply to me. One thing I may + take the liberty to suggest, which is, when you come to the fables, might + it not be advisable to print the whole of the Tales of Boccace in a + smaller type in the original language? If this should look too much like + swelling a book, I should certainly make such extracts as would show where + Dryden has most strikingly improved upon, or fallen below, his original. I + think his translations from Boccace are the best, at least the most + poetical, of his poems. It is many years since I saw Boccace, but I + remember that Sigismunda is not married by him to Guiscard (the names are + different in Boccace in both tales, I believe, certainly in Theodore, + &c.). I think Dryden has much injured the story by the marriage, and + degraded Sigismunda's character by it. He has also, to the best of my + remembrance, degraded her still more, by making her love absolute + sensuality and appetite; Dryden had no other notion of the passion. With + all these defects, and they are very gross ones, it is a noble poem. + Guiscard's answer, when first reproached by Tancred, is noble in Boccace, + nothing but this: <i>Amor puà molto più che ne roi ne io + possiamo</i>. This, Dryden has spoiled. He says first very well, 'The + faults of love by love are justified,' and then come four lines of + miserable rant, quite <i>à la Maximin</i>. Farewell, and believe me + ever, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter31" id="Cletter31"></a>31. <i>Of Marmion</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + EXTRACT OF LETTER TO SIR WALTER SCOTT (1808). + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thank you for 'Marmion.' I think your end has been attained. That it is + not the end which I should wish you to propose to yourself, you will be + well aware, from what you know of my notions of composition, both as to + matter and manner. In the circle of my acquaintance it seems as well liked + as the 'Lay,' though I have heard that in the world it is not so. Had the + Poem been much better than the Lay, it could scarcely have satisfied the + public, which has too much of the monster, the moral monster, in its + composition. The Spring has burst out<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage255" id="Cpage255"></a>{255}</span> upon us all at once, and + the vale is now in exquisite beauty; a gentle shower has fallen this + morning, and I hear the thrush, who has built in my orchard, singing + amain. How happy we should be to see you here again! Ever, my dear Scott, + your sincere friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">W. W.<a name="CFNanchor_56_56" + id="CFNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#CFootnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter32" id="Cletter32"></a>32. <i>Topographical History</i>, + &<i>c</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO REV. FRANCIS WRANGHAM, HUNMANBY, NEAR BRIDLINGTON, YORKSHIRE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Oct. 2. 1808.</span><br /> <br /> + MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In what are you employed—I mean by way of amusement and relaxation + from your professional duties? Is there any topographical history of your + neighbourhood? I remember reading White's <i>Natural History and + Antiquities of Selbourne</i> with great pleasure, when a boy at school, + and I have lately read Dr. Whitaker's <i>History of Craven and Whalley</i>, + both with profit and pleasure. Would it not be worth your while to give + some of your leisure hours to a work of this kind, making those works + partly your model, and adding thereto from the originality of your own + mind? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With your activity you might produce something of this kind of general + interest, taking for your limit any division in your neighbourhood, + natural, ecclesiastical, or civil: suppose, for example, the coast from + the borders of Cleveland, or from Scarborough, to Spurnhead; and inward + into the country to any boundary that you might approve of. Pray think of + this. I am induced to mention it from belief that you are admirably + qualified for such a work; that it would pleasantly employ your leisure + hours; and from a regret in seeing works of this kind, which might be made + so very interesting, utterly marred by falling into the hands of wretched + bunglers, <i>e.g.</i> the <i>History of Cleveland</i>, which I have just + read, by a Clergyman of ——, the most heavy performance I ever + encountered; and what an interesting district! Pray let me hear from you + soon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left:18em;">Affectionately and sincerely yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_57_57" + id="CFNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#CFootnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage256" id="Cpage256"></a>{256}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter33" id="Cletter33"></a>33. <i>The War in Spain: + Benefactors of Mankind, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE SAME. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, Dec. 3. 1808.</span><br /> <br /> + MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On the other side you have the prospectus of a weekly essay intended to be + published by your friend Coleridge. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your Sermon did not reach me till the night before last; we have all read + it, and are much pleased with it. Upon the whole, I like it better than + the last: it must have been heard with great interest. I differ, however, + from you in a few particulars. 1st. The Spaniards 'devoting themselves for + an imprisoned Bourbon, or the crumbling relics of the Inquisition.' This + is very fair for pointing a sentence, but it is not the truth. They have + told us over and over again, that they are <i>fighting against a foreign + tyrant</i>, who has dealt with them most perfidiously and inhumanly, who + must hate them for their worth, and on account of the injuries they have + received from him, and whom they must hate accordingly; <i>against</i> a + ruler over whom they could have no control, and <i>for</i> one whom they + have told us they will establish as a sovereign of a <i>free</i> people, + and therefore must he himself be a limited monarch. You will permit me to + make to you this representation for its truth's sake, and because it gives + me an opportunity of letting out a secret, viz. that I myself am very deep + in this subject, and about to publish upon it, first, I believe, in a + newspaper, for the sake of immediate and wide circulation; and next, the + same matter in a separate pamphlet, under the title of 'The Convention of + Cintra brought to the test of principles, and the people of Great Britain + vindicated from the charge of having prejudged it.' You will wonder to + hear me talk of principles when I have told you that I also do not go + along with you in your sentiments respecting the Roman Catholic question. + I confess I am not prepared to see the Roman Catholic religion as the + Established Church of Ireland; and how that can be consistently refused to + them, if other things are granted on the plea of their being the majority, + I do not see. Certainly this demand will follow, and how would it be + answered? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is yet another circumstance in which I differ from<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage257" id="Cpage257"></a>{257}</span> you. If + Dr. Bell's plan of education be of that importance which it appears to be + of, it cannot be a matter of indifference whether he or Lancaster have a + rightful claim to the invention. For Heaven's sake let all benefactors of + their species have the honour due to them. Virgil gives a high place in + Elysium to the improvers of life, and it is neither the least + philosophical or least poetical passage of the <i>Aeneid</i>.<a + name="CFNanchor_58_58" id="CFNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#CFootnote_58_58" + class="fnanchor">[58]</a> These points of difference being stated, I may + say that in other things I greatly approve both of the matter and manner + of your Sermon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Do not fail to return my best thanks to the lady to whom I am obliged for + the elegant and accurate drawing of Broughton Church. I should have + written to thank her and you for it immediately, but I foresaw that I + should have occasion to write to you on this or other business. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + All here desire their best remembrances; and believe me (in great haste, + for I have several other letters to write on the same subject), + affectionately yours, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_59_59" + id="CFNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#CFootnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter34" id="Cletter34"></a>34. <i>The Convention of Cintra: + the Roman Catholics</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE SAME. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Workington, April 8. 1809.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will think I am afraid that I have used you ill in not replying sooner + to your last letter; particularly as you were desirous to be informed in + what newspaper my Pamphlet was printing. I should not have failed to give + you immediately any information upon this subject which could be of use; + but in fact, though I began to publish in a newspaper, viz. the '<i>Courier</i>, + an accidental loss of two or three sheets of the manuscript prevented me + from going on in that mode of publication after two sections had appeared. + The Pamphlet will be out in less than a fortnight, entitled, at full + length, 'Concerning the relations of Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal, + to each other, and to the common enemy at this crisis, and specifically as + affected by the Convention of Cintra; the whole brought to the test of + those principles by which alone the independence and freedom of nations + can be preserved or recovered.' This is less<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage258" id="Cpage258"></a>{258}</span> a Title than a Table of + Contents. I give it you at full length in order that you may set your + fancy at work (if you have no better employment for it) upon what the + Pamphlet may contain. I sent off the last sheets only a day or two since, + else I should have written to you sooner; it having been my intention to + pay my debt to you the moment I had discharged this debt to my country. + What I have written has been done according to the best light of my + conscience: it is indeed very imperfect, and will, I fear, be little read; + but if it is read, cannot, I hope, fail of doing some good; though I am + aware it will create me a world of enemies, and call forth the old yell of + Jacobinism. I have not sent it to any personal friends as such, therefore + I have made no exception in your case. I have ordered it to be sent to + two, the Spanish and Portuguese Ambassadors, and three or four other + public men and Members of Parliament, but to nobody of my friends and + relations. It is printed with my name, and, I believe, will be published + by Longman.... I am very happy that you have not been inattentive to my + suggestion on the subject of Topography. When I ventured to recommend the + pursuit to you, I did not for a moment suppose that it was to interfere + with your appropriate duties as a parish priest; far otherwise: but I know + you are of an active mind, and I am sure that a portion of your time might + be thus employed without any deduction from that which was due to your + professional engagements. It would be a recreation to you; and also it + does appear to me that records of this kind ought to be executed by + somebody or other, both for the instruction of those now living and for + the sake of posterity; and if so, the duty devolves more naturally upon + clergymen than upon other persons, as their opportunities and + qualifications are both likely to be better than those of other men. If + you have not seen White's and Whitaker's books do procure a sight of them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was aware that you would think me fair game upon the Roman Catholic + question; but really I should be greatly obliged to any man who would help + me over the difficulty I stated. If the Roman Catholics, upon the plea of + their being the majority merely (which implies an admission on our part + that their profession of faith is in itself as good as ours, as consistent + with civil liberty), if they are to have their requests accorded, how can + they be refused (consistently) the further prayer of being<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage259" id="Cpage259"></a>{259}</span> + constituted, upon the same plea, the Established Church? I confess I am + not prepared for this. With the Methodists on one side and the Catholics + on the other, what is to become of the poor church and the people of + England? to both of which I am most tenderly attached, and to the former + not the less so, on account of the pretty little spire of Broughton Parish + Church, under which you and I were made happy men by the gift from + Providence of two excellent wives. To Mrs. Wrangham, present my cordial + regards, and believe me, dear Wrangham, your very + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Sincere and affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_60_60" + id="CFNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#CFootnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter35" id="Cletter35"></a>35. <i>The Tractate on 'The + Convention of Cintra.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LORD LONSDALE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, May 25 [1809].</span><br /> + <br /> MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I had also another reason for deferring this acknowledgment to your + Lordship, viz. that at the same time I wished to present to you a Tract + which I have lately written, and which I hope you have now received. It + was finished, and ought to have appeared, two months ago, but has been + delayed by circumstances (connected with my distance from the press) over + which I had no control. If this Tract should so far interest your Lordship + as to induce you to peruse it, I do not doubt that it will be thoughtfully + and candidly judged by you; in which case I fear no censure, but that + which every man is liable to who, with good intentions, may have + occasionally fallen into error; while at the same time I have an entire + confidence that the principles which I have endeavoured to uphold must + have the sanction of a mind distinguished, like that of your Lordship, for + regard to morality and religion, and the true dignity and honour of your + country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May I beg of your Lordship to present my respectful compliments to Lady + Lonsdale. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I have the honour to be, my Lord,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your Lordship's most obedient servant,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_61_61" + id="CFNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#CFootnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage260" id="Cpage260"></a>{260}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter36" id="Cletter36"></a>36. <i>Of 'The Convention of + Cintra,' &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SOUTHEY. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SOUTHEY,<a name="CFNanchor_62_62" id="CFNanchor_62_62"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Col. Campbell, our neighbour at G., has sent for your book; he served + during the whole of the Peninsular war, and you shall hear what he says of + it in <i>due course</i>. We are out of the way of all literary + communication, so I can report nothing. I have read the whole with great + pleasure; the work will do you everlasting honour. I have said <i>the + whole</i>, forgetting, in that contemplation, my feelings upon one part, + where you have tickled with a feather when you should have branded with a + red-hot iron. You will guess I mean the Convention of Cintra. My + detestation, I may say abhorrence, of that event is not at all diminished + by your account of it. Buonaparte had committed a capital blunder in + supposing that when he had <i>intimidated</i> the <i>Sovereigns</i> of + Europe he had <i>conquered</i> the several <i>Nations</i>. Yet it was + natural for a wiser than he was to have fallen into this mistake; for the + old despotisms had deprived the body of the people of all practical + knowledge in the management, and, of necessity, of all interest, in the + course of affairs. The French themselves were astonished at the apathy and + ignorance of the people whom they had supposed they had utterly subdued, + when they had taken their fortresses, scattered their armies, entered + their capital cities, and struck their cabinets with dismay. There was no + hope for the deliverance of Europe till the nations had suffered enough to + be driven to a passionate recollection of all that was honourable in their + past history, and to make appeal to the principles of universal and + everlasting justice. These sentiments, the authors of that Convention most + unfeelingly violated; and as to the principles, they seemed to be as + little aware even of the existence of such powers, for powers emphatically + may they be called, as the tyrant himself. As far, therefore, as these men + could, they put an extinguisher upon the star which was then rising. It is + in vain to say that after the first burst of indignation was over, the + Portuguese themselves were reconciled to the event, and<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage261" id="Cpage261"></a>{261}</span> rejoiced + in their deliverance. We may infer from that the horror which they must + have felt in the presence of their oppressors; and we may see in it to + what a state of helplessness their bad government had reduced them. Our + duty was to have treated them with respect as the representatives of + suffering humanity beyond what they were likely to look for themselves, + and as deserving greatly, in common with their Spanish brethren, for + having been the first to rise against the tremendous oppression, and to + show how, and how only, it could be put an end to. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_63_63" + id="CFNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#CFootnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter37" id="Cletter37"></a>37. <i>Home at Grasmere: 'The + Parsonage.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The house which I have for some time occupied is the Parsonage of + Grasmere. It stands close by the churchyard [where his two children were + buried], and I have found it absolutely necessary that we should quit a + place which, by recalling to our minds at every moment the losses we have + sustained in the course of the last year [1811-12] would grievously retard + our progress toward that tranquillity which it is our duty to aim at.'<a + name="CFNanchor_64_64" id="CFNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#CFootnote_64_64" + class="fnanchor">[64]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter38" id="Cletter38"></a>38. <i>On Education of the Young</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR HAMILTON, OBSERVATORY, DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Lowther Castle, Sunday Mor[ning] [Sept. + 26, 1830].</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. HAMILTON, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I profit by the frank in which the letter for your sister will be + enclosed, to thank you for yours of the 11th, and the accompanying + spirited and elegant verses. You ask many questions, kindly testifying + thereby the interest you take in us and our neighbourhood. Most probably + some of them are answered in my daughter's letter to Miss E.H. I will, + however, myself reply to one or two at the risk of repeating what she may + have said. 1st. Mrs. Hemans has not sent us any tidings of her movements + and intentions since she left us; so I am unable to tell you whether she + mean to settle in Edinburgh or London. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage262" id="Cpage262"></a>{262}</span>She + said she would write as soon as she could procure a frank. That + accommodation is, I suppose, more rare in Scotland than at this season in + our neighbourhood. I assure you the weather has been so unfavourable to + out-door amusements since you left us (not but that we have had a + sprinkling of fine and bright days), that little or no progress has been + made in the game of the Graces; and I fear that amusement must be deferred + till next summer, if we or anybody else are to see another. Mr. Barber has + dined with us once, and my sister and Mrs. Marshall, of Halsteads, have + seen his palace and grounds; but I cannot report upon the general state of + his temper. I believe he continues to be enchanted, as far as decayed + health will allow, with a Mr. Cooper, a clergyman who has just come to the + living of Hawkshend (about five miles from Ambleside). Did I tell you that + Professor Wilson, with his two sons and daughter, have been, and probably + still are, at Elleray? He heads the gaieties of the neighbourhood, and has + presided as steward at two regattas. Do these employments come under your + notions of action opposed to contemplation? Why should they not? Whatever + the high moralists may say, the political economists will, I conclude, + approve them as setting capital afloat, and giving an impulse to + manufacture and handicrafts; but I speak of the improvement which may come + thence to navigation and nautical science. I have dined twice along with + my brother (who left us some time ago) in the Professor's company—at + Mrs. Watson's, widow of the Bp., at Calgarth, and at Mr. Bolton's. Poor + Mr. B.! he must have been greatly shocked at the fatal accident that put + an end to his friend Huskisson's earthly career. There is another + acquaintance of mine also recently gone—a person for whom I never + had any love, but with whom I had for a short time a good deal of + intimacy. I mean Hazlitt, whose death you may have seen announced in the + papers. He was a man of extraordinary acuteness, but perverse as Lord + Byron himself; whose life by Galt I have been skimming since I came here. + Galt affects to be very profound, though [he] is in fact a very shallow + fellow,—and perhaps the most illogical writer that these illogical + days have produced. His 'buts' and his 'therefores' are singularly + misapplied, singularly even for this unthinking age. He accuses Mr. + Southey of pursuing Lord B—— with <i>rancour</i>. I should + like a reference to what Mr. S—— has written of Lord B——,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage263" id="Cpage263"></a>{263}</span> to + ascertain whether this charge be well founded. I trust it is not, both + from what I know of my friend, and for the aversion which Mr. G—— + has expressed towards the Lakers, whom in the plenitude of his ignorance + he is pleased to speak of as a <i>class</i> or <i>school</i> of Poets. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now for a word on the serious part of your letter. Your views of action + and contemplation are, I think, just. If you can lay your hands upon Mr. + Coleridge's 'Friend,' you will find some remarks of mine upon a letter + signed, if I recollect right, 'Mathetes,' which was written by Professor + Wilson, in which, if I am not mistaken, sentiments like yours are + expressed. At all events, I am sure that I have long retained those + opinions, and have frequently expressed them either by letter or + otherwise. One thing, however, is not to be forgotten concerning active + life—that a personal independence must be provided for; and in some + cases more is required—ability to assist our friends, relations, and + natural dependents. The party are at breakfast, and I must close this + wretched scrawl, which pray excuse. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_65_65" + id="CFNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#CFootnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray continue to write at your leisure. How could I have forgot so long to + thank you for your obliging present, which I shall value on every account? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter39" id="Cletter39"></a>39. <i>Roman Catholics: Bible + Society, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO ARCHDEACON WRANGHAM. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Grasmere, March 27 [1811].</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your last letter, which I have left so long unanswered, found me in a + distressed state of mind, with one of my children lying nearly, as I + thought, at the point of death. This put me off answering your letter.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You return to the R. Catholic Question. I am decidedly of opinion that no + further concessions should be made. The R. Catholic Emancipation is a mere + pretext of ambitious and discontented men. Are you prepared for the next + step—a R. Catholic Established Church? I confess I dread the + thought. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to the Bible Society, my view of the subject is as <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage264" id="Cpage264"></a>{264}</span>follows:—1st. + Distributing Bibles is a good thing. 2ndly. More Bibles will be + distributed in consequence of the existence of the Bible Society; + therefore, so far as that goes, the existence of the Bible Society is + good. But, 3rdly, as to the <i>indirect</i> benefits expected from it, as + producing a golden age of unanimity among Christians, all that I think + fume and emptiness; nay, far worse. So deeply am I persuaded that discord + and artifice, and pride and ambition, would be fostered by such an + approximation and unnatural alliance of sects, that I am inclined to think + the evil thus produced would more than outweigh the good done by + dispersing the Bibles. I think the last fifty or sixty pages of my + brother's pamphlet<a name="CFNanchor_66_66" id="CFNanchor_66_66"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> merit the serious + consideration of all persons of the Established Church who have connected + themselves with the sectaries for this purpose.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Entreating your pardon for my long delay in answering your letter, let me + conclude with assuring you that I remain, with great truth, your + affectionate friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_67_67" + id="CFNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#CFootnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter40" id="Cletter40"></a>40. <i>Death of Children: Politics, + &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Rydal Mount, near Ambleside, Aug. 28, + 1813.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your letter arrived when I was on the point of going from home on + business. I took it with me, intending to answer it upon the road, but I + had not courage to undertake the office on account of the inquiries it + contains concerning my family. I will be brief on this melancholy subject. + In the course of the last year I have lost two sweet children, a girl and + a boy, at the ages of four and six and a half. These innocents were the + delight of our hearts, and beloved by everybody that knew them. They were + cut off in a few hours—one by the measles, and the other by + convulsions; dying, one half a year after the other. I quit this sorrowful + subject, secure of your sympathy as a father and as my friend. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My employment I find salutary to me, and of consequence in<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage265" id="Cpage265"></a>{265}</span> a + pecuniary point of view, as my literary employments bring me no + remuneration, nor promise any. As to what you say about the Ministry, I + very much prefer the course of their policy to that of the Opposition; + especially on two points most near my heart: resistance of Buonaparte by + force of arms, and their adherence to the principles of the British + Constitution in withholding political power from the Roman Catholics. My + most determined hostility shall always be directed against those statesmen + who, like Whitbread, Grenville, and others, would crouch to a sanguinary + tyrant; and I cannot act with those who see no danger to the Constitution + in introducing papists into Parliament. There are other points of policy + in which I deem the Opposition grievously mistaken, and therefore I am at + present, and long have been, by principle, a supporter of ministers, as + far as my little influence extends. With affectionate wishes for your + welfare and that of your family, and with best regards to Mrs. Wrangham, I + am, my dear friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_68_68" + id="CFNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#CFootnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter41" id="Cletter41"></a>41. <i>Letter of Introduction: + Humour</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO ARCHDEACON WRANGHAM. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, near Kendal, April 26. 1814.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I trouble you with this in behalf of a very deserving young clergyman of + the name of Jameson, who is just gone from this neighbourhood to a curacy + at Sherbourne, in the neighbourhood of Ferry Bridge. He has a mother and a + younger brother dependent upon his exertions, and it is his wish to take + pupils in order to increase his income, which, as he is a curate, you + know, cannot but be small. He is an excellent young man, a good scholar, + and likely to become much better, for he is extremely industrious. Among + his talents I must mention that for drawing, in which he is a + proficient.... Now my wish is that, if it fall in your way, you would + vouchsafe him your patronage.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of course, you cannot speak for him directly till you have seen him; but, + might he be permitted to refer to you, you could have no objection to say + that you were as yet ignorant of his<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage266" id="Cpage266"></a>{266}</span> merits as to your own + knowledge, but that 'your <i>esteemed</i> friend Mr. Wordsworth, that <i>popular</i> + poet, stamp-collector for Westmoreland, &c., had recommended him + strenuously to you as in all things deserving.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A portion of a long poem<a name="CFNanchor_69_69" id="CFNanchor_69_69"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> from me will see the + light ere long; I hope it will give you pleasure. It is serious, and has + been written with great labour.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I mean to make a tour in Scotland with Mrs. W—— and her + sister, Miss Hutchinson. I congratulate you on the overthrow of the + execrable despot, and the complete triumph of the <i>war faction</i>, of + which noble body I have the honour to be as active a member as my + abilities and industry would allow. Best remembrances to yourself and Mrs. + Wrangham, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">And believe me affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_70_70" + id="CFNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#CFootnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter42" id="Cletter42"></a>42. <i>The Peninsular War</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO ROBERT SOUTHEY, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">——, 1827.</span><br /> <br /> + MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Edith thanked you, in my name, for your valuable present of the + 'Peninsular War.' I have read it with great delight: it is beautifully + written, and a most interesting story. I did not notice a single sentiment + or opinion that I could have wished away but one—where you support + the notion that, if the Duke of Wellington had not lived and commanded, + Buonaparte must have continued the master of Europe. I do not object to + this from any dislike I have to the Duke, but from a conviction—I + trust, a philosophic one—that Providence would not allow the + upsetting of so diabolical a system as Buonaparte's to depend upon the + existence of any individual. Justly was it observed by Lord Wellesley, + that Buonaparte was of an order of minds that created for themselves great + reverses. He might have gone further, and said that it is of the nature of + tyranny to work to its own destruction.<a name="CFNanchor_71_71" + id="CFNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#CFootnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sentence of yours which occasioned these loose remarks is, as I said, + the only one I objected to, while I met with a<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage267" id="Cpage267"></a>{267}</span> thousand things to admire. + Your sympathy with the great cause is every where energetically and + feelingly expressed. What fine fellows were Alvarez and Albuquerque; and + how deeply interesting the siege of Gerona! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have not yet mentioned dear Sir George Beaumont.<a name="CFNanchor_72_72" + id="CFNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#CFootnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> + His illness was not long; and he was prepared by habitually thinking on + his latter end. But it is impossible not to grieve for ourselves, for his + loss cannot be supplied. Let dear Edith stay as long as you can; and when + she must go, pray come for her, and stay a few days with us. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Ever most affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">W. W——.<a + name="CFNanchor_73_73" id="CFNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#CFootnote_73_73" + class="fnanchor">[73]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter43" id="Cletter43"></a>43. <i>Of the Writings of Southey</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO G. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, May 14. 1829.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Southey means to present me (as usual) his 'Colloquies,' &c. There + is, perhaps, not a page of them that he did not read me in MS.; and + several of the Dialogues are upon subjects which we have often discussed. + I am greatly interested with much of the book; but upon its effect as a + whole I can yet form no opinion, as it was read to me as it happened to be + written. I need scarcely say that Mr. Southey ranks very highly, in my + opinion, as a prose writer. His style is eminently clear, lively, and + unencumbered, and his information unbounded; and there is a moral ardour + about his compositions which nobly distinguishes them from the trading and + factious authorship of the present day. He may not improbably be our + companion in Wales next year. At the end of this month he goes, with his + family, to the Isle of Man for sea-air; and said, if I would accompany + him, and put off the Welsh tour for another year, he would join our party. + Notwithstanding the inducement, I could not bring myself to consent; but + as things now are, I shall remind him of the hope he held out. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Believe me, very faithfully, yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is no probability of my being in town this season. I<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage268" id="Cpage268"></a>{268}</span> have a + horror of smoking; and nothing but a necessity for health's sake could + reconcile me to it in William.<a name="CFNanchor_74_74" + id="CFNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#CFootnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter44" id="Cletter44"></a>44. <i>Of alleged Changes in + Political Opinions</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO A FRIEND, 1821. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the year 1821 (October 7) an old friend of Wordsworth thus writes to + him: 'They tell me you have changed your opinions upon many subjects + respecting which we used to think alike; but I am persuaded we shall + neither of us change those great principles which ought to guide us in our + conduct, and lead us to do all the good we can to others. And I am much + mistaken if we should not find many things to talk about without + disturbing ourselves with political or party disputes.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To this Wordsworth answered as follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 4. 1821.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR L——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your letter ought to have been much earlier acknowledged, and would have + been so, had I not been sure you would ascribe my silence to its true + cause, viz. procrastination, and not to indifference to your kind + attention. There was another feeling which both urged and indisposed me to + write to you,—I mean the allusion which, in so friendly a manner, + you make to a supposed change in my political opinions. To the scribblers + in pamphlets and periodical publications who have heaped so much obloquy + upon myself and my friends Coleridge and Southey, I have not condescended + to reply, nor ever shall; but to you, my candid and enlightened friend, I + will say a few words on this subject, which, if we have the good fortune + to meet again, as I hope we may, will probably be further dwelt upon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I should think that I had lived to little purpose if my notions on the + subject of government had undergone no modification: my youth must, in + that case, have been without enthusiasm, and my manhood endued with small + capability of profiting by reflection. If I were addressing those who have + dealt so liberally with the words renegade, apostate, &c., I should + retort the charge upon them, and say, <i>you</i> have been deluded by <i>places</i><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage269" id="Cpage269"></a>{269}</span> and <i>persons</i>, + while I have stuck to <i>principles</i>. <i>I</i> abandoned France and her + rulers when <i>they</i> abandoned the struggle for liberty, gave + themselves up to tyranny, and endeavoured to enslave the world. I + disapproved of the war against France at its commencement, thinking, which + was, perhaps, an error, that it might have been avoided; but after + Buonaparte had violated the independence of Switzerland, my heart turned + against him, and against the nation that could submit to be the instrument + of such an outrage. Here it was that I parted, in feeling, from the Whigs, + and to a certain degree united with their adversaries, who were free from + the delusion (such I must ever regard it) of Mr. Fox and his party, that a + safe and honourable peace was practicable with the French nation, and that + an ambitious conqueror like Buonaparte could be softened down into a + commercial rival. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In a determination, therefore, to aim at the overthrow of that inordinate + ambition by war, I sided with the ministry, not from general approbation + of their conduct, but as men who thought right on this essential point. + How deeply this question interested me will be plain to any one who will + take the trouble of reading my political sonnets, and the tract occasioned + by the 'Convention of Cintra,' in which are sufficient evidences of my + dissatisfaction with the mode of conducting the war, and a prophetic + display of the course which it would take if carried on upon the + principles of justice, and with due respect for the feelings of the + oppressed nations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This is enough for foreign politics, as influencing my attachments. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There are three great domestic questions, viz. the liberty of the press, + parliamentary reform, and Roman Catholic concession, which, if I briefly + advert to, no more need be said at present. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A free discussion of public measures through the press I deem the <i>only</i> + safeguard of liberty: without it I have neither confidence in kings, + parliaments, judges, or divines: they have all in their turn betrayed + their country. But the press, so potent for good, is scarcely less so for + evil; and unfortunately they who are misled and abused by its means are + the persons whom it can least benefit. It is the fatal characteristic of + their disease to reject all remedies coming from the quarter that has + caused or aggravated the malady. I am <i>therefore</i> for vigorous<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage270" id="Cpage270"></a>{270}</span> + restrictions; but there is scarcely any abuse that I would not endure + rather than sacrifice, or even endanger, this freedom. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I was young (giving myself credit for qualities which I did not + possess, and measuring mankind by that standard) I thought it derogatory + to human nature to set up property in preference to person as a title for + legislative power. That notion has vanished. I now perceive many + advantages in our present complex system of representation which formerly + eluded my observation; this has tempered my ardour for reform: but if any + plan could be contrived for throwing the representation fairly into the + hands of the property of the country, and not leaving it so much in the + hands of the large proprietors as it now is, it should have my best + support; though even in that event there would be a sacrifice of personal + rights, independent of property, that are now frequently exercised for the + benefit of the community. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Be not startled when I say that I am averse to further concessions to the + Roman Catholics. My reasons are, that such concessions will not produce + harmony among the Roman Catholics themselves; that they among them who are + most clamorous for the measure care little about it but as a step, first, + to the overthrow of the Protestant establishment in Ireland, as + introductory to a separation of the two countries—their ultimate + aim; that I cannot consent to take the character of a religion from the + declaration of powerful professors of it disclaiming doctrines imputed to + that religion; that, taking its character from what it <i>actually teaches + to the great mass</i>, I believe the Roman Catholic religion to be + unchanged in its doctrines and unsoftened in its spirit,—how can it + be otherwise unless the doctrine of Infallibility be given up? that such + concessions would set all other dissenters in motion—an issue which + has never fairly been met by the friends to concession; and deeming the + Church Establishment not only a fundamental part of our constitution, but + one of the greatest upholders and propagators of civilization in our own + country, and, lastly, the most effectual and main support of religious + Toleration, I cannot but look with jealousy upon measures which must + reduce her relative influence, unless they be accompanied with + arrangements more adequate than any yet adopted for the preservation and + increase of that influence, to keep pace with the other powers in the + community.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage271" id="Cpage271"></a>{271}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I do not apologise for this long letter, the substance of which you may + report to any one worthy of a reply who, in your hearing, may animadvert + upon my political conduct. I ought to have added, perhaps, a word on <i>local + politics</i>, but I have not space; but what I should have said may in a + great measure be deduced from the above. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I am, my dear L——,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Yours, &c. &c.,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_75_75" + id="CFNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#CFootnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter45" id="Cletter45"></a>45. <i>Of his Poems and others</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO BERNARD BARTON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, near Ambleside, Jan. 12. + 1816.</span><br /> <br /> DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Though my sister, during my absence, has returned thanks in my name for + the verses which you have done me the honour of addressing to me, and for + the obliging letter which accompanies them, I feel it incumbent on me, on + my return home, to write a few words to the same purpose, with my own + hand. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is always a satisfaction to me to learn that I have given pleasure upon + <i>rational</i> grounds; and I have nothing to object to your poetical + panegyric but the occasion which called it forth. An admirer of my works, + zealous as you have declared yourself to be, condescends too much when he + gives way to an impulse proceeding from the ——, or indeed from + any other Review. The writers in these publications, while they prosecute + their inglorious employment, cannot be supposed to be in a state of mind + very favourable for being affected by the finer influences of a thing so + pure as genuine poetry; and as to the instance which has incited you to + offer me this tribute of your gratitude, though I have not seen it, I + doubt not but that it is a splenetic effusion of the conductor of that + Review, who has taken a perpetual retainer from his own incapacity to + plead against my claims to public approbation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I differ from you in thinking that the only poetical lines in your address + are 'stolen from myself.' The best verse, perhaps, is the following: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Awfully mighty in his impotence,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage272" id="Cpage272"></a>{272}</span>which, + by way of repayment, I may he tempted to steal from you on some future + occasion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It pleases, though it does not surprise me, to learn that, having been + affected early in life by my verses, you have returned again to your old + loves after some little infidelities, which you were shamed into by + commerce with the scribbling and chattering part of the world. I have + heard of many who upon their first acquaintance with my poetry have had + much to get over before they could thoroughly relish it; but never of one + who having once learned to enjoy it, had ceased to value it, or survived + his admiration. This is as good an external assurance as I can desire, + that my inspiration is from a pure source, and that my principles of + composition are trustworthy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With many thanks for your good wishes, and begging leave to offer mine in + return, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">I remain,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 14em;">Dear Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Respectfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_76_76" + id="CFNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#CFootnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a></span><br /> + <br /> Bernard Barton, Esq., Woodbridge, Suffolk.<br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter46" id="Cletter46"></a>46. <i>Of the Thanksgiving Ode and + 'White Doe of Rylston.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO ROBERT SOUTHEY. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">1816.</span><br /> MY DEAR SOUTHEY,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am much of your mind in respect to my Ode. Had it been a hymn, uttering + the sentiments of a <i>multitude</i>, a <i>stanza</i> would have been + indispensable. But though I have called it a 'Thanksgiving Ode,' strictly + speaking it is not so, but a poem, composed, or supposed to be composed, + on the morning of the thanksgiving, uttering the sentiments of an <i>individual</i> + upon that occasion. It is a <i>dramatised ejaculation</i>; and this, if + any thing can, must excuse the irregular frame of the metre. In respect to + a <i>stanza</i> for a grand subject designed to be treated + comprehensively, there are great objections. If the stanza be short, it + will scarcely allow of fervour and impetuosity, unless so short, as that + the sense is run perpetually from one stanza to another, as in Horace's + Alcaics; and if it be long, it will be as apt to generate diffuseness as + to check it. Of this we have <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage273" + id="Cpage273"></a>{273}</span>innumerable instances in Spenser and the + Italian poets. The sense required cannot he included in one given stanza, + so that another whole stanza is added, not unfrequently, for the sake of + matter which would naturally include itself in a very few lines. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If Gray's plan be adopted, there is not time to become acquainted with the + arrangement, and to recognise with pleasure the recurrence of the + movement. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Be so good as to let me know where you found most difficulty in following + me. The passage which I most suspect of being misunderstood is, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And thus is missed the sole true glory;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and the passage, where I doubt most about the reasonableness of expecting + that the reader should follow me in the luxuriance of the imagery and the + language, is the one that describes, under so many metaphors, the + spreading of the news of the Waterloo victory over the globe. Tell me if + this displeased you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Do you know who reviewed 'The White Doe,' in the <i>Quarterly</i>? After + having asserted that Mr. W. uses his words without any regard to their + sense, the writer says, that on no other principle can he explain that + Emily is <i>always</i> called 'the consecrated Emily.' Now, the name Emily + occurs just fifteen times in the poem; and out of these fifteen, the + epithet is attached to it <i>once</i>, and that for the express purpose of + recalling the scene in which she had been consecrated by her brother's + solemn adjuration, that she would fulfil her destiny, and become a soul, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'By force of sorrows high<br /></span> <span>Uplifted to the purest + sky<br /></span> <span>Of undisturbed mortality.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The point upon which the whole moral interest of the piece hinges, when + that speech is closed, occurs in this line, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'He kissed the consecrated maid;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and to bring back this to the reader, I repeated the epithet. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The service I have lately rendered to Burns' genius<a + name="CFNanchor_77_77" id="CFNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#CFootnote_77_77" + class="fnanchor">[77]</a> will one day be performed to mine. The + quotations, also, are printed with the most culpable neglect of + correctness: there are lines turned into nonsense. Too much of this. + Farewell! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Believe me affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_78_78" + id="CFNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#CFootnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage274" id="Cpage274"></a>{274}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter47" id="Cletter47"><i>47. Of Poems in Stanzas</i>.</a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO ROBERT SOUTHEY. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + DEAR SOUTHEY, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My opinion in respect to <i>epic poetry</i> is much the same as the critic + whom Lucien Buonaparte has quoted in his preface. <i>Epic</i> poetry, of + the highest class, requires in the first place an action eminently + influential, an action with a grand or sublime train of consequences; it + next requires the intervention and guidance of beings superior to man, + what the critics I believe call <i>machinery</i>; and, lastly, I think + with Dennis, that no subject but a religious one can answer the demand of + the soul in the highest class of this species of poetry. Now Tasso's is a + religious subject, and in my opinion, a most happy one; but I am + confidently of opinion that the <i>movement</i> of Tasso's poem rarely + corresponds with the essential character of the subject; nor do I think it + possible that written in <i>stanzas</i> it should. The celestial movement + cannot, I think, be kept up, if the sense is to be broken in that despotic + manner at the close of every eight lines. Spenser's stanza is infinitely + finer than the <i>ottaca rhima</i>, but even Spenser's will not allow the + epic movement as exhibited by Homer, Virgil, and Milton. How noble is the + first paragraph of the <i>Aeneid</i> in point of sound, compared with the + first stanza of the <i>Jerusalem Delivered</i>! The one winds with the + majesty of the Conscript Fathers entering the Senate House in solemn + procession; and the other has the pace of a set of recruits shuffling on + the drill-ground, and receiving from the adjutant or drill-serjeant the + commands to halt at every ten or twenty steps. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Affectionately yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_79_79" + id="CFNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#CFootnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter48" id="Cletter48"></a>48. <i>The Classics: Translation of + Aeneid, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Laodamia, Dion, &c.] These poems were written in 1814-16. About this + time Wordsworth's attention was given to the education of his eldest son: + this occupation appears to have been the occasion of their composition. In + preparing his son for his university career, he reperused the principal + Latin poets;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage275" id="Cpage275"></a>{275}</span> + and doubtless the careful study of their works was not without a + beneficial influence on his own. It imparted variety and richness to his + conceptions, and shed new graces on his style, and rescued his poems from + the charge of mannerism. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Among the fruits of this course of reading, was a translation of some of + the earlier books of VIRGIL'S AENEID. Three books were finished. This + version was not executed in blank verse, but in rhyme; not, however, in + the style of Pope, but with greater freedom and vigour. A specimen of this + translation was contributed by Wordsworth to the <i>Philological Museum</i>, + printed at Cambridge in 1832.<a name="CFNanchor_80_80" id="CFNanchor_80_80"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> It was accompanied with + the following letter from the author:— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TRANSLATION OF PART OF THE FIRST BOOK OF THE AENEID.<a + name="CFNanchor_81_81" id="CFNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#CFootnote_81_81" + class="fnanchor">[81]</a> <br /> <i>To the editor off the Philological + Museum</i>. + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Your letter reminding me of an expectation I some time since held out to + you, of allowing some specimens of my translation from the <i>Aeneid</i> + to be printed in the <i>Philological Museum</i>, was not very acceptable; + for I had abandoned the thought of ever sending into the world any part of + that experiment—for it was nothing more—an experiment begun + for amusement, and, I now think, a less fortunate one than when I first + named it to you. Having been displeased, in modern translations, with the + additions of incongruous matter, I began to translate with a resolve to + keep clear of that fault, by adding nothing; but I became convinced that a + spirited translation can scarcely be accomplished in the English language + without admitting a principle of compensation. On this point, however, I + do not wish to insist; and merely send the following passage, taken at + random, from a wish to comply with your request. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_82_82" + id="CFNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#CFootnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter49" id="Cletter49"></a>49. <i>On the same: Letters to Earl + Lonsdale</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY LORD, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for your obliging letter. I shall be much gratified if you + happen to like my translation, and thankful for any remarks with which you + may honour me. I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage276" id="Cpage276"></a>{276}</span> + made so much progress with the second book, that I defer sending the + former till that is finished. It takes in many places a high tone of + passion, which I would gladly succeed in rendering. When I read Virgil in + the original I am moved; but not so much so by the translation; and I + cannot but think this owing to a defect in the diction, which I have + endeavoured to supply, with what success you will easily be enabled to + judge. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever, my Lord,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 12em;">Most faithfully your obliged friend and + servant,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_83_83" id="CFNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#CFootnote_83_83" + class="fnanchor">[83]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Feb. 5 [1829].</span><br /> <br /> MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am truly obliged by your friendly and frank communication. May I beg + that you would add to the favour, by marking with a pencil some of the + passages that are faulty, in your view of the case? We seem pretty much of + opinion upon the subject of rhyme. Pentameters, where the sense has a + close of some sort at every two lines, may be rendered in regularly closed + couplets; but hexameters (especially the Virgilian, that run the lines + into each other for a great length) cannot. I have long been persuaded + that Milton formed his blank verse upon the model of the <i>Georgics</i> + and the <i>Aeneid</i>, and I am so much struck with this resemblance, that + I should have attempted Virgil in blank verse, had I not been persuaded + that no ancient author can be with advantage so rendered. Their religion, + their warfare, their course of action and feeling, are too remote from + modern interest to allow it. We require every possible help and attraction + of sound, in our language, to smooth the way for the admission of things + so remote from our present concerns. My own notion of translation is, that + it cannot be too literal, provided three faults be avoided: <i>baldness</i>, + in which I include all that takes from dignity; and <i>strangeness</i> or + <i>uncouthness</i>, including harshness; and lastly, attempts to convey + meanings which, as they cannot be given but by languid circumlocutions, + cannot in fact be said to be given at all. I will trouble you with an + instance in which I fear this fault exists. Virgil, describing Aeneas's + voyage, third book, verse 551, says— + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Hinc sinus Herculei, si vera est fama. Tarenti<br /></span> <span>Cernitur.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage277" id="Cpage277"></a>{277}</span> + </p> + <p> + I render it thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Hence we behold the bay that bears the name<br /></span> <span>Of + proud Tarentum, proud to share the fame<br /></span> <span>Of Hercules, + though by a dubious claim.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was unable to get the meaning with tolerable harmony into fewer words, + which are more than to a modern reader, perhaps, it is worth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I feel much at a loss, without the assistance of the marks which I have + requested, to take an exact measure of your Lordship's feelings with + regard to the diction. To save you the trouble of reference, I will + transcribe two passages from Dryden; first, the celebrated appearance of + Hector's ghost to Aeneas. Aeneas thus addresses him: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'O light of Trojans and support of Troy,<br /></span> <span>Thy + father's champion, and thy country s joy,<br /></span> <span>O long + expected by thy friends, from whence<br /></span> <span>Art thou + returned, so late for our defence?<br /></span> <span>Do we behold thee, + wearied as we are<br /></span> <span>With length of labours and with + toils of war?<br /></span> <span>After so many funerals of thy own,<br /></span> + <span>Art thou restored to thy declining town?'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This I think not an unfavourable specimen of Dryden's way of treating the + solemnly pathetic passages. Yet, surely, here is <i>nothing</i> of the <i>cadence</i> + of the original, and little of its spirit. The second verse is not in the + original, and ought not to have been in Dryden; for it anticipates the + beautiful hemistich, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Sat patriae Priamoque datum.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By the by, there is the same sort of anticipation in a spirited and + harmonious couplet preceding: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Such as he was when by <i>Pelides slain</i><br /></span> <span>Thessalian + coursers dragged him o'er the plain.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This introduction of Pelides here is not in Virgil, because it would have + prevented the effect of + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Redit exuvias indutus Achillei.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is a striking solemnity in the answer of Pantheus to Aeneas: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Venit summa dies et ineluctabile tempus<br /></span> <span>Dardaniae: + fuimus Troës, fuit Ilium, et ingens<br /></span> <span>Gloria + Teucrorum,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Dryden thus gives it:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage278" id="Cpage278"></a>{278}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">'Then Pantheus, with a groan,<br /></span> <span>Troy is + no more, and Ilium was a town.<br /></span> <span>The fatal day, the + appointed hour is come<br /></span> <span>When wrathful Jove's + irrevocable doom<br /></span> <span>Transfers the Trojan state to Grecian + hands.<br /></span> <span>The fire consumes the town, the foe commands.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My own translation runs thus; and I quote it because it occurred to my + mind immediately on reading your Lordship's observations: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">'Tis come, the final hour,<br /></span> <span>Th' + inevitable close of Dardan power<br /></span> <span>Hath come! we <i>have</i> + been Trojans, Ilium <i>was</i>,<br /></span> <span>And the great name of + Troy; now all things pass<br /></span> <span>To Argos. So wills angry + Jupiter.<br /></span> <span>Amid a burning town the Grecians domineer.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot say that '<i>we have been</i>,' and 'Ilium <i>was</i>,' are as + sonorous sounds as 'fuimus,' and 'fuit;' but these latter must have been + as familiar to the Romans as the former to ourselves. I should much like + to know if your Lordship disapproves of my translation here. I have one + word to say upon ornament. It was my wish and labour that my translation + should have far more of the <i>genuine</i> ornaments of Virgil than my + predecessors. Dryden has been very careless of these, and profuse of his + own, which seem to me very rarely to harmonise with those of Virgil; as, + for example, describing Hector's appearance in the passage above alluded + to, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'A <i>bloody shroud</i>, he seemed, and <i>bath'd</i> in tears.<br /></span> + <span>I wept to see the <i>visionary</i> man.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Again, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And all the wounds he for his country bore<br /></span> <span>Now + streamed afresh, and with <i>new purple ran</i>.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I feel it, however, to be too probable that my translation is deficient in + ornament, because I must unavoidably have lost many of Virgil's, and have + never without reluctance attempted a compensation of my own. Had I taken + the liberties of my predecessors, Dryden especially, I could have + translated nine books with the labour that three have cost me. The third + book, being of a humbler character than either of the former, I have + treated with rather less scrupulous apprehension, and have interwoven a + little of my own; and, with permission, I will send it, ere long, for the + benefit of your Lordship's observations, which really will be of great + service to me if I proceed. Had I begun the work<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage279" id="Cpage279"></a>{279}</span> fifteen years ago, I should + have finished it with pleasure; at present, I fear it will take more time + than I either can or ought to spare. I do not think of going beyond the + fourth book. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to the MS., be so kind as to forward it at your leisure to me, at Sir + George Beaumont's, Coleorton Hall, near Ashby, whither I am going in about + ten days. May I trouble your Lordship with our respectful compliments to + Lady Lonsdale? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Believe [me] ever<br /></span> <span + style="margin-left: 10em;">Your Lordship's faithful<br /></span> <span + style="margin-left: 12em;">And obliged friend and servant,<br /></span> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_84_84" + id="CFNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#CFootnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter50" id="Cletter50"></a>50. <i>Tour on the Continent, 1820</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTERS TO THE EARL OF LONSDALE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Lucerne, Aug. 19. 1820.</span><br /> MY + LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You did me the honour of expressing a wish to hear from me during my + continental tour; accordingly, I have great pleasure in writing from this + place, where we arrived three days ago. Our route has lain through + Brussels, Namur, along the banks of the Meuse, to Liege; thence to + Aix-la-Chapelle, Cologne, and along the Rhine to Mayence, to Frankfort, + Heidelberg (a noble situation, at the point where the Neckar issues from + steep lofty hills into the plain of the Rhine), Carlsruhe, and through the + Black Forest to Schaffhausen; thence to Zurich, Berne, Thun, Interlachen. + Here our Alpine tour might be said to commence, which has produced much + pleasure thus far, and nothing that deserves the name of difficulty, even + for the ladies. From the Valley of Lauterbrunnen we crossed the Wengern + Alp to Grindelwald, and then over the grand Sheideck to Meyringen. This + journey led us over high ground, and for fifteen leagues along the base of + the loftiest Alps, which reared their bare or snow-clad ridges and pikes, + in a clear atmosphere, with fleecy clouds now and then settling upon and + gathering round them. We heard and saw several avalanches; they are + announced by a sound like thunder, but more metallic and musical. This + warning naturally makes one look about, and we had the gratification of + seeing one falling, in the shape and appearance of a torrent or cascade of + foaming water, down the deep-worn crevices of the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage280" id="Cpage280"></a>{280}</span> steep or perpendicular + granite mountains. Nothing can be more awful than the sound of these + cataracts of ice and snow thus descending, unless it be the silence which + succeeds. The elevations from which we beheld these operations of Nature, + and saw such an immense range of primitive mountains stretching to the + east and west, were covered with rich pasturage and beautiful flowers, + among which was abundance of the monkshood, a flower which I had never + seen but in the trim borders of our gardens, and which here grew not so + much in patches as in little woods or forests, towering above the other + plants. At this season the herdsmen are with their cattle in still higher + regions than those which we have trod, the herbage where we travelled + being reserved till they descend in the autumn. We have visited the Abbey + of Engelberg, not many leagues from the borders of the Lake of Lucerne. + The tradition is, that the site of the abbey was appointed by angels, + singing from a lofty mountain that rises from the plain of the valley, and + which, from having been thus honoured, is called Engelberg, or the Hill of + the Angels. It is a glorious position for such beings, and I should have + thought myself repaid for the trouble of so long a journey by the + impression made upon my mind, when I first came in view of the vale in + which the convent is placed, and of the mountains that enclose it. The + light of the sun had left the valley, and the deep shadows spread over it + heightened the splendour of the evening light, and spread upon the + surrounding mountains, some of which had their summits covered with pure + snow; others were half hidden by vapours rolling round them; and the Rock + of Engelberg could not have been seen under more fortunate circumstances, + for masses of cloud glowing with the reflection of the rays of the setting + sun were hovering round it, like choirs of spirits preparing to settle + upon its venerable head. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To-day we quit this place to ascend the mountain Righi. We shall be + detained in this neighbourhood till our passports are returned from Berne, + signed by the Austrian minister, which we find absolutely necessary to + enable us to proceed into the <i>Milanese</i>. At the end of five weeks at + the latest, we hope to reach Geneva, returning by the Simplon Pass. There + I might have the pleasure of hearing from your Lordship; and may I beg + that you would not omit to mention our Westmoreland politics? The diet of + Switzerland is now sitting in this place.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage281" id="Cpage281"></a>{281}</span> Yesterday I had a long + conversation with the Bavarian envoy, whose views of the state of Europe + appear to me very just. This letter must unavoidably prove dull to your + Lordship, but when I have the pleasure of seeing you, I hope to make some + little amends, though I feel this is a very superficial way of viewing a + country, even with reference merely to the beauties of Nature. We have not + met with many English; there is scarcely a third part as many in the + country as there was last year. A brother of Lord Grey is in the house + where we now are, and Lord Ashburton left yesterday. I must conclude + abruptly, with kindest remembrances to Lady Lonsdale and Lady Mary. + Believe me, my Lord, most faithfully + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your Lordship's</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Paris, Oct. 7 [1820], 45 Rue Charlot,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Boulevards du Temple.</span><br /> <br /> + MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I had the honour of writing to your Lordship from Lucerne, 19th of August, + giving an account of our movements. We have visited, since, those parts of + Switzerland usually deemed most worthy of notice, and the Italian lakes, + having stopped four days at Milan, and as many at Geneva. With the + exception of a couple of days on the Lake of Geneva, the weather has been + most favourable, though frequently during the last fortnight extremely + cold. We have had no detention from illness, nor any bad accident, for + which we feel more grateful, on account of some of our fellow travellers, + who accidentally joined us for a few days. Of these, one, an American + gentleman, was drowned in the Lake of Zurich, by the upsetting of a boat + in a storm, two or three days after he parted with us; and two others, + near the summit of Mount Jura, and in the middle of a tempestuous night, + were precipitated, they scarcely knew how far, along with one of those + frightful and ponderous vehicles, a continental diligence. We have been in + Paris since Sunday last, and think of staying about a fortnight longer, as + scarcely less will suffice for even a hasty view of the town and + neighbourhood. We took Fontainebleau in our way, and intend giving a day + to Versailles. The day we entered Paris we passed a well-drest young man + and woman, dragging a harrow through a field, like cattle; nevertheless, + working in the fields on the sabbath day does not appear to<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage282" id="Cpage282"></a>{282}</span> be + general in France. On the same day a wretched-looking person begged of us, + as the carriage was climbing a hill. Nothing could exceed his transport in + receiving a pair of old pantaloons which were handed out of the carriage. + This poor mendicant, the postilion told us, was an <i>ancien Curé</i>. + The churches seem generally falling into decay in the country. We passed + one which had been recently repaired. I have noticed, however, several + young persons, men as well as women, earnestly employed in their + devotions, in different churches, both in Paris and elsewhere. Nothing + which I have seen in this city has interested me at all like the Jardin + des Plantes, with the living animals, and the Museum of Natural History + which it includes. Scarcely could I refrain from tears of admiration at + the sight of this apparently boundless exhibition of the wonders of the + creation. The statues and pictures of the Louvre affect me feebly in + comparison. The exterior of Paris is much changed since I last visited it + in 1792. I miss many ancient buildings, particularly the Temple, where the + poor king and his family were so long confined. That memorable spot, where + the Jacobin Club was held, has also disappeared. Nor are the additional + buildings always improvements; the Pont des Arts, in particular, injures + the view from the Pont Neuf greatly; but in these things public + convenience is the main point. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I say nothing of public affairs, for I have little opportunity of knowing + anything about them. In respect to the business of our Queen, we deem + ourselves truly fortunate in having been out of the country at a time when + an inquiry, at which all Europe seems scandalised, was going on. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have purposely deferred congratulating your Lordship on the marriage of + Lady Mary with Lord Frederick Bentinck, which I hear has been celebrated. + My wishes for her happiness are most earnest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With respectful compliments and congratulations to Lady Lonsdale, in which + Mrs. Wordsworth begs leave to join, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">I have the honour to be,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">My Lord,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your Lordship's</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Obliged and faithful friend and servant,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_85_85" + id="CFNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#CFootnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage283" id="Cpage283"></a>{283}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter51" id="Cletter51"></a>51. <i>Shakespeare's Cliff at Dover</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How strange that the description of Dover Cliff, in <i>King Lear</i>, + should ever have been supposed to have been meant for a reality! I know + nothing that more forcibly shows the little reflection with which even men + of sense read poetry. The cliff cannot be more than 400 feet high; and + yet, 'how truly,' exclaims the historian of Dover, 'has Shakespeare + described the precipice!' How much better would the historian have done, + had he given us its actual elevation!<a name="CFNanchor_86_86" + id="CFNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#CFootnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter52" id="Cletter52"></a>52. <i>Of Affairs on the Continent</i>, + 1828. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO A NEPHEW. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Rydal Mount, Nov. 27. 1828.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR C——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It gives me much pleasure to learn that your residence in France has + answered so well. As I had recommended the step, I felt more especially + anxious to be informed of the result. I have only to regret that you did + not tell me whether the interests of a foreign country and a brilliant + metropolis had encroached more upon the time due to academical studies + than was proper. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to the revolution which Mr. D—— calculates upon, I agree + with him that a great change must take place, but not altogether, or even + mainly, from the causes which he looks to, if I be right in conjecturing + that he expects that the religionists who have at present such influence + over the king's mind will be predominant. The extremes to which they wish + to carry things are not sufficiently in the spirit of the age to suit + their purpose. The French monarchy must undergo a great change, or it will + fall altogether. A constitution of government so disproportioned cannot + endure. A monarchy, without a powerful aristocracy or nobility graduating + into a gentry, and so downwards, cannot long subsist. This is wanting in + France, and must continue to be wanting till the restrictions imposed on + the disposal of property by will, through the Code Napoleon, are done away + with: and it may be observed, by the by, that there is a bareness, some + would call it a simplicity, in that code which unfits it for a <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage284" id="Cpage284"></a>{284}</span>complex + state of society like that of France, so that evasions and stretchings of + its provisions are already found necessary, to a degree which will ere + long convince the French people of the necessity of disencumbering + themselves of it. But to return. My apprehension is, that for the cause + assigned, the French monarchy may fall before an aristocracy can be raised + to give it necessary support. The great monarchies of Russia, Prussia, and + Austria, having not yet been subject to popular revolutions, are still + able to maintain themselves, through the old feudal <i>forces</i> and + qualities, with something, not much, of the feudal <i>virtues</i>. This + cannot be in France; popular inclinations are much too strong—thanks, + I will say so far, to the Revolution. How is a government fit for her + condition to be supported, but by religion, and a spirit of honour, or + refined conscience? Now religion, in a widely extended country plentifully + peopled, cannot be preserved from abuse of priestly influence, and from + superstition and fanaticism, nor honour be an operating principle upon a + large scale, except through <i>property</i>—that is, such + accumulations of it, graduated as I have mentioned above, through the + community. Thus and thus only can be had exemption from temptation to low + habits of mind, leisure for solid education, and dislike to innovation, + from a sense in the several classes how much they have to lose; for + circumstances often make men wiser, or at least more discreet, when their + individual levity or presumption would dispose them to be much otherwise. + To what extent that constitution of character which is produced by + property makes up for the decay of chivalrous loyalty and strengthens + governments, may be seen by comparing the officers of the English army + with those of Prussia, &c. How far superior are ours as gentlemen! so + much so that British officers can scarcely associate with those of the + Continent, not from pride, but instinctive aversion to their low + propensities. But I cannot proceed, and ought, my dear C——, to + crave your indulgence for so long a prose. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When you see Frere, pray give him my kind regards, and say that he shall + hear from me the first frank I can procure. Farewell, with kindest love + from all, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Yours, very affectionately,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_87_87" + id="CFNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#CFootnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage285" id="Cpage285"></a>{285}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter53" id="Cletter53"></a>53. <i>Style: Francis Edgeworth's + 'Dramatic Fragment:' Criticisms</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I should say [to your young friend] style is in Poetry of incalculable + importance. He seems, however, aware of it, for his diction is obviously + studied. Now the great difficulty is to determine what constitutes a good + style. In estimating this we are all subject to delusion, not improbably I + am so, when it appears to me that the metaphor in the first speech of his + dramatic scene is too much drawn out. It does not pass off as rapidly as + metaphors ought to do, I think, in dramatic writing. I am well aware that + our early dramatists abound with these continuities of imagery, but to me + they appear laboured and unnatural, at least unsuited to that species of + composition, of which action and motion are the essentials. 'While with + the ashes of a light that was,' and the two following lines, are in the + best style of dramatic writing. To every opinion thus given always add, I + pray you, 'in my judgment,' though I may not, to save trouble or to avoid + a charge of false modesty, express it. 'This over-pressure of a heavy + pleasure,' &c., is admirable; and, indeed, it would be tedious to + praise all that pleases me. Shelley's 'Witch of Atlas' I never saw; + therefore the stanza referring to Narcissus and her was read by me to some + disadvantage. One observation I am about to make will at least prove I am + no flatterer, and will therefore give a qualified value to my praise. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'There was nought there that morn<br /></span> <span>But thrice + three antient hills <i>alone</i>.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here the word 'alone,' being used instead of only, makes an absurdity like + that noticed in the <i>Spectator</i>—'Enter a king and three fidlers + <i>solus</i>.'<a name="CFNanchor_88_88" id="CFNanchor_88_88"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter54" id="Cletter54"></a>54. <i>Of the 'Icôn Basiliké,' + &c.</i> LETTER TO SOUTHEY. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR S——, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am ashamed not to have done your message about the <i>Icôn</i> to + my brother.<a name="CFNanchor_89_89" id="CFNanchor_89_89"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I have no excuse, but that at that time both + my body and my memory were</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage286" + id="Cpage286"></a>{286}</span><br /> run off their legs. I am very glad you + thought the answer<a name="CFNanchor_90_90" id="CFNanchor_90_90"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> appeared to you + triumphant, for it had struck me as in the main point, knowledge of the + subject, and spirit in the writing, and accuracy in the logic, as one of + the best controversial tracts I ever had. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am glad you have been so busy; I wish I could say so much of myself. I + have written this last month, however, about 600 verses, with tolerable + success. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for the review: your article is excellent. I only wish that + you had said more of the deserts of government in respect to Ireland; + since I do sincerely believe that no government in Europe has shown better + dispositions to its subjects than the English have done to the Irish, and + that no country has improved so much during the same period. You have + adverted to this part of the subject, but not spoken so forcibly as I + could have wished. There is another point might be insisted upon more + expressly than you have done—the danger, not to say the absurdity, + of Roman Catholic legislation for the property of a <i>Protestant</i> + church, so inadequately <i>represented in Parliament</i> as ours is. The + Convocation is gone; clergymen are excluded from the House of Commons; and + the Bishops are at the beck of Ministers. I boldly ask what real property + of the country is so inadequately represented: it is a mere mockery. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_91_91" + id="CFNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#CFootnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter55" id="Cletter55"></a>55. <i>Of the Roman Catholic + Question</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO G. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Thursday Night, Feb. 26. + 1829.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You ask for my opinion on the Roman Catholic Question. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I dare scarcely trust my pen to the notice of the question which the Duke + of Wellington tells us is about to be <i>settled</i>. One thing no + rational person will deny, that the experiment is hazardous. Equally + obvious is it that the timidity, supineness, and other unworthy qualities + of the government for many years past have produced the danger, the extent + of which they now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage287" id="Cpage287"></a>{287}</span> + affirm imposes a necessity of granting all that the Romanists demand. Now, + it is rather too much that the country should be called upon to take the + measure of this danger from the very men who may almost be said to have + created it. Danger is a relative thing, and the first requisite for + judging of what we have to dread from the physical force of the Roman + Catholics is to be in sympathy with the Protestants. Had our Ministers + been so, could they have suffered themselves to be bearded by the Catholic + Association for so many years? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + C——, if I may take leave to say it, loses sight of <i>things</i> + in <i>names</i>, when he says that they should not be admitted as Roman + Catholics, but simply as British subjects. The question before us is, Can + Protestantism and Popery be coordinate powers in the constitution of a <i>free</i> + country, and at the same time Christian belief be in that country a vital + principle of action? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I fear not. Heaven grant I may be deceived! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_92_92" id="CFNanchor_92_92"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter56" id="Cletter56"></a>56. <i>Of the Roman Catholic + Emancipation Bill</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE EARL OF LONSDALE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Wednesday.</span><br /> <br /> + MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is one point also delicate to touch upon and hazardous to deal with, + but of prime importance in this crisis. The question, as under the conduct + of the present Ministers, is closely connecting itself with religion. Now + after all, if we are to be preserved from utter confusion, it is religion + and morals, and conscience, which must do the work. The religious part of + the community, especially those attached to the Church of England, must + and <i>do</i> feel that neither the Church as an establishment, nor its + points of Faith as a church, nor Christianity itself as governed by + Scripture, ought to be left long, if it can be prevented, in the hands + which manage our affairs. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I am running into unpardonable length. I took up the pen principally + to express a hope that your Lordship may have continued to see the + question in the light which affords the only<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage288" id="Cpage288"></a>{288}</span> chance of preserving the + nation from several generations perhaps of confusion, and crime, and + wretchedness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Excuse the liberty I have taken,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">And believe me most faithfully,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Your Lordship's</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Much obliged,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_93_93" + id="CFNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#CFootnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter57" id="Cletter57"></a>57. <i>Of Ireland and the Poor + Laws, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO G. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 1. 1829.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You must not go to Ireland without applying to me, as the guide-books for + the most part are sorry things, and mislead by their exaggerations. If I + were a younger man, and could prevail upon an able artist to accompany me, + there are few things I should like better than giving a month or six weeks + to explore the county of Kerry only. A judicious topographical work on + that district would be really useful, both for the lovers of Nature and + the observers of manners. As to the Giant's Causeway and the coast of + Antrim, you cannot go wrong; there the interests obtrude themselves on + every one's notice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The subject of the Poor Laws was never out of my sight whilst I was in + Ireland; it seems to me next to impossible to introduce a general system + of such laws, principally for two reasons: the vast numbers that would + have equal claims for relief, and the non-existence of a class capable of + looking with effect to their administration. Much is done at present in + many places (Derry, for example) by voluntary contributions; but the + narrow-minded escape from the burthen, which falls unreasonably upon the + charitable; so that assessments in the best-disposed places are to be + wished for, could they be effected without producing a greater evil. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The great difficulty that is complained of in the well-managed places is + the floating poor, who cannot be excluded, I am told, by any existing law + from quartering themselves where they like. Open begging is not practised + in many places, but there is no law by which the poor can be prevented + from returning to a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage289" id="Cpage289"></a>{289}</span> + place which they may have quitted voluntarily, or from which they have + been expelled (as I was told). Were it not for this obstacle compulsory + local regulations might, I think, be applied in many districts with good + effect. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It would be unfair to myself to quit this momentous subject without adding + that I am a zealous friend to the great principle of the Poor Laws, as + tending, if judiciously applied, much more to elevate than to depress the + character of the labouring classes. I have never seen this truth developed + as it ought to be in parliament. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The day I dined with Lord F.L. Gower at his official residence in the + Phoenix Park, I met there with an intelligent gentleman, Mr. Page, who was + travelling in Ireland expressly to collect information upon this subject, + which, no doubt, he means to publish. If you should hear of this pamphlet + when it comes out procure it, for I am persuaded it will prove well worth + reading. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_94_94" + id="CFNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#CFootnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter58" id="Cletter58"></a>58. <i>Of the Earl of Lonsdale: + Virgil: Book-buying: Gifts of Books: Commentaries.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TWO LETTERS TO THE VENERABLE ARCHDEACON WRANGHAM. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Feb. 19. 1819.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I received your kind letter last night, for which you will accept my + thanks. I write upon the spur of that mark of your regard, or my aversion + to letter-writing might get the better of me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I find it difficult to speak publicly of good men while alive, especially + if they are persons who have power. The world ascribes the eulogy to + interested motives, or to an adulatory spirit, which I detest. But of LORD + LONSDALE, I will say to you, that I do not think there exists in England a + man of any rank more anxiously desirous to discharge his duty in that + state of life to which it has pleased God to call him. His thought and + exertions are constantly directed to that object; and the more he is known + the more is he beloved, and respected, and admired.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage290" id="Cpage290"></a>{290}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I ought to have thanked you before for your version of VIRGIL'S ECLOGUES, + which reached me at last. I have lately compared it line for line with the + original, and think it very well done. I was particularly pleased with the + skill you have shown in managing the contest between the shepherds in the + third Pastoral, where you have included in a succession of couplets the + sense of Virgil's paired hexameters. I think I mentioned to you that these + poems of Virgil have always delighted me much; there is frequently either + an elegance or a happiness which no translation can hope to equal. In + point of fidelity your translation is very good indeed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You astonish me with the account of your books; and I should have been + still more astonished if you had told me you had read a third (shall I say + a tenth part?) of them. My reading powers were never very good, and now + they are much diminished, especially by candle-light; and as to <i>buying</i> + books, I can affirm that in <i>new</i> books I have not spent five + shillings for the last five years, <i>i.e.</i>, in Reviews, Magazines, + Pamphlets, &c. &c.; so that there would be an end of Mr. Longman, + and Mr. Cadell, &c. &c., if nobody had more power or inclination + to buy than myself. And as to old books, my dealings in that way, for want + of means, have been very trifling. Nevertheless, small and paltry as my + collection is, I have not read a fifth part of it. I should, however, like + to see your army. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Such forces met not, nor so wide a camp,<br /></span> <span>When + Agrican, with fill his <i>northern</i> powers,<br /></span> <span>Besieged + Albracca, as <i>romances</i> tell.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Not that I accuse you of romancing; I verily believe that you have all the + books you speak of. Dear Wrangham, are you and I ever like to meet in this + world again? <i>Yours</i> is a <i>corner</i> of the earth; <i>mine</i> is + <i>not</i> so. I never heard of anybody going to Bridlington; but all the + world comes to the Lakes. Farewell. Excuse this wretched scrawl; it is + like all that proceeds from, my miserable pen. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage291" id="Cpage291"></a>{291}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + DEAR WRANGHAM, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are very good in sending one letter after another to inquire after a + person so undeserving of attentions of this kind as myself. Dr. Johnson, I + think, observes, or rather is made to observe by some of his biographers, + that no man delights to <i>give</i> what he is accustomed to <i>sell</i>. + 'For example: you, Mr. Thrale, would rather part with anything in this way + than your porter.' Now, though I have never been much of a salesman in + matters of literature (the whole of my returns—I do not say <i>net + profits</i>, but <i>returns</i>—from the writing trade, not + amounting to seven score pounds), yet, somehow or other, I manufacture a + letter, and part with it as reluctantly as if it were really a thing of + price. But, to drop the comparison, I have so much to do with writing, in + the way of labour and profession, that it is difficult to me to conceive + how anybody can take up a pen but from constraint. My writing-desk is to + me a place of punishment; and, as my penmanship sufficiently testifies. I + always bend over it with some degree of impatience. All this is said that + you may know the real cause of my silence, and not ascribe it in any + degree to slight or forgetfulness on my part, or an insensibility to your + worth and the value of your friendship.... As to my occupations, they look + little at the present age; but I live in hope of leaving something behind + me that by some minds will be valued. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I see no new books except by the merest accident. Of course your poem, + which I should have been pleased to read, has not found its way to me. You + inquire about old books: you might almost as well have asked for my teeth + as for any of mine. The only <i>modern</i> books that I read are those of + Travels, or such as relate to matters of fact; and the only modern books + that I care for; but as to old ones, I am like yourself—scarcely + anything comes amiss to me. The little time I have to spare—the very + little, I may say—all goes that way. If, however, in the <i>line of + your profession</i> you want any bulky old Commentaries on the Scriptures + (such as not twelve strong men of these degenerate days will venture—I + do not say to <i>read</i>, but to <i>lift</i>), I can, perhaps, as a + special favour, accommodate you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I and mine will be happy to see you and yours here or anywhere; but I am + sorry the time you talk of is so distant: a<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage292" id="Cpage292"></a>{292}</span> year and a half is a long + time looking forward, though looking back ten times as much is as brief as + a dream. My writing is wholly illegible—at least I fear so; I had + better, therefore, release you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Believe me, my dear Wrangham,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Your affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_95_95" + id="CFNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#CFootnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter59" id="Cletter59"></a>59. <i>Poems of Edward Moxon</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO MOXON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">(Postmark) Dec. 8. 1826.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is some time since I received your little volume, for which I now + return you my thanks, and also for the obliging letter that accompanied + it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your poem I have read with no inconsiderable pleasure; it is full of + natural sentiments and pleasing pictures: among the minor pieces, the last + pleased me much the best, and especially the latter part of it. This + little volume, with what I saw of yourself during a short interview, + interest me in your welfare; and the more so, as I always feel some + apprehension for the destiny of those who in youth addict themselves to + the composition of verse. It is a very seducing employment, and, though + begun in disinterested love of the Muses, is too apt to connect itself + with self-love, and the disquieting passions which follow in the train of + that our natural infirmity. Fix your eye upon acquiring independence by + honourable business, and let the Muses come after rather than go before. + Such lines as the latter of this couplet, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Where lovely woman, chaste as heaven above.<br /></span> <span>Shines + in the golden virtues of her love,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and many other passages in your poem, give proof of no common-place + sensibility. I am therefore the more earnest that you should guard + yourself against this temptation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Excuse this freedom; and believe me, my dear Sir, very faithfully, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your obliged servant,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_96_96" + id="CFNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#CFootnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage293" id="Cpage293"></a>{293}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter60" id="Cletter60"></a>60. <i>Of Hamilton's 'It haunts me + yet' and Miss Hamilton's 'Boys' School.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO W.R. HAMILTON, ESQ., OBSERVATORY, NEAR DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, near Kendal, Sept. 24. 1827.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will have no pain to suffer from my sincerity. With a safe conscience + I can assure you that in my judgment your verses are animated with true + poetic spirit, as they are evidently the product of strong feeling. The + sixth and seventh stanzas affected me much, even to the dimming of my eye + and faltering of my voice while I was reading them aloud. Having said + this, I have said enough; now for the <i>per contra</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will not, I am sure, be hurt, when I tell you that the workmanship + (what else could be expected from so young a writer?) is not what it ought + to be; even in those two affecting stanzas it is not perfect: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Some touch of human sympathy find way,<br /></span> <span>And + whisper that though Truth's and Science' ray<br /></span> <span>With such + serene effulgence o'er thee shone.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sympathy might whisper, but a '<i>touch</i> of sympathy' could not. + 'Truth's and Science' ray,' for the ray of truth and science, is not only + extremely harsh, but a 'ray <i>shone</i>' is, if not absolutely a + pleonasm, a great awkwardness: 'a ray fell' or 'shot' may be said, and a + sun or a moon or a candle shone, but not a ray. I much regret that I did + not receive these verses while you were here, that I might have given you, + <i>vivâ voce</i>, a comment upon them, which would be tedious by + letter, and after all very imperfect. If I have the pleasure of seeing you + again, I will beg permission to dissect these verses, or any other you may + be inclined to show me; but I am certain that without conference with me, + or any benefit drawn from my practice in metrical composition, your own + high powers of mind will lead you to the main conclusions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will be brought to acknowledge that the logical faculty has infinitely + more to do with poetry than the young and the inexperienced, whether + writer or critic, ever dreams of. Indeed, as the materials upon which that + faculty is exorcised in poetry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage294" + id="Cpage294"></a>{294}</span> are so subtle, so plastic, so complex, the + application of it requires an adroitness which can proceed from nothing + but practice, a discernment which emotion is so far from bestowing that at + first it is ever in the way of it. Here I must stop: only let me advert to + two lines: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'But shall despondence therefore <i>blench</i> my <i>brow</i>,<br /></span> + <span>Or pining sorrow sickly ardor o'er.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These are two of the worst lines in mere expression. 'Blench' is perhaps + miswritten for 'blanch;' if not, I don't understand the word. <i>Blench</i> + signifies to flinch. If 'blanch' be the word, the next ought to be '<i>hair</i>.' + You cannot here use <i>brow</i> for the <i>hair</i> upon it, because a + white brow or forehead is a beautiful characteristic of youth. 'Sickly + ardor o'er' was at first reading to me unintelligible. I took 'sickly' to + be an adjective joined with 'ardor,' whereas you mean it as a portion of a + verb, from Shakspeare, 'Sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.' But + the separation of the parts or decomposition of the word, as here done, is + not to be endured. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let me now come to your sister's verses, for which I thank you. They are + surprisingly vigorous for a female pen, but occasionally too rugged, and + especially for such a subject; they have also the same faults in + expression as your own, but not, I think, in quite an equal degree. Much + is to be hoped from feelings so strong, and from a mind thus disposed. I + should have entered into particulars with these also, had I seen you after + they came into my hands. Your sister is, no doubt, aware that in her poem + she has trodden the same ground as Gray, in his 'Ode upon a distant + Prospect of Eton College.' What he has been contented to treat in the + abstract, she has represented in particular, and with admirable spirit. + But again, my dear Sir, let me exhort you (and do you exhort your sister) + to deal little with modern writers, but fix your attention almost + exclusively upon those who have stood the test of time. <i>You</i> have + not leisure to allow of your being tempted to turn aside from the right + course by deceitful lights. My household desire to be remembered to you in + no formal way. Seldom have I parted, never I was going to say, with one + whom after so short an acquaintance, I lost sight of with more regret. I + trust we shall meet again, if not [sentence cut off with the autograph]. + Postscript. Pray do not forget to remember me to Mr. Otway. I<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage295" id="Cpage295"></a>{295}</span> was much + pleased with him and with your fellow-traveller Mr. Nimmo, as I should + have been, no doubt, with the young Irishman, had not our conversation + taken so serious a turn. The passage in Tacitus which Milton's line so + strongly resembles is not in the 'Agricola,' nor can I find it, but it + exists somewhere. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_97_97" + id="CFNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#CFootnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter61" id="Cletter61"></a>61. <i>Of Collins, Dyer, Thomson, + &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Kendal, Jan. 12. 1829.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I regret to hear of the indisposition from which you have been suffering. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That you are convinced<a name="CFNanchor_98_98" id="CFNanchor_98_98"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> gives me great pleasure, + as I hope that every other editor of Collins will follow your example. You + are at perfect liberty to declare that you have rejected Bell's copy in + consequence of my opinion of it; and I feel much satisfaction in being the + instrument of rescuing the memory of Collins from this disgrace. I have + always felt some concern that Mr. Home, who lived several years after + Bell's publication, did not testify more regard for his deceased friend's + memory by protesting against this imposition. Mr. Mackenzie is still + living; and I shall shortly have his opinion upon the question; and if it + be at all interesting, I shall take the liberty of sending it to you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Dyer is another of our minor poets—minor as to quantity—of + whom one would wish to know more. Particulars about him might still be + collected, I should think, in South Wales, his native country, and where + in early life he practised as a painter. I have often heard Sir George + Beaumont express a curiosity about his pictures, and a wish to see any + specimen of his pencil that might survive. If you are a rambler, perhaps + you may, at some time or other, be led into Carmarthenshire, and might + bear in mind what I have just said of this excellent author. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I had once a hope to have learned some unknown particulars of Thomson, + about Jedburgh, but I was disappointed. Had I succeeded, I meant to + publish a short life of him, prefixed to a<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage296" id="Cpage296"></a>{296}</span> volume containing 'The + Seasons,' 'The Castle of Indolence,' his minor pieces in rhyme, and a few + extracts from his plays, and his 'Liberty;' and I feel still inclined to + do something of the kind. These three writers, Thomson, Collins, and Dyer, + had more poetic imagination than any of their contemporaries, unless we + reckon Chatterton as of that age. I do not name Pope, for he stands alone, + as a man most highly gifted; but unluckily he took the plain when the + heights were within his reach. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Excuse this long letter, and believe me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Sincerely yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_99_99" + id="CFNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#CFootnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter62" id="Cletter62"></a>62. <i>Verses and Counsels</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR HAMILTON, OBSERVATORY, DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, July 24. 1820.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been very long in your debt. An inflammation in my eyes cut me off + from writing and reading, so that I deem it still prudent to employ an + Amanuensis; but I had a more decisive reason for putting off payment, + nothing less than the hope that I might discharge my debt in person: it + seems better, however, to consult you beforehand. I wish to make a Tour in + Ireland, and <i>perhaps</i> along with my daughter, but I am ignorant of + so many points, as where to begin, whether it be safe at this <i>rioting</i> + period, what is best worth seeing, what mode of travelling will furnish + the greatest advantages at the least expense. Dublin of course—the + Wicklow mountains—Killarney Lakes—and I think the ruins not + far from Limerick would be among my objects, and return by the North; but + I can form no conjecture as to the time requisite for this, and whether it + would be best to take the steamboat from Liverpool to Cork, beginning + there, or to go from Whitehaven to Dublin. To start from Whitehaven by + steam to Dublin would suit me as being nearer this place and a shorter + voyage; besides my son is settled near Whitehaven, and I could + conveniently embark from his abode. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have read with great pleasure the 'Sketches in Ireland' which Mr. Otway + was kind enough to present to me; but many<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage297" id="Cpage297"></a>{297}</span> interesting things he + speaks of in the West will be quite out of my reach. In short I am as + unprepared with Tourists' information as any man can be, and sensible as I + am of the very great value of your time, I cannot refrain from begging you + to take pity upon my ignorance and to give me some information, keeping in + mind the possibility of my having a female companion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is time to thank you for the verses you so obligingly sent me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your sister's have abundance of spirit and feeling; all that they want is + what appears in itself of little moment, and yet is of incalculably great,—that + is, workmanship,—the art by which the thoughts are made to melt into + each other, and to fall into light and shadow, regulated by distinct + preconception of the best general effect they are capable of producing. + This may seem very vague to you, but by conversation I think I could make + it appear otherwise. It is enough for the present to say that I was much + gratified, and beg you would thank your sister for favouring me with the + sight of compositions so distinctly marked with that quality which is the + subject of them ['Genius']. Your own verses are to me very interesting, + and affect me much as evidences of high and pure-mindedness, from which + humble-mindedness is inseparable. I like to see and think of you among the + stars, and between death and immortality, where three of these poems place + you. The 'Dream of Chivalry' is also interesting in another way; but it + would be insincere not to say that something of a style more terse, and a + harmony more accurately balanced, must be acquired before the bodily form + of your verses will be quite worthy of their living soul. You are probably + aware of this, tho' perhaps not in an equal degree with myself; nor is it + desirable you should, for it might tempt you to labour, which would divert + you from subjects of infinitely greater importance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for your interesting account of Mr. Edgeworth. I heartily + concur with you in the wish that neither Plato nor any other profane + author may lead him from the truths of the Gospel, without which our + existence is an insupportable mystery to the thinking mind. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Looking for a reply at your early convenience,<br /> <span + style="margin-left: 9.5em;">I remain, my dear Sir, faithfully, your + obliged<br /></span> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_100_100" id="CFNanchor_100_100"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a><br /></span> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage298" id="Cpage298"></a>{298}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter63" id="Cletter63"></a>63. <i>'Annuals' and publishing + Roguery</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO C. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ. Rydal Mount, July 29. 1829. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope you have enjoyed yourself in the country, as we have been doing + among our shady woods, and green hills, and invigorated streams. The + summer is passing on, and I have not left home, and perhaps shall not; for + it is far more from duty than inclination that I quit my dear and + beautiful home; and duty pulls two ways. On the one side my mind stands in + need of being fed by new objects for meditation and reflection, the more + so because diseased eyes have cut me off so much from reading; and, on the + other hand, I am obliged to look at the expense of distant travelling, as + I am not able to take so much out of my body by walking as heretofore. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have not got my MS. back from the ——,<a + name="CFNanchor_101_101" id="CFNanchor_101_101"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> whose managers have, + between them, used me shamefully; but my complaint is principally of the + editor, for with the proprietor I have had little direct connection. If + you think it worth while, you shall, at some future day, see such parts of + the correspondence as I have preserved. Mr. Southey is pretty much in the + same predicament with them, though he has kept silence for the present.... + I am properly served for having had any connection with such things. My + only excuse is, that they offered me a very liberal sum, and that I have + laboured hard through a long life, without more pecuniary emolument than a + lawyer gets for two special retainers, or a public performer sometimes for + two or three songs. Farewell; pray let me hear from 3-011 at your early + convenience, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">And believe me faithfully your</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Much obliged</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_102_102" + id="CFNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#CFootnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter64" id="Cletter64"></a>64. <i>Works of George Peele</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Kendal, Oct. 16. 1829.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On my return from Ireland, where I have been travelling a few weeks, I + found your present of George Peele's<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage299" id="Cpage299"></a>{299}</span> works, and the obliging + letter accompanying it; for both of which I offer my cordial thanks. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + English literature is greatly indebted to your labours; and I have much + pleasure in this occasion of testifying my respect for the sound judgment + and conscientious diligence with which you discharge your duty as an + editor. Peele's works were well deserving of the care you have bestowed + upon them; and, as I did not previously possess a copy of any part of + them, the beautiful book which you have sent me was very acceptable. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By accident, I learned lately that you had made a Book of Extracts, which + I had long wished for opportunity and industry to execute myself. I am + happy it has fallen into so much better hands. I allude to your <i>Selections + from the Poetry of English Ladies</i>. I had only a glance at your work; + but I will take this opportunity of saying, that should a second edition + be called for, I should be pleased with the honour of being consulted by + you about it. There is one poetess to whose writings I am especially + partial, the Countess of Winchelsea. I have perused her poems frequently, + and should be happy to name such passages as I think most characteristic + of her genius, and most fit to be selected. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I know not what to say about my intended edition of a portion of Thomson. + There appears to be some indelicacy in one poet treating another in that + way. The example is not good, though I think there are few to whom the + process might be more advantageously applied than to Thomson. Yet, so + sensible am I of the objection, that I should not have entertained the + thought, but for the expectation held out to me by an acquaintance, that + valuable materials for a new Life of Thomson might be procured. In this I + was disappointed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">With much respect, I remain, dear Sir,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Sincerely yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_103_103" + id="CFNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#CFootnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage300" id="Cpage300"></a>{300}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter65" id="Cletter65"></a>65. <i>Of Lady Winchelsea, Tickell, + &c.: Sonnets, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Kendal, May 10. 1830.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My last was, for want of room, concluded so abruptly, that I avail myself + of an opportunity of sending you a few additional words free of postage, + upon the same subject. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I observed that Lady Winchelsea was unfortunate in her models—<i>Pindarics</i> + and <i>Fables</i>; nor does it appear from her <i>Aristomenes</i> that she + would have been more successful than her contemporaries, if she had + cultivated tragedy. She had sensibility sufficient for the tender parts of + dramatic writing, but in the stormy and tumultuous she would probably have + failed altogether. She seems to have made it a moral and religious duty to + control her feelings lest they should mislead her. Of love, as a passion, + she is afraid, no doubt from a conscious inability to soften it down into + friendship. I have often applied two lines of her drama (p. 318) to her + affections: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i10">'Love's soft bands,<br /></span> <span>His gentle cords + of hyacinths and roses,<br /></span> <span>Wove in the dewy Spring when + storms are silent.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + By the by, in the next page are two impassioned lines spoken to a person + fainting: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Then let me hug and press thee into life,<br /></span> <span>And + lend thee motion from my beating heart.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From the style and versification of this, so much her longest work, I + conjecture that Lady Winchelsea had but a slender acquaintance with the + drama of the earlier part of the preceding century. Yet her style in rhyme + is often admirable, chaste, tender, and vigorous, and entirely free from + sparkle, antithesis, and that overculture, which reminds one, by its broad + glare, its stiffness, and heaviness, of the double daisies of the garden, + compared with their modest and sensitive kindred of the fields. Perhaps I + am mistaken, but I think there is a good deal of resemblance in her style + and versification to that of Tickell, to whom Dr. Johnson justly assigns a + high place among the minor poets, and of whom Goldsmith rightly observes, + that there is a strain of ballad-thinking through all his poetry, and it + is very attractive. Pope, in that production of his boyhood, the 'Ode<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage301" id="Cpage301"></a>{301}</span> to + Solitude,' and in his 'Essay on Criticism,' has furnished proofs that at + one period of his life he felt the charm of a sober and subdued style, + which he afterwards abandoned for one that is, to my taste at least, too + pointed and ambitious, and for a versification too timidly balanced. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If a second edition of your 'Specimens' should be called for, you might + add from Helen Maria Williams the 'Sonnet to the Moon,' and that to + 'Twilight;' and a few more from Charlotte Smith, particularly, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'I love thee, mournful, sober-suited Night.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At the close of a sonnet of Miss Seward are two fine verses: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Come, that I may not hear the winds of night.<br /></span> <span>Nor + count the heavy eave-drops as they fall.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You have well characterised the poetic powers of this lady; but, after + all, her verses please me, with all their faults, better than those of + Mrs. Barbauld, who, with much higher powers of mind, was spoiled as a + poetess by being a dissenter, and concerned with a dissenting academy. One + of the most pleasing passages in her poetry is the close of the lines upon + 'Life,' written, I believe, when she was not less than eighty years of + age: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Life, we have been long together,' &c.<a + name="CFNanchor_104_104" id="CFNanchor_104_104"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You have given a specimen of that ever-to-be-pitied victim of Swift, + 'Vanessa.' I have somewhere a short piece of hers upon her passion for + Swift, which well deserves to be added. But I am becoming tedious, which + you will ascribe to a well-meant endeavour to make you some return for + your obliging attentions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, dear Sir, faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_105_105" + id="CFNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#CFootnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter66" id="Cletter66"></a>66. <i>Hamilton's 'Spirit of + Beauty:' Verbal Criticism: Female Authorship: Words.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Where there is so much sincerity of feeling in a matter so dignified as + the renunciation of poetry for science, one feels<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage302" id="Cpage302"></a>{302}</span> that an apology is + necessary for verbal criticism. I will therefore content myself with + observing that 'joying' for joy or joyance is not to my taste. Indeed I + object to such liberties upon principle. We should soon have no language + at all if the unscrupulous coinage of the present day were allowed to + pass, and become a precedent for the future. One of the first duties of a + Writer is to ask himself whether his thought, feeling, or image cannot be + expressed by existing words or phrases, before he goes about creating new + terms, even when they are justified by the analogies of the language. 'The + cataract's steep flow' is both harsh and inaccurate: 'thou hast seen me + bend over the cataract' would express one idea in simplicity and all that + was required. Had it been necessary to be more particular, 'steep flow' + are not the words that ought to have been used. I remember Campbell says + in a composition that is overrun with faulty language, 'And dark as winter + was the <i>flow</i> of Iser rolling rapidly;' that is, 'flowing rapidly.' + The expression ought to have been 'stream' or 'current...' These may + appear to you frigid criticisms, but depend upon it no writings will live + in which these rules are disregarded.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Female authorship is to be shunned as bringing in its train more and + heavier evils than have presented themselves to your sister's ingenuous + mind. No true friend I am sure will endeavour to shake her resolution to + remain in her own quiet and healthful obscurity. This is not said with a + view to discourage her from writing, nor have the remarks made above any + aim of the kind; they are rather intended to assist her in writing with + more permanent satisfaction to herself. She will probably write less in + proportion as she subjects her feelings to logical forms, but the range of + her sensibilities so far from being narrowed will extend as she improves + in the habit of looking at things thro' a steady light of words; and, to + speak a little metaphysically, words are not a mere vehicle, but they are + powers either to kill or animate.<a name="CFNanchor_106_106" + id="CFNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#CFootnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage303" id="Cpage303"></a>{303}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter67" id="Cletter67"></a>67. <i>His 'Play:' Hone: Eyesight + failing, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO CHARLES LAMB, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Jan. 10. 1830.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR LAMB, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A whole twelvemonth have I been a letter in your debt, for which fault I + have been sufficiently punished by self-reproach. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I liked your Play marvellously, having no objection to it but one, which + strikes me as applicable to a large majority of plays, those of Shakspeare + himself not entirely excepted—I mean a little degradation of + character for a more dramatic turn of plot. Your present of Hone's book + was very acceptable; and so much so, that your part of the book is the + cause why I did not write long ago. I wished to enter a little minutely + into notice of the dramatic extracts, and, on account of the smallness of + the print, deferred doing so till longer days would allow me to read + without candle-light, which I have long since given up. But, alas! when + the days lengthened, my eyesight departed, and for many months I could not + read three minutes at a time. You will be sorry to hear that this + infirmity still hangs about me, and almost cuts me off from reading + altogether. But how are you, and how is your dear sister? I long much, as + we all do, to know. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + For ourselves, this last year, owing to my sister's dangerous illness, the + effects of which are not yet got over, has been an anxious one and + melancholy. But no more of this. My sister has probably told everything + about the family; so that I may conclude with less scruple, by assuring + you of my sincere and faithful affection for you and your dear sister. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_107_107" + id="CFNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#CFootnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter68" id="Cletter68"></a>68. <i>Summer: Mr. Quillinan: + Draining, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO G. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, April 6. 1830.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. GORDON, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are kind in noticing with thanks my rambling notes.<a + name="CFNanchor_108_108" id="CFNanchor_108_108"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have had here a few days of delicious summer weather. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage304" id="Cpage304"></a>{304}</span>It + appeared with the suddenness of a pantomimic trick, stayed longer than we + had a right to expect, and was as rapidly succeeded by high wind, bitter + cold, and winter snow, over hill and dale. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not surprised that you are so well pleased with Mr. Quillinan. The + more you see of him the better you will like him. You ask what are my + employments. According to Dr. Johnson they are such as entitle me to high + commendation, for I am not only making two blades of grass grow where only + one grew before, but a dozen. In plain language, I am draining a bit of + spungy ground.<a name="CFNanchor_109_109" id="CFNanchor_109_109"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> In the field where + this goes on I am making a green terrace that commands a beautiful view of + our two lakes, Rydal and Windermere, and more than two miles of + intervening vale with the stream visible by glimpses flowing through it. I + shall have great pleasure in showing you this among the other returns + which I hope one day to make for your kindness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Adieu, yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 13.5em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_110_110" + id="CFNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#CFootnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter69" id="Cletter69"></a>69. <i>Works of Webster, &c.: + Elder Poets: Dr. Darwin: 'Excursion:' Collins, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">[No date, but Postmark, 1830.]</span> + </p> + <p> + I am truly obliged, my dear Sir, by your valuable present of Webster's + Dramatic Works and the 'Specimens.'<a name="CFNanchor_111_111" + id="CFNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#CFootnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> + Your publisher was right in insisting upon the whole of Webster, otherwise + the book might have been superseded, either by an entire edition + separately given to the world, or in some <i>corpus</i> of the dramatic + writers. The poetic genius of England, with the exception of Chaucer, + Spenser, Milton, Dryden, Pope, and a very few more, is to be sought in her + drama. How it grieves one that there is so little probability of those + valuable authors being read except by the curious! I questioned my friend + Charles Lamb whether it would answer for some person of real taste to + undertake abridging the plays that are not likely to be read as wholes, + and telling such parts of the story in brief abstract as were ill managed + in the drama. He thought it would not. I, however, am inclined to think it + would. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage305" id="Cpage305"></a>{305}</span>The + account of your indisposition gives me much concern. It pleases me, + however, to see that, though you may suffer, your industry does not relax; + and I hope that your pursuits are rather friendly than injurious to your + health. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are quite correct in your notice of my obligation to Dr. Darwin.<a + name="CFNanchor_112_112" id="CFNanchor_112_112"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> In the first edition + of the poem it was acknowledged in a note, which slipped out of its place + in the last, along with some others. In putting together that edition, I + was obliged to cut up several copies; and, as several of the poems also + changed their places, some confusion and omission, and, in one instance, a + repetition, was the consequence. Nothing, however, so bad as in the + edition of 1820, where a long poem, 'The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots,' + was by mistake altogether omitted. Another unpleasantness arose from the + same cause; for, in some instances, notwithstanding repeated charges to + the printer, you have only two Spenserian stanzas in a page (I speak now + of the last edition) instead of three; and there is the same irregularity + in printing other forms of stanza. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You must indeed have been fond of that ponderous quarto, 'The Excursion,' + to lug it about as you did.<a name="CFNanchor_113_113" + id="CFNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#CFootnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> + In the edition of 1827 it was diligently revised, and the sense in several + instances got into less room; yet still it is a long poem for these feeble + and fastidious times. You would honour me much by accepting a copy of my + poetical works; but I think it better to defer offering it to you till a + new edition is called for, which will be ere long, as I understand the + present is getting low. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A word or two about Collins. You know what importance I attach to + following strictly the last copy of the text of an author; and I do not + blame you for printing in the 'Ode to Evening' 'brawling' spring; but + surely the epithet is most unsuitable to the time, the very worst, I + think, that could have been chosen. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I now come to Lady Winchelsea. First, however, let me say a few words upon + one or two other authoresses of your 'Specimens.' British poetesses make + but a poor figure in the 'Poems by Eminent Ladies.'<a + name="CFNanchor_114_114" id="CFNanchor_114_114"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But observing how injudicious that selection is in the case of Lady + Winchelsea, and of Mrs. Aphra Behn (from whose attempts they are miserably + copious),<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage306" id="Cpage306"></a>{306}</span> + I have thought something better might have been chosen by more competent + persons who had access to the volumes of the several writers. In selecting + from Mrs. Pilkington, I regret that you omitted (look at p. 255) 'Sorrow,' + or at least that you did not abridge it. The first and third paragraph are + very affecting. See also 'Expostulation,' p. 258: it reminds me strongly + of one of the Penitential Hymns of Burns. The few lines upon St. John the + Baptist, by Mrs. Killigrew (vol. ii. p. 6), are pleasing. A beautiful + Elegy of Miss Warton (sister to the poets of that name) upon the death of + her father, has escaped your notice; nor can I refer you to it. Has the + Duchess of Newcastle written much verse? her Life of her Lord, and the + extracts in your book, and in the 'Eminent Ladies,' are all that I have + seen of hers. The 'Mirth and Melancholy' has so many fine strokes of + imagination, that I cannot but think there must be merit in many parts of + her writings. How beautiful those lines, from 'I dwell in groves,' to the + conclusion, 'Yet better loved, the more that I am known,' excepting the + four verses after 'Walk up the hills.' And surely the latter verse of the + couplet, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The tolling bell which for the dead rings out;<br /></span> <span>A + mill where rushing waters run about;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + is very noticeable: no person could have hit upon that union of images + without being possessed of true poetic feeling. Could you tell me anything + of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu more than is to be learned from Pope's + letters and her own? She seems to have been destined for something much + higher and better than she became. A parallel between her genius and + character and that of Lady Winchelsea her contemporary (though somewhat + prior to her) would be well worth drawing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And now at last for the poems of Lady Winchelsea. I will transcribe a note + from a blank leaf of my own edition, written by me before I saw the scanty + notice of her in Walpole. (By the by, that book has always disappointed me + when I have consulted it upon any particular occasion.) The note runs + thus: 'The "Fragment," p. 280, seems to prove that she was attached to + James II., as does p. 42, and that she suffered by the Revolution. The + most celebrated of these poems, but far from the best, is "The Spleen." + "The Petition for an absolute Retreat," and the "Nocturnal Reverie," are + of much superior merit. See also for favourable specimens, p. 156; "On the + Death of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage307" id="Cpage307"></a>{307}</span> + Mr. Thynne," p. 263; and p. 280, "Fragment." The Fable of "Love, Death, + and Reputation," p. 29, is ingeniously told.' Thus far my own note. I will + now be more particular. P. 3, 'Our Vanity,' &c., and p. 163 are + noticeable as giving some account from herself of her authorship. See also + p. 148, where she alludes to 'The Spleen.' She was unlucky in her models, + Pindaric Odes and French Fables. But see p. 70, 'The Blindness of Elymas,' + for proof that she could write with powers of a high order when her own + individual character and personal feelings were not concerned. For less + striking proofs of this power, see p. 4, 'All is Vanity,' omitting verses + 5 and 6, and reading 'clouds that are lost and gone,' &c. There is + merit in the two next stanzas; and the last stanza towards the close + contains a fine reproof for the ostentation of Louis XIV., and one + magnificent verse, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Spent the astonished hours, forgetful to adore.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But my paper is nearly out. As far as 'For my garments,' p. 36, the poem + is charming; it then falls off; revives at p. 39, 'Give me there;' p. 41, + &c., reminds me of Dyer's 'Grongar Hill;' it revives p. 47, towards + the bottom, and concludes with sentiments worthy of the writer, though not + quite so happily expressed as other parts of the poem. See pages 82, 92, + 'Whilst in the Muses' paths I stray;' p. 113. 'The Cautious Lovers,' p. + 118, has little poetic merit, but is worth reading as characteristic of + the author. P. 143, 'Deep lines of honour,' &c., to 'maturer age.' P. + 151, if shortened, would be striking; p. 154, characteristic; p. 159, from + 'Meanwhile, ye living parents,' to the close, omitting 'Nor could we + hope,' and the five following verses; p. 217, last paragraph; p. 259, <i>that</i> + you have;<a name="CFNanchor_115_115" id="CFNanchor_115_115"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> pp. 262, 263; p. 280, + Was Lady W. a R. Catholic? p. 290, 'And to the clouds proclaim thy fall;' + p. 291, omit 'When scatter'd glow-worms,' and the next couplet. I have no + more room. Pray, excuse this vile scrawl. + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 5em;"> W.W.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + P.S. I have inconsiderately sent your letter to my daughter (now absent), + without copying the address. I knew the letter would interest her. I shall + direct to your publisher.<a name="CFNanchor_116_116" id="CFNanchor_116_116"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal Mount. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage308" id="Cpage308"></a>{308}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter70" id="Cletter70"></a>70. <i>French Revolution</i>, 1830. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTERS TO G. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. GORDON, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot but deeply regret that the late King of France and his ministers + should have been so infatuated. Their stupidity, not to say their crimes, + has given an impulse to the revolutionary and democratic spirit throughout + Europe which is premature, and from which much immediate evil may be + apprehended, whatever things may settle into at last. Whereas had the + Government conformed to the increasing knowledge of the people, and not + surrendered itself to the counsels of the priests and the bigoted + Royalists, things might have been kept in an even course, to the mutual + improvement and benefit of both governed and governors. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In France incompatible things are aimed at—a monarchy and democracy + to be united without an intervening aristocracy to constitute a graduated + scale of power and influence. I cannot conceive how an hereditary monarchy + can exist without an hereditary peerage in a country so large as France, + nor how either can maintain their ground if the law of the Napoleon Code, + compelling equal division of property by will, be not repealed. And I + understand that a vast majority of the French are decidedly adverse to the + repeal of that law, which, I cannot but think, will ere long be found + injurious both to France and, in its collateral effects, to the rest of + Europe. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Ever, dear Mr. Gordon,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 14em;">Cordially and faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. GORDON, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thanks for your hint about Rhenish: strength from wine is good, from water + still better. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One is glad to see tyranny baffled and foolishness put to shame; but the + French King and his ministers will be unfairly judged by all those who + take not into consideration the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage309" + id="Cpage309"></a>{309}</span>difficulties of their position. It is not to + be doubted that there has long existed a determination, and that plans + have been laid, to destroy the Government which the French received, as + they felt, at the hands of the Allies, and their pride could not bear. + Moreover, the Constitution, had it been their own choice, would by this + time have lost favour in the eyes of the French, as not sufficiently + democratic for the high notion <i>that</i> people entertain of their + fitness to govern themselves; but, for my own part, I'd rather fill the + office of a parish beadle than sit on the throne where the Duke of Orleans + has suffered himself to be placed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The heat is gone, and but that we have too much rain again the country + would be enchanting. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">With a thousand thanks,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">I remain ever yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_117_117" + id="CFNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#CFootnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter71" id="Cletter71"></a>71. <i>Nonsense: Rotten Boroughs: + Sonnets: Pegasus: Kenelm Digby: Tennysons.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTERS TO PROFESSOR HAMILTON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Trinity Lodge, Cambridge, November 26. + 1830.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR MR. HAMILTON,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I reached this place nine days ago, where I should have found your letter + of the 23d ult., but that it had been forwarded to Coleorton Hall, + Leicestershire, where we stopped a week on our road. I am truly glad to + find that your good spirits put you upon writing what you call nonsense, + and so much of it; but I assure you it all passed with me for very + agreeable sense, or something better, and continues to do so even in this + learned spot; which you will not be surprised to hear, when I tell you + that at a dinner-party the other day, I heard a Head of a House, a + clergyman also, gravely declare, that the rotten boroughs, as they are + called, should instantly be abolished without compensation to their + owners; that slavery should be destroyed with like disregard of the <i>claims</i> + (for rights he would allow none) of the proprietors, and a multitude of + extravagances of the same sort. Therefore say I, Vive la Bagatelle; motley + is your only wear.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage310" id="Cpage310"></a>{310}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You tell me kindly that you have often asked yourself where is Mr. + Wordsworth, and the question has readily been solved for you. He is at + Cambridge: a great mistake! So late as the 5th of November, I will tell + you where I was, a solitary equestrian entering the romantic little town + of Ashford in the Waters, on the edge of Wilds of Derbyshire, at the close + of day, when guns were beginning to be left [let?] off and squibs to be + fired on every side. So that I thought it prudent to dismount and lead my + horse through the place, and so on to Bakewell, two miles farther. You + must know how I happened to be riding through these wild regions. It was + my wish that Dora should have the benefit of her pony while at Cambridge, + and very valiantly and economically I determined, unused as I am to + horsemanship, to ride the creature myself. I sent James with it to + Lancaster; there mounted; stopped a day at Manchester, a week at + Coleorton, and so reached the end of my journey safe and sound, not, + however, without encountering two days of tempestuous rain. Thirty-seven + miles did I ride in one day through the worse of these storms. And what + was my resource? guess again: writing verses to the memory of my departed + friend Sir George Beaumont, whose house I had left the day before. While + buffetting the other storm I composed a Sonnet upon the splendid domain at + Chatsworth, which I had seen in the morning, as contrasted with the + secluded habitations of the narrow dells in the Park; and as I passed + through the tame and manufacture-disfigured country of Lancashire I was + reminded by the faded leaves, of Spring, and threw off a few stanzas of an + ode to May. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But too much of self and my own performances upon my steed—a + descendant no doubt of Pegasus, though his owner and present rider knew + nothing of it. Now for a word about Professor Airey. I have seen him + twice; but I did not communicate your message. It was at dinner and at an + evening party, and I thought it best not to speak of it till I saw him, + which I mean to do, upon a morning call. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There is a great deal of intellectual activity within the walls of this + College, and in the University at large; but conversation turns mainly + upon the state of the country and the late change in the administration. + The fires have extended to within 8 miles of this place; from which I saw + one of the worst, if not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage311" + id="Cpage311"></a>{311}</span> absolutely the worst, indicated by a + redness in the sky—a few nights ago. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am glad when I fall in with a member of Parliament, as it puts me upon + writing to my friends, which I am always disposed to defer, without such a + determining advantage. At present we have two members, Mr. Cavendish, one + of the representatives of the University, and Lord Morpeth, under the + Master's roof. We have also here Lady Blanche, wife of Mr. Cavendish, and + sister of Lord Morpeth. She is a great admirer of Mrs. Hemans' poetry. + There is an interesting person in this University for a day or two, whom I + have not yet seen—Kenelm Digby, author of the 'Broadstone of Honor,' + a book of chivalry, which I think was put into your hands at Rydal Mount. + We have also a respectable show of blossom in poetry. Two brothers of the + name of Tennison, in particular, are not a little promising. Of science I + can give you no account; though perhaps I may pick up something for a + future letter, which may be long in coming for reasons before mentioned. + Mrs. W. and my daughter, of whom you inquire, are both well; the latter + rides as often as weather and regard for the age of her pony will allow. + She has resumed her German labours, and is not easily drawn from what she + takes to. Therefore I hope Miss Hamilton will not find fault if she does + not write for some time, as she will readily conceive that with this + passion upon her, and many engagements, she will be rather averse to + writing. In fact she owes a long letter to her brother in Germany, who, by + the bye, tells us that he will not cease to look out for the Book of Kant + you wished for. Farewell, with a thousand kind remembrances to yourself + and sister, and the rest of your amiable family, in which Mrs. W. and Dora + join. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Believe me most faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_118_118" + id="CFNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#CFootnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter72" id="Cletter72"></a>72. <i>Verses: 'Reform Bill:' + Francis Edgeworth: Eagles: 'Yarrow Revisited.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Oct. 27 [1831].</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. HAMILTON,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A day or two before my return from Scotland arrived your letter and + verses; for both of which I thank you, as they<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage312" id="Cpage312"></a>{312}</span> exhibit your mind under + those varied phases which I have great pleasure in contemplating. My reply + is earlier than it would have been, but for the opportunity of a frank + from one of the Members for the University of Oxford—a friend of Mr. + Southey's and mine, who by way of recreating himself after the fatigues of + the last Session, had taken a trip to see the Manchester railway, and + kindly and most unexpectedly came on to give a day apiece to Southey and + me. He is, like myself, in poor heart at the aspect of public affairs. In + his opinion the Ministers when they brought in the Bill neither expected + nor wished it to be carried. All they wanted was an opportunity of saying + to the people, 'Behold what great things we would have done for you had it + been in our power: we must now content ourselves with the best we can + get.' But, to return to your letter. To speak frankly, you appear to be at + least three-fourths gone in love; therefore, think about the last quarter + in the journey. The picture you give of the lady makes one wish to see her + more familiarly than I had an opportunity of doing, were it only to + ascertain whether, as you astronomers have in your observatories + magnifying glasses for the stars, you do not carry about with you also, + when you descend to common life, coloured glasses and Claude Loraine + mirrors for throwing upon objects that interest you enough for the + purpose, such lights and hues as may be most to the taste of the + intellectual vision. In a former letter you mention Francis Edgeworth. He + is a person not to be forgotten. If you be in communication with him pray + present him my very kind respects, and say that he was not unfrequently in + my thoughts during my late poetic rambles; and particularly when I saw the + objects which called forth a Sonnet that I shall send you. He was struck + with my mention of a sound in the eagle's notes, much and frequently + resembling the yelping and barking of a dog, and quoted a passage in + Eschylus where the eagle is called the flying hound of the air, and he + suggested that Eschylus might not only allude by that term to his being a + bird of chase or prey, but also to this barking voice, which I do not + recollect ever hearing noticed. The other day I was forcibly reminded of + the circumstances under which the pair of eagles were seen that I + described in the letter to Mr. Edgeworth, his brother. It was the + promontory of Fairhead, on the coast of Antrim, and no spectacle could be + grander. At Dunally Castle, a ruin seated at the tip<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage313" id="Cpage313"></a>{313}</span> of one of the horns of the + bay of Oban, I saw the other day one of these noble creatures cooped up + among the ruins, and was incited to give vent to my feelings as you shall + now see: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Dishonoured Rock and Ruin! that by law<br /></span> <span>Tyrannic, + keep the Bird of Jove imbarred,<br /></span> <span>Like a lone criminal + whose life is spared.<br /></span> <span>Vexed is he and screams loud:—The + last I saw<br /></span> <span>Was on the wing, and struck my soul with + awe,<br /></span> <span>Now wheeling low, then with a consort paired,<br /></span> + <span>From a bold headland their loved aery's guard,<br /></span> <span>Flying, + above Atlantic waves,—to draw<br /></span> <span>Light from the + fountain of the setting sun.<br /></span> <span>Such was this prisoner + once; and, when his plumes<br /></span> <span>The sea-blast ruffles as + the storm comes on,<br /></span> <span>In spirit, for a moment he resumes<br /></span> + <span>His rank 'mong free-born creatures that live free;<br /></span> + <span>His power, his beauty, and his majesty.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will naturally wish to hear something of Sir Walter Scott, and + particularly of his health. I found him a good deal changed within the + last three or four years, in consequence of some shocks of the apoplectic + kind; but his friends say that he is very much better, and the last + accounts, up to the time of his going on board, were still more + favourable. He himself thinks his age much against him, but he has only + completed his 60th year. But a friend of mine was here the other day, who + has rallied, and is himself again, after a much severer shock, and at an + age several years more advanced. So that I trust the world and his friends + may be hopeful, with good reason, that the life and faculties of this man, + who has during the last six and twenty years diffused more innocent + pleasure than ever fell to the lot of any human being to do in his own + life-time, may be spared. Voltaire, no doubt, was full as extensively + known, and filled a larger space probably in the eye of Europe; for he was + a great theatrical writer, which Scott has not proved himself to be, and + miscellaneous to that degree, that there was something for all classes of + readers: but the pleasure afforded by his writings, with the exception of + some of his Tragedies and minor Poems, was not pure, and in this Scott is + greatly his superior. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As Dora has told your sister, Sir W. was our guide to Yarrow. The pleasure + of that day induced me to add a third to the two poems upon Yarrow, + 'Yarrow Revisited.' It is in the same measure, and as much in the same + spirit as matter of fact<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage314" + id="Cpage314"></a>{314}</span> would allow. You are artist enough to know + that it is next to impossible entirely to harmonise things that rest upon + their poetic credibility, and are idealised by distance of time and space, + with those that rest upon the evidence of the hour, and have about them + the thorny points of actual life. I am interrupted by a stranger, and a + gleam of fine weather reminds me also of taking advantage of it the moment + I am at liberty, for we have had a week of incessant rain. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">[Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.]<a name="CFNanchor_119_119" + id="CFNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#CFootnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter73" id="Cletter73"></a>73. <i>Tour in Scotland</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Nov. 9.</span><br /> <br /> MY + DEAR LADY FREDERICK,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are quite right, dear Lady F., in congratulating me on my late ramble + in Scotland. I set off with a severe inflammation in one of my eyes, which + was removed by being so much in the open air; and for more than a month I + scarcely saw a newspaper, or heard of their contents. During this time we + almost forgot, my daughter and I, the deplorable state of the country. My + spirits rallied, and, with exercise—for I often walked scarcely less + than twenty miles a day—and the employment of composing verses, amid + scenery the most beautiful, and at a season when the foliage was most rich + and varied, the time flew away delightfully; and when we came back into + the world again, it seemed as if I had waked from a dream, that never was + to return. We travelled in an open carriage with one horse, driven by + Dora; and while we were in the Highlands I walked most of the way by the + side of the carriage, which left us leisure to observe the beautiful + appearances. The rainbows and coloured mists floating about the hills were + more like enchantment than anything I ever saw, even among the Alps. There + was in particular, the day we made the tour of Loch Lomond in the + steamboat, a fragment of a rainbow, so broad, so splendid, so glorious, + with its reflection in the calm water, it astonished every one on board, a<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage315" id="Cpage315"></a>{315}</span> party of + foreigners especially, who could not refrain from expressing their + pleasure in a more lively manner than we are accustomed to do. My object + in going to Scotland so late in the season was to see Sir Walter Scott + before his departure. We stayed with him three days, and he quitted + Abbotsford the day after we left it. His health has undoubtedly been much + shattered, by successive shocks of apoplexy, but his friends say he is so + much recovered, that they entertain good hopes of his life and faculties + being spared. Mr. Lockhart tells me that he derived benefit by a change of + his treatment made by his London physicians, and that he embarked in good + spirits. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to public affairs, I have no hope but in the goodness of Almighty God. + The Lords have recovered much of the credit they had lost by their conduct + in the Roman Catholic question. As an Englishman I am deeply grateful for + the stand which they have made, but I cannot help fearing that they may be + seduced or intimidated. Our misfortune is, that the disapprovers of this + monstrous bill give way to a belief that nothing can prevent its being + passed; and therefore they submit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to the cholera, I cannot say it appals me much; it may be in the order + of Providence to employ this scourge for bringing the nation to its + senses; though history tells us in the case of the plague at Athens, and + other like visitations, that men are never so wicked and depraved as when + afflictions of that kind are upon them. So that, after all, one must come + round to our only support, submission to the will of God, and faith in the + ultimate goodness of His dispensations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am sorry you did not mention your son, in whose health and welfare, and + progress in his studies, I am always much interested. Pray remember me + kindly to Lady Caroline. All here join with me in presenting their kindest + remembrances to yourself; and believe me, dear Lady Frederick, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Faithfully and affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_120_120" + id="CFNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#CFootnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage316" id="Cpage316"></a>{316}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter74" id="Cletter74"></a>74. <i>Sir Walter Scott</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + EXTRACT OF LETTER TO MRS. HEMANS. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Aug. 20. 1833.</span> + </p> + <p> + The visit which occasioned the poem ['Yarrow Revisited'] addressed to Sir + Walter Scott, that you mention in terms so flattering, was a very + melancholy one. My daughter was with me. We arrived at his house on Monday + noon, and left it at the same time on Thursday, the very day before he + quitted Abbotsford for London, on his way to Naples. On the morning of our + departure he composed a few lines for Dora's Album, and wrote them in it. + We prize this memorial very much, and the more so as an affecting + testimony of his regard at a time when, as the verses prove, his health of + body and powers of mind were much impaired and shaken. You will recollect + the little green book which you were kind enough to write in on its first + page. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let me hope that your health will improve, so that you may be enabled to + proceed with the sacred poetry with which you are engaged. Be assured that + I shall duly appreciate the mark of honour you design for me in connection + with so interesting a work.<a name="CFNanchor_121_121" + id="CFNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#CFootnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter75" id="Cletter75"></a>75. <i>Of Advices that he would + write more in Prose</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO REV. J.K. MILLER, VICAR OF WALKERINGHAM. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Kendal, Dec. 17. 1831.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You have imputed my silence, I trust, to some cause neither disagreeable + to yourself nor unworthy of me. Your letter of the 26th of Nov. had been + misdirected to Penrith, where the postmaster detained it some time, + expecting probably that I should come to that place, which I have often + occasion to visit. When it reached me I was engaged in assisting my wife + to make out some of my mangled and almost illegible MSS., which inevitably + involved me in endeavours to correct and improve them. My eyes are subject + to frequent inflammations, of which I had an attack (and am still + suffering from it) while that was going on. You would nevertheless have + heard from me almost as soon as I received your letter, could I have + replied to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage317" id="Cpage317"></a>{317}</span> + it in terms in any degree accordant to my wishes. Your exhortations + troubled me in a way you cannot be in the least aware of; for I have been + repeatedly urged by some of my most valued friends, and at times by my own + conscience, to undertake the task you have set before me. But I will deal + frankly with you. A conviction of my incompetence to do justice to the + momentous subject has kept me, and I fear will keep me, silent. My + sixty-second year will soon be completed, and though I have been favoured + thus far in health and strength beyond most men of my age, yet I feel its + effects upon my spirits; they sink under a pressure of apprehension to + which, at an earlier period of my life, they would probably have been + superior. There is yet another obstacle: I am no ready master of prose + writing, having been little practised in the art. This last consideration + will not weigh with you; nor would it have done with myself a few years + ago; but the bare mention of it will serve to show that years have + deprived me of <i>courage</i>, in the sense the word bears when applied by + Chaucer to the animation of birds in spring time. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What I have already said precludes the necessity of otherwise confirming + your assumption that I am opposed to the spirit you so justly + characterise.<a name="CFNanchor_122_122" id="CFNanchor_122_122"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> To your opinions upon + this subject, my judgment (if I may borrow your own word) 'responds.' + Providence is now trying this empire through her political institutions. + Sound minds find their expediency in principles; unsound, their principles + in expediency. On the proportion of these minds to each other the issue + depends. From calculations of partial expediency in opposition to general + principles, whether those calculations be governed by fear or presumption, + nothing but mischief is to be looked for; but, in the present stage of our + affairs, the class that does the most harm consists <i>of well-intentioned</i> + men, who, being ignorant of human nature, think that they may help the + thorough-paced reformers and revolutionists to a <i>certain</i> point, + then stop, and that the machine will stop with them. After all, the + question is, fundamentally, one of piety and morals; of piety, as + disposing men who are anxious for social improvement to wait patiently for + God's good time; and of morals, as guarding them from doing evil that good + may come, or thinking that any ends <i>can</i> be so good as to justify<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage318" id="Cpage318"></a>{318}</span> wrong + means for attaining them. In fact, means, in the concerns of this life, + are infinitely more important than ends, which are to be valued mainly + according to the qualities and virtues requisite for their attainment; and + the best test of an end being good is the purity of the means, which, by + the laws of God and our nature, must be employed in order to secure it. + Even the interests of eternity become distorted the moment they are looked + at through the medium of impure means. Scarcely had I written this, when I + was told by a person in the Treasury, that it is intended to carry the + Reform Bill by a new creation of peers. If this be done, the constitution + of England will be destroyed, and the present Lord Chancellor, after + having contributed to murder it, may consistently enough pronounce, in his + place, its <i>éloge funèbre</i>! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I turn with pleasure to the sonnets you have addressed to me and if I did + not read them with unqualified satisfaction it was only from consciousness + that I was unworthy of the enconiums they bestowed upon me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Among the papers I have lately been arranging are passages that would + prove as forcibly as anything of mine that has been published, you were + not mistaken in your supposition that it is the habit of my mind + inseparably to connect loftiness of imagination with that humility of mind + which is best taught in Scripture. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Hoping that you will be indulgent to my silence, which has been, from + various causes, protracted contrary to my wish, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Believe me to be, dear Sir,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Very faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_123_123" + id="CFNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#CFootnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter76" id="Cletter76"></a>76. <i>Of Poetry and Prose: Milton + and Shakspeare: Reform, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR HAMILTON, DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Nov. 22. 1831.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + MR. HAMILTON,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You send me showers of verses, which I receive with much pleasure, as do + we all; yet have we fears that this employment may seduce you from the + path of Science, which you seem destined to tread with so much honour to + yourself and profit to others. Again and again I must repeat, that the + composition<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage319" id="Cpage319"></a>{319}</span> + of verse is infinitely more of an art than men are prepared to believe; + and absolute success in it depends upon innumerable minutiae, which it + grieves me you should stoop to acquire a knowledge of. Milton talks of + 'pouring easy his unpremeditated verse.' It would be harsh, untrue, and + odious, to say there is anything like cant in this; but it is not true to + the letter, and tends to mislead. I could point out to you five hundred + passages in Milton upon which labour has been bestowed, and twice five + hundred more to which additional labour would have been serviceable. Not + that I regret the absence of such labour, because no poem contains more + proofs of skill acquired by practice. These observations are not called + out by any defects or imperfections in your last pieces especially: they + are equal to the former ones in effect, have many beauties, and are not + inferior in execution; but again I do venture to submit to your + consideration, whether the poetical parts of your nature would not find a + field more favourable to their exercise in the regions of prose: not + because those regions are humbler, but because they may be gracefully and + profitably trod with footsteps less careful and in measures less + elaborate. And now I have done with the subject, and have only to add, + that when you write verses you would not fail, from time to time, to let + me have a sight of them; provided you will allow me to defer criticism on + your diction and versification till we meet. My eyes are so often useless + both for reading and writing, that I cannot tax the eyes and pens of + others with writing down observations which to indifferent persons must be + tedious. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, I am not sorry that your project of going to London at + present is dropped. It would have grieved me had you been unfurnished with + an introduction from me to Mr. Coleridge; yet I know not how I could have + given you one—he is often so very unwell. A few weeks ago he had had + two attacks of cholera, and appears to be so much broken down that unless + I were assured he was something in his better way I could not disturb him + by the introduction of any one. His most intimate friend is Mr. Green, a + man of science and a distinguished surgeon. If to him you could procure an + introduction he would let you know the state of Coleridge's health; and to + Mr. Green, whom I once saw, you might use my name with a view to further + your wish, if it were at all needful.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage320" id="Cpage320"></a>{320}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Shakspeare's sonnets (excuse this leap) are not upon the Italian model, + which Milton's are; they are merely quatrains with a couplet tacked to the + end; and if they depended much upon the versification they would + unavoidably be heavy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One word upon Reform in Parliament, a subject to which, somewhat + reluctantly, you allude. You are a Reformer! Are you an approver of the + Bill as rejected by the Lords? or, to use Lord Grey's words, anything 'as + efficient?'—he means, if he means anything, for producing change. + Then I earnestly entreat you to devote hours and hours to the study of + human nature, in books, in life, and in your own mind; and beg and pray + that you would mix with society, not in Ireland and Scotland only, but in + England; a fount of destiny which, if once poisoned, away goes all hope of + quiet progress in well doing. The constitution of England, which seems + about to be destroyed, offers to my mind the sublimest contemplation which + the history of society and government have ever presented to it; and for + this cause especially, that its principles have the character of + preconceived ideas, archetypes of the pure intellect, while they are, in + fact, the results of a humble-minded experience. Think about this, apply + it to what we are threatened with, and farewell. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_124_124" id="CFNanchor_124_124"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter77" id="Cletter77"></a>77. <i>Of the Reform Bill</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + EXTRACT OF LETTER TO LORD LONSDALE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Feb. 17. 1832.</span><br /> + <br /> MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If, after all, I should be asked how I would myself vote, if it had been + my fortune to have a seat in the House of Lords, I must say that I should + oppose the second reading, though with my eyes open to the great hazard of + doing so. My support, however, would be found in standing by a great <i>principle</i>; + for, without being unbecomingly personal, I may state to your Lordship, + that it has ever been the habit of my mind to trust that expediency will + come out of fidelity to principles, rather than to seek my principles of + action in calculations of expediency.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage321" id="Cpage321"></a>{321}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With this observation I conclude, trusting your Lordship will excuse my + having detained you so long. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">I have the honour to be, most + faithfully,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much + obliged,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_125_125" id="CFNanchor_125_125"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter78" id="Cletter78"></a>78. <i>Of Political Affairs</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + EXTRACT OF LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You were not mistaken in supposing that the state of public affairs has + troubled me much. I cannot see how the government is to be carried on, but + by such sacrifices to the democracy as will, sooner or later, upset + everything. Whoever governs, it will be by out-bidding for popular favour + those who went before them. Sir Robert Peel was obliged to give way in his + government to the spirit of Reform, as it is falsely called; these men are + going beyond him; and if ever he shall come back, it will only, I fear, be + to carry on the movement, in a shape somewhat less objectionable than it + will take from the Whigs. In the mean while the Radicals or Republicans + are cunningly content to have this work done ostensibly by the Whigs, + while in fact they themselves are the Whigs' masters, as the Whigs well + know; but they hope to be preserved from destruction by throwing + themselves back upon the Tories when measures shall be urged upon them by + their masters which they may think too desperate. What I am most afraid of + is, alterations in the constituency, and in the duration of Parliament, + which will bring it more and more under the dominion of the lower and + lowest classes. On this account I fear the proposed Corporation Reform, as + a step towards household suffrage, vote by ballot, &c. As to a union + of the Tories and Whigs in Parliament, I see no prospect of it whatever. + To the great Whig lords may be truly applied the expression in <i>Macbeth</i>, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'They have eaten of the insane root<br /></span> <span>That takes + the reason prisoner.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I ordered two copies of my new volume to be sent to Cottesmere. And now + farewell; and believe me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Dear Lady Frederick, ever faithfully + yours,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_126_126" id="CFNanchor_126_126"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage322" id="Cpage322"></a>{322}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter79" id="Cletter79"></a>79. <i>Family Affliction and State + of Public Affairs</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. DR. WORDSWORTH. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, April 1. 1832.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR BROTHER,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Our dear sister makes no progress towards recovery of strength. She is + very feeble, never quits her room, and passes most of the day in, or upon, + the bed. She does not suffer much pain, and is very cheerful, and nothing + troubles her but public affairs and the sense of requiring so much + attention. Whatever may be the close of this illness, it will be a + profound consolation to you, my dear brother, and to us all, that it is + borne with perfect resignation; and that her thoughts are such as the good + and pious would wish. She reads much, both religious and miscellaneous + works. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If you see Mr. Watson, remember me affectionately to him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was so distressed with the aspect of public affairs, that were it not + for our dear sister's illness, I should think of nothing else. They are to + be envied, I think, who, from age or infirmity, are likely to be removed + from the afflictions which God is preparing for this sinful nation. God + bless you, my brother. John says you are well; so am I, and every one here + except our sister: but I have witnessed one revolution in a foreign + country, and I have not courage to think of facing another in my own. + Farewell. God bless you again. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your affectionate Brother,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_127_127" + id="CFNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#CFootnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter80" id="Cletter80"></a>80. <i>Illness of Sister: Reform: + Poems: Oxford and Cambridge, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR HAMILTON, DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Moresby, June 25. 1832.</span><br /> <br /> + MY DEAR MR. HAMILTON,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your former letter reached me in due time; your second, from Cambridge, + two or three days ago. I ought to have written to you long since, but + really I have for some time, from private and public causes of sorrow and + apprehension, been in a great measure deprived of those genial feelings + which, thro'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage323" id="Cpage323"></a>{323}</span> + life, have not been so much accompaniments of my character, as vital + principles of my existence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My dear sister has been languishing more than seven months in a sick-room, + nor dare I or any of her friends entertain a hope that her strength will + ever be restored; and the course of public affairs, as I think I told you + before, threatens, in my view, destruction to the institutions of the + country; an event which, whatever may rise out of it hereafter, cannot but + produce distress and misery for two or three generations at least. In any + times I am but at best a poor and unpunctual correspondent, yet I am + pretty sure you would have heard from me but for this reason; therefore + let the statement pass for an apology as far as you think fit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The verses called forth by your love and the disappointment that followed + I have read with much pleasure, tho' grieved that you should have suffered + so much; as poetry they derive an interest from your philosophical + pursuits, which could not but recommend the verses even to indifferent + readers, and must give them in the eyes of your friends a great charm. The + style appears to me good, and the general flow of the versification + harmonious; but you deal somewhat more in dactylic endings and identical + terminations than I am accustomed to think legitimate. Sincerely do I + congratulate you upon being able to continue your philosophical pursuits + under such a pressure of personal feeling. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It gives me much pleasure that you and Coleridge have met, and that you + were not disappointed in the conversation of a man from whose writings you + had previously drawn so much delight and improvement. He and my beloved + sister are the two beings to whom my intellect is most indebted, and they + are now proceeding, as it were, <i>pari passu</i>, along the path of + sickness, I will not say towards the grave, but I trust towards a blessed + immortality. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was not my intention to write so seriously: my heart is full, and you + must excuse it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You do not tell me how you like Cambridge as a place, nor what you thought + of its buildings and other works of art. Did you not see Oxford as well? + Surely you would not lose the opportunity; it has greatly the advantage + over Cambridge in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage324" id="Cpage324"></a>{324}</span> + its happy intermixture of streets, churches, and collegiate buildings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope you found time when in London to visit the British Museum. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A fortnight ago I came hither to my son and daughter, who are living a + gentle, happy, quiet, and useful life together. My daughter Dora is also + with us. On this day I should have returned, but an inflammation in my + eyes makes it unsafe for me to venture in an open carriage, the weather + being exceedingly disturbed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A week ago appeared here Mr. W.S. Landor, the Poet, and author of the <i>Imaginary + Conversations</i>, which probably have fallen in your way. We had never + met before, tho' several letters had passed between us; and as I had not + heard that he was in England, my gratification in seeing him was + heightened by surprise. We passed a day together at the house of my friend + Mr. Rawson, on the banks of Wastwater. His conversation is lively and + original; his learning great, tho' he will not allow it, and his laugh the + heartiest I have heard of a long time. It is not much less than twenty + years since he left England for France, and afterwards Italy, where he + hopes to end his days, nay [he has] fixed near Florence upon the spot + where he wishes to be buried. Remember me most kindly to your sisters. + Dora begs her love and thanks to your sister Eliza for her last most + interesting letter, which she will answer when she can command a frank. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_128_128" + id="CFNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#CFootnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Postscript added on first page:] I have desired Messrs. Longman to put + aside for you a copy of the new edition of my poems, compressed into four + vols. It contains nothing but what has before seen the light, but several + poems which were not in the last. Pray direct your Dublin publisher to + apply for it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage325" id="Cpage325"></a>{325}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter81" id="Cletter81"></a>81. '<i>Remains of Lucretia + Davidson:' Public Events: Miss Jewsbury, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO MRS. HEMANS. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Nov. 22 [1832].</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR MRS. HEMANS,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will not render this sheet more valueless than at best it will prove, by + tedious apologies for not answering your very kind and welcome letter long + and long ago. I received it in London, when my mind was in a most uneasy + state, and when my eyes were useless both for writing and reading, so that + an immediate reply was out of my power; and, since, I have been doubtful + where to address you. Accept this, and something better, as my excuse, + that I have very often thought of you with kindness and good wishes for + your welfare, and that of your fine boys, who must recommend themselves to + all that come in their way. Let me thank you in Dora's name for your + present of <i>The Remains of Lucretia Davidson</i>, a very extraordinary + young creature, of whom I had before read some account in Mr. Southey's + review of this volume. Surely many things, not often bestowed, must concur + to make genius an enviable gift. This truth is painfully forced upon one's + attention in reading the effusions and story of this enthusiast, hurried + to her grave so early. You have, I understand, been a good deal in Dublin. + The place I hope has less of the fever of intellectual, or rather + literary, ambition than Edinburgh, and is less disquieted by factions and + cabals of <i>persons</i>. As to those of parties they must be odious and + dreadful enough; but since they have more to do with religion, the + adherents of the different creeds perhaps mingle little together, and so + the mischief to social intercourse, though great, will be somewhat less. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not sure but that Miss Jewsbury has judged well in her determination + of going to India. Europe is at present a melancholy spectacle, and these + two Islands are likely to reap the fruit of their own folly and madness, + in becoming, for the present generation, the two most unquiet and + miserable spots upon the earth. May you, my dear friend, find the + advantage of the poetic spirit in raising you, in thought at least, above + the contentious clouds! Never before did I feel such reason to be grateful + for what little inspiration heaven has graciously be<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage326" id="Cpage326"></a>{326}</span>stowed upon my humble + intellect. What you kindly wrote upon the interest you took during your + travels in my verses, could not but be grateful to me, because your own + show that in a rare degree you understand and sympathise with me. We are + all well, God be thanked. I am a wretched correspondent, as this scrawl + abundantly shows. I know also, that you have far too much, both of + receiving and writing letters, but I cannot conclude without expressing a + wish, that from time to time you would let us hear from you and yours, and + how you prosper. All join with me in kindest remembrance to yourself and + your boys, especially to Charles, of whom we know most. Believe me, dear + Mrs. Hemans, not the less for my long silence, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully and affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_129_129" + id="CFNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#CFootnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter82" id="Cletter82"></a>82. <i>Tuition at the University</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO A NEPHEW. + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, June 17. 1833.</span> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR C——, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are welcome to England after your long ramble. I know not what to say + in answer to your wish for my opinion upon the offer of the lectureship. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have only one observation to make, to which I should attach importance + if I thought it called for in your case, which I do not. I mean the moral + duty of avoiding to encumber yourself with private pupils in any number. + You are at an age when the blossoms of the mind are setting, to make + fruit; and the practice of <i>pupil-mongering</i> is an absolute blight + for this process. Whatever determination you come to, may God grant that + it proves for your benefit: this prayer I utter with earnestness, being + deeply interested, my dear C——, in all that concerns you. I + have said nothing of the uncertainty hanging over all the establishments, + especially the religious and literary ones of the country, because if they + are to be overturned, the calamity would be so widely spread, that every + mode of life would be involved in it, and nothing survive for hopeful + calculation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage327" id="Cpage327"></a>{327}</span>We + are always delighted to hear of any or all of you. God bless you, my dear + C——. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most faithfully, your affectionate,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_130_130" + id="CFNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#CFootnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter83" id="Cletter83"></a>83. <i>On the Admission of + Dissenters to graduate in the University of of Cambridge.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">May 15. 1834.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR C——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will wonder what is become of us, and I am afraid you will think me + very unworthy the trouble you took in writing to us and sending your + pamphlet. A thousand little things have occurred to prevent my calling + upon Mrs. Wordsworth, who is ever ready to write for me, in respect to the + question that you have so ably handled. Since the night when the Reform + Bill was first introduced, I have been convinced that the institutions of + the country cannot be preserved.... It is a mere question <i>of time</i>. + A great majority of the present parliament, I believe, are in the main + favourable to the preservation of the Church, but among these many are + ignorant how that is to be done. Add to the portion of those who with good + intentions are in the dark, the number who will be driven or tempted to + vote against their consciences by the clamour of their sectarian and + infidel constituents under the Reform Bill, and you will have a daily + augmenting power even in this parliament, which will be more and more + hostile to the Church every week and every day. You will see from the + course which my letter thus far has taken, that I regard the prayer of the + Petitioners to whom you are opposed as formidable still more from the + effect which, if granted, it will ultimately have upon the Church, and + through that medium upon the Monarchy and upon social order, than for its + immediate tendency to introduce discord in the universities, and all those + deplorable consequences which you have so feelingly painted as preparatory + to their destruction. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not yet able to use my eyes for reading or writing, but your pamphlet + has been twice read to me.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + God bless you.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Affectionately yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_131_131" + id="CFNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#CFootnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage328" id="Cpage328"></a>{328}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter84" id="Cletter84"></a>84. <i>The Poems of Skelton</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Kendal, Jan. 7. 1833.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having an opportunity of sending this to town free of postage, I write to + thank you for your last obliging letter. Sincerely do I congratulate you + upon having made such progress with Skelton, a writer deserving of far + greater attention than his works have hitherto received. Your edition will + be very serviceable, and may be the occasion of calling out illustrations, + perhaps, of particular passages from others, beyond what your own reading, + though so extensive, has supplied. I am pleased also to hear that + 'Shirley' is out. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I lament to hear that your health is not good. My own, God be thanked, is + excellent; but I am much dejected with the aspect of public affairs, and + cannot but fear that this nation is on the brink of great troubles. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Be assured that I shall at all times be happy to hear of your studies and + pursuits, being, with great respect, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Sincerely yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_132_132" + id="CFNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#CFootnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter85" id="Cletter85"></a>85. <i>The Works of James Shirley</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, March 20. 1833.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have to thank you for the very valuable present of Shirley's works, just + received. The preface is all that I have yet had time to read. It pleased + me to find that you sympathised with me in admiration of the passage from + the Duchess of Newcastle's poetry; and you will be gratified to be told + that I have the opinion you have expressed of that cold and false-hearted + Frenchified coxcomb, Horace Walpole. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Poor Shirley! what a melancholy end was his! and then to be so treated by + Dryden! One would almost suspect some private cause of dislike, such as is + said to, have influenced Swift in regard to Dryden himself.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage329" id="Cpage329"></a>{329}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Shirley's death reminded me of a sad close of the life of a literary + person, Sanderson by name, in the neighbouring county of Cumberland. He + lived in a cottage by himself, though a man of some landed estate. His + cottage, from want of care on his part, took fire in the night. The + neighbours were alarmed; they ran to his rescue; he escaped, dreadfully + burned, from the flames, and lay down (he was in his seventieth year) much + exhausted under a tree, a few yards from the door. His friends, in the + meanwhile, endeavoured to save what they could of his property from the + flames. He inquired most anxiously after a box in which his manuscripts + and published pieces had been deposited with a view to a publication of a + laboriously-corrected edition; and, upon being told that the box was + consumed, he expired in a few minutes, saying, or rather sighing out the + words, 'Then I do not wish to live.' Poor man! though the circulation of + his works had not extended beyond a circle of fifty miles' diameter, + perhaps, at furthest, he was most anxious to survive in the memory of the + few who were likely to hear of him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The publishing trade, I understand, continues to be much depressed, and + authors are driven to solicit or invite subscriptions, as being in many + cases the only means for giving their works to the world. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am always pleased to hear from you; and believe me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir,<br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully your + obliged friend,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. + WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_133_133" id="CFNanchor_133_133"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter86" id="Cletter86"></a>86. <i>Literary Criticism and News: + Men of Science, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR HAMILTON, OF DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, May 8. 1833.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My letters being of no value but as tokens of friendship, I waited for the + opportunity of a frank, which I had reason to expect earlier. Sincerely do + we all congratulate you upon your marriage. Accept our best wishes upon + the event, and believe that we shall always be deeply interested in your + welfare. Make our kind regards also to Mrs. Hamilton, who of course will + be included in every friendly hope and expectation formed for yourself.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage330" id="Cpage330"></a>{330}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We look with anxiety to your sister Eliza's success in her schemes,—but + for pecuniary recompense in literature, especially poetical, nothing can + be more unpromising than the present state of affairs, except what we have + to fear for the future. Mrs. Godwyn, who sends verses to Blackwood, is our + neighbour. I have had no conversation with her myself upon the subject, + but a friend of hers says she has reason to believe that she has got + nothing but a present of books. This however is of no moment, as Mrs. G. + being a person of easy fortune she has not probably bargained for a return + in money. Mrs. Hemans I see continues to publish in the periodicals. If + you ever see her, pray remember me affectionately to her, and tell her + that I have often been, and still am, troubled in conscience for having + left her obliging letter so long unanswered; but she must excuse me as + there is not a motive in my mind urging me to throw any interest into my + letters to friends beyond the expression of kindness and esteem; and <i>that</i> + she does not require from me. Besides my friends in general know how much + I am hindered in all my pursuits by the inflammation to which my eyes are + so frequently subject. I have long since given up all exercise of them by + candle-light, and the evenings and nights are the seasons when one is most + disposed to converse in that way with absent friends. News you do not care + about, and I have none for you, except what concerns friends. My sister, + God be thanked, has had a respite. She can now walk a few steps about her + room, and has been borne twice into the open air. Southey to whom I sent + your Sonnets had, I grieve to say, a severe attack of some unknown and + painful complaint, about ten days ago. It weakened him much, but he is now + I believe perfectly recovered. Coleridge I have reason to think is + confined to his bed; his mind vigorous as ever. Your Sonnets I think are + as good as anything you have done in verse. We like the 2d best; and I + single it out the more readily as it allows me an opportunity of reminding + you of what I have so often insisted upon, the extreme care which is + necessary in the composition of poetry. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The ancient image <i>shall not</i> depart<br /></span> <span>From + my soul's temple, the refined gold<br /></span> <span>Already prov'd <i>remain</i>.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your meaning is that it shall remain, but according to the construction of + our language, you have said 'it shall not.'<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage331" id="Cpage331"></a>{331}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The refined gold,<br /></span> <span>Well proved, shall then + remain,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + will serve to explain my objection. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Could not you take us in your way coming or going to Cambridge? If Mrs. H. + accompanies you, we should be glad to see her also. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope that in the meeting about to take place in Cambridge there will be + less of mutual flattery among the men of science than appeared in that of + the last year at Oxford. Men of science in England seem, indeed, to copy + their fellows in France, by stepping too much out of their way for titles, + and baubles of that kind, and for offices of state and political + struggles, which they would do better to keep out of. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With kindest regards to yourself and Mrs. H., and to your sisters, believe + me ever, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My dear Mr. H.,<br /> <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_134_134" + id="CFNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#CFootnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter87" id="Cletter87"></a>87. <i>Of 'Elia:' Miss Wordsworth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO CHARLES LAMB, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Rydal Mount [Friday, May 17. 1833, or + thereabouts].</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR LAMB,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have to thank you and Moxon for a delightful volume, your last (I hope + not) of 'Elia.' I have read it all except some of the 'Popular Fallacies,' + which I reserve.... The book has much pleased the whole of my family, viz. + my wife, daughter, Miss Hutchinson, and my poor dear sister, on her sick + bed; they all return their best thanks. I am not sure but I like the 'Old + China,' and the 'Wedding,' as well as any of the Essays. I read 'Love me + and my Dog' to my poor sister this morning. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been thus particular, knowing how much you and your dear sister + value this excellent person, whose tenderness of heart I do not honestly + believe was ever exceeded by any of God's creatures. Her loving-kindness + has no bounds. God bless her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage332" + id="Cpage332"></a>{332}</span> for ever and ever! Again thanking you for + your excellent book, and wishing to know how you and your dear sister are, + with best love to you both from us all, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, my dear Lamb,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your faithful friend,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_135_135" + id="CFNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#CFootnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter88" id="Cletter88"></a>88. <i>'Specimens of English + Sonnets:' Criticisms, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">[No date to this Letter, but written in + 1833.]</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The dedication<a name="CFNanchor_136_136" id="CFNanchor_136_136"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> which you propose I + shall esteem as an honour; nor do I conceive upon what ground, but an + over-scrupulous modesty, I could object to it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Be assured that Mr. Southey will not have the slightest unwillingness to + your making any use you think proper of his 'Memoir of Bampfylde:' I shall + not fail to mention the subject to him upon the first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You propose to give specimens of the best <i>sonnet-writers</i> in our + language. May I ask if by this be meant a selection of the <i>best + sonnets, best</i> both as to <i>kind</i> and <i>degree</i>? A sonnet may + be excellent in its kind, but that kind of very inferior interest to one + of a higher order, though not perhaps in every minute particular quite so + well executed, and from the pen of a writer of inferior genius. It should + seem that the best rule to follow would be, first, to pitch upon the + sonnets which are best <i>both</i> in kind and perfectness of execution, + and, next, those which, although of a humbler quality, are admirable for + the finish and happiness of the execution, taking care to exclude all + those which have not one or other of these recommendations, however + striking they might be, as characteristic of the age in which the author + lived, or some peculiarity of his manner. The 10th sonnet of Donne, + beginning 'Death, be not proud,' is so eminently characteristic of his + manner, and at the same time so weighty in the thought, and vigorous in + the expression, that I would entreat you to insert it, though to modern + taste it may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage333" id="Cpage333"></a>{333}</span> + be repulsive, quaint, and laboured. There are two sonnets of Russell, + which, in all probability, you may have noticed, 'Could, then, the babes,' + and the one upon Philoctetes, the last six lines of which are first-rate. + Southey's 'Sonnet to Winter' pleases me much; but, above all, among modern + writers, that of Sir Egerton Brydges, upon 'Echo and Silence.' Miss + Williams's 'Sonnet upon Twilight' is pleasing; that upon 'Hope' of great + merit. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Do you mean to have a short preface upon the construction of the sonnet? + Though I have written so many, I have scarcely made up my own mind upon + the subject. It should seem that the sonnet, like every other legitimate + composition, ought to have a beginning, a middle, and an end; in other + words, to consist of three parts, like the three propositions of a + syllogism, if such an illustration may be used. But the frame of metre + adopted by the Italians does not accord with this view; and, as adhered to + by them, it seems to be, if not arbitrary, best fitted to a division of + the sense into two parts, of eight and six lines each. Milton, however, + has not submitted to this; in the better half of his sonnets the sense + does not close with the rhyme at the eighth line, but overflows into the + second portion of the metre. Now it has struck me that this is not done + merely to gratify the ear by variety and freedom of sound, but also to aid + in giving that pervading sense of intense unity in which the excellence of + the sonnet has always seemed to me mainly to consist. Instead of looking + at this composition as a piece of architecture, making a whole out of + three parts, I have been much in the habit of preferring the image of an + orbicular body,—a sphere, or a dew-drop. All this will appear to you + a little fanciful; and I am well aware that a sonnet will often be found + excellent, where the beginning, the middle, and the end are distinctly + marked, and also where it is distinctly separated into <i>two</i> parts, + to which, as I before observed, the strict Italian model, as they write + it, is favourable. Of this last construction of sonnet, Russell's upon + 'Philoctetes' is a fine specimen; the first eight lines give the hardship + of the case, the six last the consolation, or the <i>per-contra</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Ever faithfully<br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much + obliged friend and servant,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. + WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage334" + id="Cpage334"></a>{334}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + P.S. In the case of the Cumberland poet, I overlooked a most pathetic + circumstance. While he was lying under the tree, and his friends were + saving what they could from the flames, he desired them to bring out the + box that contained his papers, if possible. A person went back for it, but + the bottom dropped out, and the papers fell into the flames and were + consumed. Immediately upon hearing this, the poor old man expired.<a + name="CFNanchor_137_137" id="CFNanchor_137_137"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter89" id="Cletter89"></a>89. <i>The Poems of Lady + Winchelsea, Skelton, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Lowther Castle, Sept. 23 [qu. Aug. 1833.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">No date of the Year.]</span><br /> <br /> + MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have put off replying to your obliging letter till I could procure a + frank; as I had little more to say than to thank you for your attention to + Lady Winchelsea,<a name="CFNanchor_138_138" id="CFNanchor_138_138"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> and for the extracts + you sent me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I expected to find at this place my friend, Lady Frederick Bentinck, + through whom I intended to renew my request for materials, if any exist, + among the Finch family, whether manuscript poems, or anything else that + would be interesting; but Lady F., unluckily, is not likely to be in + Westmoreland. I shall, however, write to her. Without some additional + materials, I think I should scarcely feel strong enough to venture upon + any species of publication connected with this very interesting woman, + notwithstanding the kind things you say of the value of my critical + remarks. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am glad you have taken Skelton in hand, and much wish I could be of any + use to you. In regard to his life, I am certain of having read somewhere + (I thought it was in Burns's 'History of Cumberland and Westmoreland,' but + I am mistaken), that Skelton was born at Branthwaite Hall, in the county + of Cumberland. Certain it is that a family of that name possessed the + place for many generations; and I own it would give me some pleasure to + make out that Skelton was a brother Cumbrian. Branthwaite Hall is about + six miles from Cockermouth, my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage335" + id="Cpage335"></a>{335}</span> native place. Tickell (of the <i>Spectator</i>), + one of the best of our minor poets, as Johnson has truly said, was born + within two miles of the same town. These are mere accidents, it is true, + but I am foolish enough to attach some interest to them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If it would be more agreeable to you, I would mention your views in + respect to Skelton to Mr. Southey: I should have done so before, but it + slipped my memory when I saw him. Mr. Southey is undoubtedly much engaged, + but I cannot think that he would take ill a letter from you on any + literary subject. At all events, I shall, in a few days, mention your + intention of editing Skelton, and ask if he has anything to suggest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I meditate a little tour in Scotland this autumn, my principal object + being to visit Sir Walter Scott; but as I take my daughter along with me, + we probably shall go to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and take a peep at the western + Highlands. This will not bring us near Aberdeen.<a name="CFNanchor_139_139" + id="CFNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#CFootnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a> + If it suited you to return to town by the Lakes, I should be truly glad to + see you at Rydal Mount, near Ambleside. You might, at all events, call on + Mr. Southey in your way; I would prepare an introduction for you, by + naming your intention to Mr. S. I have added this, because my Scotch tour + would, I fear, make it little likely that I should be at home about the + 10th September. Your return, however, may be deferred. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me, my dear Sir,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Very respectfully, your obliged,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + P.S. I hope your health continues good. I assure you there was no want of + interest in your conversation on that or any other account.<a + name="CFNanchor_140_140" id="CFNanchor_140_140"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter90" id="Cletter90"></a>90. <i>'Popularity' of Poetry</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO E. MOXON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 24em;">Lowther Castle, Westmoreland, Aug. 1833.</span><br /> + MY DEAR MR. MOXON,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There does not appear to be much genuine relish for poetical publications + in Cumberland, if I may judge from the fact of not a copy of my poems + having been sold there by one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage336" + id="Cpage336"></a>{336}</span> the leading booksellers, though Cumberland + is my native county. Byron and Scott are, I am persuaded, the only <i>popular</i> + writers in that line,—perhaps the word ought rather to be that they + are <i>fashionable</i> writers. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My poor sister is something better in health. Pray remember me very + affectionately to Charles Lamb, and to his dear sister, if she be in a + state to receive such communications from her friends. I hope Mr. Rogers + is well; give my kindest regards to him also. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Ever, my dear Mr. Moxon,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_141_141" + id="CFNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#CFootnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter91" id="Cletter91"></a>91. <i>Sonnets, and less-known + female Poets: Hartley Coleridge, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 4. 1833.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your elegant volume of Sonnets,<a name="CFNanchor_142_142" + id="CFNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#CFootnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> + which you did me the honour to dedicate to me, was received a few months + after the date of the accompanying letter; and the copy for Mr. Southey + was forwarded immediately, as you may have learned long ago, by a letter + from himself. Supposing you might not be returned from Scotland, I have + deferred offering my thanks for this mark of your attention: and about the + time when I should otherwise probably have written, I was seized with an + inflammation in my eyes, from the <i>effects</i> of which I am not yet so + far recovered as to make it prudent for me to use them in writing or + reading.<a name="CFNanchor_143_143" id="CFNanchor_143_143"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The selection of sonnets appears to me to be very judicious. If I were + inclined to make an exception, it would be in the single case of the + sonnet of Coleridge upon 'Schiller,' which is too much of a rant for my + taste. The one by him upon 'Linley's Music' is much superior in execution; + indeed, as a strain of feeling, and for unity of effect, it is very + happily done. I was glad to see Mr. Southey's 'Sonnet to Winter.' A + lyrical poem of my own, upon the disasters of the French army in Russia, + has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage337" id="Cpage337"></a>{337}</span> + so striking a resemblance to it, in contemplating winter under two + aspects, that, in justice to Mr. Southey, who preceded me, I ought to have + acknowledged it in a note; and I shall do so upon some future occasion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How do you come on with Skelton? And is there any prospect of a new + edition of your <i>Specimens of British Poetesses</i>? If I could get at + the original works of the elder poetesses, such as the Duchess of + Newcastle, Mrs. Behn, Orinda, &c., I should be happy to assist you + with my judgment in such a publication, which, I think, might be made + still more interesting than this first edition, especially if more matter + were crowded into a page. The two volumes of <i>Poems by Eminent Ladies</i>, + Helen Maria Williams's works, Mrs. Smith's Sonnets, and Lady Winchelsea's + Poems, form the scanty materials which I possess for assisting such a + publication. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is a remarkable thing, that the two best ballads, perhaps, of modern + times, viz. 'Auld Robin Grey' and the 'Lament for the Defeat of the Scots + at Flodden-field,' are both from the pens of females. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I shall be glad to hear that your health is improved, and your spirits + good, so that the world may continue to be benefited by your judicious and + tasteful labours. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray let me hear from you at your leisure; and believe me, dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Very faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + P.S. It is a pity that Mr. Hartley Coleridge's Sonnets had not been + published before your Collection was made, as there are several well + worthy of a place in it. Last midsummer I made a fortnight's tour in the + Isle of Man, Staffa, Iona, &c., which produced between thirty and + forty sonnets, some of which, I think, would please you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Could not you contrive to take the Lakes in your way, sometimes, to or + from Scotland? I need not say how glad I should be to see you for a few + days. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What a pity that Mr. Heber's wonderful collection of books is about to be + dispersed!<a name="CFNanchor_144_144" id="CFNanchor_144_144"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage338" id="Cpage338"></a>{338}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter92" id="Cletter92"></a>92. <i>Proposed Dedication of Poems + to Wordsworth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO MRS. HEMANS. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, April 1834.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MRS. HEMANS,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You have submitted what you intended as a dedication of your poems to me. + I need scarcely say that, as a <i>private letter</i>, such expressions + from such a quarter could not have been received by me but with pleasure + of <i>no ordinary kind</i>, unchecked by any consideration but the fear + that my writings were overrated by you, and my character thought better of + than it deserved. But I must say, that a <i>public</i> testimony, in so + high a strain of admiration, is what I cannot but shrink from: be this + modesty true or false, it is in me; you must bear with it, and make + allowance for it. And, therefore, as you have submitted the whole to my + judgment, I am emboldened to express a wish that you would, instead of + this dedication, in which your warm and kind heart has overpowered you, + simply inscribe them to me, with such expression of respect or gratitude + as would come within the limits of the rule which, after what has been + said above, will naturally suggest itself. Of course, if the sheet has + been struck off, I must hope that my shoulders may become a little more + Atlantean than I now feel them to be. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister is not quite so well. She, Mrs. W., and Dora, all unite with me + in best wishes and kindest remembrances to yourself and yours; and + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me, dear Mrs. Hemans,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">To remain faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_145_145" + id="CFNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#CFootnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter93" id="Cletter93"></a>93. <i>Verse-Attempts</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR WM. M. GOMM. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, April 16. 1834.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your verses, for which I sincerely thank you, are an additional proof of + the truth which forced from me, many years ago, the exclamation, 'O, many + are the poets that are sown by nature!'<a name="CFNanchor_146_146" + id="CFNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#CFootnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a> + The rest of that paragraph also has some<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage339" id="Cpage339"></a>{339}</span> bearing upon your position + in the poetical world. The thoughts and images through both the poems, and + the feelings also, are eminently such as become their several subjects; + but it would be insincerity were I to omit adding, that there is here and + there a want of that skill in <i>workmanship</i>, which I believe nothing + but continued practice in the art can bestow. I have used the word <i>art</i>, + from a conviction, which I am called upon almost daily to express, that + poetry is infinitely more of an art than the world is disposed to believe. + Nor is this any dishonour to it; both for the reason that the poetic + faculty is not rarely bestowed, and for this cause, also, that men would + not be disposed to ascribe so much to inspiration, if they did not feel + how near and dear to them poetry is. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With sincere regards and best wishes to yourself and Lady Gomm, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Believe me to be very sincerely yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_147_147" id="CFNanchor_147_147"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter94" id="Cletter94"></a>94. <i>The Poems of Mrs. Hemans</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO MRS. HEMANS. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Sept. 1834.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MRS. HEMANS,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I avail myself gladly of the opportunity of Mr. Graves's return, to + acknowledge the honour you have done me in prefixing my name to your + volume of beautiful poems, and to thank you for the copy you have sent me + with your own autograph. Where there is so much to admire, it is difficult + to select; and therefore I shall content myself with naming only two or + three pieces. And, first, let me particularise the piece that stands + second in the volume, 'Flowers and Music in a Sick Room.' This was + especially touching to me, on my poor sister's account, who has long been + an invalid, confined almost to her chamber. The feelings are sweetly + touched throughout this poem, and the imagery very beautiful; above all, + in the passage where you describe the colour of the petals of the wild + rose. This morning, I have read the stanzas upon 'Elysium' with great + pleasure. You have admirably expanded the thought of Chateaubriand. If we + had not been disappointed in our <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage340" + id="Cpage340"></a>{340}</span>expected pleasure of seeing you here, I + should have been tempted to speak of many other passages and poems with + which I have been delighted. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your health, I hope,<a name="CFNanchor_148_148" id="CFNanchor_148_148"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> is by this time reëstablished. + Your son, Charles, looks uncommonly well, and we have had the pleasure of + seeing him and his friends several times; but as you are aware, we are + much engaged with visitors at this season of the year, so as not always to + be able to follow our inclinations as to whom we would wish to see. I + cannot conclude without thanking you for your Sonnet upon a place so dear + to me as Grasmere: it is worthy of the subject. With kindest remembrances, + in which unite Mrs. W., my sister, and Dora, I remain, dear Mrs. Hemans, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much obliged friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have written very hastily to spare my eyes; a liberty which you will + excuse.<a name="CFNanchor_149_149" id="CFNanchor_149_149"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter95" id="Cletter95"></a>95. <i>Of the Church of England, + &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE VENERABLE ARCHDEACON WRANGHAM. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Feb. 2. 1835.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR WRANGHAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sincere thanks are due from me for the attention you paid to Mrs. W.'s + letter, written during my absence. You know the favourable opinion I + entertain of Mr. Graves; and I was under a promise to let him know, if any + vacancy occurred in the neighbourhood, and to do all I could, without + infringing upon prior or stronger claims, to promote the attainment of his + wishes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The mind of every thinking man who is attached to the Church of England + must at this time be especially turned to reflections upon all points of + ecclesiastical polity, government, and management, which may tend to + strengthen the Establishment in the affections of the people, and enlarge + the sphere of its efficiency. It cannot, then, I feel, be impertinent in + me, though a layman, to express upon this occasion my satisfaction,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage341" id="Cpage341"></a>{341}</span> + qualified as it is by what has been said above, in finding from this + instance that our diocesan is unwilling to station clergymen in cures with + which they are locally connected. Some years ago, when the present Bishop + of London, then of Chester, was residing in this neighbourhood, I took the + liberty of strenuously recommending to him not to ordain young men to + curacies where they had been brought up, or in the midst of their own + relatives. I had seen too much of the mischief of this, especially as + affecting the functions and characters of ministers born and bred up in + the lower classes of society. It has been painful to me to observe the + false position, as the French would call it, in which men so placed are. + Their habits, their manners, and their talk, their acquaintanceships, + their friendships, and, let me say, their domestic affections, naturally + and properly draw them one way, while their professional obligations point + out another; and, accordingly, if they are sensible of both, they live in + a perpetual conflict, and are liable to be taxed with pride and + ingratitude, as seeming to neglect their old friends, when they only + associate with them with that reserve, and under those restraints, which + their sacred profession enjoins. If, on the other hand, they fall into + unrestrained familiarity with the associates of their earlier life and + boyish days, how injurious to their ministry such intercourse would be, + must flash upon every man's mind whose thoughts have turned for a moment + to the subject. Allow me to add a word upon the all-important matter of + testimonials. The case of the Rector of —— and of —— + presses it closely upon my mind. Had the individuals who signed those + documents been fitly impressed with the awfullness of the act they were + about to engage in, they could not have undertaken it.... Would it not be + a good plan for bishops to exclude testimonials from relatives and near + connections? It is painful to notice what a tendency there is in men's + minds to allow even a slight call of private regard to outweigh a very + strong claim of duty to the public, and not less in sacred concerns than + in civil. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your hands, my dear friend, have failed, as well as my eyes, so that we + are neither of us in very flourishing trim for active correspondence: be + assured, however, I participate the feelings you express. Last year has + robbed me of Coleridge, of Charles Lamb, James Losh, Rudd, of Trinity, + Fleming, just gone, and other schoolfellows and contemporaries. I cannot + forget that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage342" id="Cpage342"></a>{342}</span> + Shakspeare, who scarcely survived fifty (I am now near the close of my + sixty-fifth year), wrote, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'In me that time of life thou dost behold,<br /></span> <span>When + yellow leaves, or few, or none, do hang<br /></span> <span>Upon the + bough.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How much more reason have we to break out into such a strain! Let me hear + from you from time to time; I shall feel a lively interest in all that + concerns you. I remain faithfully yours, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_150_150" + id="CFNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#CFootnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter96" id="Cletter96"></a>96. <i>Of 'The Omnipresence of the + Deity,' &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ROBERT MONTGOMERY. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">Feb. 1835.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On my return home, after an absence of some length, I have had the + pleasure of receiving your two volumes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With your 'Omnipresence of the Deity'<a name="CFNanchor_151_151" + id="CFNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#CFootnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> + I was acquainted long ago, having read it and other parts of your writings + with much pleasure, though with some abatement, such as you yourself seem + sufficiently aware of, and which, in the works of so young a writer, were + by me gently judged, and in many instances regarded, though in themselves + faults, as indications of future excellence. In your letter, for which + also I thank you, you allude to your Preface, and desire to know if my + opinion concurs with yours on the subject of sacred poetry. That Preface + has been read to me, and I can answer in the affirmative; but at the same + time allow me frankly to tell you that what <i>most</i> pleased me in that + able composition is to be found in the few concluding paragraphs, + beginning 'It is now seven years since,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot conclude without one word of literary advice, which I hope you + will deem my advanced age entitles me to give. Do not, my dear Sir, be + anxious about any individual's opinion concerning your writings, however + highly you may think of his genius or rate his judgment. Be a severe + critic to yourself;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage343" id="Cpage343"></a>{343}</span> + and depend upon it no person's decision upon the merit of your works will + bear comparison in point of value with your own. You must be conscious + from what feeling they have flowed, and how far they may or may not be + allowed to claim, on that account, permanent respect; and, above all, I + would remind you, with a view to tranquillise and steady your mind, that + no man takes the trouble of surveying and pondering another's writings + with a hundredth part of the care which an author of sense and genius will + have bestowed upon his own. Add to this reflection another, which I press + upon you, as it has supported me through life, viz. that Posterity will + settle all accounts justly, and that works which deserve to last will + last; and if undeserving this fate, the sooner they perish the better. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me to be faithfully,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much obliged,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_152_152" + id="CFNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#CFootnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter97" id="Cletter97"></a>97. <i>A new Church at Cockermouth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO JAMES STANGER, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The obstacle arising out of conflicting opinions in regard to the + patronage, one must be prepared for in every project of this kind. Mutual + giving-way is indispensable, and I hope it will not ultimately be wanting + in this case. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The point immediately to be attended to is the raising a sufficient sum to + insure from the Church Building Societies a portion of the surplus fund + which they have at command, and which I know, on account of claims from + many places, they are anxious to apply as speedily as possible. If time be + lost, that sum will be lost to Cockermouth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the question of the patronage as between the bishop and the people, I + entirely concur with you in preference of the former. Such is now the + force of public opinion, that bishops are not likely to present upon + merely selfish considerations; and if the judgment of one be not good, + that of his successor may make amends, and probably will. But elections of + this sort, when vested in the inhabitants, have, as far as my experience + goes, given rise to so many cabals and manoeuvres, and caused such<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage344" id="Cpage344"></a>{344}</span> enmities + and heart-burnings, that Christian charity has been driven out of sight by + them: and how often, and how soon, have the successful party been seen to + repent of their own choice! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The course of public affairs being what it is in respect to the Church, I + cannot reconcile myself to delay from a hope of succeeding at another + time. If we can get a new church erected at Cockermouth, great will be the + benefit, with the blessing of God, to that place; and our success cannot, + I trust, but excite some neighbouring places to follow the example. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The little that I can do in my own sphere shall be attempted immediately, + with especial view to insure the cooperation of the societies. Happy + should I be if you and other gentlemen would immediately concur in this + endeavour. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">I remain, &c.</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_153_153" + id="CFNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#CFootnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter98" id="Cletter98"></a>98. <i>Of the Same</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Jan. 1836.</span><br /> MY + DEAR C——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now let me tell you, but more for your father's sake than yours, that in a + letter which I received from Lord Lonsdale yesterday he generously + proposes to endow a new church at Cockermouth with 150<i>l.</i> per annum. + From a conversation with him in the autumn, I expected he would do as + much, though he did not then permit me, as he has done now, to mention it + publicly.<a name="CFNanchor_154_154" id="CFNanchor_154_154"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter99" id="Cletter99"></a>99. <i>Classic Scenes: Holy Land</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We often think with much interest of your sister Eliza, and with a + thousand good wishes that her bold adventure may turn out well. If she + finds herself at liberty to move about, her sensitive, imaginative, and + thoughtful mind cannot but be profitably excited and substantially + enriched by what she will see in that most interesting part of the world + (Smyrna, and the coast of Asia Minor). How should I like, old as I am, to + visit those classic shores and the Holy Land, with all its remembrances so + sweet and solemn!<a name="CFNanchor_155_155" id="CFNanchor_155_155"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage345" id="Cpage345"></a>{345}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter100" id="Cletter100"></a>100. <i>American Edition of + Poems, &c</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR HENRY REED, OF PHILADELPHIA. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">London, August 19 [1837].</span><br /> + <br /> My Dear Sir,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon returning from a tour of several months upon the Continent, I find + two letters from you awaiting my arrival, along with the edition of my + Poems you have done me the honour of editing. To begin with the former + letter, April 25, 1836: It gives me concern that you should have thought + it necessary (not to <i>apologise</i>, for that you have not done, but) to + explain at length why you addressed me in the language of affectionate + regard. It must surely be gratifying to one, whose aim as an author has + been the hearts of his fellow-creatures of all ranks and in all stations, + to find that he has succeeded in any quarter; and still more must he be + gratified to learn that he has pleased in a distant country men of simple + habits and cultivated taste, who are at the same time widely acquainted + with literature. Your second letter, accompanying the edition of the + Poems, I have read, but unluckily have it not before me. It was lent to + Serjeant Talfourd, on account of the passage in it that alludes to the + possible and desirable establishment of English copyright in America. I + shall now hasten to notice the edition which you have superintended of my + Poems. This I can do with much pleasure, as the book, which has been shown + to several persons of taste, Mr. Rogers in particular, is allowed to be + far the handsomest specimen of printing in double columns which they have + seen. Allow me to thank you for the pains you have bestowed upon the work. + Do not apprehend that any difference in our several arrangements of the + poems can be of much importance; you appear to understand me far too well + for that to be possible. I have only to regret, in respect to this volume, + that it should have been published before my last edition, in the + correction of which I took great pains, as my last labour in that way, and + which moreover contains several additional pieces. It may be allowed me + also to express a hope that such a law will be passed ere long by the + American legislature, as will place English authors in general upon a + better footing in America than at present they have obtained, and that the + protection of copyright between the two countries will be <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage346" id="Cpage346"></a>{346}</span>reciprocal. + The vast circulation of English works in America offers a temptation for + hasty and incorrect printing; and that same vast circulation would, + without adding to the price of each copy of an English work in a degree + that could be grudged or thought injurious by any purchaser, allow an + American remuneration, which might add considerably to the comforts of + English authors, who may be in narrow circumstances, yet who at the same + time may have written solely from honourable motives. Besides, Justice is + the foundation on which both law and practice ought to rest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having many letters to write on returning to England after so long an + absence, I regret that I must be so brief on the present occasion. I + cannot conclude, however, without assuring you that the acknowledgments + which I receive from the vast continent of America are among the most + grateful that reach me. What a vast field is there open to the English + mind, acting through our noble language! Let us hope that our authors of + true genius will not be unconscious of that thought, or inattentive to the + duty which it imposes upon them, of doing their utmost to instruct, to + purify, and to elevate their readers. That such may be my own endeavour + through the short time I shall have to remain in this world, is a prayer + in which I am sure you and your life's partner will join me. Believe me + gratefully, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much obliged friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_156_156" + id="CFNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#CFootnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter101" id="Cletter101"></a>101. <i>Of the Poems of + Quillinan, and Revision of his own Poems</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO EDWARD QUILLINAN, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Brinsop Court, Sept. 20. 1837.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. QUILLINAN,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We are heartily glad to learn from your letter, just received, that, in + all probability, by this time, you must have left the unhappy country in + which you have been so long residing. I should not have been sorry if you + had entered a little more into Peninsular politics; for what is going on + there is shocking to humanity, and one would be glad to see anything like + an opening for the termination of these unnatural troubles. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage347" id="Cpage347"></a>{347}</span>The + position of the Miguelites, relatively to the conflicting, so called, + liberal parties, is just what I apprehended, and expressed very lately to + Mr. Robinson.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He came down with us to Hereford with a view to a short tour on the banks + of the Wye, which has been prevented by an unexpected attack of my old + complaint of inflammation in the eye; and in consequence of this, Dora + will accompany me home, with a promise on her part of returning to London + before the month of October is out. Our places are taken in to-morrow's + coach for Liverpool; so that, since we must be disappointed of seeing you + and Jemima here, we trust that you will come on to Rydal from Leeds. This + very day Dora had read to me your poem again: it convinces me, along with + your other writings, that it is in your power to attain a permanent place + among the poets of England. Your thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and + judgment in style, and skill in metre, entitle you to it; and, if you have + not yet succeeded in gaining it, the cause appears to me merely to lie in + the subjects which you have chosen. It is worthy of note how much of + Gray's popularity is owing to the happiness with which his subject is + selected in three places, his 'Hymn to Adversity,' his 'Ode on the distant + Prospect of Eton College,' and his 'Elegy.' I ought, however, in justice + to you, to add, that one cause of your failure appears to have been + thinking too humbly of yourself, so that you have not reckoned it worth + while to look sufficiently round you for the best subjects, or to employ + as much time in reflecting, condensing, bringing out and placing your + thoughts and feelings in the best point of view as is necessary. I will + conclude this matter of poetry and my part of the letter, with requesting + that, as an act of friendship, at your convenience, you would take the + trouble—a considerable one, I own—of comparing the corrections + in my last edition with the text in the preceding one. You know my + principles of style better, I think, than any one else; and I should be + glad to learn if anything strikes you as being altered for the worse. You + will find the principal changes are in 'The White Doe,' in which I had too + little of the benefit of your help and judgment. There are several also in + the Sonnets, both miscellaneous and political: in the other poems they are + nothing like so numerous; but here also I should be glad if you would take + the like trouble. Jemima, I am sure, will be pleased to<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage348" id="Cpage348"></a>{348}</span> assist + you in the comparison, by reading, new or old, as you may think fit. With + love to her, I remain, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My dear Mr. Quillinan,<br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully + yours,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_157_157" id="CFNanchor_157_157"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter102" id="Cletter102"></a>102. <i>On a Tour</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE EARL OF LONSDALE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After having had excellent health during my long ramble [in + Herefordshire], it is unfortunate that I should thus be disabled at the + conclusion. The mischief came to me in Herefordshire, whither I had gone + on my way home to see my brother-in-law, who, by his horse falling with + him some time ago, was left without the use of his limbs. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was lately a few days with Mr. Rogers, at Broadstairs, and also with the + Archbishop of Canterbury, at Addington Park; they were both well, and I + was happy to see the Archbishop much stronger than his slender and almost + feeble appearance would lead one to expect. We walked up and down in the + park for three hours one day, and nearly four the next, without his + seeming to be the least fatigued. I mention this as we must all feel the + value of his life in this state of public affairs. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The cholera prevented us getting as far as Naples, which was the only + disappointment we met with. As a man of letters I have to regret that this + most interesting tour was not made by me earlier in life, as I might have + turned the notices it has supplied me with to more account than I now + expect to do. With respectful remembrances to Lady Lonsdale, and to your + Lordship, in which Mrs. W. unites, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, my dear Lord, faithfully,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your much obliged servant,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH,<a name="CFNanchor_158_158" + id="CFNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#CFootnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter103" id="Cletter103"></a>103. <i>Of Bentley and Akenside</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Dec. 23. 1837.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have just received your valuable present of <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage349" id="Cpage349"></a>{349}</span>Bentley's works, for which + accept my cordial thanks, as also for the leaf to be added to Akenside. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Is it recorded in your Memoir of Akenside,—for I have not leisure + nor eyesight at present to look,—that he was fond of sitting in St. + James's Park with his eyes upon Westminster Abbey? This, I am sure, I have + either read or heard of him; and I imagine that it was from Mr. Rogers. I + am not unfrequently a visitor on Hampstead Heath, and seldom pass by the + entrance of Mr. Dyson's villa on Goulder's Hill, close by, without + thinking of the pleasure which Akenside often had there. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot call to mind a reason why you should not think some passages in + 'The Power of Sound' equal to anything I have produced. When first printed + in the 'Yarrow Revisited,' I placed it at the end of the volume, and, in + the last edition of my Poems, at the close of the Poems of Imagination, + indicating thereby my <i>own</i> opinion of it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + How much do I regret that I have neither learning nor eyesight thoroughly + to enjoy Bentley's masterly 'Dissertation upon the Epistles of Phalaris'! + Many years ago I read the work with infinite pleasure. As far as I know, + or rather am able to judge, it is without a rival in that department of + literature; a work of which the English nation may be proud as long as + acute intellect, and vigorous powers, and profound scholarship shall be + esteemed in the world. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Let me again repeat my regret that in passing to and from Scotland you + have never found it convenient to visit this part of the country. I should + be delighted to see you, and I am sure Mr. Southey would be the same: and + in his house you would find an inexhaustible collection of books, many + curious no doubt; but his classical library is much the least valuable + part of it. The death of his excellent wife was a deliverance for herself + and the whole family, so great had been her sufferings of mind and body. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You do not say a word about Skelton; and I regret much your disappointment + in respect of Middleton. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, my dear Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully, your much obliged,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_159_159" + id="CFNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#CFootnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage350" id="Cpage350"></a>{350}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter104" id="Cletter104"></a>104. <i>Presidency of Royal + Dublin Society: Patronage of Genius: Canons of Criticism: Family News.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR WILLIAM R. HAMILTON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 21 [1837].</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The papers had informed me of the honour conferred upon you, and I was + intending to congratulate you on the occasion, when your letter arrived. + The electors have done great credit to themselves by appointing you, and + not a little by rejecting the ultra-liberal Archbishop, and that by so + decided a majority. We are much pleased that your sister, who we conclude + is well, has sent her Poems to press, and wish they may obtain the + attention we are sure they will merit. Your own two Sonnets, for which I + thank you, we read, that is Mrs. W. and myself (Dora is in the South), + with interest. But to the main purport of your letter. You pay me an + undeserved compliment in requesting my opinion, how you could best promote + some of the benefits which the Society, at whose head you are placed, aims + at. As to patronage, you are right in supposing that I hold it in little + esteem for helping genius forward in the fine arts, especially those whose + medium is words. Sculpture and painting <i>may</i> be helped by it; but + even in those departments there is much to be dreaded. The French have + established an Academy at Rome upon an extensive scale; and so far from + doing good, I was told by every one that it had done much harm. The plan + is this: they select the most distinguished students from the school or + academy at Paris and send them to Rome, with handsome stipends, by which + they are tempted into idleness, and of course into vice. So that it looks + like a contrivance for preventing the French nation and the world at large + profiting by the genius which nature may have bestowed, and which left to + itself would in some cases, perhaps, have prospered. The principal, I was + indeed told the only, condition imposed upon these students is, that each + of them send annually some work of his hands to Paris. When at Rome, I saw + a good deal of English artists. They seemed to be living happily and doing + well, tho', as you are aware, the public patronage any of them receive is + trifling. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Genius in poetry, or any department of what is called the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage351" id="Cpage351"></a>{351}</span> Belles + Lettres, is much more likely to be cramped than fostered by public + support: better wait to reward those who have done their work, tho' even + here national rewards are not necessary, unless the labourers be, if not + in poverty, at least in narrow circumstances. Let the laws be but just to + them and they will be sure of attaining competence, if they have not + misjudged their own talents or misapplied them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The cases of Chatterton, Burns, and others, might, it should seem, be + urged against the conclusion that help beforehand is not required; but I + do think that in the temperament of the two I have mentioned there was + something which, however favourable had been their circumstances, however + much they had been encouraged and supported, would have brought on their + ruin. As to what Patronage can do in Science, discoveries in Physics, + mechanic arts, &c., you know far better than I can pretend to do. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to 'better canons of criticism and general improvement of scholars,' I + really, speaking without affectation, am so little of a Critic or Scholar, + that it would be presumptuous in me to <i>write</i> upon the subject to + you. If we were together and you should honour me by asking my opinion + upon particular points, that would be a very different thing, and I might + have something to say not wholly without value. But where could I begin + with so comprehensive an argument, and how could I put into the compass of + a letter my thoughts, such as they may be, with anything like order? It is + somewhat mortifying to me to disappoint you. You must upon reflection I + trust perceive, that in attempting to comply with your wish I should only + lose myself in a wilderness. I have been applied to to give lectures upon + Poetry in a public institution in London, but I was conscious that I was + neither competent to the office, nor the public prepared to receive what I + should have felt it my duty to say, however [inadequately?]. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have [had] a very pleasant and not profitless tour on the Continent, + tho' with one great drawback, the being obliged on account of the cholera + to return without seeing Naples and its neighbourhood. Had it not been for + the state of my eyes, which became inflamed after I got back to England, I + should have been able to take Liverpool in my way home, at the time you + were there. The attack continued for a long time, and has left a weakness + in the organ which does not yet allow me either to read or write; but with + care I hope to come about.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage352" + id="Cpage352"></a>{352}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My sister continues in the same enfeebled state of mind and body. Mrs. W. + is well; but your godson, we hear, is suffering from derangement of the + stomach, so that at present he is not a thriving child, but his elder + brother is now remarkably so, and he about the same age was subject to the + same trials. We trust that your little family are all flourishing, and + with our united affectionate regards believe me, faithfully, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Dear Sir W., yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am sorry that I cannot send this thro' Lord Northampton, because he + tells me he is coming northward.<a name="CFNanchor_160_160" + id="CFNanchor_160_160"></a><a href="#CFootnote_160_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter105" id="Cletter105"></a>105. <i>Prose-writing: Coleridge: + Royal Dublin Society: Select Minds: Copyright: Private Affairs.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR WILLIAM R. HAMILTON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Jan. 4. 1838.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + From a hope of something starting up in my mind which might prevent my + letter being an utter disappointment, I have not answered yours, as I + wished to do, by return of post. But I am really still as much at a loss + how to make my letter worth reading as if I had replied immediately. Allow + me, however, to thank you for your last, which has completely done away + with the vagueness of the former; I now distinctly understand you, and as + to one of your leading points, viz. availing myself of publication through + your Society, I may say that if there had been among my papers anything of + the kind you wish for, I should have gladly forwarded it to you. But it is + not so, nor dare I undertake to promise anything of the kind for the + future. Though prevailed upon by Mr. Coleridge to write the first Preface + to my Poems, which tempted, or rather forced, me to add a supplement to + it, and induced by my friendship for him to write the Essay upon Epitaphs + now appended to 'The Excursion,' but first composed for 'The Friend,' I + have never felt inclined to write criticism, though I have talked, and am + daily talking, a great deal. If I were several years younger, out of + friendship to you mainly, I would sit down to the task of giving a body to<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage353" id="Cpage353"></a>{353}</span> my + notions upon the essentials of Poetry; a subject which could not be + properly treated, without adverting to the other branches of fine art. But + at present, with so much before me that I could wish to do in verse, and + the melancholy fact brought daily more and more home to my conviction, + that intellectual labour, by its action on the brain and nervous system, + is injurious to the bodily powers, and especially to my eyesight, I should + only be deceiving myself and misleading you, were I to encourage a hope + that, much as I could wish to be your fellow-labourer, however humbly, I + shall ever become so. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having disposed of this rather painful part of the subject of your letter, + let me say, that though it is principally matters of science in which + publication through your Society would be serviceable, and indeed in that + department eminently so, I concur with you in thinking, that the same + vehicle would be useful for bringing under the notice of the thinking part + of the community critical essays of too abstract a character to be fit for + popularity. There are obviously, even in criticism, two ways of affecting + the minds of men—the one by treating the matter so as to carry it + immediately to the sympathies of the many; and the other, by aiming at a + few select and superior minds, that might each become a centre for + illustrating it in a popular way. Mr. Coleridge, whom you allude to, acted + upon the world to a great extent thro' the latter of these processes; and + there cannot be a doubt that your Society might serve the cause of just + thinking and pure taste should you, as president of it, hold up to view + the desirableness of first conveying to a few, thro' that channel, + reflections upon literature and art, which, if well meditated, would be + sure of winning their way directly, or in their indirect results to a + gradually widening circle. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + May I not encourage a hope that during the ensuing summer, or at the worst + at no distant period, you and I might meet, when a few hours' conversation + would effect more than could come out of a dozen letters dictated, and + hastily, as I am obliged to dictate this, from an unexpected interruption + when Mrs. W. and I were sitting down with the pen in her hand? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are right in your recollection that I named to you the subject of + foreign piracy, as injurious to English authors; and I may add now that if + it could be put a stop to, I believe that it would rarely happen that + successful writers, on works of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage354" + id="Cpage354"></a>{354}</span>imagination and feeling at least, would + stand in need of pensions from Government, or would feel themselves + justified in accepting them. Upon this subject I have spoken a great deal + to M.P.'s of all parties, and with several distinguished Americans. I have + also been in correspondence with the present Chancellor of the Exchequer + upon it, and dwelt upon the same topic in a letter which I had occasion to + write to Sir Robert Peel. Mr. Lytton Bulwer, as perhaps you know, drew the + attention of Parliament to it during the late Session. Lord Palmerston + said in answer to him, that the attention of Government had already been + directed to the measure, and that it would not be lost sight of, or + something to that purpose. I may claim some credit for my exertions in + this business, and full as much, or more, for the pains which I have taken + for many years, to interest men in the H[ouse] of C[ommons] in the + extension of the term of copyright—a measure which I trust is about + to be brought to a successful close by the exertions of my admirable + friend Serjeant Talfourd. To him I have written upon the argument more + than once. When this is effected, I trust the other part of the subject + will be taken up with spirit, and if the Foreign Secretary, in whose + department the matter lies, should be remiss, I trust he will be + stimulated thro' Parliament, to which desirable end the services of + distinguished societies like yours, and the notice of the question, by men + of letters, in reviews or otherwise, would greatly contribute. Good + authors, if justice were done to them by their own and foreign countries, + now that reading is spread and spreading so widely, would very few of them + be in need, except thro' their own fault. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I was in town last August, the American minister, Mr. Stephenson, + spoke to me with much indignation of the law and practice by which + copyright was secured in England for American authors, while there was no + reciprocity for English writers in America. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I must conclude, or I shall miss the post. The father of your godson + is here, and begs to be remembered to you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Did I ever mention to you that owing to the sea having swallowed up his + father-in-law's coal-pits,... income is much reduced; and he therefore + feels it necessary to endeavour to procure a couple of pupils, who could + afford to pay rather handsomely for the advantages they would have under + his roof? By<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage355" id="Cpage355"></a>{355}</span> + this time he would have succeeded, but parents in the South have an + unaccountable objection to sending their sons so far North. As the same + might not be felt in Ireland, I take the liberty of mentioning his wish to + you, being persuaded that if you can you will assist him in his views. If + your address to your Society should be published, could you send it me, + and acquaint me with what you have done? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Affectionately yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_161_161" + id="CFNanchor_161_161"></a><a href="#CFootnote_161_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter106" id="Cletter106"></a>106. <i>Of his own Poems and + posthumous Fame</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO HENRY REED, ESQ., PHILADELPHIA. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 23. 1839.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The year is upon the point of expiring; and a letter of yours, dated May + 7th, though not received till late in June (for I was moving about all + last spring and part of the summer), remains unacknowledged. I have also + to thank you for the acceptable present of the two volumes which reached + me some time afterwards. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your letters are naturally turned upon the impression which my poems have + made, and the estimation they are held, or likely to be held in, through + the vast country to which you belong. I wish I could feel as lively as you + do upon this subject, or even upon the general destiny of those works. + Pray do not be long surprised at this declaration. There is a difference + of more than the length of your life, I believe, between our ages. I am + standing on the brink of that vast ocean I must sail so soon; I must + speedily lose sight of the shore; and I could not once have conceived how + little I now am troubled by the thought of how long or short a time they + who remain on that shore may have sight of me. The other day I chanced to + be looking over a MS. poem, belonging to the year 1803, though not + actually composed till many years afterwards. It was suggested by visiting + the neighbourhood of Dumfries, in which Burns had resided, and where he + died; it concluded thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Sweet Mercy to the gales of heaven<br /></span> <span>This + minstrel led, his sins forgiven;<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage356" id="Cpage356"></a>{356}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The rueful conflict, the heart riven<br /></span> <span class="i2">With + vain endeavour,<br /></span> <span>And memory of earth's bitter leaven<br /></span> + <span class="i2">Effaced for ever.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here the verses closed; but I instantly added, the other day, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'But why to him confine the prayer,<br /></span> <span>When kindred + thoughts and yearnings bear<br /></span> <span>On the frail heart the + purest share<br /></span> <span class="i4">With all that live?<br /></span> + <span>The best of what we do and are.<br /></span> <span class="i4">Just + God, forgive!'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The more I reflect upon this last exclamation, the more I feel (and + perhaps it may in some degree be the same with you) justified in attaching + comparatively small importance to any literary monument that I may be + enabled to leave behind. It is well, however, I am convinced, that men + think otherwise in the earlier part of their lives; and why it is so, is a + point I need not touch upon in writing to you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before I dismiss this subject let me thank you for the extract from your + intelligent friend's letter; and allow me to tell you that I could not but + smile at your Boston critic placing my name by the side of Cowley. I + suppose he cannot mean anything more than that the same measure of + reputation or fame (if that be not too presumptuous a word) is due to us + both. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + German transcendentalism, which you say this critic is infected by, would + be a woeful visitation for the world. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The way in which you speak of me in connection with your possible visit to + England was most gratifying; and I here repeat that I should be truly glad + to see you in the delightful spot where I have long dwelt; and I have the + more pleasure in saying this to you, because, in spite of my old + infirmity, my strength exceeds that of most men of my years, and my + general health continues to be, as it always has been, remarkably good. A + page of blank paper stares me in the face; and I am not sure that it is + worth while to fill it with a sonnet which broke from me not long ago in + reading an account of misdoings in many parts of your Republic. Mrs. + Wordsworth will, however, transcribe it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Men of the Western World! in Fate's dark book,<br /></span> <span>Whence + these opprobrious leaves, of dire portent?'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To turn to another subject. You will be sorry to learn that<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage357" id="Cpage357"></a>{357}</span> several + of my most valued friends are likely to suffer from the monetary + derangements in America. My family, however, is no way directly entangled, + unless the Mississippi bonds prove invalid. There is an opinion pretty + current among discerning persons in England, that Republics are not to be + trusted in money concerns,—I suppose because the sense of honour is + more obtuse, the responsibility being divided among so many. For my own + part, I have as little or less faith in absolute despotisms, except that + they are more easily convinced that it is politic to keep up their credit + by holding to their engagements. What power is maintained by this practice + was shown by Great Britain in her struggle with Buonaparte. This lesson + has not been lost on the leading monarchical states of Europe. But too + much of this. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me to remain,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">Wm. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_162_162" + id="CFNanchor_162_162"></a><a href="#CFootnote_162_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter107" id="Cletter107"></a>107. <i>the Sheldonian Theatre</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO JOHN PEACE, ESQ., CITY LIBRARY, BRISTOL. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Aug. 30. 1839.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was not a little provoking that I had not the pleasure of shaking you + by the hand at Oxford when you did me the honour of coming so far to 'join + in the shout.' I was told by a Fellow of University College that he had + never witnessed such an outburst of enthusiasm in that place, except upon + the occasions of the visits of the Duke of Wellington—one + unexpected. My Nephew, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, was present, + as well as my son, William, who, I am happy to say, is much better in + health than when you saw him in Oxford. He is here, and desires to be + kindly remembered to you.<a name="CFNanchor_163_163" id="CFNanchor_163_163"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_163_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage358" id="Cpage358"></a>{358}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter108" id="Cletter108"></a>108. <i>New Edition of his Poems</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO EDWARD MOXON, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 11. 1838.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR MR. MOXON,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am in hopes that my nephew, Mr. John Wordsworth, of Cambridge, will + correct the proofs for me: he promised to do so, when he was here a few + weeks ago; but I grieve to say he has been very unwell since, and may not + be equal to the task; but I shall write to him on the subject. He is the + most accurate man I know; and if a revise of each sheet could be sent to + him the edition would be immaculate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_164_164" + id="CFNanchor_164_164"></a><a href="#CFootnote_164_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter109" id="Cletter109"></a>109. <i>Death of his Nephew, John + Wordsworth</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside (not Kendal), Jan. + 3 [1840].</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR LADY FREDERICK,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yesterday brought us melancholy news in a letter from my brother, Dr. + Wordsworth, which announced the death of his eldest son. He died last + Tuesday, in Trinity College, of which he was a fellow, having been + tenderly nursed by his father during rather a long illness. He was a most + amiable man, and I have reason to believe was one of the best scholars in + Europe. We were all strongly attached to him, and, as his poor father + writes, the loss is to him, and to his sorrowing sons, irreparable on this + side of the grave. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. W.<a name="CFNanchor_165_165" + id="CFNanchor_165_165"></a><a href="#CFootnote_165_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter110" id="Cletter110"></a>110. <i>Of the Same</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. THE MASTER OF TRINITY COLLEGE. CAMBRIDGE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Friday, Jan. 3 [1840].</span><br /> <br /> + MY VERY DEAR BROTHER,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is in times of trouble and affliction that one feels most deeply the + strength of the ties of family and nature. We<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage359" id="Cpage359"></a>{359}</span> all most affectionately + condole with you, and those who are around you, at this melancholy time. + The departed was beloved in this house as he deserved to be; but our + sorrow, great as it is for our own sakes, is still heavier for yours and + his brothers'. He is a power gone out of our family, and they will be + perpetually reminded of it. But the best of all consolations will be with + you, with them, with us, and all his numerous relatives and friends, + especially with Mrs. Hoare, that his life had been as blameless as man's + could well be, and through the goodness of God, he is gone to his reward. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">I remain your loving brother,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Wm. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_166_166" + id="CFNanchor_166_166"></a><a href="#CFootnote_166_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter111" id="Cletter111"></a>111. <i>On the Death of a young + Person</i>.<a name="CFNanchor_167_167" id="CFNanchor_167_167"></a> <a + href="#CFootnote_167_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, May 21. 1840.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray impute to anything but a want of due sympathy with you in your + affliction my not having earlier given an answer to your letter. In truth, + I was so much moved by it, that I had not, at first, sufficient resolution + to bring my thoughts so very close to your trouble, as must have been done + had I taken up the pen immediately. I have been myself distressed in the + same way, though my two children were taken from me at an earlier age, one + in her fifth, the other in his seventh year, and within half a year of + each other. I can, therefore, enter into your sorrows more feelingly than + for others is possible, who have not suffered like losses. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your departed daughter struck me as having one of the most intelligent and + impressive countenances I ever looked upon, and I spoke of her as such to + Mrs. Wordsworth, Miss Fenwick, and to others. The indications which I saw + in her of a somewhat alarming state of health, I could not but mention to + you, when you accompanied me a little way from your own door. You spoke + something encouraging; but they continued to haunt me; so that your kind + letter was something less of a shock than it would otherwise have been, + though not less of a sorrow. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage360" id="Cpage360"></a>{360}</span>How + pathetic is your account of the piety with which the dear creature + supported herself under those severe trials of mind and body with which it + pleased God to prepare her for a happier world! The consolation which <i>children</i> + and very young persons, who have been religiously brought up, draw from + the Holy Scriptures, ought to be habitually on the minds of <i>adults</i> + of all ages, for the benefit of their own souls, and requires to be + treated in a loftier and more comprehensive train of thought and feeling + than by writers has been usually bestowed upon it. It does not, therefore, + surprise me that you hinted at my own pen being employed upon the subject, + as brought before the mind in your lamented daughter's own most touching + case. I wish I were equal to anything so holy, but I feel that I am not. + It is remarkable, however, that within the last few days the subject has + been presented to my mind by two several persons, both unknown to me; + which is something of a proof how widely its importance is felt, and also + that there is a feeling that I am not wholly unworthy of treating it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your letter, my dear Sir, I value exceedingly, and shall take the liberty, + as I have done more than once, with fit reverence, of reading it in + quarters where it is likely to do good, or rather, where I know it must do + good. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wishing and praying that the Almighty may bestow upon yourself, the + partner in your bereavement, and all the fellow-sufferers in your + household, that consolation and support which can proceed only from His + grace, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">I remain, my dear Dr. Parry,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Most faithfully, your much obliged,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">W. Wordsworth.<a + name="CFNanchor_168_168" id="CFNanchor_168_168"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_168_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter112" id="Cletter112"></a>112. <i>Religion and Versified + Religion</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. H. (AFTERWARDS DEAN) ALFORD. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">(Postmark) Ambleside, Feb. 21. 1848.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray excuse my having been some little time in your debt. I could plead + many things in extenuation, the chief, that old one of the state of my + eyes, which never leaves me at liberty either to read or write a tenth + part as much as I could wish, and as otherwise I ought to do. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage361" id="Cpage361"></a>{361}</span>It + cannot but be highly gratifying to me to learn that my writings are prized + so highly by a poet and critic of your powers. The essay upon them which + you have so kindly sent me seems well qualified to promote your views in + writing it. I was particularly pleased with your distinction between + religion in poetry, and versified religion. For my own part, I have been + averse to frequent mention of the mysteries of Christian faith; not from a + want of a due sense of their momentous nature, but the contrary. I felt it + far too deeply to venture on handling the subject as familiarly as many + scruple not to do. I am far from blaming them, but let them not blame me, + nor turn from my companionship on that account. Besides general reasons + for diffidence in treating subjects of Holy Writ, I have some especial + ones. I might err in points of faith, and I should not deem my mistakes + less to be deprecated because they were expressed in metre. Even Milton, + in my humble judgment, has erred, and grievously; and what poet could hope + to atone for his apprehensions<a name="CFNanchor_169_169" + id="CFNanchor_169_169"></a><a href="#CFootnote_169_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> + in the way in which that mighty mind has done? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am not at all desirous that any one should write an elaborate critique + on my poetry.<a name="CFNanchor_170_170" id="CFNanchor_170_170"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_170_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> There is no call for + it. If they be from above, they will do their own work in course of time; + if not, they will perish as they ought. But scarcely a week passes in + which I do not receive grateful acknowledgments of the good they have done + to the minds of the several writers. They speak of the relief they have + received from them under affliction and in grief, and of the calmness and + elevation of spirit which the poems either give or assist them in + attaining. As these benefits are not without a traceable bearing upon the + good of the immortal soul, the sooner, perhaps, they are pointed out and + illustrated in a work like yours, the better. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray excuse my talking so much about myself: your letter and critique + called me to the subject. But I assure you it would have been more + grateful to me to acknowledge the debt we owe you in this house, where we + have read your poems with no common pleasure. Your 'Abbot of Muchelnage' + also makes me curious to hear more of him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But I must conclude, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was truly sorry to have missed you when you and Mrs. Alford<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage362" id="Cpage362"></a>{362}</span> called + at Rydal. Mrs. W. unites with me in kind regards to you both; and believe + me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">My dear Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 24em;">Wm. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_171_171" + id="CFNanchor_171_171"></a><a href="#CFootnote_171_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter113" id="Cletter113"></a>113. <i>Memorandum of a + Conversation on Sacred Poetry (by Rev. R. P. Graves.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I must try to give you a summary of a long conversation I had with + Wordsworth on the subject of <i>sacred poetry,</i> and which I wish I were + able to report in full. In the course of it he expressed to me the + feelings of reverence which prevented him from venturing to lay his hand + on what he always thought a subject too high for him; and he accompanied + this with the earnest protest that his works, as well as those of any + other poet, should not be considered as developing all the influences + which his own heart recognised, but rather those which he considered + himself able as an artist to display to advantage, and which he thought + most applicable to the wants, and admitted by the usages, of the world at + large. This was followed by a most interesting discussion upon Milton, + Cowper, the general progress of religion as an element of poetry, and the + gradual steps by which it must advance to a power comprehensive and + universally admitted; steps which are defined in their order by the + constitution of the human mind, and which must proceed with vastly more + slowness in the case of the progress made by collective minds, than it + does in an individual soul.<a name="CFNanchor_172_172" + id="CFNanchor_172_172"></a><a href="#CFootnote_172_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter114" id="Cletter114"></a>114. <i>Visit of Queen Adelaide + to Rydal Mount</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">July 1840.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope, dear Lady Frederick, that nothing will prevent my appearance at + Lowther towards the end of next week. But I have for these last few years + been visited always with a serious inflammation in my eyes about this + season of the year, which causes me to have fears about the fulfilment of + any engagement, however agreeable. Pray thank Lord Lonsdale, on my part, + for his thinking of me upon this occasion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage363" id="Cpage363"></a>{363}</span>On + Monday morning, a little before nine, a beautiful and bright day, the + Queen Dowager and her sister appeared at Rydal. I met them at the lower + waterfall, with which her Majesty seemed much pleased. Upon hearing that + it was not more than half a mile to the higher fall, she said, briskly, + she would go; though Lord Denbigh and Lord Howe felt that they were + pressed for time, having to go upon Keswick Lake, and thence to Paterdale. + I walked by the Queen's side up to the higher waterfall, and she seemed to + be struck much with the beauty of the scenery. Her step was exceedingly + light; but I learned that her health is not good, or rather that she still + suffers from the state of her constitution, which caused her to go abroad. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon quitting the park of Rydal, nearly opposite our own gate, the Queen + was saluted with a pretty rural spectacle; nearly fifty children, drawn up + in avenue, with bright garlands in their hands, three large flags flying, + and a band of music. They had come from Ambleside, and the garlands were + such as are annually prepared at this season for a ceremony called 'the + Rush-bearing;' and the parish-clerk of Ambleside hit upon this way of + showing at Rydal the same respect to the Queen which had been previously + shown at Ambleside. I led the Queen to the principal points of view in our + little domain, particularly to that, through the summer house, which shows + the lake of Rydal to such advantage. The Queen talked more than once about + having a cottage among the lakes, which of course was nothing more than a + natural way of giving vent to the pleasure which she had in the country. + You will think, I fear, that I have dwelt already too long upon the + subject; and I shall therefore only add, that all went off satisfactorily, + and that every one was delighted with her Majesty's demeanour. Lord and + Lady Sheffield were the only persons of her suite whom I had seen before. + Lord Howe was pleased with the sight of the pictures from his friend Sir + George Beaumont's pencil, and showed them to the Queen, who, having sat + some little time in the house, took her leave, cordially shaking Mrs. + Wordsworth by the hand, as a friend of her own rank might have done. She + had also inquired for Dora, who was introduced to her. I hope she will + come again into the country, and visit Lowther. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray excuse the above long story, which I should not have ventured upon, + but that you expressed a wish upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage364" id="Cpage364"></a>{364}</span>What + enchanting weather! I hope, and do not doubt, that you all enjoy it, my + dear Lady Frederick, as we are doing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I ought not to forget, that two days ago I went over to see Mr. Southey, + or rather Mrs. Southey, for he is past taking pleasure in the presence of + any of his friends. He did not recognise me till he was told. Then his + eyes flashed for a moment with their former brightness, but he sank into + the state in which I had found him, patting with both hands his books + affectionately, like a child. Having attempted in vain to interest him by + a few observations, I took my leave, after five minutes or so. It was, for + me, a mournful visit, and for his poor wife also. His health is good, and + he may live many years; though the body is much enfeebled. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Ever affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 13em;">Wm. Wordsworth.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We hope your lameness will soon leave you, that you may ramble about as + usual.<a name="CFNanchor_173_173" id="CFNanchor_173_173"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_173_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter115" id="Cletter115"></a>115. <i>Ecclesiastical Duties and + Revenues Act, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. T. BOYLES MURRAY. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, Sept. 24. 1840.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Upon returning home after an absence of ten days, I have the pleasure of + finding your obliging letter, and the number of the <i>Ecclesiastical + Gazette</i> containing the 'Ecclesiastical Duties and Revenues Act:' for + both marks of attention I beg you to accept my sincere thanks. As soon as + I can find leisure, I will carefully peruse the Act; at present I can only + say that I look upon changes so extensive and searching with a degree of + alarm proportionate to my love and affection for the Establishment with + which they are connected. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As you have put me in possession of the <i>Gazette</i>, I can scarcely + feel justified in looking to the fulfilment of your promise to send me the + Act, separately printed. Indeed, I feel that it would be giving yourself + more trouble than there is occasion for. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage365" id="Cpage365"></a>{365}</span>It + pleases me much to learn that Mrs. Murray and you enjoyed your ramble + among the lakes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Believe me to be, dear Sir, faithfully,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Your obliged servant,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 17em;">Wm. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_174_174" + id="CFNanchor_174_174"></a><a href="#CFootnote_174_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter116" id="Cletter116"></a>116. <i>Samuel Rogers and + Wordsworth together</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Sept. 26. 1840.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR LADY FREDERICK,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rogers and I had a pleasant journey to Rydal the day we left all our + kind friends at Lowther. We alighted at Lyulph's Tower, and saw the + waterfall in great power after the night's rain, the sun shining full into + the chasm, and making a splendid rainbow of the spray. Afterwards, walking + through Mr. Askew's grounds, we saw the lake to the greatest possible + advantage. Mr. R. left on Thursday, the morning most beautiful, though it + rained afterwards. I know not how he could tear himself away from this + lovely country at this charming season. I say charming, notwithstanding + this is a dull day; but yesterday was most glorious. I hope our excellent + friend does not mean to remain in London. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have had no visits from strangers since my return, so that the press of + the season seems to be over. The leaves are not changed here so much as at + Lowther, and of course not yet so beautiful, nor are they ever quite so as + with you, your trees being so much finer, and your woods so very much more + extensive. We have a great deal of coppice, which makes but a poor show in + autumn compared with timber trees. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your son George knows what he has to expect in the few sheets which I + enclose for him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With many thanks for the endless kind attentions which I received from + you, and others under your father's hospitable roof, and with my grateful + respects to him, and a thousand good wishes for all, I remain, my wife and + daughter joining in these feelings, My dear Lady Frederick, affectionately + yours, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 19em;">Wm. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_175_175" + id="CFNanchor_175_175"></a><a href="#CFootnote_175_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage366" id="Cpage366"></a>{366}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter117" id="Cletter117"></a>117. <i>An alarming Accident, Nov</i>. + 11, 1840. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Monday Evening.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + The accident after which you inquire, dear Lady Frederick, with so much + feeling, might have been fatal, but through God's mercy we escaped without + bodily injury, as far as I know, worth naming. These were the particulars: + About three miles beyond Keswick, on the Ambleside road, is a small + bridge, from the top of which we got sight of the mail coach coming + towards us, at about forty yards' distance, just before the road begins to + descend a narrow, steep, and winding slope. Nothing was left for J——, + who drove the gig in which we were, but to cross the bridge, and, as the + road narrowed up the slope that was in our front, to draw up as close to + the wall on our left (our side of the road) as possible. This he did, both + of us hoping that the coachman would slacken his pace down the hill, and + pass us as far from our wheel as the road would allow. But he did neither. + On the contrary, he drove furiously down the hill; and though, as we + afterwards ascertained, by the track of his wheels, he had a yard width of + road to spare, he made no use of it. In consequence of this recklessness + and his want of skill, the wheel of his coach struck our wheel most + violently, drove back our horse and gig some yards, and then sent us all + together through a small gap in the wall, with the stones of the wall + tumbling about us, into a plantation that lay a yard perpendicular below + the level of the road from which the horse and gig, with us in it, had + been driven. The shafts were broken off close to the carriage, and we were + partly thrown and partly leaped out. After breaking the traces, the horse + leaped back into the road and galloped off, the shafts and traces sticking + to him; nor did the poor creature stop till he reached the turnpike at + Grasmere, seven miles from the spot where the mischief was done. We sent + by the coach for a chaise to take us to Rydal, and hired a cart to take + the broken gig to be mended at Keswick. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The mercy was, that the violent shock from the coach did not tear off our + wheel; for if this had been done, J——, and probably I also, + must have fallen under the hind wheels of the coach, and in all likelihood + been killed. We have since learned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage367" + id="Cpage367"></a>{367}</span> that the coachman had only just come upon + the road, which is in a great many places very dangerous, and that he was + wholly unpractised in driving four-in-hand. Pray excuse this long and + minute account. I should have written to you next day, but I waited, + hoping to be able to add that my indisposition was gone, as I now trust it + is. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With respectful remembrances to Lord Lonsdale, and kindest regards to + yourself and Miss Thompson, I remain, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Dear Lady Frederick,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Affectionately yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">Wm. Wordsworth.<a name="CFNanchor_176_176" + id="CFNanchor_176_176"></a><a href="#CFootnote_176_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter118" id="Cletter118"></a>118. <i>Of Alston and Haydon, + &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO HENRY REED, ESQ., PHILADELPHIA. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Jan. 13. 1841.</span><br /> + MY DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It is gratifying to learn that through your means Mr. Alston has been + reminded of me. We became acquainted many years ago through our common + friend Mr. Coleridge, who had seen much of Mr. Alston when they were both + living at Rome. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You mention the Sonnet I wrote upon Haydon's picture of the Duke of + Wellington. I have known Haydon, and Wilkie also, from their + contemporaneous introduction to the world as artists; their powers were + perceived and acknowledged by my lamented friend Sir George Beaumont, and + patronised by him accordingly; and it was at his house where I first + became acquainted with them both. Haydon is bent upon coming to Rydal next + summer, with a view to paint a likeness of me, not as a mere + matter-of-fact portrait, but one of a poetical character, in which he will + endeavour to place his friend in some favourite scene of these mountains. + I am rather afraid, I own, of any attempt of this kind, notwithstanding my + high opinion of his ability; but if he keeps in his present mind, which I + doubt, it will be in vain to oppose his inclination. He is a great + enthusiast, possessed also of a most active intellect, but he wants that<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage368" id="Cpage368"></a>{368}</span> + submissive and steady good sense which is absolutely necessary for the + adequate development of power in that art to which he is attached. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As I am on the subject of painting, it may be worth while to add, that + Pickersgill came down last summer to paint a portrait of me for Sir Robert + Peel's gallery at Drayton Manor. It was generally thought here that this + work was more successful than the one he painted some years ago for St. + John's College, at the request of the Master and Fellows.<a + name="CFNanchor_177_177" id="CFNanchor_177_177"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_177_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter119" id="Cletter119"></a>119. <i>Of Peace's 'Apology for + Cathedrals.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have no especial reason for writing at this moment of time, but I have + long wished to thank you for the 'Apology for Cathedrals,' which I have + learned is from your pen. The little work does you great credit; it is + full of that wisdom which the heart and imagination alone could adequately + supply for such a subject; and is, moreover, very pleasingly diversified + by styles of treatment all good in their kind. I need add no more than + that I entirely concur in the views you take: but what avails it? the + mischief is done, and they who have been most prominent in setting it on + foot will have to repent of their narrow comprehension; which, however, is + no satisfaction to us, who from the first foresaw the evil tendency of the + measure.<a name="CFNanchor_178_178" id="CFNanchor_178_178"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_178_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter120" id="Cletter120"></a>120. <i>Of 'The Task' of Cowper + and Shenstone</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Though I can make but little use of my eyes in writing or reading, I have + lately been reading Cowper's 'Task' aloud; and in so doing was tempted to + look over the parallelisms, for which Mr. Southey was in his edition + indebted to you. Knowing how comprehensive your acquaintance with poetry + is, I was rather surprised that you did not notice the identity of the + thought, and accompanying illustrations of it, in a passage of Shenstone's + Ode upon Rural Elegance, compared with one in 'The Task,' where Cowper + speaks of the inextinguishable love of the country as manifested by the + inhabitants of cities in their culture of plants and flowers, where the + want of air, cleanliness, and light,<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage369" id="Cpage369"></a>{369}</span> is so unfavourable to their + growth and beauty. The germ of the main thought is to be found in Horace, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Nempe inter varias nutritur sylva columnas,<br /></span> <span>Laudaturque + domus longos quae prospicit agros;<br /></span> <span>Naturam expellas + furcâ, tamen usque recurret.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lib. i. Epist. x. v. 22. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray write to me soon. Ever, my dear friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Faithfully your obliged,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_179_179" + id="CFNanchor_179_179"></a><a href="#CFootnote_179_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter121" id="Cletter121"></a>121. <i>On a Tour</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO JOHN PEACE, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">12 North Parade, Bath, April 19. 1841.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. PEACE,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Here I am and have been since last Wednesday evening. I came down the Wye, + and passed through Bristol, but arriving there at the moment the railway + train was about to set off, and being in the company of four ladies (Miss + Fenwick, and Mrs. Wordsworth, and my daughter and niece), I had not a + moment to spare, so could not call on you, my good friend, which I truly + regretted. Pray spare an hour or two to come here, and then we can fix a + day, when, along with my daughter, I can visit Bristol, see you, Mr. + Cottle, and Mr. Wade. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">All unite in kindest regards.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_180_180" + id="CFNanchor_180_180"></a><a href="#CFootnote_180_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter122" id="Cletter122"></a>122. <i>Marriage of Dora</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE SAME. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Bath, May 11. 1841.</span><br /> MY DEAR + MR. PEACE,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This morning my dear daughter was married in St. James's in this place. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Tomorrow we leave Bath for Wells, and thence to the old haunts of Mr. + Coleridge, and myself, and dear sister, about Alfoxden. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Adieu,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. W.<a name="CFNanchor_181_181" + id="CFNanchor_181_181"></a><a href="#CFootnote_181_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage370" id="Cpage370"></a>{370}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter123" id="Cletter123"></a>123. <i>Letters to his Brother</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE REV. DR. WORDSWORTH, MASTER OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR BROTHER, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate and generous kindness to your, I trust, deserving niece + has quite overpowered me and her mother, to whom I could not forbear + communicating the contents of your letter. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [The above relates to an act of kindness which the late Master of Trinity + had the happiness of performing, on the occasion of Dora Wordsworth's + marriage. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The following refers to a serious accident which occurred to him at + Cambridge, by a fall from his horse.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Feb. 16. 1841.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + BROTHER,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The good accounts which we receive from time to time of your progress + towards perfect recovery from your late severe accident embolden me to + congratulate you in my own name, and the whole of my family. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It remains now for us to join heartily, as we all do, in expressing a wish + that, being convalescent, you would not be tempted to over-exert yourself. + I need scarcely add, that we all unite with you and your sons, with Susan, + and your other relations, and all your friends, in fervent thanks to + Almighty God for His goodness in preserving you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As a brother I feel deeply; and regarding your life as most valuable to + the community, I the more rejoice in the prospect of your life being + prolonged. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me, my dear Brother,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_182_182" + id="CFNanchor_182_182"></a><a href="#CFootnote_182_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage371" id="Cpage371"></a>{371}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter124" id="Cletter124"></a>124. <i>Episcopal Church of + America: Emerson and Carlyle</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, Aug. 16. + 1841.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. REED, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have lately had the pleasure of seeing, both in London and at my own + house, the Bishop of New Jersey. He is a man of no ordinary powers of mind + and attainments, of warm feelings and sincere piety. Indeed, I never saw a + person of your country, which is remarkable for cordiality, whose manner + was so thoroughly cordial. He had been greatly delighted with his + reception in England, and what he had seen of it both in Art and Nature. + By the by, I heard him preach an excellent sermon in London. I believe + this privilege is of modern date. The Bishop has furnished me with his + funeral sermon upon Bishop White, to assist me in fulfilling a request + which you first made to me, viz. that I would add a Sonnet to my + Ecclesiastical Series, upon the union of the two Episcopal churches of + England and America.<a name="CFNanchor_183_183" id="CFNanchor_183_183"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_183_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> I will endeavour to + do so, when I have more leisure than at present, this being the season + when our beautiful region attracts many strangers, who take up much of my + time. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Do you know Miss Peabody of Boston? She has just sent me, with the highest + eulogy, certain essays of Mr. Emerson. Our Mr. Carlyle and he appear to be + what the French used to call <i>esprits forts</i>, though the French idols + showed their spirit after a somewhat different fashion. Our two present + Philosophes, who have taken a language which they suppose to be English + for their vehicle, are verily 'par nobile fratrum,' and it is a pity that + the weakness of our age has not left them exclusively to this appropriate + reward—mutual admiration. Where is the thing which now passes for + philosophy at Boston to stop? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_184_184" + id="CFNanchor_184_184"></a><a href="#CFootnote_184_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a></span><br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage372" id="Cpage372"></a>{372}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter125" id="Cletter125"></a>125. <i>Old Haunts revisited</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO JOHN PEACE, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Sept. 4. 1841.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR PEACE, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. W. is quite well. We were three months and as many weeks absent + before we reached our own home again. We made a very agreeable tour in + Devonshire, going by Exeter to Plymouth, and returning along the coast by + Salisbury and Winchester to London. In London and its neighbourhood we + stayed not quite a month. During this tour we visited my old haunts at and + about Alfoxden and Nethertowey, and at Coleorton, where we stayed several + days. These were farewell visits for life, and of course not a little + interesting.... + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_185_185" + id="CFNanchor_185_185"></a><a href="#CFootnote_185_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter126" id="Cletter126"></a>126. <i>No Pension sought</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1842, Wordsworth resigned his office of Stamp + Distributor; not, however, on a retiring pension, as has been sometimes + asserted. In a letter, dated March 2, 1840, and addressed to Lord Morpeth, + he says, 'I never did seek or accept a pension from the present or any + other administration, directly or indirectly.' But the duties, and also + the emoluments, of the Distributorship were transferred to his son + William, who had for some time acted as his deputy at Carlisle.<a + name="CFNanchor_186_186" id="CFNanchor_186_186"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_186_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter127" id="Cletter127"></a>127. <i>The Master of Trinity</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO A NEPHEW. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal, Nov. 5. 1841.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR C——, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your father left us yesterday, having been just a week under our roof. The + weather was favourable, and he seemed to enjoy himself much. His muscular + strength, as proved by the walks we took together, is great. One day we + were nearly four hours on foot, without resting, and he did not appear in + the least fatigued. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage373" id="Cpage373"></a>{373}</span>We + all thought him looking well, and his mind appears as active as ever. It + was a great delight to us to see him here. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He was anxious to see Charles; he will reach Winchester this afternoon, I + hope without injury. Yours, &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 28em;">W. W.<a name="CFNanchor_187_187" + id="CFNanchor_187_187"></a><a href="#CFootnote_187_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a></span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter128" id="Cletter128"></a>128. <i>Of Alston's Portrait of + Coleridge</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Poor Mr. Wade! From his own modest merits, and his long connection with + Mr. Coleridge, and with my early Bristol remembrances, he was to me an + interesting person. His desire to have my address must have risen, I + think, from a wish to communicate with me upon the subject of Mr. Alston's + valuable portrait of Coleridge. Pray tell me what has, or is likely to, + become of it. I care comparatively little about the matter, provided due + care has been taken for its preservation, and in his native country. It + would be a sad pity if the late owner's intention of sending it to America + be fulfilled. It is the only likeness of the great original that ever gave + me the least pleasure; and it is, in fact, most happily executed, as every + one who has a distinct remembrance of what C. was at that time must with + delight acknowledge, and would be glad to certify.<a + name="CFNanchor_188_188" id="CFNanchor_188_188"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_188_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter129" id="Cletter129"></a>129. <i>Of Southey's Death</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The papers will have informed you, before you receive this, of poor dear + Southey's decease. He died yesterday morning about nine o'clock. Some + little time since, he was seized with typhus fever, but he passed away + without any outward signs of pain, as gently as possible. We are, of + course, not without sadness upon the occasion, notwithstanding there has + been, for years, cause why all who knew and loved him should wish for his + deliverance.<a name="CFNanchor_189_189" id="CFNanchor_189_189"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter130" id="Cletter130"></a>130. <i>Tropical Scenery: Grace + Darling: Southey, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR WM. GOMM.<a name="CFNanchor_190_190" + id="CFNanchor_190_190"></a><a href="#CFootnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, March 24. 1843.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Nothing should have prevented my answering your<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage374" id="Cpage374"></a>{374}</span> kind letter from the Cape, + long ago, but the want of matter that seemed worth sending so far, unless + I confined myself to what you must he well assured of, my sincere esteem + and regard for yourself and Lady Gomm, and the expression of good wishes + for your health and happiness. I am still in the same difficulty, but + cannot defer writing longer, lest I should appear to myself unworthy of + your friendship or respect. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You describe the beauties of Rio Janeiro in glowing colours, and your + animated picture was rendered still more agreeable to me by the sight, + which I had enjoyed a little before, of a panorama of the same scene, + executed by a friend of mine, who in his youth studied at the Academy with + a view to practise painting as a profession. He was a very promising young + artist, but having a brother a Brazilian merchant, he changed his purpose + and went to Rio, where he resided many years, and made a little fortune, + which enabled him to purchase and build in Cumberland, where I saw his + splendid portrait of that magnificent region. What an intricacy of waters, + and what boldness and fantastic variety in the mountains! I suppose, + taking the region as a whole, it is scarcely anywhere surpassed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + If the different quarters of the globe should ever become subject to one + empire, Rio ought to be the metropolis, it is so favoured in every + respect, and so admirably placed for intercourse with all the countries of + the earth. Your approach to the Cape was under awful circumstances, and, + with three great wrecks strewn along the coast of the bay, Lady Gomm's + spirit and fortitude, as described by you, are worthy of all admiration, + and I am sure she will sympathise with the verses I send, to commemorate a + noble exploit of one of her sex. The inhumanity with which the shipwrecked + were lately treated upon the French coast impelled me to place in contrast + the conduct of an English woman and her parents under like circumstances, + as it occurred some years ago. Almost immediately after I had composed my + tribute to the memory of <i>Grace Darling</i>, 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. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of public news I say nothing, as you will hear everything from quarters + more worthy of attention. I hope all goes on to your satisfaction, mainly + so at least, in your new government,<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage375" id="Cpage375"></a>{375}</span> and that the disposition + which you will have taken with you to benefit the people under your rule + has not been, nor is likely to be, frustrated in any vexatious or painful + degree. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yesterday I went over to Keswick to attend the funeral of my excellent + friend, Mr. Southey. His genius and abilities are well known to the world, + and he was greatly valued for his generous disposition and moral + excellence. His illness was long and afflicting; his mind almost + extinguished years before the breath departed. Mr. Rogers I have not been + in communication with since I saw you in London, but be assured I shall + bear in memory your message, and deliver it, if he and I live to meet + again. And now, my dear Sir Wm., repeating the united best good wishes of + Mrs. W. and myself, for you and Lady Gomm, and for your safe return to + your own country, I remain, in the hope of hearing from you again, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most faithfully your much obliged,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My nephew is still in the Ionian Islands.<a name="CFNanchor_191_191" + id="CFNanchor_191_191"></a><a href="#CFootnote_191_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter131" id="Cletter131"></a>131. <i>Contemporary Poets: + Southey's Death: 'The Excursion,' &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, March 27. 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You give me pleasure by the interest you take in the various passages in + which I speak of the poets, my contemporaries, who are no more: dear + Southey, one of the most eminent, is just added to the list. A few days + ago I went over to Keswick to attend his remains to their last earthly + abode. For upwards of three years his mental faculties have been in a + state of deplorable decay; and his powers of recognition, except very + rarely and but for a moment, have been, during more than half that period, + all but extinct. His bodily health was grievously impaired, and his + medical attendant says that he must have died long since but for the very + great strength of his natural constitution. As to his literary remains, + they must be very considerable, but, except his epistolary correspondence, + more or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage376" id="Cpage376"></a>{376}</span> + less unfinished. His letters cannot but be very numerous, and, if + carefully collected and judiciously selected, will, I doubt not, add + greatly to his reputation. He had a fine talent for that species of + composition, and took much delight in throwing off his mind in that way. + Mr. Taylor, the dramatic author, is his literary executor. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Though I have written at great, and I fear tiresome, length, I will add a + few words upon the wish you express that I would pay a tribute to the + English poets of past ages, who never had the fame they are entitled to, + and have long been almost entirely neglected. Had this been suggested to + me earlier in life, or had it come into my thoughts, the thing in all + probability would have been done. At present I cannot hope it will; but it + may afford you some satisfaction to be told, that in the MS. poem upon my + poetic education there is a whole book, of about 600 lines,<a + name="CFNanchor_192_192" id="CFNanchor_192_192"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_192_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> upon my obligations + to writers of imagination, and chiefly the poets, though I have not + expressly named those to whom you allude, and for whom, and many others of + their age, I have a high respect. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The character of the schoolmaster, about whom you inquire, had, like the + 'Wanderer,' in 'The Excursion,' a solid foundation in fact and reality, + but, like him, it was also, in some degree, a composition: I will not, and + need not, call it an invention—it was no such thing; but were I to + enter into details, I fear it would impair the effect of the whole upon + your mind; nor could I do it to my own satisfaction. I send you, according + to your wish, the additions to the 'Ecclesiastical Sonnets,' and also the + last poem from my pen. I threw it off two or three weeks ago, being in a + great measure impelled to it by the desire I felt to do justice to the + memory of a heroine, whose conduct presented, some time ago, a striking + contrast to the inhumanity with which our countrymen, shipwrecked lately + upon the French coast, have been treated. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever most faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I must request that 'Grace Darling' may not be reprinted. I should be much + obliged if you will have the enclosed Sonnets copied and sent to Bishop + Doane, who has not given me his address. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 19em;">W.W.<a name="CFNanchor_193_193" + id="CFNanchor_193_193"></a><a href="#CFootnote_193_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage377" id="Cpage377"></a>{377}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter132" id="Cletter132"></a>132. <i>Offer of the Laureateship + on Death of Southey</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE RIGHT HON. EARL DE LA WARR, LORD CHAMBERLAIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, April 1. 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The recommendation made by your Lordship to the Queen, and graciously + approved by her Majesty, that the vacant office of Poet Laureate should be + offered to me, affords me high gratification. Sincerely am I sensible of + this honour; and let me be permitted to add, that the being deemed worthy + to succeed my lamented and revered friend, Mr. Southey, enhances the + pleasure I receive upon this occasion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The appointment, I feel, however, imposes duties which, far advanced in + life as I am, I cannot venture to undertake, and therefore must beg leave + to decline the acceptance of an offer that I shall always remember with no + unbecoming pride. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Her Majesty will not, I trust, disapprove of a determination forced upon + me by reflections which it is impossible for me to set aside. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Deeply feeling the distinction conferred upon me, and grateful for the + terms in which your Lordship has made the communication, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">I have the honour to be,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">My Lord,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your Lordship's most, obedient humble servant,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">W.W.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [He thus communicates the particulars of the offer to Lady F. Bentinck:] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Lord Chamberlain, in terms the most honourable, has, with the Queen's + approbation, offered me the vacant Laureateship. Had I been several years + younger I should have accepted the office with pride and pleasure; but on + Friday I shall enter, God willing, my 74th year, and on account of so + advanced an age I begged permission to decline it, not venturing to + undertake its duties. For though, as you are aware, the formal task-work + of New Year and Birthday Odes was abolished<a name="CFNanchor_194_194" + id="CFNanchor_194_194"></a><a href="#CFootnote_194_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a> + when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage378" id="Cpage378"></a>{378}</span> + appointment was given to Mr. Southey, he still considered himself obliged + in conscience to produce, and did produce, verses, some of very great + merit, upon important public occasions. He failed to do so upon the + Queen's Coronation, and I know that this omission caused him no little + uneasiness. The same might happen to myself upon some important occasion, + and I should be uneasy under the possibility; I hope, therefore, that + neither you nor Lord Lonsdale, nor any of my friends, will blame me for + what I have done. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was slow to send copies of 'Grace Darling' about, except to female + friends, lest I should seem to attach too much importance to the + production, though it was on a subject which interested the whole nation. + But as the verses seem to have given general pleasure, I now venture to + send the enclosed copies, one for Mr. Colvill, and the other for my old + friend Mr. O'Callaghan, begging that you would present them at your own + convenience. With the best of good wishes, and every kind and respectful + remembrance to Lord Lonsdale, who we are happy to learn is doing so well, + and also not forgetting Miss Thompson, I remain, dear Lady Frederick, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Most faithfully and affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [Wordsworth's letter did not, however, prevent the Lord Chamberlain from + pressing the offer upon him, with an assurance that the duties of Laureate + had not recently extended beyond the Annual Ode, and might in his case be + considered as merely nominal, and would not in any way interfere with his + repose and retirement. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The same post brought also the following letter:] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">'Whitehall, April 3. 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> 'MY DEAR SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I hope you may be induced to reconsider your decision with regard to the + appointment of Poet Laureate. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The offer was made to you by the Lord Chamberlain, with my entire + concurrence, not for the purpose of imposing on you any onerous or + disagreeable duties, but in order to pay you that tribute of respect which + is justly due to the first of living poets. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The Queen entirely approved of the nomination, and there is one unanimous + feeling on the part of all who have heard of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage379" id="Cpage379"></a>{379}</span> the proposal (and it is + pretty generally known), that there could not be a question about the + selection. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Do not be deterred by the fear of any obligations which the appointment + may be supposed to imply. I will undertake that you shall have nothing <i>required</i> + from you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'But as the Queen can select for this honourable appointment no one whose + claims for respect and honour, on account of eminence as a poet, can be + placed in competition with yours, I trust you will not longer hesitate to + accept it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">'Believe me, my dear Sir,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">'With sincere esteem,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">'Most faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">'ROBERT PEEL.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I write this in haste, from my place in the House of Commons.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + [These letters had the desired effect in removing the aged Poet's + scruples, and he was well pleased that the laureate wreath should be + twined round his silver hair: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Lauru cinge volens, Melpomene, comam.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He replied as follows:] + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL DE LA WARR. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, April 4. 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> MY LORD,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Being assured by your Lordship's letter and by one from Sir Robert Peel, + both received this day, that the appointment to the Laureateship is to be + considered merely honorary, the apprehensions which at first compelled me + to decline accepting the offer of that appointment are entirely removed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert Peel has also done me the honour of uniting his wish with that + which your Lordship has urged in a manner most gratifying to my feelings; + so that, under these circumstances, and sanctioned as the recommendation + has been by her Majesty's gracious approval, it is with unalloyed pleasure + that I accept this high distinction. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I have the honour to be, my Lord, most + gratefully,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your Lordship's + obedient humble servant,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM + WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage380" + id="Cpage380"></a>{380}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO THE RT. HON. SIR ROBERT PEEL, BART., M.P. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, April 4. 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR SIR ROBERT,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Having since my first acquaintance with Horace borne in mind the charge + which he tells us frequently thrilled his ear, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Solve senescentem mature sanus equum, ne<br /></span> <span>Peccet + ad extremum,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I could not but be deterred from incurring responsibilities which I might + not prove equal to at so late a period of life; but as my mind has been + entirely set at ease by the very kind and most gratifying letter with + which you have honoured me, and by a second communication from the Lord + Chamberlain to the same effect, and in a like spirit, I have accepted, + with unqualified pleasure, a distinction sanctioned by her Majesty, and + which expresses, upon authority entitled to the highest respect, a sense + of the national importance of poetic literature; and so favourable an + opinion of the success with which it has been cultivated by one who, after + this additional mark of your esteem, cannot refrain from again assuring + you how deeply sensible he is of the many and great obligations he owes to + your goodness, and who has the honour to be, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">Dear Sir Robert,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 14em;">Most faithfully,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Your humble servant,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter133" id="Cletter133"></a>133. <i>Laureateship: Walter + Savage Landor and Quillinan: Godson</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR W.R. HAMILTON, DUBLIN. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">[Undated: but 1843.]</span><br /> <br /> MY + DEAR SIR WILLIAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sight of your handwriting was very welcome, and not the less so + because your sister had led me to expect a letter from you. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Laureateship was offered to me in the most flattering terms, by the + Lord Chamberlain, of course with the approbation of the Queen; but I + declined it on account of my advanced age. I then received a second letter + from his Lordship, urging my acceptance of it, and assuring me that it was + intended merely as an honorary distinction for the past, without the + smallest reference<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage381" id="Cpage381"></a>{381}</span> + to any service to be attached to it. From Sir R. Peel I had also a letter + to the same effect, and the substance and manner of both were such that if + I had still rejected the offer, I should have been little at peace with my + own mind. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thank you for your translations. The longer poem<a name="CFNanchor_195_195" + id="CFNanchor_195_195"></a><a href="#CFootnote_195_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a> + would have given me more pain than pleasure, but for your addition, which + sets all right. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The attack upon W.S.L. to which you allude was written by my son-in-law; + but without any sanction from me, much less encouragement; in fact I knew + nothing about it or the preceding article of Landor, that had called it + forth, till after Mr. Q.'s had appeared. He knew very well that I should + have disapproved of his condescending to notice anything that a man so + deplorably tormented by ungovernable passion as that unhappy creature + might eject. His character may be given in two or three words: a mad-man, + a bad-man, yet a man of genius, as many a mad-man is. I have not eyesight + to spare for Periodical Literature, so with exception of a newspaper now + and then, I never look into anything of the kind, except some particular + article may be recommended to me by a friend upon whose judgment I can + rely. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You are quite at liberty to print when and where you like any verses which + you may do me the honour of writing upon, or addressing to, me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your godson, his sister, and four brothers, are all doing well. He is a + very clever boy, and more than that, being of an original or rather + peculiar structure of intellect, and his heart appears to be not inferior + to his head, so that I trust he will as a man do you no discredit. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter134" id="Cletter134"></a>134. <i>Alston the Painter: Home + Occupations</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Aug. 2. 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A few days ago I received a letter from a countryman of yours, the Rev. + R.C. Waterston of Boston, communicating the intelligence of the death of + that admirable artist and amiable man, my old friend, Mr. Alston. Mr. W. + and I are not acquainted,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage382" + id="Cpage382"></a>{382}</span> and therefore I take it very kindly that he + should have given me this melancholy information, with most interesting + particulars of the last few hours of the life of the deceased. He also + sent me a copy of verses addressed by himself to me, I presume some little + time ago, and printed in the 'Christian Souvenir.' You have probably seen + the lines, and, if so, I doubt not, you will agree with me that they + indicate a true feeling of the leading characteristics of my poems. At + least I am sure that I wished them such as he represents them to be, too + partially no doubt. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It would give me pleasure could I make this letter, so long due, more + worthy of perusal, by touching upon any topics of a public or private + nature that might interest you; but beyond the assurance which I can give + you, that I and mine are and have been in good health, I know not where to + find them. This Spring I have not left home for London, or anywhere else; + and during the progress of it and the Summer I have had much pleasure in + noting the flowers and blossoms, as they appeared and disappeared + successively; an occupation from which, at least with reference to my own + grounds, a residence in town for the three foregoing Spring seasons cut me + off. Though my health continues, thank God, to be very good, and I am + active as most men of my age, my strength for very long walks among the + mountains is of course diminishing; but, weak or strong in body, I shall + ever remain, in heart and mind, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully, your much obliged friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + P.S. Mr. Southey's literary executors are making a collection of his + letters, which will prove highly interesting to the public, they are so + gracefully and feelingly written.<a name="CFNanchor_196_196" + id="CFNanchor_196_196"></a><a href="#CFootnote_196_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter135" id="Cletter135"></a>135. <i>Socinianism</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO JOSEPH COTTLE, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Nov. 24. 1843.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + MR. COTTLE,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You have treated the momentous subject<a name="CFNanchor_197_197" + id="CFNanchor_197_197"></a><a href="#CFootnote_197_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a> + of Socinianism in a masterly manner; entirely and absolutely convincing.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage383" id="Cpage383"></a>{383}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 12em;">Believe me to remain, my good old friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">With great respect,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_198_198" + id="CFNanchor_198_198"></a><a href="#CFootnote_198_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter136" id="Cletter136"></a>136. <i>Sacred Hymns</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO THE REV. (AFTERWARDS DEAN) HENRY ALFORD.<a + name="CFNanchor_199_199" id="CFNanchor_199_199"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_199_199" class="fnanchor">[199] </a> + </div> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Feb. 28. 1844.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am pleased to hear what you are about, but I am far too advanced in life + to venture upon anything so difficult to do as hymns of devotion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The one of mine which you allude to is quite at your service; only I could + wish the first line of the fifth stanza to be altered thus: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Each field is then a hallowed spot.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Or you might omit the stanza altogether, if you thought proper, the piece + being long enough without it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wishing heartily for your success, and knowing in what able hands the work + is, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">I remain, my dear Sir,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_200_200" + id="CFNanchor_200_200"></a><a href="#CFootnote_200_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter137" id="Cletter137"></a>137. <i>Bereavements</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO LADY FREDERICK BENTINCK. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">March 31. 1844.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + LADY FREDERICK,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We have known each other too long and too intimately for you not to be + well aware of the reasons why I have not earlier condoled with you upon + your bereavement.<a name="CFNanchor_201_201" id="CFNanchor_201_201"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_201_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a> I feel it deeply, and + sympathise with you as much and as truly as you possibly could wish. I + have also grieved for the rest of your family<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage384" id="Cpage384"></a>{384}</span> and household, and not the + least for Miss Thompson, whose faithful and strong attachment to your + revered father I have, for a long time, witnessed with delight and + admiration. Through my kind friend Mr. O'Brien I have heard of you both; + and in his second letter he informs me, to my great sorrow, that Miss + Thompson has been exceedingly ill. God grant that she may soon recover, as + you both will stand in need of all your bodily strength to support you + under so sad a loss. But, how much is there to be thankful for in every + part of Lord Lonsdale's life to its close! How gently was he dealt with in + his last moments! and with what fortitude and Christian resignation did he + bear such pains as attended his decline, and prepared the way for his + quiet dissolution! Of my own feelings upon this loss I shall content + myself with saying, that as long as I retain consciousness I shall cherish + the memory of your father, for his inestimable worth, and as one who + honoured me with his friendship, and who was to myself and my children the + best benefactor. The sympathy which I now offer, dear Lady Frederick, is + shared by my wife and my daughter, and my son William; and will be also + participated in by my elder son, when he hears of the sad event. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I wrote to Dr. Jackson<a name="CFNanchor_202_202" id="CFNanchor_202_202"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_202_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> to inquire whether + the funeral was to be strictly private, and learnt from him that it is to + be so; otherwise I should not have deprived myself of the melancholy + satisfaction of attending. Accept, dear Lady Frederick, my best wishes; + and be assured of my prayers for your support; and believe me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Your very affectionate friend,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_203_203" + id="CFNanchor_203_203"></a><a href="#CFootnote_203_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter138" id="Cletter138"></a>138. <i>Birthday in America and + at Home: Church Poetry</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">1844.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In your last letter you speak so feelingly of the manner in which my + birthday (April 7) has been noticed, both privately in your country, and + somewhat publicly in my own neighbourhood, that I cannot forbear adding a + word or two upon the subject. It would have delighted you to see the + assemblage in front of our house, some dancing upon the gravel <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage385" id="Cpage385"></a>{385}</span>platform, + old and young, as described in Goldsmith's travels; and others, children, + I mean, chasing each other upon the little plot of lawn to which you + descend by steps from the platform. We had music of our own preparing; and + two sets of casual itinerants, Italians and Germans, came in successively, + and enlivened the festivity. There were present upwards of 300 children, + and about 150 adults of both sexes and all ages, the children in their + best attire, and of that happy and, I may say, beautiful race, which is + spread over this highly-favoured portion of England. The tables were + tastefully arranged in the open air<a name="CFNanchor_204_204" + id="CFNanchor_204_204"></a><a href="#CFootnote_204_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a>—oranges + and gingerbread in piles decorated with evergreens and Spring flowers; and + all partook of tea, the young in the open air, and the old within doors. I + must own I wish that little commemorations of this kind were more common + among us. It is melancholy to think how little that portion of the + community which is quite at ease in their circumstances have to do in a <i>social</i> + way with the humbler classes. They purchase commodities of them, or they + employ them as labourers, or they visit them in charity for the sake of + supplying their most urgent wants by alms-giving. But this, alas, is far + from enough; one would wish to see the rich mingle with the poor as much + as may be upon a footing of fraternal equality. The old feudal + dependencies and relations are almost gone from England, and nothing has + yet come adequately to supply their place. There are tendencies of the + right kind here and there, but they are rather accidental than aught that + is established in general manners. Why should not great land-owners look + for a substitute for what is lost of feudal paternity in the higher + principles of christianised humanity and humble-minded brotherhood? And + why should not this extend to those vast communities which crowd so many + parts of England under one head, in the different sorts of manufacture, + which, for the want of it, are too often the pests of the social state? We + are, however, improving, and I trust that the example set by some + mill-owners will not fail to influence others. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It gave me pleasure to be told that Mr. Keble's Dedication of his + 'Praelectiones' had fallen in your way, and that you had been struck by + it.<a name="CFNanchor_205_205" id="CFNanchor_205_205"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_205_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage386" id="Cpage386"></a>{386}</span>It + is not for me to say how far I am entitled to the honour which he has done + me, but I can sincerely say that it has been the main scope of my writings + to do what he says I have accomplished. And where could I find a more + trustworthy judge? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What you advise in respect to a separate publication of my Church Poetry, + I have often turned in my own mind; but I have really done so little in + that way compared with the magnitude of the subject, that I have not + courage to venture on such a publication. Besides, it would not, I fear, + pay its expenses. The Sonnets were so published upon the recommendation of + a deceased nephew of mine, one of the first scholars of Europe, and as + good as he was learned. The volume did not, I believe, clear itself, and a + great part of the impression, though latterly offered at a reduced price, + still remains, I believe, in Mr. Moxon's hands. In this country people who + do not grudge laying out their money for new publications on personal or + fugitive interests, that every one is talking about, are very unwilling to + part with it for literature which is unindebted to temporary excitement. + If they buy such at all, it must be in some form for the most part that + has little to recommend it but low price. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And now, my dear Sir, with many thanks for the trouble you have been at, + and affectionate wishes for your welfare, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Believe me faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter139" id="Cletter139"></a>139. <i>Class-fellows and + School-fellows</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO BASIL MONTAGU, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Oct. 1. 1844.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MONTAGU,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Absence from home has prevented my replying earlier to your letter, which + gave me much pleasure on many accounts, and particularly as I learned from + it that you are so industrious, and to such good effect. I don't wonder at + your mention of the friends whom we have lost by death. Bowles the poet + still lives, and Rogers—all that survive of the poetical fraternity + with whom I have had any intimacy. Southey, Campbell, and Cary, are no + more. Of my class-fellows and schoolfellows very few remain; my <i>intimate</i> + associates of my own <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage387" id="Cpage387"></a>{387}</span>college + are all gone long since. Myers my cousin, Terrot, Jones my + fellow-traveller, Fleming and his brother Raincock of Pembroke, Bishop + Middleton of the same college—it has pleased God that I should + survive them all. Then there are none left but Joseph Cottle of the many + friends I made at Bristol and in Somersetshire; yet we are only in our + 75th year. But enough of this sad subject; let us be resigned under all + dispensations, and thankful; for that is our duty, however difficult it + may be to perform it. I send you the lock of hair which you desired, white + as snow, and taken from a residue which is thinning rapidly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You neither mention your own health nor Mrs. Montagu's; I conclude, + therefore, that both of you are doing well. Pray remember me kindly to + her; and believe me, my dear Montagu, your faithful and affectionate + friend, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In speaking of our Bristol friends I forgot to mention John Pinney, but + him I have neither seen nor heard of for many years.<a + name="CFNanchor_206_206" id="CFNanchor_206_206"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_206_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter140" id="Cletter140"></a>140. <i>'From Home:' The Queen: + Review of Poems, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Nov. 18. 1844.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wordsworth and I have been absent from home for a month past, and we + deferred acknowledging your acceptable letter till our return. Among the + places to which we went on visits to our friends was Cambridge, where I + was happy to learn that great improvement was going on among the young + men. They were become much more regular in their conduct, and attentive to + their duties. Our host was the master of Trinity College, Dr. Whewell, + successor to my brother, Dr. Wordsworth, who filled the office for more + than twenty years highly to his honour, and resigned before he was + disqualified by age, lest, as his years advanced, his judgment might be + impaired, and his powers become unfit for the responsibility without his + being aware of it. This, you will agree with me, was a noble example: may + it be followed by others! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On our return home we were detained two hours at Northampton by the vast + crowd assembled to greet the Queen on her<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage388" id="Cpage388"></a>{388}</span> way to Burleigh House. + Shouts and ringing of bells there were in abundance; but these are things + of course. It did please us, however, greatly to see every village we + passed through for the space of twenty-two miles decorated with triumphal + arches, and every cottage, however humble, with its little display of + laurel boughs and flowers hung from the windows and over the doors. The + people, young and old, were all making it holiday, and the Queen could not + but be affected with these universal manifestations of affectionate + loyalty. As I have said, we were detained two hours, and I much regret + that it did not strike me at the moment to throw off my feelings in verse, + for I had ample time to have done so, and might, perhaps, have contrived + to present through some of the authorities the tribute to my Royal + Mistress. How must these words shock your republican ears! But you are too + well acquainted with mankind and their history not to be aware that love + of country can clothe itself in many shapes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I need not say what pleasure it would give us to see you and Mrs. Reed in + our beautiful place of abode. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have no wish to see the review of my poems to which you allude, nor + should I read it if it fell in my way. It is too late in life for me to + profit by censure, and I am indifferent to praise merely as such. Mrs. + Wordsworth will be happy to write her opinion of the portrait as you + request. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me, my dear Mr. Reed,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_207_207" + id="CFNanchor_207_207"></a><a href="#CFootnote_207_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter141" id="Cletter141"></a>141. <i>The Laureateship: + Contemporaries, &c.: Tennyson</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, July 1. 1845.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have, as usual, been long in your debt, which I am pretty sure you will + excuse as heretofore. It gave me much pleasure to have a glimpse of your + brother under circumstances which no doubt he will have described to you. + He spoke of his health as improved, and I hope it will continue to do so. + I understood from him that it was probable he should call at Rydal before + his return to his own country. I need not say to you I <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage389" id="Cpage389"></a>{389}</span>shall be + glad, truly glad, to see him both for his own sake, and as so nearly + connected with you. My absence from home lately was not of more than three + weeks. I took the journey to London solely to pay my respects to the Queen + upon my appointment to the Laureateship upon the decease of my friend Mr. + Southey. The weather was very cold, and I caught an inflammation in one of + my eyes, which rendered my stay in the south very uncomfortable. I + nevertheless did, in respect to the object of my journey, all that was + required. The reception given me by the Queen at her ball was most + gracious. Mrs. Everett, the wife of your minister, among many others, was + a witness to it, without knowing who I was. It moved her to the shedding + of tears. This effect was in part produced, I suppose, by American habits + of feeling, as pertaining to a republican government. To see a grey-haired + man of seventy-five years of age, kneeling down in a large assembly to + kiss the hand of a young woman, is a sight for which institutions + essentially democratic do not prepare a spectator of either sex, and must + naturally place the opinions upon which a republic is founded, and the + sentiments which support it, in strong contrast with a government based + and upheld as ours is. I am not, therefore, surprised that Mrs. Everett + was moved, as she herself described to persons of my acquaintance, among + others to Mr. Rogers the poet. By the by, of this gentleman, now I believe + in his eighty-third year, I saw more than of any other person except my + host, Mr. Moxon, while I was in London. He is singularly fresh and strong + for his years, and his mental faculties (with the exception of his memory + a little) not at all impaired. It is remarkable that he and the Rev. W. + Bowles were both distinguished as poets when I was a school-boy, and they + have survived almost all their eminent contemporaries, several of whom + came into notice long after them. Since they became known, Burns, Cowper, + Mason the author of 'Caractacus' and friend of Gray, have died. Thomas + Warton, Laureate, then Byron, Shelley, Keats, and a good deal later<a + name="CFNanchor_208_208" id="CFNanchor_208_208"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_208_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a> Scott, Coleridge,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage390" id="Cpage390"></a>{390}</span> Crabbe, + Southey, Lamb, the Ettrick Shepherd, Cary the translator of Dante, Crowe + the author of 'Lewesdon Hill,' and others of more or less distinction, + have disappeared. And now of English poets, advanced in life, I cannot + recall any but James Montgomery, Thomas Moore, and myself, who are living, + except the octogenarian with whom I began. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I saw Tennyson, when I was in London, several times. He is decidedly the + first of our living poets, and I hope will live to give the world still + better things. You will be pleased to hear that he expressed in the + strongest terms his gratitude to my writings. To this I was far from + indifferent, though persuaded that he is not much in sympathy with what I + should myself most value in my attempts, viz. the spirituality with which + I have endeavoured to invest the material universe, and the moral + relations under which I have wished to exhibit its most ordinary + appearances. I ought not to conclude this first portion of my letter + without telling you that I have now under my roof a cousin, who some time + ago was introduced, improperly, I think, she being then a child, to the + notice of the public, as one of the English poetesses, in an article of + the <i>Quarterly</i> so entitled. Her name is Emmeline Fisher, and her + mother is my first cousin. What advances she may have made in latter years + I do not know, but her productions from the age of eight to twelve were + not less than astonishing. She only arrived yesterday, and we promise + ourselves much pleasure in seeing more of her. Our dear friend Miss + Fenwick is also under our roof; so is Katharine Southey, her late father's + youngest daughter, so that we reckon ourselves rich; though our only + daughter is far from us, being gone to Oporto with her husband on account + of her enfeebled frame: and most unfortunately, soon after her arrival, + she was seized with a violent attack of rheumatic fever caused by exposure + to the evening air. We have also been obliged lately to part with four + grandsons, very fine boys, who are gone with their father to Italy to + visit their mother, kept there by severe illness, which sent her abroad + two years ago. Under these circumstances we old people keep our spirits as + well as we can, trusting the end to God's goodness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now, for the enclosed poem,<a name="CFNanchor_209_209" + id="CFNanchor_209_209"></a><a href="#CFootnote_209_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a> + which I wrote the other day,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage391" + id="Cpage391"></a>{391}</span> and which I send to you, hoping it may give + you some pleasure, as a scanty repayment for all that we owe you. Our dear + friend, Miss Fenwick, is especially desirous that her warmest thanks + should be returned to you for all the trouble you have taken about her + bonds. But, to return to the verses: if you approve, pray forward them + with my compliments and thanks for his letter to ——. In his + letter he states that with others he is strenuously exerting himself in + endeavours to abolish slavery, and, as one of the means of disposing the + public mind to that measure, he is about to publish selections from + various authors in behalf of <i>humanity</i>. He begs an original + composition from me. I have nothing bearing directly upon slavery, but if + you think this little piece would serve his cause indirectly, pray be so + kind as to forward it to him. He speaks of himself as deeply indebted to + my writings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have not left room to subscribe myself more than + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Affectionately yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_210_210" + id="CFNanchor_210_210"></a><a href="#CFootnote_210_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter142" id="Cletter142"></a>142. <i>'Poems of Imagination:' + New Edition, &c.: Portrait, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Brinsop Court, Sept. 27 [1845].</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The sight of your letter was very welcome, and its contents proved most + agreeable. It was well that you did not forward my little poem to the + party, he entertaining the opinions he holds, and being of the character + you describe. I shall therefore be gratified if you, as you propose, write + him a note, expressing that I have nothing among my MSS. that would suit + his purpose. The verses are already printed in the new edition of my poems + (double column), which is going through the press. It will contain about + 300 verses not found in the previous edition. I do not remember whether I + have mentioned to you that, following your example, I have greatly + extended the class entitled 'Poems of the Imagination,' thinking, as you + must have done, that if imagination were predominant in the class, it was + not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage392" id="Cpage392"></a>{392}</span> + indispensable that it should pervade every poem which it contained. + Limiting the class as I had done before seemed to imply, and to the + uncandid or unobserving it did so, that the faculty, which is the <i>primum + mobile</i> in poetry, had little to do, in the estimation of the author, + with the pieces not arranged under that head. I, therefore, feel much + obliged to you for suggesting by your practice the plan which I have + adopted. In respect to the Prefaces, my own wish would be that now the + Poems should be left to speak for themselves without them; but I know that + this would not answer for the purposes of sale. They will, therefore, be + printed at the end of the volume; and to this I am in some degree + reconciled by the matter they contain relating to poetry in general, and + the principles they inculcate. I hope that, upon the whole, the edition + will please you. In a very few instances I have altered the expression for + the worse, on account of the same feeling or word occurring rather too + near the passage. For example, the Sonnet on Baptism begins '<i>Blest</i> + be the Church.' But unfortunately the word occurs some three or four lines + just before or after; I have, therefore, though reluctantly, substituted + the less impressive word, '<i>Dear</i> be the Church.' I mention this + solely to prevent blame on your part in this and a few similar cases where + an injurious change has been made. The book will be off my hands I hope in + about two weeks. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wordsworth and I left home four days ago, and do not intend to + return, if all goes well, in less than five or six weeks from this time. + We purpose in our way home to visit York, the cathedral of which city has + been restored; and then we shall go to Leeds, on a visit to our friend Mr. + James Marshall, in full expectation that we shall be highly delighted by + the humane and judicious manner in which his manufactory is managed, and + by inspecting the schools which he and his brother have established and + superintended. We also promise ourselves much pleasure from the sight of + the magnificent church, which, upon the foundation of the old parish + church of that town, has been built through the exertions and by the + munificence of the present incumbent, that excellent and able man Dr. + Hook, whom I have the honour of reckoning among my friends. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This letter is written by the side of my brother-in-law, who, eight years + ago, became a cripple, confined to his chair, by the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage393" id="Cpage393"></a>{393}</span> accident of his horse + falling with him in the high road, where he lay without power to move + either hand or leg, but left in perfect possession of his faculties. His + bodily sufferings are by this time somewhat abated, but they still + continue severe. His patience and cheerfulness are so admirable that I + could not forbear mentioning him to you. He is an example to us all; and + most undeserving should we be if we did not profit by it. His family have + lately succeeded in persuading him to have his portrait taken as he sits + in his arm-chair. It is an excellent likeness, one of the best I ever saw, + and will be invaluable to his family. This reminds me of Mr. Inman and a + promise which he made that he would send us a copy of your portrait of + myself. I say a promise, though it scarcely amounted to that absolutely, + but it was little short of it. Do you think he could find time to act upon + his own wish in this matter? in which I feel interested on Mrs. + Wordsworth's account, who reckons that portrait much the best both as to + likeness and execution of all that have been made of me, and she is an + excellent judge. In adverting to this subject, I of course presume that + you would have no objection to the picture being copied if the artist were + inclined to do it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My paper admonishes me that I must conclude. Pray let me know in your next + how Mrs. Reed and your family are in health, and present my good wishes to + her. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever your faithful and much obliged + friend,</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_211_211" id="CFNanchor_211_211"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_211_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter143" id="Cletter143"></a>143. <i>Of the College of + Maynooth, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO A NEPHEW. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, June 30. 1845.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR C——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I ought to have acknowledged my debt to you long ago, but the inflammation + in one of my eyes which seized me on my first arrival in London kept its + ground for a long time. I had your two first pamphlets read to me, and + immediately put them into circulation among my friends in this + neighbourhood; but wishing to read them myself I did not like to write to + you till I had done so, as there were one or two passages on which I + wished to make a remark.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage394" + id="Cpage394"></a>{394}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As to your arguments, they are unanswerable, and the three tracts do you + the greatest possible credit; but the torrent cannot be stemmed, unless we + can construct a body, I will not call it a party, upon a new and true + principle of action, as you have set forth. Certain questions are forced + by the present conduct of government upon the mind of every observing and + thinking person. First and foremost, are we to have a <i>national</i> + English Church, or is the Church of England to be regarded merely as a + sect? and is the <i>right to the Throne to be put on a new foundation</i>? + Is the present ministry prepared for this, and all that must precede and + follow it? Is Ireland an integral and inseparable portion of the Empire or + not? If it be, I cannot listen to the argument in favour of endowing + Romanism upon the ground of superiority of <i>numbers</i>. The Romanists + are not a majority in England and Ireland, taken, as they ought to be, + together. As to Scotland, it has its separate kirk by especial covenant. + Are the ministers prepared to alter fundamentally the basis of the Union + between England and Ireland, and to construct a new one? If they be, let + them tell us so at once. In short, they are involving themselves and the + Nation in difficulties from which there is no escape—for them at + least none. What I have seen of your letter to Lord John M—— I + like as well as your two former tracts, and I shall read it carefully at + my first leisure moment.<a name="CFNanchor_212_212" id="CFNanchor_212_212"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_212_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter144" id="Cletter144"></a>144. <i>Of the 'Heresiarch of the + Church of Rome.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO JOSEPH COTTLE, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Dec. 6. 1845.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR OLD FRIEND,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now for your little tract, 'Heresiarch Church of Rome.' I have perused it + carefully, and go the whole length with you in condemnation of Romanism, + and probably <i>much further</i>, by reason of my having passed at least + three years of life in countries where Romanism was the prevailing or + exclusive religion; and if we are to trust the declaration 'By their + fruits ye shall know them,' I have stronger reasons, in the privilege I + have named, for passing a severe condemnation upon leading parts of their + faith, and courses of their practice, than others<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage395" id="Cpage395"></a>{395}</span> who have never been + eye-witnesses of the evils to which I allude. Your little publication is + well timed, and will I trust have such an effect as you aimed at upon the + minds of its readers. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And now let me bid you affectionately good bye, with assurance that I do + and shall retain to the last a remembrance of your kindness, and of the + many pleasant and happy hours which, at one of the most interesting + periods of my life, I passed in your neighbourhood, and in your company. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever most faithfully yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.<a + name="CFNanchor_213_213" id="CFNanchor_213_213"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_213_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter145" id="Cletter145"></a>145. <i>Family Trials</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Jan. 23. 1846.</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I hope to be able to send you an impression of an engraving, from a + picture of Mr. Haydon, representing me in the act of climbing Helvellyn. + There is great merit in this work, and the sight of it will show my + meaning on the subject of <i>expression</i>. This, I think, is attained; + but, then, I am stooping, and the inclination of the head necessarily + causes a foreshortening of the features below the nose, which takes from + the likeness accordingly; so that, upon the whole, yours has the + advantage, especially under the circumstance of your never having seen the + original. Mrs. Wordsworth has been looking over your letters in vain to + find the address of the person in London, through whose hands any parcel + for you might be sent. Pray take the trouble of repeating the address in + your next letter, and your request shall be attended to of sending you my + two letters upon the offensive subject of a Railway to and through our + beautiful neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You will be sorry to hear that Mrs. Wordsworth and I have been, and still + are, under great trouble and anxiety. Our daughter-in-law fell into bad + health between three and four years ago. She went with her husband to + Madeira, where they remained nearly a year; she was then advised to go to + Italy. After a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage396" id="Cpage396"></a>{396}</span> + prolonged residence there, her six children, whom her husband returned to + England for, went, at her earnest request, to that country, under their + father's guidance: there he was obliged, on account of his duty as a + clergyman, to leave them. Four of the number resided with their mother at + Rome, three of whom took a fever there, of which the youngest, as noble a + boy, of nearly five years, as ever was seen, died, being seized with + convulsions when the fever was somewhat subdued. The father, in a + distracted state of mind, is just gone back to Italy; and we are most + anxious to hear the result. My only surviving brother, also, the late + Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and an inestimable person, is in an + alarming state of health; and the only child of my eldest brother, long + since deceased, is now languishing under mortal illness at Ambleside. He + was educated to the medical profession, and caught his illness while on + duty in the Mediterranean. He is a truly amiable and excellent young man, + and will be universally regretted. These sad occurrences, with others of + like kind, have thrown my mind into a state of feeling, which the other + day vented itself in the two sonnets which Mrs. Wordsworth will transcribe + as the best acknowledgment she can make for Mrs. Reed's and your kindness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully and affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_214_214" + id="CFNanchor_214_214"></a><a href="#CFootnote_214_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter146" id="Cletter146"></a>146. <i>Bishop White: Mormonites, + &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO PROFESSOR REED. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">February 3. 1846.</span><br /> <br /> MY + DEAR MR. REED,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was much shocked to find that my last had been despatched without + acknowledgment for your kindness in sending me the admirable engraving of + Bishop White, which I was delighted, on many accounts, to receive. This + omission was owing to the distressed state of mind in which I wrote, and + which I throw myself on your goodness to excuse. I ought to have written + again by next post, but we really have been, and still are, in such + trouble from various causes, that I could not take up the pen, and now + must beg you to accept this statement as the only excuse which I can + offer. We have had such <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage397" + id="Cpage397"></a>{397}</span>accounts from my daughter-in-law at Rome, + that her mother and brother are just gone thither to support her, her + mother being seventy years of age. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Do you know anything of a wretched set of religionists in your country, <i>Superstitionists</i> + I ought to say, called Mormonites, or latter-day saints? Would you believe + it? a niece of Mrs. Wordsworth's has just embarked, we believe at + Liverpool, with a set of the deluded followers of that wretch, in an + attempt to join their society. Her name is ——, a young woman + of good abilities and well educated, but early in life she took from her + mother and her connections a methodistical turn, and has gone on in a + course of what she supposes to be piety till she has come to this + miserable close. If you should by chance hear anything about her, pray let + us know. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The report of my brother's decease, which we look for every day, has not + yet reached us. My nephew is still lingering on from day to day. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Ever faithfully and affectionately yours,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The print of Bishop White is noble, everything, indeed, that could be + wished.<a name="CFNanchor_215_215" id="CFNanchor_215_215"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_215_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter147" id="Cletter147"></a>147. <i>Governor Malartie: Lord + Hector of Glasgow University, &c.</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + LETTER TO SIR W. GOMM. &c. &c., PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Rydal Mount, Ambleside, Nov. 23. 1846.</span><br /> + <br /> DEAR SIR WILLIAM,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your kind letter of the 4th of August I have just received; and I thank + you sincerely for this mark of your attention, and for the gratification + it afforded me. It is pleasing to see fancy amusements giving birth to + works of solid profit, as, under the auspices of Lady Gomm, they are doing + in your island. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your sonnet addressed to the unfinished monument of Governor Malartie is + conceived with appropriate feeling and just discrimination. Long may the + finished monument last as a tribute to departed worth, and as a check and + restraint upon <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage398" id="Cpage398"></a>{398}</span>intemperate + desires for change, to which the inhabitants of the island may hereafter + be liable! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Before this letter reaches you the newspapers will probably have told you + that I have been recently put in nomination, unknown to myself, for the + high office of Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow; and that there + was a majority of twenty-one votes in my favour, in opposition to the + premier, Lord John Russell. The forms of the election, however, allowed + Lord John Russell to be returned, through the single vote of the + sub-rector voting for his superior. To say the truth, I am glad of this + result; being too advanced in life to undertake with comfort any + considerable public duty, and it might have seemed ungracious to decline + the office. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Men of rank, or of high station, with the exception of the poet Campbell, + who was, I believe, educated at this university, have almost invariably + been chosen for a rector of this ancient university; and that another + exception was made in my favour by a considerable majority affords a proof + that literature, independent of office, does not want due estimation. I + should not have dwelt so long upon this subject, had anything personal to + myself occurred in which you could have taken interest. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As you do not mention your own health, or that of Lady Gomm, I infer with + pleasure that the climate agrees with you both. That this may continue to + be so is my earnest and sincere wish, in which Mrs. Wordsworth cordially + unites. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">Believe me, dear Sir William,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_216_216" + id="CFNanchor_216_216"></a><a href="#CFootnote_216_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter148" id="Cletter148"></a>148. <i>Death of 'Dora.'</i> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">[Received July 10. 1847.]</span><br /> + <br /> MY DEAR C——,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Last night (I ought to have said a quarter before one this morning), it + pleased God to take to Himself the spirit of our beloved daughter, and + your truly affectionate cousin. She had latterly much bodily suffering, + under which she supported herself by prayer, and gratitude to her heavenly + Father, for granting her to the last so many of His blessings.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage399" id="Cpage399"></a>{399}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I need not write more. Your aunt bears up under this affliction as becomes + a Christian. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Kindest love to Susan, of whose sympathy we are fully assured. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate uncle, and the more so for this affliction, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + WM. WORDSWORTH.<a name="CFNanchor_217_217" id="CFNanchor_217_217"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_217_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Pray for us! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter149" id="Cletter149"></a>149. <i>Of the Same: Sorrow</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We bear up under our affliction as well as God enables us to do. But oh! + my dear friend, our loss is immeasurable. God bless you and yours.<a + name="CFNanchor_218_218" id="CFNanchor_218_218"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_218_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Our sorrow, I feel, is for life; but God's will be done!<a + name="CFNanchor_219_219" id="CFNanchor_219_219"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_219_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter150" id="Cletter150"></a>150. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + TO JOHN PEACE, ESQ. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Brigham [Postmark, 'Cockermouth,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Nov. 18. 1848'].</span><br /> <br /> MY + DEAR FRIEND,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wordsworth has deputed to me the acceptable office of answering your + friendly letter, which has followed us to Brigham, upon the banks of the + river Derwent, near Cockermouth, the birthplace of four brothers and their + sister. Of these four, I, the second, am now the only one left. Am I wrong + in supposing that you have been here? The house was driven out of its + place by a railway, and stands now nothing like so advantageously for a + prospect of this beautiful country, though at only a small distance from + its former situation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We are expecting Mr. Cuthbert Southey to-day, from his curacy, seven or + eight miles distant. He is busy in carrying through the press the first + volume of his father's letters, or rather, collecting and preparing them + for it. Do you happen to have any in your possession? If so, be so kind as + to let me or his son know what they are, if you think they contain + anything which would interest the public. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. W. and I are, thank God, both in good health, and possessing a degree + of strength beyond what is usual at our age, being both in our + seventy-ninth year. The beloved daughter<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage400" id="Cpage400"></a>{400}</span> whom it has pleased God to + remove from this anxious and sorrowful world, I have not mentioned; but I + can judge of the depth of your fellow-feeling for us. Many thanks to you + for referring to the text in Scripture which I quoted to you so long ago.<a + name="CFNanchor_220_220" id="CFNanchor_220_220"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_220_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a> 'Thy kingdom come. + Thy will be done.' He who does not find support and consolation there, + will find it nowhere. God grant that it may he continued to me and mine, + and to all sufferers! Believe me, with Mrs. W.'s very kind remembrance, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 25em;">WM. WORDSWORTH.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When you see Mr. Cottle, pray remember us most affectionately to him, with + respectful regards to his sister.<a name="CFNanchor_221_221" + id="CFNanchor_221_221"></a><a href="#CFootnote_221_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter151" id="Cletter151"></a>151. <i>Illness and Death of a + Servant at Rydal Mount</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Our anxieties are over, and our sorrow is not without heartfelt, I may say + heavenly, consolation. Dear, and good, and faithful, and dutiful Jane + breathed her last about twelve o'clock last night. The doctor had seen her + at noon; he found her much weaker. She said to him, 'I cannot stand now,' + but he gave us no reason to believe her end was so very near. You shall + hear all particulars when we are permitted to meet, which God grant may be + soon. Nothing could be more gentle than her departure. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Yesterday Mary read to her in my presence some chapters from the New + Testament, and her faculties were as clear as any one's in perfect health, + and so they have ever been to the last.<a name="CFNanchor_222_222" + id="CFNanchor_222_222"></a><a href="#CFootnote_222_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter152" id="Cletter152"></a>152. <i>Humility</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Writing to a friend, he says: 'I feel myself in so many respects unworthy + of your love, and too likely to become more so.' (This was in 1844.) + 'Worldly-minded I am not; on the contrary, my wish to benefit those within + my humble sphere strengthens seemingly in exact proportion to my inability + to realise those wishes. What I lament most is, that the spirituality of + my nature does not expand and rise the nearer I <span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage401" id="Cpage401"></a>{401}</span>approach the grave, as yours + does, and as it fares with my beloved partner. The pleasure which I derive + from God's works in His visible creation is not with me, I think, + impaired, but reading does not interest me as it used to do, and I feel + that I am becoming daily a less instructive companion to others. Excuse + this egotism. I feel it necessary to your understanding what I am, and how + little you would gain by habitual intercourse with me, however greatly I + might benefit from intercourse with you.'<a name="CFNanchor_223_223" + id="CFNanchor_223_223"></a><a href="#CFootnote_223_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Cletter153" id="Cletter153"></a>153. <i>Hopefulness</i>. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Writing to a friend at a time of public excitement, he thus speaks: 'After + all (as an excellent Bishop of the Scotch Church said to a friendly + correspondent of mine), "Be of good heart; the affairs of the world will + be conducted as heretofore,—by the foolishness of man and the wisdom + of God."'<a name="CFNanchor_224_224" id="CFNanchor_224_224"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_224_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage402" id="Cpage402"></a>{402 + blank}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage403" id="Cpage403"></a>{403}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="III_CONVERSATIONS_AND_PERSONAL_REMINISCENCES_OF_WORDSWORTH" + id="III_CONVERSATIONS_AND_PERSONAL_REMINISCENCES_OF_WORDSWORTH"></a>III. + CONVERSATIONS AND PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF WORDSWORTH. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + (<i>a</i>) FROM 'SATYRANE'S LETTERS:' KLOPSTOCK.<br /> (<i>b</i>) PERSONAL + REMINISCENCES OF THE HON. MR. JUSTICE COLERIDGE.<br /> (<i>c</i>) + RECOLLECTIONS OF A TOUR IN ITALY, BY H.C. ROBINSON.<br /> (<i>d</i>) + REMINISCENCES OF LADY RICHARDSON AND MRS. DAVY.<br /> (<i>e</i>) + CONVERSATIONS AND REMINISCENCES RECORDED BY THE BISHOP OF LINCOLN.<br /> (<i>f</i>) + REMINISCENCES OF REV. R.P. GRAVES, M.A., DUBLIN.<br /> (<i>g</i>) ON DEATH + OF COLERIDGE.<br /> (<i>h</i>) FURTHER REMINISCENCES AND MEMORABILIA, BY + REV. R.P. GRAVES, M.A., DUBLIN, NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.<br /> (<i>i</i>) AN + AMERICAN'S REMINISCENCES.<br /> (<i>j</i>) RECOLLECTIONS OF AUBREY DE VERE, + ESQ., NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.<br /> (<i>k</i>) FROM 'RECOLLECTIONS OF THE LAST + DAYS OF SHELLEY AND BYRON,' BY E.J. TRELAWNY, ESQ.<br /> (<i>l</i>) FROM + LETTERS OF PROFESSOR TAYLER (1872).<br /> (<i>m</i>) ANECDOTE OF CRABBE, + FROM DIARY OF SIR WALTER SCOTT.<br /> (<i>n</i>) WORDSWORTH'S LATER OPINION + OF LORD BROUGHAM.<br /> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage404" id="Cpage404"></a>{404}</span> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="center"> + NOTE.<br /> On these 'Personal Reminiscences' see the <a href="#PREFACE">Preface + in Vol. I.</a> G. + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage405" id="Cpage405"></a>{405}</span> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="KLOPSTOCK" id="KLOPSTOCK"></a>(<i>a</i>) KLOPSTOCK: NOTES OF HIS + CONVERSATION. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + From 'Satyrane's Letters' (<i>Biographia Literaria</i>, vol. ii. pp. + 228-254,<br /> ed. 1847).<br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Ratzeburg.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + No little fish thrown back again into the water, no fly unimprisoned from + a child's hand, could more buoyantly enjoy its element, than I this clean + and peaceful house, with this lovely view of the town, groves, and lake of + Ratzeburg, from the window at which I am writing. My spirits certainly, + and my health I fancied, were beginning to sink under the noise, dirt, and + unwholesome air of our Hamburg hotel. I left it on Sunday, Sept. 23rd. + with a letter of introduction from the poet Klopstock, to the <i>Amtmann</i> + of Ratzeburg. The <i>Amtmann</i> received me with kindness, and introduced + me to the worthy pastor, who agreed to board and lodge me for any length + of time not less than a month. The vehicle, in which I took my place, was + considerably larger than an English stage-coach, to which it bore much the + same proportion and rude resemblance, that an elephant's ear does to the + human. Its top was composed of naked boards of different colours, and + seeming to have been parts of different wainscots. Instead of windows + there were leathern curtains with a little eye of glass in each: they + perfectly answered the purpose of keeping out the prospect and letting in + the cold. I could observe little, therefore, but the inns and farm-houses + at which we stopped. They were all alike, except in size: one great room, + like a barn, with a hay-loft over it, the straw and hay dangling in tufts + through the boards which formed the ceiling of the room, and the floor of + the loft. From this room, which is paved like a street, sometimes one, + sometimes two smaller ones, are enclosed at one end. These are commonly + floored. In the large room the cattle, pigs, poultry, men, women, and + children, live in amicable community: yet there was an appearance of + cleanliness and rustic comfort. One of these houses I measured. It was an + hundred feet in length. The apartments were taken off from one corner. + Between these and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage406" id="Cpage406"></a>{406}</span> + the stalls there was a small interspace, and here the breadth was + forty-eight feet, but thirty-two where the stalls were; of course, the + stalls were on each side eight feet in depth. The faces of the cows &c. + were turned towards the room; indeed they were in it, so that they had at + least the comfort of seeing each other's faces. Stall-feeding is universal + in this part of Germany, a practice concerning which the agriculturist and + the poet are likely to entertain opposite opinions—or at least, to + have very different feelings. The wood-work of these buildings on the + outside is left unplastered, as in old houses among us, and, being painted + red and green, it cuts and tesselates the buildings very gaily. From + within three miles of Hamburg almost to Molln, which is thirty miles from + it, the country, as far as I could see it was a dead flat, only varied by + woods. At Molln it became more beautiful. I observed a small lake nearly + surrounded with groves, and a palace in view belonging to the King of + Great Britain, and inhabited by the Inspector of the Forests. We were + nearly the same time in travelling the thirty-five miles from Hamburg to + Ratzeburg, as we had been in going from London to Yarmouth, one hundred + and twenty-six miles. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The lake of Ratzeburg runs from south to north, about nine miles in + length, and varying in breadth from three miles to half a mile. About a + mile from the southernmost point it is divided into two, of course very + unequal, parts by an island, which, being connected by a bridge and a + narrow slip of land with the one shore, and by another bridge of immense + length with the other shore, forms a complete isthmus. On this island the + town of Ratzeburg is built. The pastor's house or vicarage, together with + the <i>Amtmann's, Amtsschreiber's</i>, and the church, stands near the + summit of a hill, which slopes down to the slip of land and the little + bridge, from which, through a superb military gate, you step into the + island-town of Ratzeburg. This again is itself a little hill, by ascending + and descending which, you arrive at the long bridge, and so to the other + shore. The water to the south of the town is called the Little Lake, which + however almost engrosses the beauties of the whole: the shores being just + often enough green and bare to give the proper effect to the magnificent + groves which occupy the greater part of their circumference. From the + turnings, windings, and indentations of the shore, the views vary almost + every ten steps, and the whole has a sort of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage407" id="Cpage407"></a>{407}</span> majestic beauty, a feminine + grandeur. At the north of the Great Lake, and peeping over it, I see the + seven church towers of Lubec, at the distance of twelve or thirteen miles, + yet as distinctly as if they were not three. The only defect in the view + is, that Ratzeburg is built entirely of red bricks, and all the houses + roofed with red tiles. To the eye, therefore, it presents a clump of + brick-dust red. Yet this evening, Oct. 10th. twenty minutes past five, I + saw the town perfectly beautiful, and the whole softened down into <i>complete + keeping</i>, if I may borrow a term from the painters. The sky over + Ratzeburg and all the east was a pure evening blue, while over the west it + was covered with light sandy clouds. Hence a deep red light spread over + the whole prospect, in undisturbed harmony with the red town, the + brown-red woods, and the yellow-red reeds on the skirts of the lake. Two + or three boats, with single persons paddling them, floated up and down in + the rich light, which not only was itself in harmony with all, but brought + all into harmony. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I should have told you that I went back to Hamburg on Thursday (Sept. + 27th.) to take leave of my friend, who travels southward, and returned + hither on the Monday following. From Empfelde, a village half way from + Ratzeburg, I walked to Hamburg through deep sandy roads and a dreary flat: + the soil everywhere white, hungry, and excessively pulverised; but the + approach to the city is pleasing. Light cool country houses, which you can + look through and see the gardens behind them, with arbours and trellis + work, and thick vegetable walls, and trees in cloisters and piazzas, each + house with neat rails before it, and green seats within the rails. Every + object, whether the growth of Nature or the work of man, was neat and + artificial. It pleased me far better, than if the houses and gardens, and + pleasure fields, had been in a nobler taste: for this nobler taste would + have been mere apery. The busy, anxious, money-loving merchant of Hamburg + could only have adopted, he could not have enjoyed the simplicity of + Nature. The mind begins to love Nature by imitating human conveniences in + Nature; but this is a step in intellect, though a low one—and were + it not so, yet all around me spoke of innocent enjoyment and sensitive + comforts, and I entered with unscrupulous sympathy into the enjoyments and + comforts even of the busy, anxious, money-loving merchants of Hamburg. In + this charitable and <i>catholic</i> mood I reached the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage408" id="Cpage408"></a>{408}</span> vast ramparts of the city. + These are huge green cushions, one rising above the other, with trees + growing in the interspaces, pledges and symbols of a long peace. Of my + return I have nothing worth communicating, except that I took extra post, + which answers to posting in England. These north German post chaises are + uncovered wicker carts. An English dust-cart is a piece of finery, a <i>chef + d'œuvre</i> of mechanism, compared with them: and the horses!—a + savage might use their ribs instead of his fingers for a numeration table. + Wherever we stopped, the postilion fed his cattle with the brown rye bread + of which he eat himself, all breakfasting together; only the horses had no + gin to their water, and the postilion no water to his gin. Now and + henceforward for subjects of more interest to you, and to the objects in + search of which I loft you: namely, the <i>literati</i> and literature of + Germany. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Believe me, I walked with an impression of awe on my spirits, as W—— + and myself accompanied Mr. Klopstock to the house of his brother, the + poet, which stands about a quarter of a mile from the city gate. It is one + of a row of little common-place summer-houses, (for so they looked,) with + four or five rows of young meagre elm trees before the windows, beyond + which is a green, and then a dead flat intersected with several roads. + Whatever beauty, (thought I,) may be before the poet's eyes at present, it + must certainly be purely of his own creation. We waited a few minutes in a + neat little parlour, ornamented with the figures of two of the Muses and + with prints, the subjects of which were from Klopstock's odes.<a + name="CFNanchor_225_225" id="CFNanchor_225_225"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_225_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage409" id="Cpage409"></a>{409}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The poet entered. I was much disappointed in his countenance, and + recognised in it no likeness to the bust. There was no comprehension in + the forehead, no weight over the eye-brows, no expression of peculiarity, + moral or intellectual, on the eyes, no massiveness in the general + countenance. He is, if anything, rather below the middle size. He wore + very large half-boots, which his legs filled, so fearfully were they + swollen. However, though neither W—— nor myself could discover + any indications of sublimity or enthusiasm in his physiognomy, we were + both equally impressed with his liveliness, and his kind and ready + courtesy. He talked in French with my friend, and with difficulty spoke a + few sentences to me in English. His enunciation was not in the least + affected by the entire want of his upper teeth. The conversation began on + his part by the expression of his rapture at the surrender of the + detachment of French troops under General Humbert. Their proceedings in + Ireland with regard to the committee which they had appointed, with the + rest of their organizing system, seemed to have given the poet great + entertainment. He then declared his sanguine belief in Nelson's victory, + and anticipated its confirmation with a keen and triumphant pleasure. His + words, tones, looks, implied the most vehement Anti-Gallicanism. The + subject changed to literature, and I inquired in Latin concerning the + history of German poetry and the elder German poets. To my great + astonishment he confessed, that he knew very little on the subject. He had + indeed occasionally read one or two of their elder writers, but not so as + to enable him to speak of their merits. Professor Ebeling, he said, would + probably give me every information of this kind: the subject had not + particularly excited his curiosity. He then talked of Milton and Glover, + and thought Glover's blank verse superiour to Milton's.<a + name="CFNanchor_226_226" id="CFNanchor_226_226"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_226_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage410" id="Cpage410"></a>{410}</span>W—— + and myself expressed our surprise: and my friend gave his definition and + notion of harmonious verse, that it consisted, (the English iambic blank + verse above all,) in the apt arrangement of pauses and cadences, and the + sweep of whole paragraphs, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——'with many a winding bout<br /></span> <span>Of + linked sweetness long drawn out,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + and not in the even flow, much less in the prominence or antithetic + vigour, of single lines, which were indeed injurious to the total effect, + except where they were introduced for some specific purpose. Klopstock + assented, and said that he meant to confine Glover's superiority to single + lines.<a name="CFNanchor_227_227" id="CFNanchor_227_227"></a> <a + href="#CFootnote_227_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage411" id="Cpage411"></a>{411}</span>He + told us that he had read Milton, in a prose translation, when he was + fourteen.<a name="CFNanchor_228_228" id="CFNanchor_228_228"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_228_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a> I understood him thus + myself, and W—- interpreted Klopstock's French as I had already + construed it. He appeared to know very little of Milton or indeed of our + poets in general. He spoke with great indignation of the English prose + translation of his MESSIAH. All the translations had been bad, very bad—but + the English was <i>no</i> translation—there were pages on pages not + in the original: and half the original was not to be found in the + translation. W—- told him that I intended to translate a few of his + odes as specimens of German lyrics—he then said to me in English, 'I + wish you would render into English some select passages of THE MESSIAH, + and <i>revenge</i> me of your countryman!'<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage412" id="Cpage412"></a>{412}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was the liveliest thing which he produced in the whole conversation. He + told us, that his first ode was fifty years older than his last. I looked + at him with much emotion—I considered him as the venerable father of + German poetry; as a good man as a Christian; seventy-four years old; with + legs enormously swollen; yet active, lively, cheerful, and kind, and + communicative. My eyes felt as if a tear were swelling into them. In the + portrait of Lessing there was a toupee periwig, which enormously injured + the effect of his physiognomy—Klopstock wore the same, powdered and + frizzled. By the bye, old men ought never to wear powder—the + contrast between a large snow-white wig and the colour of an old man's + skin is disgusting, and wrinkles in such a neighbourhood appear only + channels for dirt. It is an honour to poets and great men, that you think + of them as parts of Nature; and anything of trick and fashion wounds you + in them, as much as when you see venerable yews clipped into miserable + peacocks.—The author of THE MESSIAH should have worn his own grey + hair.—His powder and periwig were to the eye what <i>Mr</i>. Virgil + would be to the ear. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Klopstock dwelt much on the superiour power which the German language + possessed of concentrating meaning. He said, he had often translated parts + of Homer and Virgil, line by line, and a German line proved always + sufficient for a Greek or Latin one. In English you cannot do this. I + answered, that in English we could commonly render one Greek heroic line + in a line and a half of our common heroic metre, and I conjectured that + this line and a half would be found to contain no more syllables than one + German or Greek hexameter. He did not understand me:<a + name="CFNanchor_229_229" id="CFNanchor_229_229"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_229_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a> and I, who wished to + hear his opinions, not to correct them, was glad that he did not.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage413" id="Cpage413"></a>{413}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We now took our leave. At the beginning of the French Revolution Klopstock + wrote odes of congratulation. He received some honorary presents from the + French Republic, (a golden crown I believe,) and, like our Priestley, was + invited to a seat in the legislature, which he declined. But when French + liberty metamorphosed herself into a fury, he sent back these presents + with a <i>palinodia</i>, declaring his abhorrence of their proceedings: + and since then he has been perhaps more than enough an Anti-Gallican. I + mean, that in his just contempt and detestation of the crimes and follies + of the Revolutionists, he suffers himself to forget that the revolution + itself is a process of the Divine Providence; and that as the folly of men + is the wisdom of God, so are their iniquities instruments of his goodness. + From Klopstock's house we walked to the ramparts, discoursing together on + the poet and his conversation, till our attention was diverted to the + beauty and singularity of the sunset and its effects on the objects around + us. There were woods in the distance. A rich sandy light, (nay, of a much + deeper colour than sandy,) lay over these woods that blackened in the + blaze. Over that part of the woods which lay immediately under the + intenser light, a brassy mist floated. The trees on the ramparts, and the + people moving to and fro between them, were cut or divided into equal + segments of deep shade and brassy light. Had the trees, and the bodies<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage414" id="Cpage414"></a>{414}</span> of the + men and women, been divided into equal segments by a rule or pair of + compasses, the portions could not have been more regular. All else was + obscure. It was a fairy scene!—and to increase its romantic + character, among the moving objects, thus divided into alternate shade and + brightness, was a beautiful child, dressed with the elegant simplicity of + an English child, riding on a stately goat, the saddle, bridle, and other + accoutrements of which were in a high degree costly and splendid. Before I + quit the subject of Hamburg, let me say, that I remained a day or two + longer than I otherwise should have done, in order to be present at the + feast of St. Michael, the patron saint of Hamburg, expecting to see the + civic pomp of this commercial Republic. I was however disappointed. There + were no processions, two or three sermons were preached to two or three + old women in two or three churches, and St. Michael and his patronage + wished elsewhere by the higher classes, all places of entertainment, + theatre, &c. being shut up on this day. In Hamburg, there seems to be + no religion at all; in Lubec it is confined to the women. The men seem + determined to be divorced from their wives in the other world, if they + cannot in this. You will not easily conceive a more singular sight, than + is presented by the vast aisle of the principal church at Lubec seen from + the organ-loft: for, being filled with female servants and persons in the + same class of life, and all their caps having gold and silver cauls, it + appears like a rich pavement of gold and silver. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I will conclude this letter with the mere transcription of notes, which my + friend W—— made of his conversations with Klopstock, during + the interviews that took place after my departure. On these I shall make + but one remark at present, and that will appear a presumptuous one, + namely, that Klopstock's remarks on the venerable sage of Königsburg + are to my own knowledge injurious and mistaken; and so far is it from + being true, that his system is now given up, that throughout the + Universities of Germany there is not a single professor who is not either + a Kantean or a disciple of Fichte, whose system is built on the Kantean, + and presupposes its truth; or lastly who, though an antagonist of Kant, as + to his theoretical work, has not embraced wholly or in part his moral + system, and adopted part of his nomenclature. 'Klopstock having wished to + see the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage415" id="Cpage415"></a>{415}</span> + CALVARY of Cumberland, and asked what was thought of it in England, I went + to Remnant's (the English bookseller) where I procured the Analytical + Review, in which is contained the review of Cumberland's CALVARY. I + remembered to have read there some specimens of a blank verse translation + of THE MESSIAH. I had mentioned this to Klopstock, and he had a great + desire to see them. I walked over to his house and put the book into his + hands. On adverting to his own poem, he told me he began THE MESSIAH when + he was seventeen: he devoted three entire years to the plan without + composing a single line. He was greatly at a loss in what manner to + execute his work. There were no successful specimens of versification in + the German language before this time. The first three cantos he wrote in a + species of measured or numerous prose. This, though done with much labour + and some success, was far from satisfying him. He had composed hexameters + both Latin and Greek as a school exercise, and there had been also in the + German language attempts in that style of versification. These were only + of very moderate merit.—One day he was struck with the idea of what + could be done in this way—he kept his room a whole day, even went + without his dinner, and found that in the evening he had written + twenty-three hexameters, versifying a part of what he had before written + in prose. From that time, pleased with his efforts, he composed no more in + prose. To-day he informed me that he had finished his plan before he read + Milton. He was enchanted to see an author who before him had trod the same + path. This is a contradiction of what he said before. He did not wish to + speak of his poem to any one till it was finished: but some of his friends + who had seen what he had finished, tormented him till he had consented to + publish a few books in a journal. He was then, I believe, very young, + about twenty-five. The rest was printed at different periods, four books + at a time. The reception given to the first specimens was highly + flattering. He was nearly thirty years in finishing the whole poem, but of + these thirty years not more than two were employed in the composition. He + only composed in favourable moments; besides he had other occupations. He + values himself upon the plan of his odes, and accuses the modern lyrical + writers of gross deficiency in this respect. I laid the same accusation + against Horace: he would not hear of it—but waived the discussion. + He called<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage416" id="Cpage416"></a>{416}</span> + Rousseau's ODE TO FORTUNE a moral dissertation in stanzas.<a + name="CFNanchor_230_230" id="CFNanchor_230_230"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_230_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a> I spoke of Dryden's + ST. CECILIA; but be did not seem familiar with our writers. He wished to + know the distinctions between our dramatic and epic blank verse. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He recommended me to read his HERMANN before I read either THE MESSIAH or + the odes. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage417" id="Cpage417"></a>{417}</span>He + flattered himself that some time or other his dramatic poems would be + known in England. He had not heard of Cowper. He thought that Voss in his + translation of THE ILIAD had done violence to the idiom of the Germans, + and had sacrificed it to the Greeks, not remembering sufficiently that + each language has its particular spirit and genius.<a + name="CFNanchor_231_231" id="CFNanchor_231_231"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_231_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a> He said Lessing was + the first of their dramatic writers. I complained of NATHAN as tedious. He + said there was not enough of action in it; but that Lessing was the most + chaste of their writers. He spoke favourably of Goethe; but said that his + SORROWS OF WERTER was his best work, better than any of his dramas: he + preferred the first written to the rest of Goethe's dramas. Schiller's + ROBBERS he found so extravagant, that he could not read it. I spoke of the + scene of the setting sun.<a name="CFNanchor_232_232" id="CFNanchor_232_232"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_232_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a> He did not know it. + He said Schiller could not live. He thought DON CARLOS the best of his + dramas; but said that the plot was inextricable.—It was evident he + knew little of Schiller's works: indeed, he said, he could not read them. + Bürger, he said, was a true poet, and would live; that Schiller, on + the contrary, must soon be forgotten; that he gave himself up to the + imitation of Shakespeare, who often was extravagant, but that Schiller was + ten thousand times more so.<a name="CFNanchor_233_233" + id="CFNanchor_233_233"></a><a href="#CFootnote_233_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage418" id="Cpage418"></a>{418}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He spoke very slightingly of Kotzebue, as an immoral author in the first + place, and next, as deficient in power. At Vienna, said he, they are + transported with him; but we do not reckon the people of Vienna either the + wisest or the wittiest people of Germany. He said Wieland was a charming + author, and a sovereign master of his own language: that in this respect + Goethe could not be compared to him, nor indeed could any body else. He + said that his fault was to be fertile to exuberance. I told him the OBERON + had just been translated into English. He asked me if I was not delighted + with the poem. I answered, that I thought the story began to flag about + the seventh or eighth book; and observed, that it was unworthy of a man of + genius to make the interest of a long poem turn entirely upon animal + gratification. He seemed at first disposed to excuse this by saying, that + there are different subjects for poetry, and that poets are not willing to + be restricted in their choice. I answered, that I thought the <i>passion</i> + of love as well suited to the purposes of poetry as any other passion; but + that it was a cheap way of pleasing to fix the attention of the reader + through a long poem on the mere <i>appetite</i>. Well! but, said he, you + see, that such poems please every body. I answered, that it was the + province of a great poet to raise people up to his own level, not to + descend to theirs. He agreed, and confessed, that on no account whatsoever + would he have written a work like the OBERON. He spoke in raptures of + Wieland's style, and pointed out the passage where Retzia is delivered of + her child, as exquisitely beautiful.<a name="CFNanchor_234_234" + id="CFNanchor_234_234"></a><a href="#CFootnote_234_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a><span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage419" id="Cpage419"></a>{419}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I said that I did not perceive any very striking passages; but that I made + allowance for the imperfections of a translation. Of the thefts of + Wieland, he said, they were so exquisitely managed, that the greatest + writers might be proud to steal as he did. He considered the books and + fables of old romance writers in the light of the ancient mythology, as a + sort of common property, from which a man was free to take whatever he + could make a good use of. An Englishman had presented him with the odes of + Collins, which he had read with pleasure. He knew little or nothing of + Gray, except his ELEGY written in a country CHURCH-YARD. He complained of + the fool in LEAR. I observed that he seemed to give a terrible wildness to + the distress; but still he complained. He asked whether it was not + allowed, that Pope had written rhymed poetry with more skill than any of + our writers—I said I preferred Dryden, because his couplets had + greater variety in their movement. He thought my reason a good one; but + asked whether the rhyme of Pope were not more exact. This question I + understood as applying to the final terminations, and observed to him that + I believed it was the case; but that I thought it was easy to excuse some + inaccuracy in the final sounds, if the general sweep of the verse was + superiour. I told him that we were not so exact with regard to the final + endings of lines as the French. He did not seem to know that we made no + distinction between masculine and feminine (i.e. single or double,) + rhymes: at least he put inquiries to me on this subject. He seemed to + think, that no language could be so far formed as that it might not be + enriched by idioms borrowed from another tongue. I said this was a very + dangerous practice; and added, that I thought Milton had often injured + both his prose and verse by taking this liberty too frequently. I + recommended to him the prose works of Dryden as models of pure and native + English. I was treading upon tender ground, as I have reason to suppose + that he has himself liberally indulged in the practice.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage420" id="Cpage420"></a>{420}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The same day I dined at Mr. Klopstock's, where I had the pleasure of a + third interview with the poet. We talked principally about indifferent + things. I asked him what he thought of Kant. He said that his reputation + was much on the decline in Germany. That for his own part he was not + surprised to find it so, as the works of Kant were to him utterly + incomprehensible—that he had often been pestered by the Kanteans; + but was rarely in the practice of arguing with them. His custom was to + produce the book, open it and point to a passage, and beg they would + explain it. This they ordinarily attempted to do by substituting their own + ideas. I do not want, I say, an explanation of your own ideas, but of the + passage which is before us. In this way I generally bring the dispute to + an immediate conclusion. He spoke of Wolfe as the first Metaphysician they + had in Germany. Wolfe had followers; but they could hardly be called a + sect, and luckily till the appearance of Kant, about fifteen years ago, + Germany had not been pestered by any sect of philosophers whatsoever; but + that each man had separately pursued his inquiries uncontrolled by the + dogmas of a master. Kant had appeared ambitious to be the founder of a + sect; that he had succeeded: but that the Germans were now coming to their + senses again. That Nicolai and Engel had in different ways contributed to + disenchant the nation;<a name="CFNanchor_235_235" id="CFNanchor_235_235"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_235_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a> but above all the + incomprehensibility of the philosopher and his philosophy. He seemed + pleased to hear, that as yet Kant's doctrines had not met with many + admirers in England—did not doubt but that we had too much wisdom to + be duped by a writer who set at defiance the common sense and common + understandings of men. We talked of tragedy. He seemed to rate highly the + power of exciting tears—I said that nothing was more easy than to + deluge an audience, that it was done every day by the meanest writers.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="blockquot"> + <p> + I must remind you, my friend, first, that these notes are not intended + as specimens of Klopstock's intellectual power, or even '<i>colloquial + prowess</i>,' to judge of which by an accidental conversation, and this + with strangers, and those two foreigners, would be not only + unreasonable, but calumnious. Secondly, I attribute little other + interest to the remarks than what is derived from the celebrity of the + person who made them. Lastly, if you ask me, whether I have read THE + MESSIAH, and what I think of it?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage421" + id="Cpage421"></a>{421}</span> I answer—as yet the first four + books only: and as to my opinion—(the reasons of which hereafter)—you + may guess it from what I could not help muttering to myself, when the + good pastor this morning told me, that Klopstock was the German Milton——'a + very <i>German</i> Milton indeed!!!'——Heaven preserve you, + and S.T. COLERIDGE. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage422" id="Cpage422"></a>{422}</span> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage423" id="Cpage423"></a>{423}</span> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="COLERIDGE" id="COLERIDGE"></a>(<i>b</i>) PERSONAL REMINISCENCES + (1836), BY THE HON. MR. JUSTICE COLERIDGE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1836 I went on the Northern Circuit with Baron Parke. We + took Bowness and Storrs, in our way from Appleby to Lancaster; and I + visited Wordsworth, and my dear friend Arnold from Storrs. It was my + fortune to have to try the great Hornby Castle cause, as it was called; + this I did at the end of the circuit, returning from Liverpool to + Lancaster for the purpose. Arnold was kind enough to lend me his house + (Foxhow) for the vacation; and when the circuit ended, my wife and + children accompanied me to it, and we remained there six weeks. During + that time Mr. and Mrs. Wordsworth were our only neighbours, and we + scarcely saw any one besides; but we needed no other addition to the + lovely and loveable country in which we were. He was extremely kind, both + in telling us where to go, and very often going with us. He was engaged in + correcting the press for a new edition of his poems. The London post, I + think, went out at 2 P.M., and then, he would say, he was at our service. + A walk with him in that country was a real treat: I never met with a man + who seemed to know a country and the people so well, or to love them + better, nor one who had such exquisite taste for rural scenery: he had + evidently cultivated it with great care; he not only admired the beauties, + but he could tell you what were the peculiar features in each scene, or + what the incidents to which it owed its peculiar charm. He combined, + beyond any man with whom I ever met, the unsophisticated poetic delight in + the beauties of nature with a somewhat artistic skill in developing the + sources and conditions of them. In examining the parts of a landscape he + would be minute; and he dealt with shrubs, flower-beds, and lawns with the + readiness of a practiced landscape-gardener. His own little grounds + afforded a beautiful specimen of his skill in this latter respect;<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage424" id="Cpage424"></a>{424}</span> and it + was curious to see how he had imparted the same faculty in some measure to + his gardener—James Dixon, I think, was his name. I found them + together one morning in the little lawn by the Mount. 'James and I,' said + he, 'are in a puzzle here. The grass here has spots which offend the eye; + and I told him we must cover them with soap-lees. "That," he says, "will + make the green there darker than the rest." "Then," I said, "we must cover + the whole." He objected: "That will not do with reference to the little + lawn to which you pass from this." "Cover that," I said. To which he + replies, "You will have an unpleasant contrast with the foliage + surrounding it."' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Beside this warm feeling and exquisite taste, which made him so delightful + a guide, his favourite spots had a human interest engrafted on them,—some + tradition, some incident, some connection with his own poetry, or himself, + or some dear friend. These he brought out in a striking way. Apart from + these, he was well pleased to discourse on poetry or poets; and here + appeared to me to be his principal scholarship. He was extremely well read + in English poetry; and he would in his walk review a poem or a poet with + admirable precision and fairness. He did not intrude his own poetry or + himself, but he did not decline to talk about either; and he spoke of both + simply, unboastingly, and yet with a manly consciousness of their worth. + It was clear he thought he had achieved a high place among poets: it had + been the aim of his life, humanly speaking; and he had taken worthy pains + to accomplish and prepare himself for the enterprise. He never would + sacrifice anything he thought right on reflection, merely to secure + present popularity, or avert criticism which he thought unfounded; but he + was a severe critic on himself, and would not leave a line or an + expression with which he was dissatisfied until he had brought it to what + he liked. He thought this due to the gift of poetry and the character of + the poet. Carelessness in the finish of composition he seemed to look on + almost as an offence. I remember well, that after speaking with love and + delight of a very popular volume of poetry, he yet found great fault with + the want of correctness and finish. Reciting one of the poems, and + pointing out inaccuracies in it, he said, 'I like the volume so much, + that, if I was the author, I think I should never rest till I had nearly + rewritten it.' No doubt he carried this in his own case to <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage425" id="Cpage425"></a>{425}</span>excess, + when he corrected so largely, in the decline of life, poems written in + early manhood, under a state of feelings and powers which it was + impossible to reproduce, and yet which was necessary, generally speaking, + for successful alteration. I cannot but agree with many who think that on + this account the earlier copies of his poems are more valuable than the + later. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 1836. <i>September</i>. Wednesday 21.—Wordsworth and I started in my + carriage for Lowther, crossed Kirkstone to Paterdale, by Ulleswater, going + through the Glenridding Walks,<a name="CFNanchor_236_236" + id="CFNanchor_236_236"></a><a href="#CFootnote_236_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a> + and calling at Hallsteads. We reached the castle time enough before dinner + for him to give me a walk. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After luncheon, on Thursday 22d, we had an open carriage, and proceeded to + Haweswater. It is a fine lake, entirely unspoilt by bad taste. On one side + the bank rises high and steep, and is well clothed with wood; on the other + it is bare and more sloping. Wordsworth conveyed a personal interest in it + to me, by telling me that it was the first lake which my uncle<a + name="CFNanchor_237_237" id="CFNanchor_237_237"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_237_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> had seen on his + coming into this country: he was in company with Wordsworth and his + brother John. Wordsworth pointed out to me somewhere about the spot on the + hill-side, a little out of the track, from which they first saw the lake; + and said, he well remembered how his face brightened, and how much delight + he appeared to feel. Yesterday morning we returned to this place. We + called on our way and took our luncheon at Hallsteads, and also called at + Paterdale Hall. At both it was gratifying to see the cordial manner of + W.'s reception: he seemed loved and honoured; and his manner was of easy, + hearty, kindness to them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + My tour with him was very agreeable, and I wish I could preserve in my + memory more of his conversation than I shall<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage426" id="Cpage426"></a>{426}</span> be able to do. I was + anxious to get from him anecdotes of himself and my uncle, and of their + works. He told me of himself, that his first verses were a Popian copy + written at school on the 'Pleasure of Change;' then he wrote another on + the 'Second Centenary of the School's Foundation;' that he had written + these verses on the holidays, and on the return to school; that he was + rather the poet of the school. The first verses from which he remembered + to have received great pleasure, were Miss Carter's 'Poem on Spring,' a + poem in the six-line stanza, which he was particularly fond of, and had + composed much in, for example, 'Ruth.' He said there was some foundation + in fact, however slight, for every poem he had written of a narrative + kind; so slight indeed, sometimes, as hardly to deserve the name; for + example, 'The Somnambulist' was wholly built on the fact of a girl at + Lyulph's Tower being a sleep-walker; and 'The Water Lily,' on a ship + bearing that name. 'Michael' was founded on the son of an old couple + having become dissolute and run away from his parents; and on an old + shepherd having been seven years in building up a sheepfold in a solitary + valley: 'The Brothers,' on a young shepherd, in his sleep, having fallen + down a crag, his staff remaining suspended midway. Many incidents he + seemed to have drawn from the narration of Mrs. Wordsworth, or his sister, + 'Ellen' for example, in 'The Excursion;' and they must have told their + stories well, for he said his principle had been to give the oral part as + nearly as he could in the very words of the speakers, where he narrated a + real story, dropping, of course, all vulgarisms or provincialisms, and + borrowing sometimes a Bible turn of expression: these former were mere + accidents, not essential to the truth in representing how the human heart + and passions worked; and to give these last faithfully was his object. If + he was to have any name hereafter, his hope was on this, and he did think + he had in some instances succeeded;<a name="CFNanchor_238_238" + id="CFNanchor_238_238"></a><a href="#CFootnote_238_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> + that the sale of his poems increased<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage427" id="Cpage427"></a>{427}</span> among the classes below the + middle; and he had had, constantly, statements made to him of the effect + produced in reading 'Michael' and other such of his poems. I added my + testimony of being unable to read it aloud without interruption from my + own feelings. 'She was a phantom of delight' he said was written on 'his + dear wife,' of whom he spoke in the sweetest manner; a manner full of the + warmest love and admiration, yet with delicacy and reserve. He very much + and repeatedly regretted that my uncle had written so little verse; he + thought him so eminently qualified, by his very nice ear, his great skill + in metre, and his wonderful power and happiness of expression. He + attributed, in part, his writing so little, to the extreme care and labour + which he applied in elaborating his metres. He said, that when he was + intent on a new experiment in metre, the time and labour he bestowed were + inconceivable; that he was quite an epicure in sound. Latterly he thought + he had so much acquired the habit of analysing his feelings, and making + them matter for a theory or argument, that he had rather dimmed his + delight in the beauties of nature and injured his poetical powers. He said + he had no idea how 'Christabelle' was to have been finished, and he did + not think my uncle had ever conceived, in his own mind, any definite plan + for it; that the poem had been composed while they were in habits of daily + intercourse, and almost in his presence, and when there was the most + unreserved intercourse between them as to all their literary projects and + productions, and he had never heard from him any plan for finishing it. + Not that he doubted my uncle's <i>sincerity</i> in his subsequent + assertions to the contrary; because, he said, schemes of this sort passed + rapidly and vividly through his mind, and so impressed him, that he often + fancied he had arranged things, which really and upon trial proved to be + mere embryos. I omitted to ask him, what seems obvious enough now, + whether, in conversing about it, he had never asked my uncle how it would + end. The answer would have settled the question. He regretted that the + story had not been made to end the same night in which it begun. There was + difficulty and danger in bringing such a personage as the witch to the + daylight, and the breakfast-table; and unless the poem was to have been + long enough to give time for creating a second interest, there was a great + probability of the conclusion being flat after such a commencement. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage428" id="Cpage428"></a>{428}</span> + </p> + <p> + A great number of my uncle's sonnets, he said, were written from the 'Cat + and Salutation,' or a public-house with some such name, in Smithfield, + where my uncle imprisoned himself for some time; and they appeared in a + newspaper, I think he said the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He remembered his writing a great part of the translation of + 'Wallenstein,' and he said there was nothing more astonishing than the + ease and rapidity with which it was done. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Sept. 29th, Foxhow</i>.—We are just setting out, in a promising + day, for a second trip to Keswick, intending, if possible, to penetrate + into Wastdale, over the Sty Head. Before I go, I wish to commemorate a + walk with the Poet, on a drizzly muddy day, the turf sponging out water at + every step, through which he stalked as regardless as if he were of iron, + and with the same fearless, unchanged pace over rough and smooth, slippery + and sound. We went up by the old road<a name="CFNanchor_239_239" + id="CFNanchor_239_239"></a><a href="#CFootnote_239_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a> + from Ambleside to Keswick, and struck off from the table-land on the left, + over the fell ground, till he brought me out on a crag, bounded, as it + were, by two ascents, and showing me in front, as in a frame, Grasmere + Lake, 'the one green island,' the church, village, &c., and the + surrounding mountains. It is a lovely scene, strikingly described in his + verses beginning, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'When to the attractions of the busy world,<br /></span> <span>Preferring + studious leisure,' &c.<a name="CFNanchor_240_240" + id="CFNanchor_240_240"></a><a href="#CFootnote_240_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Oct. 7th</i>.—Yesterday Wordsworth drove me to Low-wovel; and + then we ascended a great way towards Kirkstone by Troutbeck, passing by + many interesting cots, barns, and farm-houses, where W. had constantly + something to point out in the architecture, or the fringes of moss, fern, + &c., on the roofs or walls. We crossed the valley, and descended on + Troutbeck Church, whence we came down to the turnpike road, and I left the + Poet, who was going on to assist Sir T. Pasley in laying out his grounds. + I turned homeward, till I met my horse. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage429" id="Cpage429"></a>{429}</span>As + we walked, I was admiring the never-ceasing sound of water, so remarkable + in this country. 'I was walking,' he said, 'on the mountains, with ——, + the Eastern traveller; it was after rain, and the torrents were full. I + said, "I hope you like your companions—these bounding, joyous, + foaming streams." "No," said the traveller, pompously, "I think they are + not to be compared in delightful effect with the silent solitude of the + Arabian Desert." My mountain blood was up. I quickly observed that he had + boots and a stout great-coat on, and said, "I am sorry you don't like + this; perhaps I can show you what will please you more." I strode away, + and led him from crag to crag, hill to vale, and vale to hill, for about + six hours; till I thought I should have had to bring him home, he was so + tired.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>October 10th</i>.—I have passed a great many hours to-day with + Wordsworth, in his house. I stumbled on him with proof sheets before him. + He read me nearly all the sweet stanzas written in his copy of the 'Castle + of Indolence,'<a name="CFNanchor_241_241" id="CFNanchor_241_241"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_241_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a> describing himself + and my uncle; and he and Mrs. W. both assured me the description of the + latter at that time was perfectly accurate; that he was almost as a great + boy in feelings, and had all the tricks and fancies there described. Mrs. + W. seemed to look back on him, and those times, with the fondest + affection. Then he read me some lines, which formed part of a suppressed + portion of 'The Waggoner;' but which he is now printing 'on the Rock of + Names,' so called because on it they had carved out their initials: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + W.W. Wm. Wordsworth.<br /> M.H. Mary W.<br /> D.W. Dorothy Wordsworth.<br /> + S.T.C. Samuel Taylor Coleridge.<br /> J.W. John Wordsworth.<br /> S.H. Sarah + Hutchinson.<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This rock was about a mile beyond Wythburn Chapel, to which they used to + accompany my uncle, in going to Keswick from Grasmere, and where they + would meet him when he returned. This led him to read much of 'The + Waggoner' to me. It seems a very favourite poem of his, and he read me + splendid descriptions from it. He said his object in it had not been <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage430" id="Cpage430"></a>{430}</span>understood. + It was a play of the fancy on a domestic incident and lowly character: he + wished by the opening descriptive lines to put his reader into the state + of mind in which he wished it to be read. If he failed in doing that, he + wished him to lay it down. He pointed out, with the same view, the glowing + lines on the state of exultation in which Ben and his companions are under + the influence of liquor. Then he read the sickening languor of the morning + walk, contrasted with the glorious uprising of Nature, and the songs of + the birds. Here he has added about six most exquisite lines. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We walked out on the turf terrace, on the Loughrigg side of Rydal Water. + Most exquisitely did the lake and opposite bank look. Thence he led me + home under Loughrigg, through lovely spots I had never seen before. His + conversation was on critical subjects, arising out of his attempts to + alter his poems. He said he considered 'The White Doe' as, in conception, + the highest work he had ever produced. The mere physical action was all + unsuccessful; but the true action of the poem was spiritual—the + subduing of the will, and all inferior passions, to the perfect purifying + and spiritualising of the intellectual nature; while the Doe, by + connection with Emily, is raised as it were from its mere animal nature + into something mysterious and saint-like. He said he should devote much + labour to perfecting the execution of it in the mere business parts, in + which, from anxiety 'to get on' with the more important parts, he was + sensible that imperfections had crept in, which gave the style a + feebleness of character. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He talked of Milton, and observed how he sometimes indulged himself, in + the 'Paradise Lost,' in lines which, if not in time, you could hardly call + verse, instancing, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and then noticed the sweet-flowing lines which followed, and with regard + to which he had no doubt the unmusical line before had been inserted. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Paradise Regained' he thought the most perfect in <i>execution</i> of + anything written by Milton; that and the 'Merchant of Venice,' in + language, he thought were almost faultless: with the exception of some + little straining in some of the speeches about the caskets, he said, they + were perfect, the genuine <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage431" + id="Cpage431"></a>{431}</span>English expressions of the ideas of their + own great minds. Thomson he spoke of as a real poet, though it appeared + less in his 'Seasons' than in his other poems. He had wanted some + judicious adviser to correct his taste; but every person he had to deal + with only served to injure it. He had, however, a true love and feeling + for Nature, and a greater share of poetical imagination, as distinguished + from dramatic, than any man between Milton and him. As he stood looking at + Ambleside, seen across the valley, embosomed in wood, and separated from + us at sufficient distance, he quoted from Thomson's 'Hymn on Solitude,' + and suggested the addition, or rather insertion, of a line at the close, + where he speaks of glancing at London from Norwood. The line, he said, + should have given something of a more favourable impression: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Ambition——<a name="CFNanchor_242_242" id="CFNanchor_242_242"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_242_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> and pleasure vain.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>October 14th, Foxhow</i>.—We have had a delightful day to-day. + The weather being fine, Wordsworth agreed to go with us into Easedale; so + we got three ponies, for Mary and Madge, and Fred and Alley, alternately, + and walked from Grasmere, he <i>trudging</i><a name="CFNanchor_243_243" + id="CFNanchor_243_243"></a><a href="#CFootnote_243_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> + before, with his green gauze shade over his eyes, and in his plaid jacket + and waistcoat. First, he turned aside at a little farm-house, and took us + into a swelling field, to look down on the tumbling stream which bounded + it, and which we saw precipitated at a distance, in a broad white sheet, + from the mountain. A beautiful water-break of the same stream was before + us at our feet, and he noticed the connection which it formed in the + landscape with the distant waterfall. Then, as he mused for an instant, he + said, 'I have often thought what a solemn thing it would be, if we could + have brought to our mind, at once, all the scenes of distress and misery, + which any spot, however beautiful and calm before us, has been witness to + since the beginning. That water-break, with the glassy, quiet pool beneath + it, that looks so lovely, and presents no images to the mind but of peace,—there, + I remember, the only son of his father, a poor man, who lived yonder, was + drowned. He missed him, came to search, and saw his body dead in the + pool.' We pursued our way up the stream, not a very easy way for the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage432" id="Cpage432"></a>{432}</span> horses, + near to the waterfall before mentioned, and so gradually up to the Tarn. + Oh, what a scene! The day one of the softest and brightest in autumn; the + lights various; the mountains in the richest colouring, fern covering them + with reddish gold in great part; here and there, trees in every variety of + autumn foliage; and the rock itself of a kind of lilac tint; the outlines + of the mountains very fine; the Tarn, which might almost be called a lake + for size and abundance of water, with no culture, or trees, or habitation + around it, here and there a great rock stretching into it like a + promontory, and high mountains surrounding it on three sides, on two of + them almost precipitate; on the fourth side, it is more open, and on this + the stream, crossed by four great stepping-stones, runs out of it, and + descends into Grasmere vale and lake. He pointed out the precipitous + mountain at the head of the Tarn, and told us an incident of his sister + and himself coming from Langdale, which lies on the other side. He having + for some reason parted, she encountered a fog, and was bewildered. At + last, she sat down and waited; in a short time it began to clear; she + could see that a valley was before her. In time, she saw the backs of + cattle feeding, which emerged from the darkness, and at last the Tarn; and + then found she had stopped providentially, and was sitting nearly on the + edge of the precipice. Our return was somewhat more perilous for the + riders than the ascent; but we accomplished it safely, and, in our return, + turned in Butterlip How, a circular, soft, green hill, surrounded with oak + trees, at the head of Grasmere. It is about twenty acres, and belongs to a + London banker, purchased, as I suppose, with a view to building on it. It + is a lovely spot for a house, with delicious views of the lake and church, + Easedale, Helm Crag, &c. I have seen no place, I think, on which I + should so much like to build my retreat. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>October 16th</i>.—Since church, we have taken our last walk with + Wordsworth. M. was mounted on Dora W.'s pony. He led us up on Loughrigg, + round to the Tarn, by the back of Loughrigg to the foot of Grasmere Lake, + and so home by this side of Rydal; the weather warm and fine, and a lovely + walk it was. The views of the mountains, Langdale Way, the Tarn itself and + its banks, and the views on Grasmere and Rydal Waters, are almost beyond + anything I have seen, even in this country.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage433" id="Cpage433"></a>{433}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He and Mrs. W. came this evening to bid us farewell. We parted with great, + I believe mutual, regret; certainly they have been kind to us in a way and + degree which seemed unequivocally to testify good liking to us, and them + it is impossible not to love. The more I have seen of Wordsworth, the more + I admire him as a poet and as a man. He has the finest and most + discriminating feeling for the beauties of Nature that I ever witnessed; + he expresses himself in glowing and yet manly language about them. There + is much simplicity in his character, much <i>naïveté</i>, but + it is all generous and highly moral.<a name="CFNanchor_244_244" + id="CFNanchor_244_244"></a><a href="#CFootnote_244_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="ROBINSON" id="ROBINSON"></a>(<i>c</i>) RECOLLECTIONS OF TOUR IN + ITALY, BY H.C. ROBINSON. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Oct. 18. 1850.</span><br /> <br /> MY DEAR + SIR,<br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I feel quite ashamed, I assure you, of sending you the Itinerary of my + journey with Mr. Wordsworth, so poorly accompanied as it must be, and the + more, because Mr. Wordsworth seems to have thought that I might be able to + make a contribution to your work worth your acceptance. At the same time, + I am much relieved by recollecting that he himself cared nothing for the + connection which a place might have with a great poet, unless an + acquaintance with it served to illustrate his works. He made this remark + in the Church of St. Onofrio at Rome, where Tasso lies buried. The place + which, on this account, interested him more than any other on the journey + was <i>Vaucluse</i>, while he cared nothing for Arezzo, which claims to be + the place of Petrarch's birth. Indeed, a priest on the spot, on another + visit, said it is not certain that he was born there, much less in the + house marked with his name. Mr. W. was not without the <i>esprit de corps</i>, + even before his official dignity, and took great interest in Savona, on + account of Chiabrera, as appears in the 'Musings near Aquapendente,' + perhaps the most beautiful of these Memorials of the Italian tour—'alas + too few!' As he himself repeatedly said of the journey, 'It is too late.' + 'I have matter for volumes,' he said once, 'had I but youth to work it + up.' It is remarkable how in this admirable poem meditation predominates + over observation. It often happened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage434" + id="Cpage434"></a>{434}</span> that objects of universal attraction served + chiefly to bring back to his mind absent objects dear to him. When we were + on that noble spot, the Amphitheatre at Nismes, I observed his eyes fixed + in a direction where there was the least to be seen; and, looking that + way, I beheld two very young children at play with flowers; and I + overheard him say to himself, 'Oh! you darlings, I wish I could put you in + my pocket and carry you to Rydal Mount.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Theed, the sculptor, who informed us of the pine tree being the + gift of Sir George Beaumont. This incident occurred within a few minutes + after our walking up the Pincian Hill. And this was the very first + observation Mr. W. made at Rome. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was a remark justly made on the Memorials of the Swiss Journey in 1820, + that Mr. W. left unnoticed the great objects which have given rise to + innumerable common-place verses and huge piles of bad prose, and which + every body talks about, while he dwelt on impressions peculiar to himself. + As a reproach, nothing can be more idle and unmeaning. I expected it would + be so with these latter poems, and so I found it. There are not more than + two others which bring anything to my mind. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The most important of these is the 'Cuckoo at Laverna.' I recollect + perfectly well that I heard the cuckoo at Laverna twice before he heard + it; and that it absolutely fretted him that my ear was first favoured; and + that he exclaimed with delight, 'I hear it! I hear it!' It was at Laverna, + too, that he led me to expect that he had found a subject on which he + would write; and that was the love which birds bore to St. Francis. He + repeated to me a short time afterwards a few lines, which I do not + recollect among those he has written on St. Francis in this poem. On the + journey, one night only I heard him in bed composing verses, and on the + following day I offered to be his amanuensis; but I was not patient + enough, I fear, and he did not employ me a second time. He made inquiries + for St. Francis's biography, as if he would dub him his Leib-heiliger + (body-saint), as Goethe (saying that every one must have one) declared St. + Philip Neri to be his. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The painter monk at Camaldoli also interested him, but he heard my account + only in addition to a <i>very poor</i> exhibition of professional talent; + but he would not allow the pictures to be<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage435" id="Cpage435"></a>{435}</span> so very poor, as every nun + ought to be beautiful when she takes the veil. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I recollect, too, the pleasure he expressed when I said to him, 'You are + now sitting in Dante's chair.' It faces the south transept of the + cathedral at Florence. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been often asked whether Mr. W. wrote anything on the journey, and + my answer has always been, 'Little or nothing.' Seeds were cast into the + earth, and they took root slowly. This reminds me that I once was privy to + the conception of a sonnet, with a distinctness which did not once occur + on the longer Italian journey. This was when I accompanied him into the + Isle of Man. We had been drinking tea with Mr. and Mrs. Cookson, and left + them when the weather was dull. Very soon after leaving them we passed the + church tower of Bala Sala. The upper part of the tower had a sort of + frieze of yellow lichens. Mr. W. pointed it out to me, and said, 'It's a + perpetual sunshine.' I thought no more of it, till I read the beautiful + sonnet, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Broken in fortune, but in mind entire;'<a name="CFNanchor_245_245" + id="CFNanchor_245_245"></a><a href="#CFootnote_245_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and then I exclaimed, I was present at the conception of this sonnet, at + least of the combination of thought out of which it arose. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I beg to subscribe myself, with sincere esteem, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Faithfully yours,</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 12.5em;">H.C. ROBINSON.<a name="CFNanchor_246_246" + id="CFNanchor_246_246"></a><a href="#CFootnote_246_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a></span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + (<i>d</i>) REMINISCENCES OF WORDSWORTH. + </h3> + <p> + <a name="RICHARDSON" id="RICHARDSON"></a> + </p> + <div class="center"> + BY LADY RICHARDSON, AND MRS. DAVY, OF THE OAKS, AMBLESIDE. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + (1.) LADY RICHARDSON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">Lancrigg, Easedale, August 26. 1841.</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth made some striking remarks on Goethe in a walk on the terrace + yesterday. He thinks that the German poet is greatly overrated, both in + this country and his own. He said, 'He does not seem to me to be a great + poet in either of the classes of poets. At the head of the first class I + would place Homer and Shakspeare, whose universal minds are able to reach + every variety of thought and feeling without bringing their own <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage436" id="Cpage436"></a>{436}</span>individuality + before the reader. They infuse, they breathe life into every object they + approach, but you never find <i>themselves</i>. At the head of the second + class, those whom you can trace individually in all they write, I would + place Spenser and Milton. In all that Spenser writes you can trace the + gentle affectionate spirit of the man; in all that Milton writes you find + the exalted sustained being that he was. Now in what Goethe writes, who + aims to be of the first class, the <i>universal</i>, you find the man + himself, the artificial man, where he should not be found; so consider him + a very artificial writer, aiming to be universal, and yet constantly + exposing his individuality, which his character was not of a kind to + dignify. He had not sufficiently clear moral perceptions to make him + anything but an artificial writer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, the 2d of May, Wordsworth and Miss F. came early to walk about + and dine. He was in a very happy kindly mood. We took a walk on the + terrace, and he went as usual to his favourite points. On our return he + was struck with the berries on the holly tree, and said, 'Why should not + you and I go and pull some berries from the other side of the tree, which + is not seen from the window? and then we can go and plant them in the + rocky ground behind the house.' We pulled the berries, and set forth with + our tool. I made the holes, and the Poet put in the berries. He was as + earnest and eager about it, as if it had been a matter of importance; and + as he put the seeds in, he every now and then muttered, in his low solemn + tone, that beautiful verse from Burns's 'Vision:' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And wear thou this, she solemn said,<br /></span> <span>And bound + the holly round my head.<br /></span> <span>The polished leaves and + berries red<br /></span> <span class="i6">Did rustling play;<br /></span> + <span>And like a passing thought she fled<br /></span> <span class="i6">In + light away.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He clambered to the highest rocks in the 'Tom Intake,' and put in the + berries in such situations as Nature sometimes does with such true and + beautiful effect. He said, 'I like to do this for posterity. Some people + are selfish enough to say, What has posterity done for me? but the past + does much for us.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage437" id="Cpage437"></a>{437}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + (II.) ADDITIONAL SENT TO THE PRESENT EDITOR BY LADY RICHARDSON. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>August 28th</i>, 1841.—Mr. Wordsworth, Miss Fenwick, and Mrs. + Hill came to dine, and it rained on the whole day, but happily the Poet + talked on from two to eight without being weary, as we certainly were not. + After dinner, when we came to the drawing-room, the conversation turned on + the treatment of Wordsworth by the reviews of the day. I had never heard + him open out on it before, and was much struck with the manner in which he + did it; from his present elevation looking calmly back on the past, and at + the same time feeling that an irreparable injury had been done to him at + the time when life and hope were young. As nearly as I can I shall record + his words as they were spoken. He said: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'At the time I resolved to dedicate myself to poetry and separate myself + from the ordinary lucrative professions, it would certainly have been a + great object to me to have reaped the profits I should have done from my + writings but for the stupidity of Mr. Gifford and the impertinence of Mr. + Jeffrey. It would have enabled me to purchase many books which I could not + obtain, and I should have gone to Italy earlier, which I never could + afford to do until I was sixty-five, when Moxon gave me a thousand pounds + for my writings. This was the only kind of injury Mr. Jeffrey did me, for + I immediately perceived that his mind was of that kind that his individual + opinion on poetry was of no consequence to me whatever, that it was only + by the influence his periodical exercised at the time in preventing my + poems being read and sold that he could injure me; for feeling that my + writings were founded on what was true and spiritual in human nature, I + knew the time would come when they must be known, and I never therefore + felt his opinion of the slightest value, except in preventing the young of + that generation from receiving impressions which might have been of use to + them through life. I say this, I hope not in a boasting spirit, but I am + now daily surprised by receiving letters from various places at home and + abroad expressive of gratitude to me from persons I never saw or heard of. + As this occurs now, I may fairly conclude that it might have been so when + the poems appeared, but for the tyranny exercised over public opinion by + the <i>Edinburgh</i> and <i>Quarterly Reviews</i>.'<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage438" id="Cpage438"></a>{438}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>December</i> 1841.—Wordsworth and Miss Fenwick spent the shortest + day of the year with us; he brought with him his Epitaph on Southey, and + as we sat round the fire after dinner, my mother asked him to read it to + us, which he did in his usual impressive manner. He asked our impression + of it. My mother ventured to tell him of one word, or rather two, which + she thought might be altered with advantage. They were these: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Wide was his range, but ne'er in human breast<br /></span> <span>Did + private feeling find a holier nest.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Holier nest' were the words she objected to, as not being a correct union + of ideas. He took the suggestion most kindly, and said it had been much + discussed in his own mind and in his family circle, but that he saw the + force of what she said, and that he was aware many others would see it + also. He said there was yet time to change it, and that he should consult + Judge Coleridge whether the line, as he once had it, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Did private feeling meet in holier rest,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + would not be more appropriate to the simplicity of an epitaph where you + con every word, and where every word is expected to bear an exact meaning. + We all thought this was an improvement. During tea he talked with great + animation of the separation of feeling between the rich and poor in this + country; the reason of this he thinks is the greater freedom we enjoy; + that the line of demarcation not being so clearly laid down in this + country by the law as in others, people fancy they must make it for + themselves. He considers Christianity the only cure for this state of + things. He spoke of his own desire to carry out the feeling of brotherhood + with regard to servants, which he all along endeavoured to do. He doubted + whether he might not have had better servants on a different system; but + he thought it right to endeavour to inspire your domestics with a feeling + of common interest. My mother said she entirely agreed with him, but she + had always found it most difficult. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + (III.) LADY RICHARDSON (CONTINUED). + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>November</i> 1843.—Wordsworth holds the critical power very low, + infinitely lower than the inventive; and he said to-day that if the + quantity of time considered in writing critiques on the works of others + were given to original composition, of<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage439" id="Cpage439"></a>{439}</span> whatever kind it might be, + it would be much better employed; it would make a man find out sooner his + own level, and it would do infinitely less mischief. A false or malicious + criticism may do much injury to the minds of others; a stupid invention, + either in prose or verse, is quite harmless. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>December</i> 22<i>d</i>, 1843.—The shortest day is past, and it + was a very pleasant one to us, for Wordsworth and Miss Fenwick offered to + spend it with us. They came early, and, although it was misty and dingy, + he proposed to walk up Easedale. We went by the terrace, and through the + little gate on the Fell, round by Brimmer Head, having diverged a little + up from Easedale, nearly as far as the ruined cottage. He said, when he + and his sister wandered there so much, that cottage was inhabited by a man + of the name of Benson, a waller, its last inhabitant. He said on the + terrace, 'This is a striking anniversary to me; for this day forty-four + years ago, my sister and I took up our abode at Grasmere, and three days + after we found out this walk, which long remained our favourite haunt.' + There is always something very touching in his way of speaking of his + sister; the tones of his voice become more gentle and solemn, and he + ceases to have that flow of expression which is so remarkable in him on + all other subjects. It is as if the sadness connected with her present + condition was too much for him to dwell upon in connection with the past, + although habit and the 'omnipotence of circumstance' have made its daily + presence less oppressive to his spirits. He said that his sister spoke + constantly of their early days, but more of the years they spent together + in other parts of England than those at Grasmere. As we proceeded on our + walk he happened to speak of the frequent unhappiness of married persons, + and the low and wretched principles on which the greater number of + marriages were formed. He said that unless there was a strong foundation + of love and respect, the 'unavoidable breaks and cataracts' of domestic + life must soon end in mutual aversion, for that married life ought not to + be in theory, and assuredly it never was in practice, a system of mere + submission on either side, but it should be a system of mutual cooperation + for the good of each. If the wife is always expected to conceal her + difference of opinion from her husband, she ceases to be an equal, and the + man loses the advantage which the marriage tie is intended to provide for + him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage440" id="Cpage440"></a>{440}</span> + in a civilised and Christian country. He then went on to say, that, + although he never saw an amiable single woman without wishing that she + were married, from his strong feeling of the happiness of a well-assorted + marriage, yet he was far from thinking that marriage always improved + people. It certainly did not, unless it was a congenial marriage.<a + name="CFNanchor_247_247" id="CFNanchor_247_247"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_247_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + (IV.) Mrs. DAVY. + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 25em;">'The Oaks, Ambleside, Monday, Jan. 22. + 1844.</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + While Mrs. Quillinan was sitting with us to-day, Henry Fletcher ran in to + say that he had reserved his summons for Oxford (he had been in suspense + about rooms as an exhibitioner at Balliol), and must be off within an + hour. His young cousins and I went down with him to wait for the mail in + the marketplace. We found Mr. Wordsworth walking about before the + post-office door in very charming mood. His spirits were excited by the + bright morning sunshine, and he entered at once on a full flow of + discourse. He looked very benevolently on Henry as he mounted on the top + of the coach, and seemed quite disposed to give an old man's blessing to + the young man entering on an untried field, and then (nowise interrupted + by the hurrying to and fro of ostlers with their smoking horses, or + passengers with their carpet bags) he launched into a dissertation, in + which there was, I thought, a remarkable union of his powerful diction, + and his practical, thoughtful good sense, on the subject of college + habits, and of his utter distrust of all attempts to nurse virtue by an + avoidance of temptation. He expressed also his entire want of confidence + (from experience he said) of highly-wrought religious expression in youth. + The safest training for the mind in religion he considered to be a + contemplating of the character and personal history of Christ. 'Work it,' + he said, 'into your thoughts, into your imagination, make it a real + presence in the mind.' I was rejoiced to hear this plain, loving + confession of a Christian faith from Wordsworth. I never heard one more + earnest, more as if it came out of a devoutly believing heart.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage441" id="Cpage441"></a>{441}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 11em;">The Oaks, March 5. 1844.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On our way to Lancrigg to-day, we called at Foxhow. We met Mr. Wordsworth + there, and asked him to go with us. It was a beautiful day, one of his + very own 'mild days' of this month. He kindly consented, and walked with + us to meet the carriage at Pelter Bridge. On our drive, he mentioned, with + marked pleasure, a dedication written by Mr. Keble, and sent to him for + his approval, and for his permission to have it prefixed to Mr. Keble's + new volumes of Latin Lectures on Poetry delivered at Oxford. Mr. + Wordsworth said that he had never seen any estimate of his poetical + powers, or more especially of his aims in poetry, that appeared to him so + discriminating and so satisfactory. He considers praise a perilous and a + difficult thing. On this subject he often quotes his lamented friend, Sir + George Beaumont, whom, in his intercourse with men of genius, literary + aspirants, he describes as admirable in the modesty which he inculcated + and practised on this head. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Oaks, Ambleside, July 11. 1844. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Wordsworth at dinner, along with our family party. Mr. and + Mrs. Price (from Rugby), two aunts of Mrs. P.'s, and her brother, Mr. + Rose, a young clergyman (a devout admirer of Wordsworth), joined us at + tea. A circle was made as large as our little parlour could hold. Mr. + Price sat next to Mr. Wordsworth, and by design or fortunate accident, + introduced some remark on the powers and the discourse of Coleridge. Mr. + Wordsworth entered heartily and largely on the subject. He said that the + liveliest and truest image he could give of Coleridge's talk was 'that of + a majestic river, the sound or sight of whose course you caught at + intervals, which was sometimes concealed by forests, sometimes lost in + sand, then came flashing out broad and distinct, then again took a turn + which your eye could not follow, yet you knew and felt that it was the + same river: so,' he said, 'there was always a train, a stream, in + Coleridge's discourse, always a connection between its parts in his own + mind, though one not always perceptible to the minds of others.' Mr. + Wordsworth went on to say, that in his opinion Coleridge had been spoilt + as a poet by going to Germany. The bent of his mind, which was at all + times very much to metaphysical theology, had there been fixed in that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage442" id="Cpage442"></a>{442}</span>direction. + 'If it had not been so,' said Wordsworth, 'he would have been the + greatest, the most abiding poet of his age. His very faults would have + made him popular (meaning his sententiousness and laboured strain), while + he had enough of the essentials of a poet to make him deservedly popular + in a higher sense.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Price soon after mentioned a statement of Coleridge's respecting + himself, recorded in his 'Table Talk,' namely, that a visit to the + battle-field of Marathon would raise in him no kindling emotion, and asked + Mr. Wordsworth whether this was true as a token of his mind. At first Mr. + Wordsworth said, 'Oh! that was a mere bravado, for the sake of astonishing + his hearers!' but then, correcting himself, he added, 'And yet it might in + some sense be true, for Coleridge was not under the influence of external + objects. He had extraordinary powers of summoning up an image or series of + images in his own mind, and he might mean that his idea of Marathon was so + vivid, that no visible observation could make it more so.' 'A remarkable + instance of this,' added Mr. Wordsworth, 'is his poem, said to be + "composed in the Vale of Chamouni." Now he never was at Chamouni, or near + it, in his life.' Mr. Wordsworth next gave a somewhat humorous account of + the rise and progress of the 'Ancient Mariner.' 'It arose,' he said, 'out + of the want of five pounds which Coleridge and I needed to make a tour + together in Devonshire. We agreed to write jointly a poem, the subject of + which Coleridge took from a dream which a friend of his had once dreamt + concerning a person suffering under a dire curse from the commission of + some crime.' 'I,' said Wordsworth, 'supplied the crime, the shooting of + the albatross, from an incident I had met with in one of Shelvocke's + voyages. We tried the poem conjointly for a day or two, but we pulled + different ways, and only a few lines of it are mine.' From Coleridge, the + discourse then turned to Scotland. Mr. Wordsworth, in his best manner, + with earnest thoughts given out in noble diction, gave his reasons for + thinking that as a poet Scott would not live. 'I don't like,' he said, 'to + say all this, or to take to pieces some of the best reputed passages of + Scott's verse, especially in presence of my wife, because she thinks me + too fastidious; but as a poet Scott <i>cannot</i> live, for<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage443" id="Cpage443"></a>{443}</span> he has + never in verse written anything addressed to the immortal part of man. In + making amusing stories in verse, he will be superseded by some newer + versifier; what he writes in the way of natural description is merely + rhyming nonsense.' As a prose writer, Mr. Wordsworth admitted that Scott + had touched a higher vein, because there he had really dealt with feeling + and passion. As historical novels, professing to give the manners of a + past time, he did not attach much value to those works of Scott's so + called, because that he held to be an attempt in which success was + impossible. This led to some remarks on historical writing, from which it + appeared that Mr. Wordsworth has small value for anything but contemporary + history. He laments that Dr. Arnold should have spent so much of his time + and powers in gathering up and putting into imaginary shape the scattered + fragments of the history of Rome.<a name="CFNanchor_248_248" + id="CFNanchor_248_248"></a><a href="#CFootnote_248_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + These scraps of Wordsworth's large, thoughtful, earnest discourse, seem + very meagre as I note them down, and in themselves perhaps hardly worth + preserving and yet this is an evening which those who spent it in his + company will long remember. His venerable head; his simple, natural, and + graceful attitude in his arm-chair; his respectful attention to the + slightest remarks or suggestions of others in relation to what was spoken + of; his kindly benevolence of expression as he looked round now and then + on the circle in our little parlour, all bent to 'devour up his + discourse,' filled up and enlarged the meaning which I fear is but ill + conveyed in the words as they are now set down. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (V.) LADY RICHARDSON: WORDSWORTH'S BIRTH-DAY. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, April the 7th, 1844, my mother<a name="CFNanchor_249_249" + id="CFNanchor_249_249"></a><a href="#CFootnote_249_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> + and I left Lancrigg to begin our Yorkshire journey. We arrived at Rydal + Mount about three o'clock, and found the tables all tastefully decorated + on the esplanade in front of the house. The Poet was standing looking at + them with a very pleased expression of face; he received us very kindly, + and very soon the children began to arrive. The Grasmere boys and girls + came first, and took their places on the benches placed round the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage444" id="Cpage444"></a>{444}</span> + gravelled part of the esplanade; their eyes fixed with wonder and + admiration on the tables covered with oranges, gingerbread, and painted + eggs, ornamented with daffodils, laurels, and moss, gracefully intermixed. + The plot soon began to thicken, and the scene soon became very animated. + Neighbours, old and young, of all degrees, ascended to the Mount to keep + the Poet's seventy-fourth birthday, and every face looked friendly and + happy. Each child brought its own mug, and held it out to be filled with + tea, in which ceremony all assisted. Large baskets of currant cakes were + handed round and liberally dispensed; and as each detachment of children + had satisfied themselves with tea and cake, they were moved off, to play + at hide and seek among the evergreens on the grassy part of the Mount. The + day was not bright, but it was soft, and not cold, and the scene, viewed + from the upper windows of the house, was quite beautiful, and one I should + have been very sorry not to have witnessed. It was innocent and gay, and + perfectly natural. Miss F——, the donor of the fête, + looked very happy, and so did all the Poet's household. The children, who + amounted altogether to above 300, gave three cheers to Mr. Wordsworth and + Miss F——. After some singing and dancing, and after the + division of eggs, gingerbread, and oranges had taken place, we all began + to disperse. We spent the night at the Oaks, and set off on our journey + the following morning. The gay scene at the Mount often comes before me, + as a pleasant dream. It is perhaps the only part of the island where such + a reunion of all classes could have taken place without any connection of + landlord and tenant, or any clerical relation, or school direction. + Wordsworth, while looking at the gambols on the Mount, expressed his + conviction that if such meetings could oftener take place between people + of different condition, a much more friendly feeling would be created than + now exists in this country between the rich and poor. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>July 12th,</i> 1844.—Wordsworth spoke much during the evening of + his early intercourse with Coleridge, on some one observing that it was + difficult to carry away a distinct impression from Coleridge's + conversation, delightful as every one felt his outpourings to be. + Wordsworth agreed, but said he was occasionally very happy in clothing an + idea in words; and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage445" id="Cpage445"></a>{445}</span> + mentioned one which was recorded in his sister's journal during a tour + they all made together in Scotland. They passed a steam engine, and + Wordsworth made some observation to the effect that it was scarcely + possible to divest oneself of the impression on seeing it that it had life + and volition. 'Yes,' replied Coleridge, 'it is a giant with one idea.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He discoursed at great length on Scott's works. His poetry he considered + of that kind which will always he in demand, and that the supply will + always meet it, suited to the age. He does not consider that it in any way + goes below the surface of things; it does not reach to any intellectual or + spiritual emotion; it is altogether superficial, and he felt it himself to + be so. His descriptions are not true to Nature; they are addressed to the + ear, not to the mind. He was a master of bodily movements in his + battle-scenes; but very little productive power was exerted in popular + creations. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + DUDDON EXCURSION + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the 6th September 1844, I set off to breakfast at Rydal Mount, + it being the day fixed by Mr. Wordsworth for our long-projected excursion + to the Valley of the Duddon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The rain fell in torrents, and it became doubtful whether we should set + off or not; but as it was a thunder-shower, we waited till it was over, + and then Wordsworth, Mr. Quillinan, Miss Hutchinson, and I, set forth in + our carriage to Coniston, where we were to find the Rydal Mount carriage + awaiting us with Mr. Hutchinson. Wordsworth talked very agreeably on the + way to Coniston, and repeated several verses of his own, which he seemed + pleased that Serjeant Talfourd had repeated to him the day before. He + mentioned a singular instance of T. Campbell's inaccuracy of memory in + having actually printed as his own a poem of Wordsworth's, 'The + Complaint:' he repeated it beautifully as we were going up the hill to + Coniston. On reaching the inn in the village of Coniston, the rain again + fell in torrents. At length, the carriages were ordered to the door with + the intention of our returning home; but just as they were ready the sun + broke out, and we turned the horse's head towards Ulpha Kirk. The right + bank of Coniston was all new to me after we passed the village, and Old + Man of Coniston. The scenery ceases to<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage446" id="Cpage446"></a>{446}</span> be bold and rugged, but is + very pleasing, the road passing through hazel copses, the openings showing + nice little cornfields and comfortable detached farms, with old uncropped + trees standing near them; some very fine specimens of old ash trees, which + I longed to transport to Easedale, where they have been so cruelly lopped. + The opening towards the sea, as we went on, was very pleasing; but the + first striking view of the Duddon was looking down upon it soon after we + passed Broughton, where you turn to the right, and very soon after + perceive the peculiar beauty of the valley, although it does not take its + wild and dreamlike beauty till you pass Ulpha Kirk. We reversed the order + of the sonnets, and saw the river first, 'in radiant progress tow'rd the + deep,' instead of tracing this 'child of the clouds' from its cradle in + the lofty waste. We reached the Kirk of Ulpha between five and six. The + appearance of the little farm-house inn at once made anything approaching + to a dinner an impossibility had we wished it ever so much; but in due + time we had tea and boiled ham, with two eggs apiece, and were much + invigorated by this our first Duddonian meal. The hostess was evidently + surprised that we thought of remaining all night, so humbly did she think + of the accommodation she had to offer. She remembered Mr. Wordsworth + sleeping there fifteen years ago, because it was just after the birth of + her daughter, a nice comely girl who attended us at tea. Mr. Quillinan + showed great good nature and unselfishness in the arrangements he made, + and the care he took of the admirable horse, which I saw him feeding out + of a tub, a manger being too great a refinement for Ulpha. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After tea, although it was getting dark, we went to the churchyard, which + commands a beautiful view towards Seathwaite, and we then walked in that + direction, through a lane where the walls were more richly covered by moss + and fern than any I ever saw before. A beautiful dark-coloured tributary + to the Duddon comes down from the moors on the left hand, about a mile + from Ulpha; and soon after we had passed the small bridge over this + stream, Mr. Wordsworth recollected a well which he had discovered some + thirty or forty years before. We went off the road in search of it, + through a shadowy, embowered path; and as it was almost dark we should + probably have failed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage447" id="Cpage447"></a>{447}</span> + in finding it, had we not met a very tiny boy, with a can of water in his + hand, who looked at us in speechless amazement, when the Poet said, 'Is + there a well here, my little lad?' We found the well, and then joined the + road again by another path, leaving the child to ponder whether we were + creatures of earth or air. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Saturday morning was cloudy but soft, and lovely in its hazy effects. When + I went out about seven, I saw Wordsworth going a few steps, and then + moving on, and stopping again, in a very abstracted manner; so I kept + back. But when he saw me, he advanced, and took me again to the churchyard + to see the morning effects, which were very lovely. He said he had not + slept well, that the recollection of former days and people had crowded + upon him, and, 'most of all, my dear sister; and when I thought of her + state, and of those who had passed away, Coleridge, and Southey, and many + others, while I am left with all my many infirmities, if not sins, in full + consciousness, how could I sleep? and then I took to the alteration of + sonnets, and that made the matter worse still.' Then suddenly stopping + before a little bunch of harebell, which, along with some parsley fern, + grew out of the wall near us, he exclaimed, 'How perfectly beautiful that + is! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"Would that the little flowers that grow could live,<br /></span> + <span>Conscious of half the pleasure that they give."'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He then expatiated on the inexhaustible beauty of the arrangements of + Nature, its power of combining in the most secret recesses, and that it + must be for some purpose of beneficence that such operations existed. + After breakfast, we got into the cart of the inn, which had a seat swung + into it, upon which a bolster was put, in honour, I presume, of the Poet + Laureate. In this we jogged on to Seathwaite, getting out to ascend a + craggy eminence on the right, which Mrs. Wordsworth admired: the view from + it is very striking. You see from it all the peculiarities of the vale, + the ravine where the Duddon 'deserts the haunts of men,' 'the spots of + stationary sunshine,' and the homesteads which are scattered here and + there, both on the heights and in the lower ground near protecting rocks + and craggy steeps. Seathwaite I had a perfect recollection of; and the way + we approached it twenty years ago, from Coniston over<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage448" id="Cpage448"></a>{448}</span> Walna Scar, is the way Mr. + Wordsworth still recommends as the most beautiful. We went on some + distance beyond the chapel, and every new turning and opening among the + hills allured us on, till at last the Poet was obliged to exercise the + word of command, that we should proceed no further. The return is always a + flat thing, so I shall not detail it, except that we reached our + respective homes in good time; and I hope I shall never cease to think + with gratitude and pleasure of the kindness of my honoured guide through + the lovely scenes he has rescued from obscurity, although it happily still + remains an unvitiated region, 'which stands in no need of the veil of + twilight to soften or disguise its features: as it glistens in the + morning's sun it fills the spectator's heart with gladsomeness.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>November 21</i>.—My mother and I called at Rydal last Saturday, + to see the Wordsworths after their autumnal excursion. We found him only + at home, looking in great vigour and much the better for this little + change of scene and circumstance. He spoke with much interest of a + communication he had had from a benevolent surgeon at Manchester, an + admirer of his, who thinks that a great proportion of the blindness in + this country might be prevented by attention to the diseases of the eye in + childhood. He spoke of two very interesting blind ladies he had seen at + Leamington, one of whom had been at Rydal Mount a short time before her + 'total eclipse,' and now derived the greatest comfort from the + recollection of these beautiful scenes, almost the last she looked on. He + spoke of his own pleasure in returning to them, and of the effect of the + first view from 'Orrest Head,' the point mentioned in his 'unfortunate<a + name="CFNanchor_250_250" id="CFNanchor_250_250"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_250_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a> sonnet, which has,' + he said, 'you are aware, exposed me to the most unlooked for accusations. + They actually accuse me of desiring to interfere with the innocent + enjoyments of the poor, by preventing this district becoming accessible to + them by a railway. Now I deny that it is to that class that this kind of + scenery is either the most improving or the most attractive. For the very + poor the great God of Nature has mercifully spread out His Bible + everywhere; the common sunshine, green fields, the blue sky, the shining + river, are everywhere to be met with in this country; and it is only an + individual here and there among the uneducated classes who feels very + deeply the poetry of lakes and mountains;<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage449" id="Cpage449"></a>{449}</span> and such persons would + rather wander about where they like, than rush through the country in a + railway. It is not, therefore, the poor, as a class, that would benefit + morally or mentally by a railway conveyance; while to the educated + classes, to whom such scenes as these give enjoyment of the purest kind, + the effect would be almost entirely destroyed.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Wednesday, 20th Nov</i>.—A most remarkable halo was seen round + the moon soon after five o'clock to-day; the colours of the rainbow were + most brilliant, and the circle was entire for about five minutes. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Thursday, Mr. Wordsworth dined here with the Balls, Davys, and Mr. + Jefferies. Mr. W. spoke with much delight of the moon the day before, and + said his servant, whom he called 'dear James,' called his attention to it. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Wednesday, Dec. 18th</i>.—The Wordsworths and Quillinans sat two + hours with us. He said he thought [Dr. Arnold] was mistaken in the + philosophy of his view of the danger of Milton's Satan being represented + without horns and hoofs; that Milton's conception was as true as it was + grand; that making sin ugly was a common-place notion compared with making + it beautiful outwardly, and inwardly a hell. It assumed every form of + ambition and worldliness, the form in which sin attacks the highest + natures. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + This day, Sunday, the 9th of February, the snow is again falling fast, but + very gently. Yesterday, the 8th, was a beautiful day. We had a very + pleasant visit of above an hour from Wordsworth and his wife. He was in + excellent spirits, and repeated with a solemn beauty, quite peculiar to + himself, a sonnet he had lately composed on 'Young England;' and his + indignant burst 'Where then is <i>old</i>, our dear old England?' was one + of the finest bursts of Nature and Art combined I have ever heard. My dear + mother's face, too, while he was repeating it, was a fine addition to the + picture; and I could not help feeling they were both noble specimens of + 'dear old England.' Mrs. Wordsworth, too, is a goodly type of another + class of old England, more thoroughly English perhaps than either of the + others, but they made an admirable trio; and Mrs. Wordsworth's face + expressed more admiration of her husband in his bardic mood than I ever + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage450" id="Cpage450"></a>{450}</span>saw + before. He discussed mesmerism very agreeably, stating strongly his + detestation of clairvoyance; not only on the presumption of its being + altogether false, but supposing it, for argument sake, to be true, then he + thinks it would be an engine of enormous evil, putting it in the power of + any malicious person to blast the character of another, and shaking to the + very foundations the belief in individual responsibility. He is not + disposed to reject without examination the assertions with regard to the + curative powers of mesmerism. He spoke to-day with pleasure of having + heard that Mr. Lockhart had been struck by his lines from a MSS. poem, + printed in his Railway-Sonnet pamphlet. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>February 24th</i>.—Snow still on the ground. It has never been + quite clear of snow since the 27th January. Partial thaws have allowed us + to peep out into the world of Ambleside and Rydal; and last Saturday we + drank tea at Foxhow, and met the Wordsworths and Miss F——. He + is very happy to have his friend home again, and was in a very agreeable + mood. He repeated his sonnet on the 'Pennsylvanians,' and again that on + 'Young England,' which I admire so much. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>March 6th</i>.—Wordsworth, whom we met yesterday at dinner at the + Oaks, expressed his dislike to monuments in churches; partly from the + absurdity and falsehood of the epitaphs which sometimes belonged to them, + and partly from their injuring the architectural beauties of the edifice, + as they grievously did in Westminster Abbey and many other cathedrals. He + made an exception in favour of those old knightly monuments, which he + admitted added to the solemnity of the scene, and were in keeping with the + buildings; and he added, 'I must also except another monument which once + made a deep impression on my mind. It was in a small church near St. + Alban's; and I once left London in the afternoon, so as to sleep at St. + Alban's the first night, and have a few hours of evening light to visit + this church. It was before the invention of railways, and I determined + that I would always do the same; but, the year after, railways existed, + and I have never been able to carry out my project again: all wandering is + now over. Well, I went to this small country church; and just opposite the + door at which you enter, the figure of the great Lord Bacon, in pure + white, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage451" id="Cpage451"></a>{451}</span> + the first thing that presented itself. I went there to see his tomb, but I + did not expect to see himself; and it impressed me deeply. There he was, a + man whose fame extends over the whole civilised world, sitting calmly, age + after age, in white robes of pure alabaster, in this small country church, + seldom visited except by some stray traveller, he having desired to be + interred in this spot, to lie near his mother.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On referring to Mallet's Life of Bacon, I see he mentions that he was + privately buried at St. Michael's church, near St. Alban's; and it adds, + 'The spot that contains his remains lay obscure and undistinguished, till + the gratitude of a private man, formerly his servant' (Sir Thomas + Meautys), 'erected a monument to his name and memory.' This makes it + probable that the likeness is a correct one. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>November 8th</i>, 1845.—On our way to take an early dinner at + Foxhow yesterday, we met the Poet at the foot of his own hill, and he + engaged us to go to tea to the Mount on our way home to hear their + adventures, he and his Mary having just returned from a six weeks' wander + among their friends. During their absence we always feel that the road + between Grasmere and Ambleside is wanting in something, beautiful as it + is. We reached the Mount before six, and found dear Mrs. Wordsworth much + restored by her tour. She has enjoyed the visit to her kith and kin in + Herefordshire extremely, and we had a nice comfortable chat round the fire + and the tea-table. After tea, in speaking of the misfortune it was when a + young man did not seem more inclined to one profession than another, + Wordsworth said that he had always some feeling of indulgence for men at + that age who felt such a difficulty. He had himself passed through it, and + had incurred the strictures of his friends and relations on this subject. + He said that after he had finished his college course, he was in great + doubt as to what his future employment should be. He did not feel himself + good enough for the Church, he felt that his mind was not properly + disciplined for that holy office, and that the struggle between his + conscience and his impulses would have made life a torture. He also shrank + from the law, although Southey often told him that he was well fitted for + the higher parts of the profession. He had studied military history with + great interest, and the strategy of war; and he always fancied that he had + talents for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage452" id="Cpage452"></a>{452}</span> + command; and he at one time thought of a military life, but then he was + without connections, and he felt if he were ordered to the West Indies his + talents would not save him from the yellow fever, and he gave that up. At + this time he had only a hundred a year. Upon this he lived, and travelled, + and married, for it was not until the late Lord Lonsdale came into + possession that the money which was due to them was restored. He mentioned + this to show how difficult it often was to judge of what was passing in a + young man's mind, but he thought that for the generality of men, it was + much better that they should be early led to the exercise of a profession + of their own choice. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>December</i> 1846.—Henry Fletcher and I dined at the Mount on the + 21st of this month. The party consisted of Mr. Crabb Robinson (their + Christmas guest), Mrs. Arnold, Miss Martineau, and ourselves. My mother's + cold was too bad to allow her to go, which I regretted, as it was, like + all their little meetings, most sociable and agreeable. Wordsworth was + much pleased with a little notice of his new edition in the <i>Examiner</i>; + he thought it very well done. He expressed himself very sweetly at dinner + on the pleasant terms of neighbourly kindness we enjoyed in the valleys. + It will be pleasant in after times to remember his words, and still more + his manner when he said this, it was done with such perfect simplicity and + equality of feeling, without the slightest reference to self, and I am + sure without thinking of himself at the time as more than one of the + little circle whose friendly feeling he was commending. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>October</i> 1846.—Wordsworth dined with us one day last week, and + was in much greater vigour than I have seen him all this summer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He mentioned incidentally that the spelling of our language was very much + fixed in the time of Charles the Second, and that the attempts which had + been made since, and are being made in the present day, were not likely to + succeed. He entered his protest as usual against [Carlyle's] style, and + said that since Johnson no writer had done so much to vitiate the English + language. He considers Lord Chesterfield the last good English writer + before Johnson. Then came the Scotch historians, who did infinite mischief + to style, with the exception of Smollett, who<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage453" id="Cpage453"></a>{453}</span> wrote good pure English. He + quite agreed to the saying that all great poets wrote good prose; he said + there was not one exception. He does not think Burns's prose equal to his + verse, but this he attributes to his writing his letters in English words, + while in his verse he was not trammelled in this way, but let his numbers + have their own way. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Lancrigg, November</i>.—Mr. and Mrs. Wordsworth took an early + dinner with us on the 26th of this month. He was very vigorous, and spoke + of his majority at Glasgow, also of his reception at Oxford. He told us of + an application he had just had from a Glasgow publisher that he should + write a sonnet in praise of Fergusson and Allan Ramsay, to prefix to a new + edition of those Poets which was about to appear. He intended to reply, + that Burns's lines to Fergusson would be a much more appropriate tribute + than anything he could write; and he went on to say that Burns owed much + to Fergusson, and that he had taken the plan of many of his poems from + Fergusson, and the measure also. He did not think this at all detracted + from the merit of Burns, for he considered it a much higher effort of + genius to excel in degree, than to strike out what may be called an + original poem. He spoke highly of the purity of language of the Scotch + poets of an earlier period, Gavin Douglass and others, and said that they + greatly excelled the English poets, after Chaucer, which he attributed to + the distractions of England during the wars of York and Lancaster. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>December 25th</i>, 1846.—My mother and I called at Rydal Mount + yesterday early, to wish our dear friends the blessings of the season. + Mrs. W. met us at the door most kindly, and we found him before his good + fire in the dining-room, with a flock of robins feasting at the window. He + had an old tattered book in his hand; and as soon as he had given us a + cordial greeting, he said, in a most animated manner, 'I must read to you + what Mary and I have this moment finished. It is a passage in the Life of + Thomas Elwood.' He then read to us the following extract: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Some little time before I went to Alesbury prison, I was desired by my + quondam master, Milton, to take an house for him in the neighbourhood + where I dwell, that he might get out of the city, for the safety of + himself and his family, the pestilence then growing hot in London. I took + a pretty box for him in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage454" + id="Cpage454"></a>{454}</span> Giles-Chalford, a mile from me, of which I + gave him notice; and intended to have waited on him, and seen him well + settled in it, but was prevented by that imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'But now being released, and returned home, I soon made a visit to him, to + welcome him into the country. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'After some common discourses had passed between us, he called for a + manuscript of his, which being brought, he delivered to me, bidding me + take it home with me and read it at my leisure; and when I had so done, + return it to him with my judgment thereupon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'When I came home, and had set myself to read it, I found it was that + excellent poem which he entituled 'Paradise Lost.' After I had with the + best attention read it through, I made him another visit, and returned him + his book with due acknowledgment of the favour he had done me in + communicating it to me. He asked me how I liked it, and what I thought of + it, which I modestly, but freely told him; and after some further + discourse about it, I pleasantly said to him, "Thou hast said much here of + Paradise lost, but what hast thou to say of Paradise found?" He made me no + answer, but sate some time in a muse; then brake off that discourse, and + fell upon another subject. After the sickness was over, and the city well + cleansed and become safely habitable again, he returned thither; and when + afterwards I went to wait on him there (which I seldom failed of doing + whenever my occasions drew me to London), he showed me his second poem, + called "Paradise Regained;" and in a pleasant tone said to me, "This is + owing to you, for you put it into my head by the question you put to me at + Chalford, which before I had not thought of." <i>But from this digression + I return to the family I then lived in.'</i> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth was highly diverted with the <i>apology</i> of the worthy + Quaker, for <i>the digression</i>, which has alone saved him from + oblivion. He offered to send us the old book, which came a few days after; + and I shall add another digression in favour of John Milton, to whom he + appears to have been introduced about the year 1661, by a Dr. Paget. It is + thus notified <i>apropos</i> to Thomas Elwood feeling a desire for more + learning than he possessed, which having expressed to Isaac Pennington, + with whom he himself lived as tutor to his children, he says, 'Isaac + Pennington had an intimate acquaintance with Dr. Paget, a<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage455" id="Cpage455"></a>{455}</span> + physician of note in London, and he with John Milton, a gentleman of great + note for learning throughout the learned world, for the accurate pieces he + had written on various subjects and occasions. This person having filled a + public station in the former times, lived now a private and retired life + in London, and, having wholly lost his sight, kept always a man to read to + him, which usually was the son of some gentleman of his acquaintance, whom + in kindness he took to improve in his learning. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'He received me courteously, as well for the sake of Dr. Paget, who + introduced me, as of Isaac Pennington who recommended me, to both whom he + bore a good respect; and having inquired divers things of me, with respect + to my former progression in learning, he dismissed me to provide myself of + such accommodations as might be most suitable to my future studies. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'I went, therefore, and took myself a lodging as near to his house, which + was then in Jewin-street, as conveniently I could, and from thenceforward + went every day in the afternoon (except on the first days of the week), + and sitting by him in his dining-room, read to him in such books in the + Latin tongue as he pleased to hear me read.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (VI.) MRS. DAVY (CONTINUED). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The Oaks, Ambleside, Jan. 15. 1845. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We dined to-day at Rydal Mount. Mr. Wordsworth, during dinner, grave and + silent, till, on some remark having been made on the present condition of + the Church, he most unreservedly gave his own views; and gave expression, + as I have only once heard him give before, to his own earnest, devout, + humble feelings as a Christian. In the evening, being led by some previous + conversation to speak of St. Paul, he said, 'Oh, what a character that is! + how well we know him! How human, yet how noble! How little outward + sufferings moved him! It is not in speaking of these that he calls himself + wretched; it is when he speaks of the inward conflict. Paul and David,' he + said, 'may be called the two Shakspearian characters in the Bible; both + types, as it were, of human nature in its strength and its weakness. Moses + is grand, but then it is chiefly from position, from the office he had + entrusted to him. We do not know Moses as a man, as a brother man.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage456" id="Cpage456"></a>{456}</span><i>April</i> + 7, 1846.—I went to the Mount to-day, to pay my respects to Mr. + Wordsworth on his birthday. I found him and dear Mrs. Wordsworth very + happy, in the arrival of their four grandsons. The two elder are to go to + Rossall next week. Some talk concerning schools led Mr. Wordsworth into a + discourse, which, in relation to himself, I thought very interesting, on + the dangers of emulation, as used in the way of help to school progress. + Mr. Wordsworth thinks that envy is too likely to go along with this, and + therefore would hold it to be unsafe. 'In my own case,' he said, 'I never + felt emulation with another man but once, and that was accompanied by + envy. It is a horrid feeling.' This 'once' was in the study of Italian, + which, he continued, 'I entered on at college along with ——' + (I forget the name he mentioned). 'I never engaged in the proper studies + of the university, so that in these I had no temptation to envy any one; + but I remember with pain that I <i>had</i> envious feelings when my + fellow-student in Italian got before me. I was his superior in many + departments of mind, but he was the better Italian scholar, and I envied + him. The annoyance this gave me made me feel that emulation was dangerous + for <i>me</i>, and it made me very thankful that as a boy I never + experienced it. I felt very early the force of the words, "Be ye perfect + even as your Father in heaven is perfect," and as a teacher, or friend, or + counsellor of youth, I would hold forth no other motive to exertion than + this. There is, I think, none other held forth in the gospels. No + permission is given to emulation there.... There must always be a danger + of incurring the passion of vanity by emulation. If we try to outstrip a + fellow-creature, and succeed, we may naturally enough be proud. The true + lesson of humility is to strive after conformity to that excellence which + we never can surpass, never even by a great distance attain to.' There + was, in the whole manner as well as matter of Mr. Wordsworth's discourse + on this subject, a deep veneration for the will of God concerning us, + which I shall long remember with interest and delight—I hope with + profit. 'Oh! one other time,' he added, smiling, 'one other time in my + life I felt envy. It was when my brother was nearly certain of success in + a foot race with me. I tripped up his heels. This <i>must</i> have been + envy.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage457" id="Cpage457"></a>{457}</span> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Lesketh How, Jan. 11. 1847.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In a morning visit by our fireside to-day from Mr. Wordsworth, something + led to the mention of Milton, whose poetry, he said, was earlier a + favourite with him than that of Shakspeare. Speaking of Milton's not + allowing his daughters to learn the meaning of the Greek they read to him, + or at least not exerting himself to teach it to them, he admitted that + this seemed to betoken a low estimate of the condition and purposes of the + female mind. 'And yet, where could he have picked up such notions,' said + Mr. W., 'in a country which had seen so many women of learning and talent? + But his opinion of what women ought to be, it may be presumed, is given in + the unfallen Eve, as contrasted with the right condition of man before his + Maker: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"He for God only, she for God in him."<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now that,' said Mr. Wordsworth, earnestly, '<i>is</i> a low, a very low + and a very false estimate of woman's condition.' He was amused on my + showing him the (almost) contemporary notice of Milton by Wycherly, and, + after reading it, spoke a good deal of the obscurity of men of genius in + or near their own times. 'But the most singular thing,' he continued, 'is, + that in all the writings of Bacon there is not one allusion to + Shakspeare.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Lasketh How, Jan. 10. 1849. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A long fireside visit from Mr. Wordsworth this morning, in highly sociable + spirits; speaking much of old days and old acquaintances. He spoke with + much regret of Scott's careless views about money, and said that he had + often spoken to him of the duty of economy, as a means to insure literary + independence. Scott's reply always was, 'Oh, I can make as much as I + please by writing.' 'This,' said Mr. W., 'was marvellous to me, who had + never written a line with a view to profit.' Speaking of his own prose + writing, he said, that but for Coleridge's irregularity of purpose he + should probably have left much more in that kind behind him. When + Coleridge was proposing to publish his 'Friend,' he (Mr. Wordsworth) + offered contributions. Coleridge expressed himself pleased with the offer, + but said, 'I must arrange my principles for the work, and when that is + done I shall be glad of your aid.' But this 'arrangement of principles' + never took place. Mr. Wordsworth added, 'I think my nephew, Dr.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage458" id="Cpage458"></a>{458}</span> <i>Conversations + and Personal Reminiscences</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth,<a name="CFNanchor_251_251" id="CFNanchor_251_251"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_251_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> will, after my death, + collect and publish all I have written in prose.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On this day, as I have heard him more than once before, Mr. Wordsworth, in + a way very earnest, and to me very impressive and remarkable, disclaimed + all value for, all concern about, posthumous fame.<a + name="CFNanchor_252_252" id="CFNanchor_252_252"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_252_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a name="LINCOLN" id="LINCOLN"></a> + </p> + <h3> + <i>(e)</i> CONVERSATIONS AND REMINISCENCES RECORDED BY THE (NOW) BISHOP OF + LINCOLN, &c. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Remember, first read the ancient classical authors; <i>then</i>come to <i>us</i>; + and you will be able to judge for yourself which of us is worth reading. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The first book of Homer appears to be independent of the rest. The plan of + the <i>Odyssey</i> is more methodical than that of the <i>Iliad</i>. The + character of Achilles seems to me one of the grandest ever conceived. + There is something awful in it, particularly in the circumstance of his + acting under an abiding foresight of his own death. One day, conversing + with Payne Knight and Uvedale Price concerning Homer, I expressed my + admiration of Nestor's speech, as eminently natural, where he tells the + Greek leaders that <i>they</i> are mere children in comparison with the + heroes of <i>old</i> whom <i>he</i> had known<a name="CFNanchor_253_253" + id="CFNanchor_253_253"></a><a href="#CFootnote_253_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a>. + 'But,' said Knight and Price, 'that passage is spurious.' However, I will + not part with it. It is interesting to compare the same characters (Ajax, + for instance) as treated by Homer, and then afterwards by the Greek + dramatists, and to mark the difference of handling. In the plays of + Euripides, politics come in as a disturbing force: Homer's characters act + on physical impulse. There is more <i>introversion</i> in the dramatist: + whence Aristotle rightly calls him <i>tsagichhôtatos</i>. The + tower-scene, where Helen comes into the presence of Priam and the old + Trojans, displays one of the most beautiful pictures anywhere to be seen. + Priam's speech<a name="CFNanchor_254_254" id="CFNanchor_254_254"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_254_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a> on that occasion is a + striking proof of the courtesy and delicacy of the Homeric age, or, at + least, of Homer himself. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Catullus translated literally from the Greek; succeeding Roman writers did + not so, because Greek had then become the<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage459" id="Cpage459"></a>{459}</span> fashionable, universal + language. They did not translate, but they paraphrased; the ideas + remaining the same, their dress different. Hence the attention of the + poets of the Augustan age was principally confined to the happy selection + of the most appropriate words and elaborate phrases; and hence arises the + difficulty of translating them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The characteristics ascribed by Horace to Pindar in his ode, 'Pindarum + quisquis,' &c. are not found in his extant writings. Horace had many + lyrical effusions of the Theban bard which we have not. How graceful is + Horace's modesty in his 'Ego <i>apis</i> Matinae More modoque,' as + contrasted with the Dircaean Swan! Horace is my great favourite: I love + him dearly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I admire Virgil's high moral tone: for instance, that sublime 'Aude, + hospes, contemnere opes,' &c. and 'his dantem jura Catonem!' What + courage and independence of spirit is there! There is nothing more + imaginative and awful than the passage, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'——Arcades ipsum<br /></span> <span>Credunt se vidisse + Jovem,' &c.<a name="CFNanchor_255_255" id="CFNanchor_255_255"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_255_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In describing the weight of sorrow and fear on Dido's mind, Virgil shows + great knowledge of human nature, especially in that exquisite touch of + feeling<a name="CFNanchor_256_256" id="CFNanchor_256_256"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_256_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a>, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Hoc visum nulli, <i>non ipsi effata sorori.'</i><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The ministry of Confession is provided to satisfy the natural desire for + some relief from the load of grief. Here, as in so many other respects, + the Church of Rome adapts herself with consummate skill to our nature, and + is strong by our weaknesses. Almost all her errors and corruptions are + abuses of what is good. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I think Buchanan's 'Maiae Calendae' equal in sentiment, if not in + elegance, to anything in Horace; but your brother Charles, to whom I + repeated it the other day, pointed out a false quantity in it<a + name="CFNanchor_257_257" id="CFNanchor_257_257"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_257_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a>. Happily this had + escaped me. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I began to give myself up to the profession of a poet for life, I was + impressed with a conviction, that there were four English poets whom I + must have continually before me as examples—Chaucer, Shakspeare, + Spenser, and Milton. These I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage460" + id="Cpage460"></a>{460}</span> must study, and equal <i>if I could</i>; + and I need not think of the rest<a name="CFNanchor_258_258" + id="CFNanchor_258_258"></a><a href="#CFootnote_258_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been charged by some with disparaging Pope and Dryden. This is not + so. I have committed much of both to memory. As far as Pope goes, he + succeeds; but his Homer is not Homer, but Pope. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot account for Shakspeare's low estimate of his own writings, except + from the sublimity, the superhumanity, of his genius. They were infinitely + below his conception of what they might have been, and ought to have been. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The mind often does not think, when it thinks that it is thinking. If we + were to give our whole soul to anything, as the bee does to the flower, I + conceive there would be little difficulty in any intellectual employment. + Hence there is no excuse for obscurity in writing. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Macbeth,' is the best conducted of Shakspeare's plays. The fault of + 'Julius Caesar,' 'Hamlet,' and 'Lear,' is, that the interest is not, and + by the nature of the case could not be, sustained to their conclusion. The + death of Julius Caesar is too <i>overwhelming</i> an incident for <i>any</i> + stage of the drama but the <i>last</i>. It is an incident to which the + mind clings, and from which it will not be torn away to share in other + sorrows. The same may be said of the madness of Lear. Again, the opening + of 'Hamlet' is full of exhausting interest. There is more mind in 'Hamlet' + than in any other play, more knowledge of human nature. The first act is + incomparable.... There is too much of an every-day sick room in the + death-bed scene of Catherine, in 'Henry the Eighth'—too much of + leeches and apothecaries' vials.... 'Zanga' is a bad imitation of + 'Othello.' Garrick never ventured on Othello: he could not submit to a + blacked face. He rehearsed the part once. During the rehearsal Quin + entered, and, having listened for some time with attention, exclaimed, + 'Well done, David! but where's the teakettle?' alluding to the print of + Hogarth, where a black boy follows his mistress with a teakettle in his + hand.... In stature Garrick was short.... A fact which conveys a high + notion of his powers is, that he was able to <i>act out</i> the absurd + stage-costume of those days. He represented Coriolanus<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage461" id="Cpage461"></a>{461}</span> in the attire of Cheapside. + I remember hearing from Sir G. Beaumont, that while he was venting, as + Lear, the violent paroxysms of his rage in the awful tempest scene, his + wig happened to fall off. The accident did not produce the slightest + effect on the gravity of the house, so strongly had he impregnated every + breast with his own emotions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Some of my friends (H.C. for instance) doubt whether poetry on + contemporary persons and events can be good. But I instance Spenser's + 'Marriage,' and Milton's 'Lycidas.' True, the 'Persae' is one of the worst + of Aeschylus's plays; at least, in my opinion. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Milton is falsely represented by some as a democrat. He was an aristocrat + in the truest sense of the word. See the quotation from him in my + 'Convention of Cintra.'<a name="CFNanchor_259_259" id="CFNanchor_259_259"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_259_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a> Indeed, he spoke in + very proud and contemptuous terms, of the populace. 'Comus' is rich in + beautiful and sweet flowers, and in exuberant leaves of genius; but the + ripe and mellow fruit is in 'Samson Agonistes.' When he wrote that, his + mind was Hebraized. Indeed, his genius fed on the writings of the Hebrew + prophets. This arose, in some degree, from the temper of the times; the + Puritan lived in the Old Testament, almost to the exclusion of the New. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The works of the old English dramatists are the gardens of our language. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One of the noblest things in Milton is the description of that sweet, + quiet morning in the 'Paradise Regained,' after that terrible night of + howling wind and storm. The contrast is divine.<a name="CFNanchor_260_260" + id="CFNanchor_260_260"></a><a href="#CFootnote_260_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + What a virulent democrat —— is! A man ill at ease with his own + conscience is sure to quarrel with all government, order, and law. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The influence of Locke's Essay was not due to its own merits, which are + considerable; but to external circumstances. It came forth at a happy + opportunity, and coincided with the prevalent opinions of the time. The + Jesuit doctrines concerning the papal power in deposing kings, and + absolving subjects from their allegiance, had driven some Protestant + theologians to take refuge in the theory of the divine right of kings. + This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage462" id="Cpage462"></a>{462}</span> + theory was unpalatable to the world at large, and others invented the more + popular doctrine of a social contract, in its place; a doctrine which + history refutes. But Locke did what he could to accommodate this principle + to his own system. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The only basis on which property can rest is right derived from + prescription. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The best of Locke's works, as it seems to me, is that in which he attempts + the least—his <i>Conduct of the Understanding</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the Summer of 1827, speaking of some of his contemporaries, Wordsworth + said, T. Moore has great natural genius; but he is too lavish of brilliant + ornament. His poems smell of the perfumer's and milliner's shops. He is + not content with a ring and a bracelet, but he must have rings in the + ears, rings on the nose—rings everywhere. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Walter Scott is not a careful composer. He allows himself many liberties, + which betray a want of respect for his reader. For instance, he is too + fond of inversions; <i>i.e.</i> he often places the verb before the + substantive, and the accusative before the verb. W. Scott quoted, as from + me, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The swan on <i>sweet</i> St. Mary's lake<br /></span> <span>Floats + double, swan and shadow,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + instead of <i>still</i>; thus obscuring my idea, and betraying his own + uncritical principles of composition. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Byron seems to me deficient in <i>feeling</i>. Professor Wilson, I think, + used to say that 'Beppo' was his best poem; because all his faults were + there brought to a height. I never read the 'English Bards' through. His + critical prognostications have, for the most part, proved erroneous. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir James Mackintosh said of me to M. de Staël, Wordsworth is not a + great poet, but he is the greatest man among poets.' Madame de Staël + complained of my style. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Now whatever may be the result of my experiment in the subjects which I + have chosen for poetical composition—be they vulgar or be they not,—I + can say without vanity, that I have bestowed great pains on my <i>style</i>, + full as much as any of my contemporaries have done on theirs. I yield to + none in <i>love for my art</i>. I, therefore, labour at it with reverence, + affection, and industry. My main endeavour as to style has been that my + poems should be written in pure intelligible English. Lord Byron<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage463" id="Cpage463"></a>{463}</span> has + spoken severely of my compositions. However faulty they may be, I do not + think that I ever could have prevailed upon myself to print such lines as + he has done; for instance, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'I stood at Venice on the Bridge of Sighs,<br /></span> <span>A + palace and a prison on each hand.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Some person ought to write a critical review, analysing Lord Byron's + language, in order to guard others against imitating him in these + respects. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Shelley is one of the best <i>artists</i> of us all: I mean in workmanship + of style. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + At Calgarth, dining with Mrs. and the Miss Watsons ... a very fine + portrait of the late Bishop in the dining-room.... Mr. Wordsworth there: a + very agreeable party. Walked home with him in the evening to Rydal. It + rained all the way. We met a poor woman in the road. She sobbed as she + passed us. Mr. Wordsworth was much affected with her condition: she was + swollen with dropsy, and slowly hobbling along with a stick, having been + driven from one lodging to another. It was a dark stormy night. Mr. + Wordsworth brought her back to the Lowwood Inn, where, by the landlord's + leave, she was housed in one of his barns. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + One day I met Mr. M.T. Sadler at the late Archbishop's. Sadler did not + know me; and before dinner he began to launch forth in a critical + dissertation on contemporary English Poetry. 'Among living poets, your + Grace may know there is one called Wordsworth, whose writings the world + calls childish and puerile, but I think some of them wonderfully + pathetic.' 'Now, Mr. Sadler,' said the Archbishop, 'what a scrape you are + in! here is Mr. Wordsworth: but go down with him to dinner, and you will + find that, though a great poet, he does not belong to the "genus + irritabile."' This was very happy. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + After returning one day from church at Addington, I took the liberty of + saying a few words on the sermon we had heard. It was a very homely + performance. 'I am rather surprised, my Lord Archbishop, that when your + Grace can have the choice of so many preachers in England, you do not + provide better for yourself.' 'Oh!' said he, 'I think I can bear bad + preaching better than most people, and I therefore keep it to myself.' + This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage464" id="Cpage464"></a>{464}</span> + seemed to me a very pleasing trait in the gentle and loveable character of + that admirable man. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Patriarchal usages have not quite deserted us of these valleys. This + morning (new year's day) you were awakened early by the minstrels playing + under the eaves, 'Honour to Mr. Wordsworth!' 'Honour to Mrs. Wordsworth!' + and so to each member of the household by name, servants included, each at + his own window. These customs bind us together as a family, and are as + beneficial as they are delightful. May they never disappear! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In my Ode on the 'Intimations of Immortality in Childhood,' I do not + profess to give a literal representation of the state of the affections + and of the moral being in childhood. I record my own feelings at that time—my + absolute spirituality, my 'all-soulness,' if I may so speak. At that time + I could not believe that I should lie down quietly in the grave, and that + my body would moulder into dust. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Many of my poems have been influenced by my own circumstances when I was + writing them. 'The Warning' was composed on horseback, while I was riding + from Moresby in a snow-storm. Hence the simile in that poem, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'While thoughts press on and feelings overflow,<br /></span> <span>And + quick words round him fall like <i>flakes of snow</i>.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the 'Ecclesiastical Sonnets,' the lines concerning the Monk (Sonnet + xxi.), + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">'Within his cell.<br /></span> <span>Round the decaying + trunk of human pride.<br /></span> <span>At morn, and eve, and midnight's + silent hour,<br /></span> <span>Do penitential cogitations cling:<br /></span> + <span>Like ivy round some ancient elm they twine<br /></span> <span>In + grisly folds and strictures serpentine;<br /></span> <span>Yet while they + strangle, a fair growth they bring<br /></span> <span>For recompence—their + own perennial bower;'—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + were suggested to me by a beautiful tree clad as thus described, which you + may remember in Lady Fleming's park at Rydal, near the path to the upper + waterfall. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + S——, in the work you mentioned to me, confounds <i>imagery</i> + and <i>imagination</i>. Sensible objects really existing, and felt to + exist, are <i>imagery</i>; and they may form the materials of a + descriptive poem, where objects are delineated as they are. Imagination is + a subjective term: it deals with objects not as they are, but as they + appear to the mind of the poet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage465" + id="Cpage465"></a>{465}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The imagination is that intellectual lens through the medium of which the + poetical observer sees the objects of his observation, modified both in + form and colour; or it is that inventive dresser of dramatic <i>tableaux</i>, + by which the persons of the play are invested with new drapery, or placed + in new attitudes; or it is that chemical faculty by which elements of the + most different nature and distant origin are blended together into one + harmonious and homogeneous whole. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A beautiful instance of the modifying and <i>investive</i> power of + imagination may be seen in that noble passage of Dyer's 'Ruins of Rome,'<a + name="CFNanchor_261_261" id="CFNanchor_261_261"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_261_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a> where the poet hears + the voice of Time; and in Thomson's description of the streets of Cairo, + expecting the arrival of the caravan which had perished in the storm,<a + name="CFNanchor_262_262" id="CFNanchor_262_262"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_262_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Read all Cowley; he is very valuable to a collector of English sound + sense.... Burns's 'Scots wha hae' is poor as a lyric composition. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Ariosto and Tasso are very absurdly depressed in order to elevate Dante. + Ariosto is not always sincere; Spenser always so. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have tried to read Goethe. I never could succeed. Mr. —— + refers me to his 'Iphigenia,' but I there recognise none of the dignified + simplicity, none of the health and vigour which the heroes and heroines of + antiquity possess in the writings of Homer. The lines of Lucretius + describing the immolation of Iphigenia are worth the whole of Goethe's + long poem. Again, there is a profligacy, an inhuman sensuality, in his + works which is utterly revolting. I am not intimately acquainted with them + generally. But I take up my ground on the first canto of 'Wilhelm + Meister;' and, as the attorney-general of human nature, I there indict him + for wantonly outraging the sympathies of humanity. Theologians tell us of + the degraded nature of man; and they tell us what is true. Yet man is + essentially a moral agent, and there is that immortal and unextinguishable + yearning for something pure and spiritual which will plead against these + poetical sensualists as long as man remains what he is. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Scientific men are often too fond of aiming to be men of the<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage466" id="Cpage466"></a>{466}</span> world. + They crave too much for titles, and stars, and ribbons. If Bacon had dwelt + only in the court of Nature, and cared less for that of James the First, + he would have been a greater man, and a happier one too. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I heard lately from young Mr. Watt a noble instance of magnanimity in an + eminent French chemist. He had made a discovery, which he was informed + would, if he took out a patent, realise a large fortune. 'No,' said he, 'I + do not live to amass money, but to discover Truth; and as long as she + attends me in my investigations so long will I serve her and her only.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Sir —— I know from my own experience was ruined by prosperity. + The age of Leo X. would have shone with greater brilliance if it had had + more clouds to struggle with. The age of Louis XIV. was formed by the Port + Royal amid the storms and thunders of the League. Racine lived in a court + till it became necessary to his existence, as his miserable death proved. + Those petty courts of Germany have been injurious to its literature. They + who move in them are too prone to imagine themselves to be the whole + world, and compared with the whole world they are nothing more than these + little specks in the texture of this hearth-rug. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As I was riding Dora's pony from Rydal to Cambridge, I got off, as I + occasionally did, to walk. I fell in with a sweet-looking peasant girl of + nine or ten years old. She had been to carry her father's dinner, who was + working in the fields, and she was wheeling a little wheelbarrow, in which + she collected manure from the roads for her garden at home. After some + talk I gave her a penny, for which she thanked me in the sweetest way + imaginable. I wish I had asked her whether she could read, and whether she + went to school. But I could not help being struck with the happy + arrangement which Nature has made for the education of the heart, an + arrangement which it seems the object of the present age to counteract + instead of to cherish and confirm. I imagined the happy delight of the + father in seeing his child at a distance, and watching her as she + approached to perform her errand of love. I imagined the joy of the mother + in seeing her return. I am strongly of opinion (an opinion you, perhaps, + have seen expressed by me in a letter to Mr. Rose<a + name="CFNanchor_263_263" id="CFNanchor_263_263"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_263_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a>) that this is<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage467" id="Cpage467"></a>{467}</span> the + discipline which is more calculated by a thousand degrees to make a + virtuous and happy nation than the all-engrossing, estranging, + eleemosynary institutions for education, which perhaps communicate more <i>knowledge</i>. + In these institutions what the pupils gain in <i>knowledge</i> they often + lose in <i>wisdom</i>. This is a distinction which must never be lost + sight of. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Education should never be wholly eleemosynary. But must the parent suffer + privations for the sake of the child? Yes; for these privations endear the + child to the parent, and the parent to the child; and whatever education + the parent may thus gain or lose for his child, he has thus gained the + noblest result of the most liberal education for himself—the habit + of self-denial. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Next to your principles, and affections, and health, value your time.<a + name="CFNanchor_264_264" id="CFNanchor_264_264"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_264_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="GRAVES" id="GRAVES"></a>(<i>f</i>) REMINISCENCES OF THE REV. R.P. + GRAVES, M.A., FORMERLY OF WINDERMERE, NOW OF DUBLIN. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I remember Mr. Wordsworth saying that, at a particular stage of his mental + progress, he used to be frequently so rapt into an unreal transcendental + world of ideas that the external world seemed no longer to exist in + relation to him, and he had to reconvince himself of its existence <i>by + clasping a tree</i>, or something that happened to be near him. I could + not help connecting this fact with that obscure passage in his great Ode + on the 'Intimations of Immortality,' in which he speaks of + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">'Those obstinate questionings<br /></span> <span + class="i2">Of sense and outward things;<br /></span> <span class="i2">Fallings + from us, vanishings:<br /></span> <span class="i2">Blank misgivings of a + creature,<br /></span> <span>Moving about in worlds not realised,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I heard him once make the remark that it would be a good habit to watch + closely the first involuntary thoughts upon waking in the morning, as + indications of the real current of the moral being. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I was struck by what seemed to me a beautiful analogy, which I once heard + him draw, and which was new to me—that the individual characters of + mankind showed themselves distinctively in childhood and youth, as those + of trees in Spring;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage468" id="Cpage468"></a>{468}</span> + that of both, of trees in Summer and of human kind in middle life, they + were then alike to a great degree merged in a dull uniformity; and that + again, in Autumn and in declining age, there appeared afresh all their + original and inherent variety brought out into view with deeper marking of + character, with more vivid contrast, and with greater accession of + interest and beauty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He thought the charm of <i>Robinson Crusoe</i> mistakenly ascribed, as it + commonly is done, to its <i>naturalness</i>. Attaching a full value to the + singular yet easily imagined and most picturesque circumstances of the + adventurer's position, to the admirable painting of the scenes, and to the + knowledge displayed of the working of human feelings, he yet felt sure + that the intense interest created by the story arose chiefly from the + extraordinary energy and resource of the hero under his difficult + circumstances, from their being so far beyond what it was natural to + expect, or what would have been exhibited by the average of men; and that + similarly the high pleasure derived from his successes and good fortunes + arose from the peculiar source of these uncommon merits of his character. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have heard him pronounce that the Tragedy of <i>Othello</i>, Plato's + records of the last scenes of the career of Socrates, and Isaac Walton's + <i>Life of George Herbert</i>, were in his opinion the most pathetic of + human compositions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In a walk one day, after stopping, according to his custom, to claim + admiration for some happy aspect of the landscape, or beautiful <i>composition</i> + on a smaller scale of natural objects, caught by him at the precisely best + point of view in the midst of his conversation on other subjects, he + added, good-humouredly, that there were three callings for success in + which Nature had furnished him with qualifications—the callings of + poet, landscape-gardener, and critic of pictures and works of art. On + hearing this I could not but remember how his qualifications for the + second were proved by the surprising variety of natural beauties he + managed to display to their best advantage, from the very circumscribed + limits of the garden at Rydal Mount, 'an invisible hand of art everywhere + working' (to use his own exquisite expression) 'in the very spirit of + Nature,' and how many there were who have owed the charm of their grounds + and gardens to direction sought from his well-known taste and feeling. As + to works of art, his criticism was not that of one versed in<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage469" id="Cpage469"></a>{469}</span> the + history of the schools, but, always proceeding upon first principles, the + 'prima philosophia,' as he called it; and it was, as it appeared to me, of + the highest order. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He was a very great admirer of <i>Virgil</i>, not so much as a creative + poet, but as the most consummate master of language, that, perhaps, ever + existed. From him, and Horace, who was an especial favourite, and + Lucretius, he used to quote much.<a name="CFNanchor_265_265" + id="CFNanchor_265_265"></a><a href="#CFootnote_265_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="DEATH" id="DEATH">(<i>g</i>) ON THE DEATH OF COLERIDGE.</a> + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The death of Coleridge was announced to us by his friend Wordsworth. It + was the Sunday evening after the event occurred that my brother and I + walked over to the Mount, where we found the Poet alone. One of the first + things we heard from him was the death of one who had been, he said, his + friend for more than thirty years. He then continued to speak of him; + called him the most <i>wonderful</i> man that he had ever known—wonderful + for the originality of his mind, and the power he possessed of throwing + out in profusion grand central truths from which might be evolved the most + comprehensive systems. Wordsworth, as a poet, regretted that German + metaphysics had so much captivated the taste of Coleridge, for he was + frequently not intelligible on this subject; whereas, if his energy and + his originality had been more exerted in the channel of poetry, an + instrument of which he had so perfect a mastery, Wordsworth thought he + might have done more permanently to enrich the literature, and to + influence the thought of the nation, than any man of the age. As it was, + however, he said he believed Coleridge's mind to have been a widely + fertilising one, and that the seed he had so lavishly sown in his + conversational discourses, and the Sibylline leaves (not the poems so + called by him) which he had scattered abroad so extensively covered with + his annotations, had done much to form the opinions of the + highest-educated men of the day; although this might be an influence not + likely to meet with adequate recognition. After mentioning, in answer to + our inquiries about the circumstances of their friendship, that though a + considerable period had elapsed during which they had not seen much of + each other, Coleridge and he had been, for more than<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage470" id="Cpage470"></a>{470}</span> two years, uninterruptedly, + in as close intimacy as man could be with man, he proceeded to read to us + the letter from Henry Nelson Coleridge which conveyed the tidings of his + great relation's death, and of the manner of it. It appeared that, his + death was a relief from intense pain, which, however, subsided at the + interval of a few days before the event; and that shortly after this + cessation of agony, he fell into a comatose state. The most interesting + part of the letter was the statement, that the last use he made of his + faculties was to call his children and other relatives and friends around + him, to give them his blessing, and to express his hope to them that the + manner of his end might manifest the depth of his trust in his Saviour + Christ. As I heard this, I was at once deeply glad at the substance, and + deeply affected by Wordsworth's emotion in reading it. When he came to + this part his voice at first faltered, and then broke; but soon divine + faith that the change was a blest one overcame aught of human grief, and + he concluded in an equable though subdued tone. Before I quit this + subject, I will tell you what I was interested in hearing from a person of + the highest abilities,<a name="CFNanchor_266_266" id="CFNanchor_266_266"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_266_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a> whom I had the good + fortune of meeting at Rydal Mount. He said that he had visited Coleridge + about a month before his death, and had perceived at once his countenance + pervaded by a most remarkable serenity. On being congratulated on his + appearance, Coleridge replied that he did now, for the first time, begin + to hope, from the mitigation of his pains, that his health was undergoing + a permanent improvement (alas! he was deceived; yet may we not consider + this hopeful feeling, which is, I believe, by no means uncommon, to be + under such circumstances a valuable blessing?); but that what he felt most + thankful for was the deep, calm peace of mind which he then enjoyed; a + peace such as he had never before experienced, or scarcely hoped for. + This, he said, seemed now settled upon him; and all things were thus + looked at by him through an atmosphere by which all were <i>reconciled and + harmonised</i>.<a name="CFNanchor_267_267" id="CFNanchor_267_267"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_267_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage471" id="Cpage471"></a>{471}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="FURTHER" id="FURTHER"></a>(<i>h</i>) FURTHER REMINISCENCES OF + WORDSWORTH BY THE SAME, SENT TO THE PRESENT EDITOR. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I remember to have been very much struck by what appeared to me the wisdom + of a plan suggested by Wordsworth, for the revision of the authorised + version of the Bible and of the Book of Common Prayer. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + With regard to the former, no one, he said, could be more deeply convinced + of the inestimable value of its having been made when it was, and being + what it is. In his opinion it was made at the happy juncture when our + language had attained adequate expansion and flexibility, and when at the + same time its idiomatic strength was unimpaired by excess of technical + distinctions and conventional refinements; and these circumstances, though + of course infinitely subordinate to the spiritual influence of its + subject-matter, he considered to be highly important in connection with a + volume which naturally became a universally recognised standard of the + language; for thus the fresh well of English undefiled was made a + perennial blessing to the nation, in no slight degree conducive to the + robust and manly thinking and character of its inhabitants. He was + satisfied, too, as to its general and most impartial accuracy, and its + faithfulness in rendering not only the words but the style, the strength, + and the spirit and the character of the original records. He attached too + the value one might suppose he would attach to the desirableness of + leaving undisturbed the sacred associations which to the feelings of aged + Christians belonged to the <i>ipsissima verba</i> which had been their + support under the trials of life. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + And so with regard to the Prayer Book, he reverenced and loved it as the + Church's precious heritage of primitive piety, equally admirable for its + matter and its style. It may be interesting to add, that in reference to + this latter point I have heard him pronounce that many of the collects + seemed to him examples of perfection, consisting, according to his + impression, of words whose signification filled up without excess or + defect the simple and symmetrical contour of some majestic meaning, and + whose sound was a harmony of accordant simplicity and grandeur; a + combination, he added, such as we enjoy in some of the best passages of + Shakespeare.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage472" id="Cpage472"></a>{472}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding that he held these opinions, which will evince that he + was not one who would lightly touch either sacred volume, he did not think + that plain mistakes in the translation of the Bible, or obsolete words, or + renderings commonly misunderstood, should be perpetually handed down in + our authorised version of the volume of inspiration, or that similar + blemishes in the Prayer Book, which, as being of human composition, would + admit of freer though still reverential handling, should be permitted to + continue as stumbling-blocks interfering with its acceptableness and + usefulness. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The plan which he suggested as meeting the difficulties of the case was + the following: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + That by proper authority a Committee of Revision of the English Bible + should be appointed, whose business should be, retaining the present + authorised version as a standard to be departed from as little as possible + to settle upon such indubitable corrections of meaning and improvements of + expression as they agreed ought to be made, and have these printed <i>in + the margin</i> of all Bibles published by authority. That, as an essential + part of the scheme, this Committee of Revision should be renewed + periodically, but not too frequently—he appeared to think that + periods of fifty years might serve—at which times it should be + competent to the Committee to authorise the transference from the margin + into the text of all such alterations as had stood the test of experience + and criticism during the previous period, as well as to fix on new + marginal readings. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He was of opinion that in the constitution of the Committee care should be + taken to appoint not only divines of established reputation for sound + theology, and especially for their knowledge in connection with the + original languages of the sacred volume, but some one author at least + noted for his mastery over the vernacular language. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It will be seen that this plan, while it provides for corrections of + errors and substitution of understood for obsolete or mistaken + expressions, leaves undisturbed the associations of aged Christians, and + prepares the younger generation for receiving the marginal amendments into + the text. Wordsworth conceived that fixing the duration of the period of + revision was of great consequence, both as obviating all agitation in the + way of call for such a process, and as tending in the matter of <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage473" id="Cpage473"></a>{473}</span>critical + discussions respecting the sanctioning, cancelling, and proposing of + amendments to bring them to something of definitiveness in preparation for + each era of revision. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The same process, under certain modifications, he thought applicable to + the Book of Common Prayer. In this he deprecated all tampering with + doctrine, considering that alterations ought to be confined to changes + rendering the services more clearly understood or more conveniently used. + It is fair to add, however, that I have heard him express a strong desire + that the Athanasian Creed were rid of the so-called damnatory clauses; at + the same time declaring that no one was ever more profoundly convinced + than himself of the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He was in favour of a collection of metrical hymns, more peculiarly + Christian in character than the Psalter, being set forth by authority for + use in the Church; and for the choice of such hymns he thought a Committee + should be appointed in which the knowledge of divine, of poet, and of + laymen trusted for common sense and experience in life should be severally + and conjointly engaged. As a practical suggestion of moment in the <i>composition</i> + of such hymns he advised that composers should not in the four-line stanza + do more than make the second and fourth lines rhyme; leaving the other two + unrhymed, he said, would give an important addition of freedom both to the + sense and the style. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + R.P. GRAVES. Windermere, 1850. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To the above memorandum I now (Sept. 1874) add two items, of which I + retain a distinct remembrance. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (1) He was in favour of the officiating clergyman being allowed to + introduce into his reading of the Lessons in church the authorised + marginal corrections. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + (2) He expressed in very strong terms his opinion that the prefatory + portion of the Marriage Service should be altered so as to make it not + only less repulsive to modern feelings, but more accordant with the higher + aspects of the union to be solemnised. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Passion in Poetry</i>.—One day, speaking of passion as an element + of poetry, he referred to his own poems, and said that he thought there + was a stronger fire of passion than was elsewhere<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage474" id="Cpage474"></a>{474}</span> to be found among them in + the lyrical burst near the conclusion of 'The Song at the Feast of + Brougham Castle:' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Armour rusting in his halls,<br /></span> <span>On the blood of + Clifford calls:<br /></span> <span>"Quell the Scot," exclaims the Lance—<br /></span> + <span>"Bear me to the heart of France,"<br /></span> <span>Is the longing + of the Shield.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Chronological Classification of Poems</i>.—Many years ago I + expressed to Wordsworth a wish that his poems were printed in the order of + their composition, assigning as reasons for the wish the great interest + which would attach to observing the progressive development of the poet's + thought, and the interpretative value of the light mutually reflected by + poems of the same period. I remember being surprised by the feeling akin + to indignation which he manifested at the suggestion. He said that such + proceeding would indicate on the part of a poet an amount of egotism, + placing interest in himself above interest in the subjects treated by him, + which could not belong to a true poet caring for the elements of poetry in + their right proportion, and designing to bring to bear upon the minds of + his readers the best influences at his command in the way best calculated + to make them effectual. I felt that his ground of objection made me revere + him the more both as a man and as a poet; yet I retained the opinion that + much might be said on the reader's part in the case of a great poet for + such an arrangement of his poems as I had been suggesting, and I welcomed + in after-days the concession made by him in consenting to put dates to the + poems, while adhering to their classification according to subject or + predominant element. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <i>Verbal Criticism</i>.—Wordsworth not only sympathised with the + feelings expressed in Southey's touching lines upon The Dead, but admired + very much the easy flow of the verse and the perfect freedom from strain + in the expression by which they are marked. Yet in the first two stanzas + he noted three flaws, and suggested changes by which they might have been + easily avoided. I have underlined the words he took exception to: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'My days among the dead are past;<br /></span> <span>Around me I + behold,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage475" id="Cpage475"></a>{475}</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Where'er <i>these casual eyes</i> are cast,<br /></span> <span + class="i4">The mighty minds of old;<br /></span> <span>My never-failing + friends are they,<br /></span> <span>With whom I <i>converse</i> day by + day.<br /></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>With them I take delight in weal,<br /></span> <span class="i4">And + seek relief in woe;<br /></span> <span>And while I understand and feel<br /></span> + <span class="i4">How much to them I owe,<br /></span> <span>My cheeks + have often been bedew'd<br /></span> <span>With tears of thoughtful + gratitude.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In the first stanza, for 'Where'er <i>these casual eyes</i> are cast,' + which he objected to as not simple and natural, and as scarcely correct, + he suggested 'Where'er <i>a casual look I cast</i>;' and for '<i>converse</i>,' + the accent of which he condemned as belonging to the noun and not to the + verb, he suggested '<i>commune</i>.' In the second stanza he pointed out + the improper sequence of tenses in the third and fifth lines, which he + corrected by reading in the latter '<i>My cheeks are oftentimes bedew'd</i>.' + Of the narrative poems of his friend, well executed as he considered them, + and of the mainly external action of imagination or fancy in which they + deal, I have certainly heard him pronounce a very depreciatory opinion; + whether I ever heard him use the hard words attributed to him, 'I would + not give five shillings for a ream of them,' I cannot now assert, but if + used, they were said in reference to the nobler kind of imaginative power + which reveals to man the deep places and sublimer affinities of his own + being. But to some others of Southey's verses, as well as to the lines + above quoted, and to his prose writings in general, he was wont to give + liberal praise; and no one could doubt the sincerity and warmth of his + admiration of the intellect and virtues of the man, or the brotherly + affection towards him which he not unfrequently expressed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + R.P. GRAVES. Dublin, 1875.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage476" + id="Cpage476"></a>{476}</span> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="AMERICAN" id="AMERICAN"></a>(i) AN AMERICAN'S REMINISCENCES. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + To PROFESSOR HENRY REED. + </div> + <p> + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Philadelphia, Sept. 1850.</span><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR FRIEND, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + You have asked me to write out as fully as I can an account of my visit to + Wordsworth last Summer, of which your letter of introduction was the + occasion. Feeling very grateful to you for the pleasure which that visit + gave me, and desiring to make a more minute record of it than either the + letter I addressed to you from Keswick, or my journal written at the time + contains, I gladly comply with your request. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was about noon on the 18th of August 1849, that I set out with my + friends, from their house near Bowness, to ride to Ambleside. Our route + was along the shore of Lake Windermere. It was my first day among the + English Lakes, and I enjoyed keenly the loveliness which was spread out + before me. My friends congratulated me on the clearness of the atmosphere + and the bright skies. Twilight is all-important in bringing out the full + beauty of the Lake Region, and in this respect I was very fortunate. I had + already been deeply moved by the tranquil beauty of Windermere, for, as I + came out of the cottage, formerly Professor Wilson's, where I had passed + the night, there it lay in all its grandeur, its clear waters, its green + islands, and its girdle of solemn mountains. It was quite dark when I had + been conducted to this cottage the night before, so that I saw the Lake + for the first time in the light of early morning. The first impression was + confirmed by every new prospect as we rode along. The vale seemed a very + paradise for its sweet seclusion. I had been told that after Switzerland, + I should find little to attract me in this region, but such was not the + case. Nothing can be more lovely than these lakes and mountains, the + latter thickly wooded, and rising directly from the water's edge. The + foliage is of the darkest green, giving to the lake in which it is + reflected the same sombre hue. It seemed the fittest dwelling-place for a + Poet, amid all this quiet beauty. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was half-past one when we reached Ambleside, where I left Mr. and Mrs. + B., and walked on alone to Rydal Mount. I was full of eager expectations + as I thought how soon I should, perhaps, be in the presence of Wordsworth—that + after long years<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage477" id="Cpage477"></a>{477}</span> + of waiting, of distant reverential admiration and love, I was, as I hoped, + to be favoured with a personal interview with the great poet-philosopher, + to whom you and I, and so many, many others, feel that we are under the + deepest obligation for the good which has come to us from his writings. At + two o'clock I was at the wicket gate opening into Wordsworth's grounds. I + walked along the gravel pathway, leading through shrubbery to the open + space in front of the long two-story cottage, the Poet's dwelling. Your + sketch of the house by Inman is a correct one, but it gives no idea of the + view <i>from</i> it, which is its chief charm. Rydal Mere with its + islands, and the mountains beyond it, are all in sight. I had but a hasty + enjoyment of this beauty; nor could I notice carefully the flowers which + were blooming around. It was evident that the greatest attention had been + paid to the grounds, for the flower-beds were tastefully arranged, and the + gravel walks were in complete order. One might be well content, I thought, + to make his abode at a spot like this. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A boy of about twelve years was occupied at one of the flower-beds, as I + passed by; he followed me to the door, and waited my commands. I asked if + Mr. Wordsworth was in.... He was dining—would I walk into the + drawing-room, and wait a short time?... I was shown into the drawing-room, + or study, I know not which to call it.... Here I am, I said to myself, in + the great Poet's house. Here his daily life is spent. Here in this room, + doubtless, much of his poetry has been written—words of power which + are to go down with those of Shakspeare, and Spenser, and Milton, while + our English tongue endures. It was a long apartment, the ceiling low, with + two windows at one end, looking out on the lawn and shrubbery. Many + engravings were on the walls. The famous Madonna of Raphael, known as that + of the Dresden Gallery, hung directly over the fire-place. Inman's + portrait of the Poet, your gift to Mrs. Wordsworth, being a copy of the + one painted for you, had a conspicuous place. The portrait of Bishop + White, also your gift (the engraving from Inman's picture), I also + noticed. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I could have waited patiently for a long time indulging the thoughts which + the place called up. In a few minutes, however, I heard steps in the + entry, the door was opened, and Wordsworth came in, it could be no other—- + a tall figure, a little bent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage478" + id="Cpage478"></a>{478}</span> with age, his hair thin and grey, and his + face deeply wrinkled.... The expression of his countenance was sad, + mournful I might say; he seemed one on whom sorrow pressed heavily. He + gave me his hand, and welcomed me cordially, though without smiling. 'Will + you walk out, Sir, and join us at the table?' said he. 'I am engaged to + dine elsewhere.' 'But you can sit with us,' said he; so, leading the way, + he conducted me to the dining-room. At the head of the table sat Mrs. + Wordsworth, and their three grandchildren made up the party.... It was a + humble apartment, not ceiled, the rafters being visible; having a large + old-fashioned chimney-place, with a high mantelpiece. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth asked after Mr. Ticknor of Boston, who had visited him a few + months before, and for whom he expressed much regard. Some other questions + led me to speak of the progress we were making in America in the extension + of our territory, the settlements on the Pacific, &c.; all this + involving the rapid spread of our English tongue. Wordsworth at this + looked up, and I noticed a fixing of his eye as if on some remote object. + He said that considering this extension of our language, it behoved those + who wrote to see to it, that what they put forth was on the side of + virtue. This remark, although thrown out at the moment, was made in a + serious thoughtful way; and I was much impressed by it. I could not but + reflect that to him a deep sense of responsibility had ever been present: + to purify and elevate has been the purpose of all his writings. Such may + have been at that moment his own inward meditation, and he may have had in + mind the coming generations who are to dwell upon his words. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Queen Victoria was mentioned—her visit to Ireland which had just + been made—the courage she had shown. 'That is a virtue,' said he, + 'which she has to a remarkable degree, which is very much to her credit.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Inman's portrait of him I alluded to as being very familiar to me, the + copy which hung in the room calling it to mind, which led him to speak of + the one painted by Pickersgill for St. John's College, Cambridge. 'I was a + member of that College,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage479" + id="Cpage479"></a>{479}</span> he said, 'and the fellows and students did + me the honour to ask me to sit, and allowed me to choose the artist. I + wrote to Mr. Rogers on the subject, and he recommended Pickersgill, who + came down soon afterwards, and the picture was painted here.' He believed + he had sat twenty-three times. My impression is he was in doubt whether + Inman's or Pickersgill's portrait was the better one. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He spoke with great animation of the advantage of classical study, Greek + especially. 'Where,' said he, 'would one look for a greater orator than + Demosthenes; or finer dramatic poetry, next to Shakspeare, than that of + Aeschylus and Sophocles, not to speak of Euripides?' Herodotus he thought + 'the most interesting and instructive book, next to the Bible, which had + ever been written.' Modern discoveries had only tended to confirm the + general truth of his narrative. Thucydides he thought less of. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + France was our next subject, and one which seemed very near his heart. He + had been much in that country at the out-break of the Revolution, and + afterwards during its wildest excesses. At the time of the September + massacres he was at Orleans. Addressing Mrs. W. he said, 'I wonder how I + came to stay there so long, and at a period so exciting.' He had known + many of the abbés and other ecclesiastics, and thought highly of + them as a class; they were earnest, faithful men: being unmarried, he must + say, they were the better able to fulfil their sacred duties; they were + married to their flocks. In the towns there seemed, he admitted, very + little religion; but in the country there had always been a great deal. 'I + should like to spend another month in France,' he said, 'before I close my + eyes.' He seemed to feel deep commiseration for the sorrows of that + unhappy country. It was evidently the remembrance of hopes which in his + youth he had ardently cherished, and which had been blighted, on which his + mind was dwelling. I alluded to Henry the Fifth, to whom many eyes were, I + thought, beginning to turn. With him, he remarked, there would be a + principle for which men could contend—legitimacy. The advantage of + this he stated finely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage480" + id="Cpage480"></a>{480}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + There was tenderness, I thought, in the tones of his voice, when speaking + with his wife; and I could not but look with deep interest and admiration + on the woman for whom this illustrious man had for so many years cherished + feelings of reverential love. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Peace settles where the intellect is meek,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + is a line which you will recall from one of the beautiful poems Wordsworth + has addressed to her; and this seemed peculiarly the temper of her spirit—<i>peace</i>, + the holy calmness of a heart to whom love had been an 'unerring light.' + Surely we may pray, my friend, that in the brief season of separation + which she has now to pass, she may be strengthened with divine + consolation. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I cannot forbear to quote here that beautiful passage, near the end of the + great poem, 'The Prelude,' as an utterance by the author of tender + feelings in his own matchless way. After speaking of his sister in tones + of deepest thankfulness, he adds, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i21">'Thereafter came<br /></span> <span>One, whom with thee + friendship had early prized;<br /></span> <span>She came, no more a + phantom to adorn<br /></span> <span>A moment, but an inmate of the heart;<br /></span> + <span>And yet a spirit, there for me enshrined,<br /></span> <span>To + penetrate the lofty and the low;<br /></span> <span>Even as one essence + of pervading light<br /></span> <span>Shines in the brightness of ten + thousand stars,<br /></span> <span>And the meek worm that feeds her + lonely lamp<br /></span> <span>Couched in the dewy grass.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been led away from my narrative; but I wished to record the + feelings which had arisen within me with regard to this excellent lady; + she who has been, as —— has so happily expressed it in his + letter to you, 'almost like the Poet's guardian angel for near fifty + years.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I may here mention, that throughout the conversation Wordsworth's manner + was animated, and that he took pleasure in it evidently. His words were + very choice: each sentence seemed faultless. No one could have listened to + his talk for five minutes, even on ordinary topics, without perceiving + that he was a remarkable man. Not that he was brilliant; but there was + sustained vigour, and that mode of expression which denotes habitual + thoughtfulness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage481" id="Cpage481"></a>{481}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When the clock struck four, I thought it time for me to go. Wordsworth + told me to say to his friends in America, that he and his wife were well; + that they had had a great grief of late, in the loss of their only + daughter, which he supposed they would never get over. This explained, as + I have already mentioned, the sadness of his manner. Such strength of the + affections in old age we rarely see. And yet the Poet has himself + condemned, as you remember, in 'The Excursion,' long and persevering grief + for objects of our love 'removed from this unstable world,' reminding one + so sorrowing of + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i26">'that state<br /></span> <span>Of pure, imperishable + blessedness<br /></span> <span>Which reason promises, and Holy Writ<br /></span> + <span>Ensures to all believers.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But, as if foreseeing his own case, he has added, with touching power, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And if there be whose tender frames have drooped<br /></span> + <span>Even to the dust, apparently through weight<br /></span> <span>Of + anguish unrelieved, and lack of power<br /></span> <span>An agonising + sorrow to transmute;<br /></span> <span>Deem not that proof is here of + hope withheld<br /></span> <span>When wanted most; a confidence impaired<br /></span> + <span>So pitiably, that having ceased to see<br /></span> <span>With + bodily eyes, they are borne down by love<br /></span> <span>Of what is + lost, and perish through regret.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The weakness of his bodily frame it was which took away his power of + tranquil endurance. Bowed down by the weight of years, he had not strength + to sustain this further burden, grief for a much-loved child. His mind, + happily, retained its clearness, though his body was decaying. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He walked out into the entry with me, and then asked me to go again into + the dining-room, to look at an oak chest or cabinet he had there—a + piece of old furniture curiously carved. It bore a Latin inscription, + which stated that it was made 300 years ago, for William Wordsworth, who + was the son of, &c. &c. giving the ancestors of said William for + many generations, and ending, 'on whose souls may God have mercy.' This + Wordsworth repeated twice, and in an emphatic way, as he read the + inscription. It seemed to me that he took comfort in the religious spirit + of his ancestors, and that he was also adopting the solemn ejaculation for + himself. There was something very impressive in his manner.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage482" id="Cpage482"></a>{482}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I asked to see the cast from Chantrey's bust of him, which he at once + showed me; also a crayon sketch by Haydon, which, I understood him to say, + West had pronounced the finest crayon he had ever seen. He referred also + to another sketch, by Margaret Gillies, I think, which was there. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + We then went out together on the lawn, and stood for a while to enjoy the + views, and he pulled open the shrubbery or hedge in places, that I might + see to better advantage. He accompanied me to the gate, and then said if I + had a few minutes longer to spare he would like to show me the waterfall + which was close by—the lower fall of Rydal. I gladly assented, and + he led the way across the grounds of Lady Fleming, which were opposite to + his own, to a small summer-house. The moment we opened the door, the + waterfall was before us; the summer-house being so placed as to occupy the + exact spot from which it was to be seen; the rocks and shrubbery around + closing it in on every side. The effect was magical. The view from the + rustic house, the rocky basin into which the water fell, and the deep + shade in which the whole was enveloped, made it a lovely scene. Wordsworth + seemed to have much pleasure in exhibiting this beautiful retreat; it is + described in one of his earlier poems, 'The Evening Walk.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + As we returned together he walked very slowly, occasionally stopping when + he said anything of importance; and again I noticed that looking into + remote space of which I have already spoken. His eyes, though not + glistening, had yet in them the fire which betokened the greatness of his + genius. This no painter could represent, and this it was which gave to his + countenance its high intellectual expression. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Hartley Coleridge he spoke of with affection.... 'There is a single line,' + he added, 'in one of his father's poems which I consider explains the + after-life of the son. He is speaking of his own confinement in London, + and then says, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"But thou, my child, shalt wander like a breeze."<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Of Southey he said that he had had the misfortune to outlive his + faculties. His mind, he thought, had been weakened by long watching by the + sick-bed of his wife, who had lingered for years in a very distressing + state.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage483" id="Cpage483"></a>{483}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The last subject he touched on was the international copyright question—the + absence of protection in our country to the works of foreign authors. He + said, mildly, that he thought it would be better <i>for us</i> if some + acknowledgment, however small, was made. The fame of his own writings, as + far as it was of pecuniary advantage to him, he had long regarded with + indifference; happily, he had an income more than sufficient for all his + wants.... He remarked, he had once seen a volume of his poems published in + an American newspaper. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I happened to have in my pocket the small volume of selections, which you + made some years ago. I produced it, and asked at the same time if he had + ever seen it. He replied he had not. He took it with evident interest, + turned to the title-page, which he read, with its motto. He began the + preface then, in the same way. But here I must record a trifling incident, + which may yet be worth noting. We were standing together in the road, + Wordsworth reading aloud, as I have said, when a man accosted us asking + charity—a beggar of the better class. Wordsworth, scarcely looking + off the book, thrust his hands into his pockets, as if instinctively + acknowledging the man's right to beg by this prompt action. He seemed to + find nothing, however; and he said, in a sort of soliloquy, 'I have given + to four or five, already, to-day,' as if to account for his being then + unprovided. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth, as he turned over one leaf after another, said, 'But I shall + weary you, sir.' 'By no means,' said I; for I could have been content to + stand there for hours to hear, as I did, the Poet read from time to time, + with fitting emphasis, the choice passages which your preface and + biographical sketch contain. Imagine with what delight I listened to the + venerable man, and to hear, too, from his own lips, such words as these, + your own most true reflection: '<i>His has been a life devoted to the + cultivation of the poet's art for its best and most lasting uses—a + self-dedication as complete as the world has ever witnessed</i>.' Your + remark with regard to his having outlived many of his contemporaries among + the poets, he read with affecting simplicity; his manner being that of one + who looked backward to the past with entire tranquillity, and forward with + sure hope. I felt that his honoured life was drawing rapidly to a close, + and with him there was evidently the same consciousness.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage484" id="Cpage484"></a>{484}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He made but little comment on your notice of him. Occasionally he would + say, as he came to a particular fact, 'That's quite correct;' or, after + reading a quotation from his own works, he would add, 'That's from my + writings.' These quotations he read in a way that much impressed me; it + seemed almost as if he was awed by the greatness of his own power, the + gifts with which he had been endowed. It was a solemn time to me, this + part of my interview; and to you, my friend, it would have been a crowning + happiness to stand, as I did, by his side on that bright summer day, and + thus listen to his voice. I thought of his long life; that he was one who + had felt himself from early youth 'a renovated spirit singled out for holy + services'—one who had listened to the teachings of Nature, and + communed with his own heart in the seclusion of those beautiful vales, + until his thoughts were ready to be uttered for the good of his + fellow-men. And there had come back to him offerings of love, and + gratitude, and reverent admiration, from a greater multitude than had ever + before paid their homage to a living writer; and these acknowledgments + have been for benefits so deep and lasting, that words seem but a poor + return. But I will not attempt to describe further the feelings which were + strongly present to me at that moment, when I seemed most to realise in + whose presence I stood. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He walked with me as far as the main road to Ambleside. As we passed the + little chapel built by Lady Fleming, which has been the occasion, as you + remember, of one of his poems, there were persons, tourists evidently, + talking with the sexton at the door. Their inquiries, I fancied, were + about Wordsworth, perhaps as to the hour of service the next day (Sunday), + with the hope of seeing him there. One of them caught sight of the + venerable man at the moment, and at once seemed to perceive who it was, + for she motioned to the others to look, and they watched him with earnest + gaze. I was struck with their looks of delighted admiration. He stopped + when we reached the main road, saying that his strength would not allow + him to walk further. Giving me his hand, he desired again to be remembered + to you and others in America, and wished me a safe return to my friends, + and so we parted. I went on my way, happy in the recollection of this, to + me, memorable interview. My mind was<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage485" id="Cpage485"></a>{485}</span> in a tumult of excitement, + for I felt that I had been in the familiar presence of one of the noblest + of our race; and this sense of Wordsworth's intellectual greatness had + been with me during the whole interview. I may speak, too, of the strong + perception of his moral elevation which I had at the same time. No word of + unkindness had fallen from him. He seemed to be living as if in the + presence of God, by habitual recollection. A strange feeling, almost of + awe, had impressed me while I was thus with him. Believing that his memory + will be had in honour in all coming time, I could not but be thankful that + I had been admitted to intimate intercourse with him then, when he was so + near the end of life. To you, my dear friend, I must again say I owe this + happiness, and to you it has been denied. You also, of all others of our + countrymen, would have most valued such an interview, for to you the great + Poet's heart has been in an especial manner opened in private + correspondence. No other American has he honoured in the same degree; and + by no one else in this country has the knowledge and appreciation of his + poetry been so much extended. The love which has so long animated you has + been such, that multitudes have been influenced to seek for joy and + refreshment from the same pure source. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I have been led, as I said at the beginning of my letter, to make this + record, partly from your suggestion, and partly from a remark of Southey + which I have lately seen, to the effect that Wordsworth was one of whom + posterity would desire to know all that can be remembered. You will not, I + trust, deem the incidents I have set down trivial; or consider any detail + too minute, the object of which was only to bring the living man before + you. Now that he has gone for ever from our sight in this world, I am led + to look back to the interview with a deeper satisfaction; and it may be + that this full account of it will have value hereafter. To you it was due + that I should make the record; by myself these remembrances will ever be + cherished among my choicest possessions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear friend, yours faithfully, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Ellis Yarnall.<a name="CFNanchor_268_268" id="CFNanchor_268_268"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_268_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage486" id="Cpage486"></a>{486}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="FPART_I" id="FPART_I"></a>(j) RECOLLECTIONS OF WORDSWORTH. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + By Aubrey de Vere, Esq.<br /> <i>(Sent to the present Editor, and now first + published)</i> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <h4> + PART I. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was about eight years before his death that I had the happiness of + making acquaintance with Wordsworth. During the next four years I saw a + good deal of him, chiefly among his own mountains, and, besides many + delightful walks with him, I had the great honour of passing some days + under his roof. The strongest of my impressions respecting him was that + made by the manly simplicity, and lofty rectitude, which characterised + him. In one of his later sonnets he writes of himself thus: 'As a true man + who long had served the lyre:'—it was because he was a <i>true</i> + man that he was a true poet; and it was impossible to know him without + being reminded of this. In any case he must have been recognised as a man + of original and energetic genius; but it was his strong and truthful moral + nature, his intellectual sincerity, the abiding conscientiousness of his + imagination, which enabled that genius to do its great work, and bequeath + to the England of the future the most solid mass of deep-hearted and + authentic poetry which has been the gift to her of any poet since the + Elizabethan age. There was in his nature a veracity, which, had it not + been combined with an idealising imagination not less remarkable, would to + many have appeared prosaic; yet, had he not possessed that characteristic, + the products of his imagination would have lacked reality. They might + still have enunciated a deep and sound philosophy; but they would have + been divested of that human interest which belongs to them in a yet higher + degree. All the little incidents of the neighbourhood were to him + important. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The veracity and the ideality which are so signally combined in + Wordsworth's poetic descriptions of Nature, made themselves at least as + much felt whenever Nature was the theme of his discourse. In his intense + reverence for Nature he regarded all poetical delineations of her with an + exacting severity; and if the descriptions were not true, and true in a + twofold sense, the more skilfully executed they were, the more was his + indignation roused by what he deemed a pretence and a deceit. An untrue + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage487" id="Cpage487"></a>{487}</span>description + of Nature was to him a profaneness, a heavenly message sophisticated and + falsely delivered. He expatiated much to me one day, as we walked among + the hills above Grasmere, on the mode in which Nature had been described + by one of the most justly popular of England's modern poets—one for + whom he preserved a high and affectionate respect. 'He took pains,' + Wordsworth said; 'he went out with his pencil and note-book, and jotted + down whatever struck him most—a river rippling over the sands, a + ruined tower on a rock above it, a promontory, and a mountain ash waving + its red berries. He went home, and wove the whole together into a poetical + description.' After a pause, Wordsworth resumed with a flashing eye and + impassioned voice, 'But Nature does not permit an inventory to be made of + her charms! He should have left his pencil and note-book at home; fixed + his eye, as he walked, with a reverent attention on all that surrounded + him, and taken all into a heart that could understand and enjoy. Then, + after several days had passed by, he should have interrogated his memory + as to the scene. He would have discovered that while much of what he had + admired was preserved to him, much was also most wisely obliterated. That + which remained—the picture surviving in his mind—would have + presented the ideal and essential truth of the scene, and done so, in a + large part, by discarding much which, though in itself striking, was not + characteristic. In every scene many of the most brilliant details are but + accidental. A true eye for Nature does not note them, or at least does not + dwell on them.' On the same occasion he remarked, 'Scott misquoted in one + of his novels my lines on <i>Yarrow</i>. He makes me write, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"The swans on sweet St. Mary's lake<br /></span> <span>Float + double, swans and shadow;"<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + but I wrote + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>"The <i>swan</i> on <i>still</i> St. Mary's lake."<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Never could I have written "swans" in the plural. The scene when I saw it, + with its still and dim lake, under the dusky hills, was one of utter + loneliness: there was <i>one</i> swan, and one only, stemming the water, + and the pathetic loneliness of the region gave importance to the one + companion of that swan, its own white image in the water. It was for that + reason that I recorded the Swan and the Shadow. Had there been many swans + and many shadows, they would have implied nothing as regards the <span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage488" id="Cpage488"></a>{488}</span>character + of the scene; and I should have said nothing about them.' He proceeded to + remark that many who could descant with eloquence on Nature cared little + for her, and that many more who truly loved her had yet no eye to discern + her—which he regarded as a sort of 'spiritual discernment.' He + continued, 'Indeed I have hardly ever known any one but myself who had a + true eye for Nature, one that thoroughly understood her meanings and her + teachings—except' (here he interrupted himself) 'one person. There + was a young clergyman, called Frederick Faber,<a name="CFNanchor_269_269" + id="CFNanchor_269_269"></a><a href="#CFootnote_269_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> + who resided at Ambleside. He had not only as good an eye for Nature as I + have, but even a better one, and sometimes pointed out to me on the + mountains effects which, with all my great experience, I had never + detected.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Truth, he used to say—that is, truth in its largest sense, as a + thing at once real and ideal, a truth including exact and accurate detail, + and yet everywhere subordinating mere detail to the spirit of the whole—this, + he affirmed, was the soul and essence not only of descriptive poetry, but + of all poetry. He had often, he told me, intended to write an essay on + poetry, setting forth this principle, and illustrating it by references to + the chief representatives of poetry in its various departments. It was + this twofold truth which made Shakspeare the greatest of all poets. 'It + was well for Shakspeare,' he remarked, 'that he gave himself to the drama. + It was that which forced him to be sufficiently human. His poems would + otherwise, from the extraordinarily metaphysical character of his genius, + have been too recondite to be understood. His youthful poems, in spite of + their unfortunate and unworthy subjects, and his sonnets also, reveal this + tendency. Nothing can surpass the greatness of Shakspeare where he is at + his greatest; but it is wrong to speak of him as if even he were perfect. + He had serious defects, and not those only proceeding from carelessness. + For instance, in his delineations of character he does not assign as large + a place to religious sentiment as enters into the constitution of human + nature under normal circumstances. If his dramas had more religion in + them, they would be truer representations of man, as well as more + elevated, and of a more searching interest.' Wordsworth used to warn young + poets against writing poetry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage489" + id="Cpage489"></a>{489}</span> remote from human interest. Dante he + admitted to be an exception; but he considered that Shelley, and almost + all others who had endeavoured to out-soar the humanities, had suffered + deplorably from the attempt. I once heard him say, 'I have often been + asked for advice by young poets. All the advice I can give may be + expressed in two counsels. First, let Nature be your habitual and + pleasurable study, human nature and material nature; secondly, study + carefully those first-class poets whose fame is universal, not local, and + learn from them: learn from them especially how to observe and how to + interpret Nature.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Those who knew Wordsworth only from his poetry might have supposed that he + dwelt ever in a region too serene to admit of human agitations. This was + not the fact. There was in his being a region of tumult as well as a + higher region of calm, though it was almost wholly in the latter that his + poetry lived. It turned aside from mere <i>personal</i> excitements; and + for that reason, doubtless, it developed more deeply those special ardours + which belong at once to the higher imagination and to the moral being. The + passion which was suppressed elsewhere burned in his 'Sonnets to Liberty,' + and added a deeper sadness to the 'Yew-trees of Borrowdale.' But his + heart, as well as his imagination, was ardent. When it spoke most + powerfully in his poetry it spoke with a stern brevity unusual in that + poetry, as in the poem 'There is a change and I am poor,' and the still + more remarkable one, 'A slumber did my spirit seal,' a poem impassioned + beyond the comprehension of those who fancy that Wordsworth lacks passion, + merely because in him passion is neither declamatory nor, latently, + sensual. He was a man of strong affections, strong enough on one sorrowful + occasion to withdraw him for a time from poetry.<a name="CFNanchor_270_270" + id="CFNanchor_270_270"></a><a href="#CFootnote_270_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Referring once to two young children of his who had died about forty years + previously, he described the details of their illnesses with an exactness + and an impetuosity of troubled excitement, such as might have been + expected if the bereavement had taken place but a few weeks before. The + lapse of time appeared to have left the sorrow submerged indeed, but still + in all its first freshness. Yet I afterwards heard that at the time of the + illness, at least in the case of one of the two children, it was + impossible to rouse his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage490" + id="Cpage490"></a>{490}</span>attention to the danger. He chanced to be + then under the immediate spell of one of those fits of poetic inspiration + which descended on him like a cloud. Till the cloud had drifted he could + see nothing beyond. Under the level of the calm there was, however, the + precinct of the storm. It expressed itself rarely but vehemently, + partaking sometimes of the character both of indignation and sorrow. All + at once the trouble would pass away, and his countenance bask in its + habitual calm, like a cloudless summer sky. His indignation flamed out + vehemently when he heard of a base action. 'I could kick such a man across + England with my naked foot,' I heard him exclaim on such an occasion. The + more impassioned part of his nature connected itself especially with his + political feelings. He regarded his own intellect as one which united some + of the faculties which belong to the statesman with those which belong to + the poet; and public affairs interested him not less deeply than poetry. + It was as patriot, not poet, that he ventured to claim fellowship with + Dante.<a name="CFNanchor_271_271" id="CFNanchor_271_271"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_271_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a> He did not accept the + term 'Reformer,' because it implied an organic change in our institutions, + and this he deemed both needless and dangerous; but he used to say that + while he was a decided Conservative, he remembered that to preserve our + institutions we must be ever improving them. He was, indeed, from first to + last, preëminently a patriot, an impassioned as well as a thoughtful + one. Yet his political sympathies were not with his own country only, but + with the progress of Humanity. Till disenchanted by the excesses and + follies of the first French revolution, his hopes and sympathies + associated themselves ardently with the new order of things created by it; + and I have heard him say that he did not know how any generous-minded <i>young</i> + man, entering on life at the time of that great uprising, could have + escaped the illusion. To the end his sympathies were ever with the cottage + hearth far more than with the palace. If he became a strong supporter of + what has been called 'the hierarchy of society,' it was chiefly because he + believed the principle of 'equality' to be fatal to the well-being and the + true dignity of the poor. Moreover, in siding politically with the Crown + and the coronets, he considered himself to be siding with the weaker party + in our democratic days.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage491" + id="Cpage491"></a>{491}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The absence of love-poetry in Wordsworth's works has often been remarked + upon, and indeed brought as a charge against them. He once told me that if + he had avoided that form of composition, it was by no means because the + theme did not interest him, but because, treated as it commonly has been, + it tends rather to disturb and lower the reader's moral and imaginative + being than to elevate it. He feared to handle it amiss. He seemed to think + that the subject had been so long vulgarised, that few poets had a right + to assume that they could treat it worthily, especially as the theme, when + treated unworthily, was such an easy and cheap way of winning applause. It + has been observed also that the Religion of Wordsworth's poetry, at least + of his earlier poetry, is not as distinctly 'Revealed Religion' as might + have been expected from this poet's well-known adherence to what he has + called emphatically 'The lord, and mighty paramount of Truths.' He once + remarked to me himself on this circumstance, and explained it by stating + that when in youth his imagination was shaping for itself the channel in + which it was to flow, his religious convictions were less definite and + less strong than they had become on more mature thought, and that when his + poetic mind and manner had once been formed, he feared that he might, in + attempting to modify them, have become constrained. He added that on such + matters he ever wrote with great diffidence, remembering that if there + were many subjects too low for song, there were some too high. + Wordsworth's general confidence in his own powers, which was strong, + though far from exaggerated, rendered more striking and more touching his + humility in all that concerned Religion. It used to remind me of what I + once heard Mr. Rogers say, viz. 'There is a special character of <i>greatness</i> + about humility for it implies that a man can, in an unusual degree, + estimate the <i>greatness</i> of what is above us.' Fortunately his + diffidence did not keep Wordsworth silent on sacred themes; his later + poems include an unequivocal as well as beautiful confession of Christian + faith; and one of them, 'The Primrose of the Rock,' is as distinctly + Wordsworthian in its inspiration as it is Christian in its doctrine. + Wordsworth was a 'high churchman,' and also, in his prose mind, strongly + anti-Roman Catholic, partly on political grounds; but that it was + otherwise as regards his mind poetic is obvious from many passages in his + Christian poetry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage492" id="Cpage492"></a>{492}</span> + especially those which refer to the monastic system, and the Schoolmen, + and his sonnet on the Blessed Virgin, whom he addresses as + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Our tainted nature's solitary boast.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He used to say that the idea of one who was both Virgin and Mother had + sunk so deep into the heart of Humanity, that there it must ever remain. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth's estimate of his contemporaries was not generally high. I + remember his once saying to me, 'I have known many that might he called + very <i>clever</i> men, and a good many of real and vigorous <i>abilities</i>, + but few of genius; and only one whom I should call "wonderful." That one + was Coleridge. At any hour of the day or night he would talk by the hour, + if there chanced to be <i>any</i> sympathetic listener, and talk better + than the best page of his writings; for a pen half paralysed his genius. A + child would sit quietly at his feet and wonder, till the torrent had + passed by. The only man like Coleridge whom I have known is Sir William + Hamilton, Astronomer Royal of Dublin.' I remember, however, that when I + recited by his fireside Alfred Tennyson's two political poems, 'You ask me + why, though ill at ease,' and 'Of old sat Freedom on the heights,' the old + bard listened with a deepening attention, and when I had ended, said after + a pause, 'I must acknowledge that those two poems are very solid and noble + in thought. Their diction also seems singularly stately.' He was a great + admirer of <i>Philip van Artevelde</i>. In the case of a certain poet + since dead, and never popular, he said to me, 'I consider his sonnets to + be the best of modern times;' adding, 'Of course I am not including my own + in any comparison with those of others.' He was not sanguine as to the + future of English poetry. He thought that there was much to be supplied in + other departments of our literature, and especially he desired a really + great History of England; but he was disposed to regard the roll of + English poetry as made up, and as leaving place for little more except + what was likely to be eccentric or imitational. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + In his younger days Wordsworth had had to fight a great battle in poetry, + for both his subjects and his mode of treating them were antagonistic to + the maxims then current. It was fortunate for posterity, no doubt, that + his long 'militant estate'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage493" + id="Cpage493"></a>{493}</span> was animated by some mingling of personal + ambition with his love of poetry. Speaking in an early sonnet of + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'The poets, who on earth have made us heirs<br /></span> <span>Of + truth, and pure delight, by heavenly lays,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + he concludes, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Oh! might my name be numbered among theirs,<br /></span> <span>Then + gladly would I end my mortal days.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He died at eighty, and general fame did not come to him till about fifteen + years before his death. This perhaps might have been fifteen years too + soon, if he had set any inordinate value on it. But it was not so. Shelley + tells us that' Fame is love disguised;' and it was intellectual sympathy + that Wordsworth had always valued far more than reputation. 'Give me thy + love; I claim no other fee,' had been his demand on his reader. When Fame + had laid her tardy garland at his feet he found on it no fresher green + than his 'Rydalian laurels' had always worn. Once he said to me, 'It is + indeed a deep satisfaction to hope and believe that my poetry will be, + while it lasts, a help to the cause of virtue and truth—especially + among the young. As for myself, it seems now of little moment how long I + may be remembered. When a man pushes off in his little boat into the great + seas of Infinity and Eternity, it surely signifies little how long he is + kept in sight by watchers from the shore.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Such are my chief recollections of the great poet, whom I knew but in his + old age, but whose heart retained its youth till his daughter Dora's + death. He seemed to me one who from boyhood had been faithful to a high + vocation; one who had esteemed it his office to minister, in an age of + conventional civilisation, at Nature's altar, and who had in his later + life explained and vindicated such life-long ministration, even while he + seemed to apologise for it, in the memorable confession, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'But who is innocent? By grace divine,<br /></span> <span>Not + otherwise, O Nature, are we thine.'<a name="CFNanchor_272_272" + id="CFNanchor_272_272"></a><a href="#CFootnote_272_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a><br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + It was to Nature as first created, not to Nature as corrupted by + 'disnatured' passions, that his song had attributed such high and healing + powers. In singing her praise he had chosen a theme loftier than most of + his readers knew—loftier, as he perhaps eventually discovered, than + he had at first supposed it to be. Utterly without Shakspeare's dramatic + faculty, he was richer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage494" + id="Cpage494"></a>{494}</span> and wider in the humanities than any poet + since Shakspeare. Wholly unlike Milton in character and in opinions, he + abounds in passages to be paralleled only by Milton in solemn and + spiritual sublimity, and not even by Milton in pathos. It was plain to + those who knew Wordsworth that he had kept his great gift pure, and used + it honestly and thoroughly for that purpose for which it had been + bestowed. He had ever written with a conscientious reverence for that + gift; but he had also written spontaneously. He had composed with care—not + the exaggerated solicitude which is prompted by vanity, and which frets + itself to unite incompatible excellences; but the diligence which shrinks + from no toil while eradicating blemishes that confuse a poem's meaning, + and frustrate its purpose. He regarded poetry as an art; but he also + regarded Art not as the compeer of Nature, much less her superior, but as + her servant and interpreter. He wrote poetry likewise, no doubt, in a + large measure, because self-utterance was an essential law of his nature. + If he had a companion, he discoursed like one whose thoughts must needs + run on in audible current; if he walked alone among his mountains, he + murmured old songs. He was like a pine grove, vocal as well as visible. + But to poetry he had dedicated himself as to the utterance of the highest + truths brought within the range of his life's experience; and if his + poetry has been accused of egotism, the charge has come from those who did + not perceive that it was with a human, not a mere personal interest that + he habitually watched the processes of his own mind. He drew from the + fountain that was nearest at hand what he hoped might be a refreshment to + those far off. He once said, speaking of a departed man of genius, who had + lived an unhappy life and deplorably abused his powers, to the lasting + calamity of his country, 'A great poet must be a great man; and a great + man must be a good man; and a good man ought to be a happy man.' To know + Wordsworth was to feel sure that if he had been a great poet, it was not + merely because he had been endowed with a great imagination, but because + he had been a good man, a great man, and a man whose poetry had, in an + especial sense, been the expression of a healthily happy moral being. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + AUBREY DE VERE.<br /> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Curragh + Chase, March 31, 1875.</span><br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage495" + id="Cpage495"></a>{495}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + P.S. Wordsworth was by no means without humour. When the Queen on one + occasion gave a masked ball, some one said that a certain youthful poet, + who has since reached a deservedly high place both in the literary and + political world, but who was then known chiefly as an accomplished and + amusing young man of society, was to attend it dressed in the character of + the father of English poetry, grave old Chaucer. 'What,' said Wordsworth, + 'M. go as Chaucer! Then it only remains for me to go as M.!' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + <a name="FPART_II" id="FPART_II"></a>PART II. + </h4> + <p> + </p> + <p> + SONNET—RYDAL WITH WORDSWORTH. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + BY THE LATE SIR AUBREY DE VERE. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'What we beheld scarce can I now recall<br /></span> <span>In one + connected picture; images<br /></span> <span>Hurrying so swiftly their + fresh witcheries<br /></span> <span>O'er the mind's mirror, that the + several<br /></span> <span>Seems lost, or blended in the mighty all.<br /></span> + <span>Lone lakes; rills gushing through rock-rooted trees:<br /></span> + <span>Peaked mountains shadowing vales of peacefulness:<br /></span> + <span>Glens echoing to the flashing waterfall.<br /></span> <span>Then + that sweet twilight isle! with friends delayed<br /></span> <span>Beside + a ferny bank 'neath oaks and yews;<br /></span> <span>The moon between + two mountain peaks embayed;<br /></span> <span>Heaven and the waters dyed + with sunset hues:<br /></span> <span>And he, the Poet of the age and + land,<br /></span> <span>Discoursing as we wandered hand in hand.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The above-written sonnet is the record of a delightful day spent by my + father in 1833 with Wordsworth at Rydal, to which he went from the still + more beautiful shores of Ulswater, where he had been sojourning at + Halsteads. He had been one of Wordsworth's warmest admirers, when their + number was small, and in 1842 he dedicated a volume of poems to him.<a + name="CFNanchor_273_273" id="CFNanchor_273_273"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_273_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a> He taught me when a + boy of 18 years old to admire the great bard. I had been very + enthusiastically praising Lord Byron's poetry. My father calmly replied, + 'Wordsworth is the great poet of modern times.' Much surprised, I asked, + 'And what may his special merits be?' The answer was, 'They are very + various, as for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage496" id="Cpage496"></a>{496}</span> + instance, depth, largeness, elevation, and, what is rare in modern poetry, + an <i>entire</i> purity. In his noble "Laodamia" they are chiefly majesty + and pathos.' A few weeks afterwards I chanced to take from the library + shelves a volume of Wordsworth, and it opened on 'Laodamia.' Some strong, + calm hand seemed to have been laid on my head, and bound me to the spot, + till I had come to the end. As I read, a new world, hitherto unimagined, + opened itself out, stretching far away into serene infinitudes. The region + was one to me unknown, but the harmony of the picture attested its + reality. Above and around were indeed + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'An ampler ether, a diviner air,<br /></span> <span>And fields + invested with purpureal gleams;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + and when I reached the line, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Calm pleasures there abide—majestic pains,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I felt that no tenants less stately could walk in so lordly a precinct. I + had been translated into another planet of song—one with larger + movements and a longer year. A wider conception of poetry had become mine, + and the Byronian enthusiasm fell from me like a bond that is broken by + being outgrown. The incident illustrates poetry in one of its many + characters, that of 'the deliverer.' The ready sympathies and + inexperienced imagination of youth make it surrender itself easily despite + its better aspirations, or in consequence of them, to a false greatness; + and the true greatness, once revealed, sets it free. As early as 1824 + Walter Savage Landor, in his 'Imaginary Conversation' between Southey and + Porson, had pronounced Wordsworth's 'Laodamia' to be 'a composition such + as Sophocles might have exulted to own, and a part of which might have + been heard with shouts of rapture in the regions he describes'—the + Elysian Fields. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth frequently spoke of death, as if it were the taking of a new + degree in the University of Life. 'I should like,' he remarked to a young + lady, 'to visit Italy again before I move to another planet.' He sometimes + made a mistake in assuming that others were equally philosophical. We were + once breakfasting at the house of Mr. Rogers, when Wordsworth, after + gazing attentively round the room with a benignant and complacent + expression, turned to our host, and wishing to compliment him, said, 'Mr. + Rogers, I never see this house, so perfect in its taste,<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage497" id="Cpage497"></a>{497}</span> so + exquisite in all its arrangements, and decorated with such well-chosen + pictures, without fancying it the very house imaged to himself by the + Roman poet, when, in illustration of man's mortality, he says, "Linquenda + est domus."' 'What is that you are saying?' replied Mr. Rogers, whose + years, between eighty and ninety, had not improved his hearing. 'I was + remarking that your house,' replied Wordsworth, 'always reminds me of the + Ode (more properly called an Elegy, though doubtless the lyrical measure + not unnaturally causes it to be included among Horace's Odes) in which the + Roman poet writes "Linquenda est domus;" that is, since, ladies being + present, a translation may be deemed desirable, <i>The house is</i>, or <i>has + to be, left</i>; and again, "et placens uxor"—and the pleasing wife; + though, as we must all regret, that part of the quotation is not + applicable on the present occasion.' The Town Bard, on whom 'no angle + smiled' more than the end of St. James's-place, did not enter into the + views of the Bard of the Mountains. His answer was what children call + 'making a great face,' and the ejaculation, 'Don't talk Latin in, the + society of ladies.' When I was going away he remarked, 'What a stimulus + the mountain air has on the appetite! I made a sign to Edmund to hand him + the cutlets a second time. I was afraid he would stick his fork into that + beautiful woman who sat next him.' Wordsworth never resented a jest at his + own expense. Once when we had knocked three times in vain at the door of a + London house, I exclaimed, quoting his sonnet written on + Westminster-bridge, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Dear God, the very houses seem asleep.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He laughed heartily, then smiled gravely, and lastly recounted the + occasion, and described the early morning on which that sonnet was + written. He did not recite more than a part of it, to the accompaniment of + distant cab and carriage; and I thought that the door was opened too soon. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Wordsworth, despite his dislike to great cities, was attracted + occasionally in his later years + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'To the proud margin of the Thames,<br /></span> <span>And + Lambeth's venerable towers,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + where his society was courted by persons of the most different character. + But he complained bitterly of the great city. It was next to impossible, + he remarked, to tell the truth in it.<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage498" id="Cpage498"></a>{498}</span> 'Yesterday I was at S. + House: the Duchess of S., showing me the pictures, observed, "This is the + portrait of my brother" (naming him), "and it is considered very like." To + this I assented, partly perhaps in absence of mind, but partly, I think, + with an impression that her Grace's brother was probably a person whose + face every one knew, or was expected to know; so that, as I had never met + him, my answer was in fact a lie! It is too bad that, when more than + seventy years old, I should be brought from the mountains to London in + order to tell a lie!' He made his complaint wherever he went, laying the + blame, however, not so much on himself, or on the Duchess, as on the + corrupt city; and some of those who learned how the most truthful man in + England had thus quickly been subverted by metropolitan snares came to the + conclusion that within a few years more no virtue would be left extant in + the land. He was likewise maltreated in lesser ways. 'This morning I was + compelled by my engagements to eat three breakfasts—one with an aged + and excellent gentleman, who may justly be esteemed an accomplished man of + letters, although I cannot honestly concede to him the title of a poet; + one at a fashionable party; and one with an old friend whom no pressure + would induce me to neglect—although for this, my first breakfast + to-day, I was obliged to name the early hour of seven o'clock, as he lives + in a remote part of London.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + But it was only among his own mountains that Wordsworth could be + understood. He walked among them not so much to admire them as to converse + with them. They exchanged thoughts with him, in sunshine or flying shadow, + giving him their own and accepting his. Day and night, at all hours, and + in all weather, he would face them. If it rained, he might fling his plaid + over him, but would take no admonition. He must have his way. On such + occasions, dutiful as he was in higher matters, he remained incurably + wayward. In vain one reminded him that a letter needed an answer, or that + the storm would soon be over. It was very necessary for him to do what he + liked; and one of his dearest friends said to me, with a smile of the most + affectionate humour, 'He wrote his "Ode to Duty," and then he had done + with that matter.' This very innocent form of lawlessness, corresponding + with the classic expression, 'Indulge genio,' seemed to belong<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage499" id="Cpage499"></a>{499}</span> to his + genius, not less than the sympathetic reverence with which he looked up to + the higher and universal laws. Sometimes there was a battle between his + reverence for Nature and his reverence for other things. The friend + already alluded to was once remarking on his varying expressions of + countenance. 'That rough old face is capable of high and real beauty; I + have seen in it an expression quite of heavenly peace and contemplative + delight, as the May breeze came over him from the woods while he was + slowly walking out of church on a Sunday morning, and when he had half + emerged from the shadow.' A flippant person present inquired, 'Did you + ever chance, Miss F., to observe that heavenly expression on his + countenance, as he was walking into church, on a fine May morning?' A + laugh was the reply. The ways of Nature harmonised with his feelings in + age as well as in youth. He could understand no estrangement. Gathering a + wreath of white thorn on one occasion, he murmured, as he slipped it into + the ribbon which bound the golden tresses of his youthful companion, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'And what if I enwreathed my own?<br /></span> <span class="i2">'Twere + no offence to reason;<br /></span> <span>The sober hills thus deck their + brows<br /></span> <span class="i2">To meet the wintry season.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="SHELLEY" id="SHELLEY"></a>(<i>k</i>) FROM 'RECOLLECTIONS OF THE + LAST DAYS OF SHELLEY AND BYRON.' + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + BY E.J. TRELAWNY. 1858 (MOXON). + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Some days after this conversation I walked to Lausanne, to breakfast at + the hotel with an old friend, Captain Daniel Roberts, of the navy. He was + out sketching, but presently came in accompanied by two English ladies, + with whom he had made acquaintance whilst drawing, and whom he brought to + our hotel. The husband of one of them soon followed. I saw by their + utilitarian garb, as well as by the blisters and blotches on their cheeks, + lips, and noses, that they were pedestrian tourists, fresh from the + snow-covered mountains, the blazing sun and frosty air having acted on + their unseasoned skins as boiling water does on the lobster by dyeing his + dark coat scarlet. The man was evidently a denizen of the north, his + accent harsh, skin<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage500" id="Cpage500"></a>{500}</span> + white, of an angular and bony build, and self-confident and dogmatic in + his opinions. The precision and quaintness of his language, as well as his + eccentric remarks on common things, stimulated my mind. Our icy islanders + thaw rapidly when they have drifted into warmer latitudes: broken loose + from its anti-social system, mystic castes, coteries, sets, and sects, + they lay aside their purse-proud, tuft-hunting, and toadying ways, and are + very apt to run risk in the enjoyment of all their senses. Besides, we + were compelled to talk in strange company, if not from good breeding, to + prove our breed, as the gift of speech is often our principal, if not + sole, distinction from the rest of the brute animals. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + To return to our breakfast. The travellers, flushed with health, delighted + with their excursion, and with appetites earned by bodily and mental + activity, were in such high spirits that Roberts and I caught the + infection of their mouth; we talked as loud and fast as if under the + exhilarating influence of champagne, instead of such a sedative compound + as <i>café au lait</i>. I can rescue nothing out of oblivion but a + few last words. The stranger expressed his disgust at the introduction of + carriages into the mountain districts of Switzerland, and at the old + fogies who used them. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'As to the arbitrary, pitiless, godless wretches,' he exclaimed, 'who have + removed Nature's landmarks by cutting roads through Alps and Apennines, + until all things are reduced to the same dead level, they will he + arraigned hereafter with the unjust: they have robbed the best specimens + of what men should be of their freeholds in the mountains; the eagle, the + black cock, and the red deer they have tamed or exterminated. The lover of + Nature can nowhere find a solitary nook to contemplate her beauties. + Yesterday,' he continued, 'at the break of day, I scaled the most rugged + height within my reach; it looked inaccessible; this pleasant delusion was + quickly dispelled; I was rudely startled out of a deep reverie by the + accursed jarring, jingling, and rumbling of a calèche, and harsh + voices that drowned the torrent's fall.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + The stranger, now hearing a commotion in the street, sprang on his feet, + looked out of the window, and rang the bell violently. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Waiter,' he said, 'is that our carriage? Why did you not tells us? Come, + lasses, be stirring; the freshness of the day is<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage501" id="Cpage501"></a>{501}</span> gone. You may rejoice in + not having to walk; there is a chance of saving the remnants of skin the + sun has left on our chins and noses; to-day we shall he stewed instead of + barbecued.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + On their leaving the room to get ready for their journey, my friend + Roberts told me the strangers were the poet Wordsworth, his wife and + sister. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Who could have divined this? I could see no trace, in the hard features + and weather-stained brow of the outer man, of the divinity within him. In + a few minutes the travellers reappeared; we cordially shook hands, and + agreed to meet again at Geneva. Now that I knew that I was talking to one + of the veterans of the gentle craft, as there was no time to waste in idle + ceremony, I asked him abruptly what he thought of Shelley as a poet. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing,' he replied as abruptly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Seeing my surprise, he added, 'A poet who has not produced a good poem + before he is twenty-five we may conclude cannot and never will do so.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The "Cenci"!' I said eagerly. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'Won't do,' he replied, shaking his head, as he got into the carriage: a + rough-coated Scotch terrier followed him. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'This hairy fellow is our flea-trap,' he shouted out as they started off. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + When I recovered from the shock of having heard the harsh sentence passed + by an elder bard on a younger brother of the Muses, I exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'After all, poets are but earth. It is the old story,—envy—Cain + and Abel. Professions, sects, and communities in general, right or wrong, + hold together, men of the pen excepted; if one of their guild is worsted + in the battle, they do as the rooks do by their inky brothers—fly + from him, cawing and screaming; if they don't fire the shot, they sound + the bugle to charge.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I did not then know that the full-fledged author never reads the writings + of his contemporaries, except to cut them up in a review, that being a + work of love. In after years, Shelley being dead, Wordsworth confessed + this fact; he was then induced to read some of Shelley's poems, and + admitted that Shelley was the greatest master of harmonious verse in our + modern literature. (Pp. 4-8.)<a name="CFNanchor_274_274" + id="CFNanchor_274_274"></a><a href="#CFootnote_274_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage502" id="Cpage502"></a>{502}</span> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="TAYLER" id="TAYLER"></a>(<i>l</i>) FROM 'LETTERS, EMBRACING HIS + LIFE, OF JOHN JAMES TAYLER, B.A., PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY AND + BIBLICAL THEOLOGY, AND PRINCIPAL OF MANCHESTER NEW COLLEGE. LONDON, 1872' + (TWO VOLS. 8vo). + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Spring Cottage, Loughrigg, Ambleside, + July 26. 1826.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Rydal, where we now are, has an air of repose and seclusion which I have + rarely seen surpassed; the first few days we were here we perfectly + luxuriated in the purity and sweetness of the air and the delicious + stillness of its pastures and woods. It is interesting, too, on another + account, as being the residence of the poet Wordsworth: his house is about + a quarter of a mile from ours; and since Osler joined us we have obtained + an introduction to him, and he favoured us with his company at tea one + evening last week. He is a very interesting man, remarkably simple in his + manners, full of enthusiasm and eloquence in conversation, especially on + the subject of his favourite art—poetry—which he seems to have + studied in a very philosophical spirit, and about which he entertains some + peculiar opinions. Spenser, Shakspeare, and Milton are his favourites + among the English poets, especially the latter, whom he almost idolises. + He expressed one opinion which rather surprised me, and in which I could + not concur—that he preferred the 'Samson Agonistes' to 'Comus.' He + recited in vindication of his judgment one very fine passage from the + former poem, and in a very striking manner; his voice is deep and + pathetic, and thrills with feeling. He is Toryish—at least what + would he considered so—in his political principles, though he + disclaims all connection with party, and certainly argues with great + fairness and temper on controverted topics, such as Parliamentary Reform + and Catholic Emancipation. We took a long walk with him the other evening, + to the scene of one of his Pastorals in the neighbourhood of Grasmere. He + has a good deal of general conversation, and has more the manners of a man + of the world than I should have expected from his poems; but his discourse + indicates great simplicity and purity of mind; indeed, nothing renders his + conversation more interesting than the unaffected tone of elevated + morality and devotion which pervades it. We have been reading his long + poem, the 'Excursion,' since we came here. I particularly recommend it to + your notice, barring some few <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage503" + id="Cpage503"></a>{503}</span>extra vagancies into which his peculiar + theory has led him: his fourth book, the last, contains specimens both of + versification, sentiment, and imagery, scarcely inferior to what you will + find in the best passages of Milton. He spoke with great plainness, and + yet with candour, of his contemporaries. He admitted the power of Byron in + describing the workings of human passion, but denied that he knew anything + of the beauties of Nature, or succeeded in describing them with fidelity. + This he illustrated by examples. He spoke with deserved severity of + Byron's licentiousness and contempt of religious decorum. He told us he + thought the greatest of modern geniuses, had he given his powers a proper + direction, and one decidedly superior to Byron, was Shelley, a young man, + author of 'Queen Mab,' who died lately at Rome. (Vol. i. pp. 72-4.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">Manchester, July 16. 1830.</span><br /> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + ....Though I am busy, I feel rather melancholy; and I am continually + reminded how sad my life would be without the society and affection of + those we love, and how terribly awful the dispensation of death must be to + those who cannot anticipate a future reunion, and regard it as the utter + extinction of all human interests and affections. I am solacing myself + with Wordsworth. Do you know, I shall become a thorough convert to him. + Much of his poetry is delicious, and I perfectly adore his philosophy. To + me he seems the purest, the most elevated, and the most Christian of + poets. I delight in his deep and tender piety, and his spirit of exquisite + sympathy with whatever is lovely and grand in the breathing universe + around us. (Vol. i. p. 86.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="CRABBE" id="CRABBE"></a>(<i>m</i>) ANECDOTE OF CRABBE. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + FROM 'DIARY OF SIR WALTER SCOTT.' + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Talking of Wordsworth, he [W.] told Anne a story, the object of which, as + she understood it, was to show that Crabbe had no imagination. Crabbe, Sir + George Beaumont, and Wordsworth were sitting together in Murray's room in + Albemarle-street. Sir George, after sealing a letter, blew out the candle + which had enabled him to do so, and exchanging a look with Wordsworth, + began to admire in silence the undulating thread of smoke which slowly + arose from the expiring wick, when Crabbe put on the extinguisher. Anne + laughed at the instance, and inquired if the taper was wax; and being + answered in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage504" id="Cpage504"></a>{504}</span> + negative, seemed to think that there was no call on Mr. Crabbe to + sacrifice his sense of smell to their admiration of beautiful and + evanescent forms. In two other men I should have said, 'Why, it is + affectations,' with Sir Hugh Evans ['Merry Wives of Windsor,' act i. scene + 1]; but Sir George is the man in the world most void of affectation; and + then he is an exquisite painter, and no doubt saw where the <i>incident</i> + would have succeeded in painting. The error is not in you yourself + receiving deep impressions from slight hints, but in supposing that + precisely the same sort of impression must arise in the mind of men + otherwise of kindred feeling, or that the common-place folk of the world + can derive such inductions at any time or under any circumstances.<a + name="CFNanchor_275_275" id="CFNanchor_275_275"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_275_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <hr style="width: 45%;" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="BROUGHAM" id="BROUGHAM"></a>(<i>n</i>) LATER OPINION OF LOUD + BROUGHAM. + </h3> + <p> + </p> + <p> + I am just come from breakfasting with Henry Taylor to meet Wordsworth; the + same party as when he had Southey—Mill, Elliot, Charles Villiers. + Wordsworth may be bordering on sixty; hard-featured, brown, wrinkled, with + prominent teeth and a few scattered gray hairs, but nevertheless not a + disagreeable countenance; and very cheerful, merry, courteous, and + talkative, much more so than I should have expected from the grave and + didactic character of his writings. He held forth on poetry, painting, + politics, and metaphysics, and with a great deal of eloquence; he is more + conversible and with a greater flow of animal spirits than Southey. He + mentioned that he never wrote down as he composed, but composed walking, + riding, or in bed, and wrote down after; that Southey always composes at + his desk. He talked a great deal of Brougham, whose talents and domestic + virtues he greatly admires; that he was very generous and affectionate in + his disposition, full of duty and attention to his mother, and had adopted + and provided for a whole family of his brother's children, and treats his + wife's children as if they were his own. He insisted upon taking them both + with him to the Drawing-room the other day when he went in state as + Chancellor. They remonstrated with him, but in vain.<a + name="CFNanchor_276_276" id="CFNanchor_276_276"></a><a + href="#CFootnote_276_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage505" id="Cpage505"></a>{505}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="CNOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="CNOTES_AND_ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>NOTES + AND ILLUSTRATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage5">P. 5</a>. Footnotes: 5a, 'Intake.' Cf. p. 436 (bottom). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage6">P. 6</a>, l. 6. 'Gives one bright glance,' &c. From + 'The Seasons,' l. 175, from the end of 'Summer.' Originally (1727) this + line ran, 'Gives one faint glimmer, and then disappears.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage17">P. 17</a>, l. 2. Shelvocke's 'Voyages:' 'A Voyage round + the World, by the Way of the Great South Sea.' 1726, 8vo; 2d edition, + 1757. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage22">P. 22</a>, l. 27. Milton, History of England, &c. + 'The History of Britain, that Part especially now called England; from the + first traditional Beginning, continued to the Norman Conquest. In six + Books.' Lond. 1670. (Works by Mitford, Prose, iii. pp. 1-301.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage24">P. 24</a>, l. 28. Hearne's 'Journey,' &c.; viz. + Samuel Hearne's 'Journey from the Prince of Wales's Fort in Hudson's Bay + to the Northern Ocean.' 1795, 4to. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage31">P. 31</a>, l. 12. Waterton's 'Wanderings,' &c.; + viz. Charles Waterton's 'Wanderings in South America, the North-West of + the United States, and the Antilles.' 1825, 4to. Many subsequent editions, + being a book that has taken its place beside Walton's 'Angler' and White's + 'Selborne.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage32">P. 32</a>, l. 11. James Montgomery's 'Field Flower.' + Nothing gratified this 'sweet Singer' so much as these words of + Wordsworth. He used to point them out to visitors if the conversation + turned, or was directed, to Wordsworth. The particular poem is a + daintily-touched one, found in all the editions of his Poems. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage32">P. 32</a>, l. 33. 'Has not Chaucer noticed it [the + small Celandine]'? Certainly not under this name, nor apparently under any + other. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage33">P. 33</a>, l. 2. 'Frederica Brun.' More exactly + Frederike. She was a minor poetess; imitator of Matthison, whose own poems + can hardly be called original. (See Gostwick and Harrison's 'Outlines of + German Literature,' p. 355, cxxiii., 7th period, 1770-1830.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage36">P. 36</a>, ll. 13-15. Quotation from Thomson, 'The + Seasons,' 'Summer,' l. 980. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage44">P. 44</a>, l. 17. Quotation from Sir John Beaumont, + 'The Battle of Bosworth Field,' l. 100. (Poems in the Fuller Worthies' + Library, p. 29.) Accurately it is, 'The earth assists thee with the cry of + blood.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage47">P. 47</a>, ll. 17-19. 'The Triad.' Sara Coleridge thus + wrote of this poem: 'Look at "The Triad," written by Mr. Wordsworth + four-or five-and-twenty years ago. That poem contains a poetical + glorification of Edith Southey (now W.), of Dora, and of myself. There is + <i>truth</i> in the sketch of Dora, poetic truth, though such as none but + a poet-father would have seen. She was unique in her sweetness and + goodness. I mean that her character was most peculiar—a compound of + vehemence of feeling and gentleness, sharpness and lovingness, which is + not often seen' ('Memoirs and Letters of Sara Coleridge, edited by her + Daughter,' 2 vols. 8vo, 3d edition, 1873, p. 68). Later: 'I do confess + that I have never been able to rank "The Triad" among Mr. Wordsworth's + immortal works of genius. It is just what he came into the poetical world + to condemn, and both by practice and theory to supplant. It is to my mind + <i>artificial</i> and <i>unreal</i>. There is no truth in it as a whole, + although bits of truth, glazed and magnified, are embodied in it, as in + the lines, "Features to old ideal grace allied"—a most + unintelligible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage506" id="Cpage506"></a>{506}</span> + allusion to a likeness discovered in dear Dora's contour of countenance to + the great Memnon head in the British Museum, with its overflowing lips and + width of mouth, which seems to be typical of the ocean. The poem always + strikes me as a mongrel,' &c. (p. 352). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage56">P. 56</a>, l. 7. 'Mr. Duppa.' See note in Vol. II. on + p. 163, l. 2. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage56">P. 56</a>, l. 27. '179—.' <i>Sic</i> in the MS. + He died in January 1795. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage60">P. 60</a>, l. 16. 'Mr. Westall;' viz. William Westall's + 'View of the Caves near Ingleton, Gosdale Scar, and Malham Cove, in + Yorkshire.' 1818, folio. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage62">P. 62</a>, l. 31. 'The itinerant Eidouranian + philosopher,' &c. Query—the Walker of the book on the Lakes + noticed in Vol. II. on p. 217? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage63">P. 63</a>, l. 6. 'I have reason,' &c. Cf. Letter to + Sir W.R. Hamilton, first herein printed, pp. 310-11. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage68">P. 68</a>, l. 24. Dampier's' Voyages, 'etc.; viz.' + Collection of Voyages.' London, 1729, 4 vols. 8vo. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage72">P. 72</a>, l. 29. 'Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke.' His + complete Works in Verse and Prose are given in the Fuller Worthies' + Library, 4 vols. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage76">P. 76</a>, l. 14. Spenser. An apparent misrecollection + of the 'Fairy Queen,' b. iii. c. viii. st. 32, l. 7, 'Had her from so + infamous fact assoyld.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage78">P. 78</a>, l. 6. 'Armstrong;' <i>i.e.</i> Dr. John + Armstrong, whose 'Art of Preserving Health,' under an unpromising title, + really contains splendid things. His portrait in the 'Castle of Indolence' + is his most certain passport to immortality. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage80">P. 80</a>, l. 21. 'The Last Supper of Leonardo da + Vinci.' A reproduction of the head of our Blessed Lord, taken from the + fresco (photograph), is given in the quarto edition of Southwell's + complete Poems in the Fuller Worthies' Library—none the less + precious that it pathetically reveals the marks of Time's 'effacing + fingers.' No engraving approaches the 'power' of this autotype of the + supreme original. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage88">P. 88</a>, l. 32. 'Faber.' Among the treasures + (unpublished) of the Wordsworth Correspondence are various remarkable + letters of Faber—one, very singular, announcing his going over to + the Church of Rome. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage90">P. 90</a>, l. 34. 'Mr. Robinson.' Cf. 'Reminiscences' + onward. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage97">P. 97</a>, ll. 9-10, &c. 'Dyer.' Cf. note, Vol. + II., on p. 296, l. 35. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage97">P. 97</a>, l. 18. 'Mr. Crowe;' <i>i.e.</i> Rev. William + Crowe, Public Orator of Oxford. His poem was originally published in 1786 + (4to); reprinted 1804 (12mo). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage98">P. 98</a>, l. 19. 'Armstrong.' See on p. 78, l. 6. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage98">P. 98</a>, l. 20. 'Burns.' Verse-Epistle to William + Simpson, st. 13; but for 'nae' read 'na,' and for 'na' read 'no.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage101">P. 101</a>, l. 9. 'Rev. Joseph Sympson.' This poet, so + pleasantly noticed by Wordsworth, appears in none of the usual + bibliographical authorities. Curiously enough, his 'Vision of Alfred' was + republished in the United States—Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage116">P. 116</a>, ll. 33-34. Quotation, Shakspeare, 'Henry + VIII.' iii. 2. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage120">P. 120</a>, l. 22. Quotation from Milton, 'Paradise + Lost,' viii. l. 282. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage125">P. 125</a>, l. 4. 'Mr. Hazlitt quoted,' &c. See + Index, <i>s.n.</i> for Wordsworth's estimate of Hazlitt; also our Preface. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage130">P. 130</a>, l. 17. Hill at St. Alban's. See 'Eccl. + Hist.' <i>s.n.</i> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage130">P. 130</a>, l. 31. 'Germanus.' Bede, 'Eccl. Hist.' b. + ii. c. xvi. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage131">P. 131</a>, l. 10. 'Fuller;' viz. his 'Church + History.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage131">P. 131</a>, l. 16. 'Turner.' The late laborious Sharon + Turner, whose 'Histories' are still kept in print (apparently). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage131">P. 131</a>, l. 21. 'Paulinus.' Bede, 'Eccl. Hist.' b. + ii. c. xvi. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage131">P. 131</a>, l. 26. 'King Edwin.' Bede, 'Eccl. Hist.' + b. ii. c. xiii. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage136">P. 136</a>, l. 28. 'An old and much-valued friend in + Oxfordshire;' viz. Rev. Robert Jones, as before. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage137">P. 137</a>, l. 10. 'Dyer's History of Cambridge,' 2 + vols. 8vo, 1814. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage137">P. 137</a>, l. 14. 'Burnet,' in his 'History of the + Reformation;' many editions. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage119">P. 119</a>, ll. 4-5. Latin verse-quotation, Ovid, + 'Metam.' viii. 163, 164.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage507" + id="Cpage507"></a>{507}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage151">P. 151</a>, l. 11. 'Charlotte Smith.' It seems a pity + that the Poems of this genuine Singer should have gone out of sight. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage155">P. 155</a>, l. 31. 'Russel.' Should be Russell. Some + very beautiful Sonnets of his appear in Dyce's well-known collection, and + to it doubtless Wordsworth was indebted for his knowledge of Russell. He + has cruelly passed out of memory. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage165">P. 165</a>, ll. 7-9. 'Is not the first stanza of + Gray's,' etc. Gray himself prefixed these lines from Aeschylus, 'Agam.' + 181: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <img src="images/greek510.png" alt="Greek" title="Greek" /> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + He seems to have been rather indebted to Dionysius' Ode to Nemesis, v. + Aratus. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage182">P. 182</a>, l. 9. 'Dr. Darwin's <i>Zoonomia</i>;' <i>i.e.</i> + 'The Laws of Organic Life,' 1794-96, 2 vols. 4to. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage182">P. 182</a>, l. 24. 'Peter Henry Bruce ... entertaining + Memoirs.' Published 1782, 4to. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage185">P. 185</a>, ll. 2-3. Verse-quotation, from Milton, 'Il + Penseroso,' ll. 109-110. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage190">P. 190</a>, l. 27. 'Light will be thrown,' &c. We + have still to deplore that the Letters of Lamb are even at this later day + either withheld or sorrowfully mutilated; <i>e.g.</i> among the Wordsworth + Correspondence (unpublished) is a whole sheaf of letters in their finest + vein from Lamb and his sister. Some of the former are written in black and + red ink in alternate lines, and overflow with all his deepest and + quaintest characteristics. His sister's are charming. The same might be + said of nearly all Wordsworth's greatest contemporaries. Surely these MSS. + will not much longer be kept in this inexplicable and, I venture to say, + scarcely pardonable seclusion? + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage192">P. 192</a>, foot-note. This deliciously <i>naïve</i> + note of 'Dora' to her venerated father suggests that it is due similarly + to demur—with all respect—to the representation given of Mrs. + Hemans (pp. 193-4). Three things it must be permitted me to recall: (<i>a</i>) + That the 'brevity's sake' hardly condones the fulness of statement of an + imagined ignorance of 'housewifery' on the part of Mrs. Hemans. (<i>b</i>) + That a visitor for a few days in a family could scarcely be expected to + set about using her needle in home duties. (<i>c</i>) That unquestionable + testimony, furnished me by those who knew her intimately, warrant me to + state that Wordsworth was mistaken in supposing that Mrs. Hemans 'could as + easily have managed the spear of Minerva as her needle.' Her brave and + beautiful life, and her single-handed upbringing of her many boys + worthily, make one deeply regret that such sweeping generalisation from a + narrow and hasty observation should have been indulged in. My profound + veneration for Wordsworth does not warrant my suppression of the truth in + this matter. Be it remembered, too, that other expressions of Wordsworth + largely qualify the present ungracious judgment. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage209">P. 209</a>, l. 8. 'Lord Ashley.' Now the illustrious + and honoured Earl of Shaftesbury. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage212">P. 212</a>, l. 17. 'Burnet;' <i>i.e.</i> Thomas + Burnet, whose Latin treatise was published in 1681 and 1689; in English, + 1684 and 1689. Imaginative genius will be found in this uncritical and + unscientific book. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage214">P. 214</a>, l. 12. 'The Hurricane,' &c.; viz. 'The + Hurricane; a Theosophical and Western Eclogue,' &c. 1797; reprinted + 1798. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage216">P. 216</a>, ll. 4-5. Quotation from Coleridge, from + 'Sibylline Leaves,' Inscription for a Fountain on a Heath. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage216">P. 216</a>, l. 29. 'Dr. Bell.' Southey edited the + bulky Correspondence of this pioneer of our better education, in 3 vols. + 8vo. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage233">P. 233</a>, ll. 34-36. 'They have been treated,' &c. + ('Evening Walk,' &c., 1794.) + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage247">P. 247</a>, foot-note [A]. De Quincey, in his + 'Recollections of the Lakes and the Lake Poets, Coleridge, Wordsworth, and + Southey' (Works, vol. ii. pp. 151-6),<span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage508" id="Cpage508"></a>{508}</span> gives a very realistic <i>exposé</i> + of the Lonsdales—abating considerably the glow of Wordsworth's + recurring praise and homage. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage255">P. 255</a>, l. 31. 'History of Cleveland.' The book is + by the Rev. John Graves, and is entitled 'The History of Cleveland in the + North Riding of the County of York.' Carlisle, 1808. Wordsworth is unjust: + it is a deserving work, if o' times inevitably dry. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage285">P. 285</a>, l.1. 'Francis Edgeworth's "Dramatic + Fragment."' This was Francis Beaufort Edgeworth, half-brother of Maria + Edgeworth. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage285">P. 285</a>, ll. 29-30. 'Spectator.' From No. 46, April + 23, 1711, one of Addison's own charming papers in his lighter vein of + raillery. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage280">P. 280</a>, ll. 13-16. 'Mr. Page;' viz. Frederick + Page, author of (<i>a</i>) 'The Principle of the English Poor Laws + illustrated and defended by an Historical View of Indigence in Civil + Society.' Bath, 1822. (<i>b</i>) 'Observations on the State of the + Indigent Poor in Ireland, and the existing Institutions for their Relief.' + London, 1830. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage290">P. 290</a>, ll. 25-27. Verse-quotation, from Milton, + 'Paradise Regained,' b. iii. ll. 337-9. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage293">P. 293</a>, l. 1. Letter to Hamilton. The Rev. R.P. + Graves, M.A.—Wordsworth's friend—is engaged in preparing a + Life of this preeminent mathematician and many-gifted man of genius, than + whom there seems to have been no contemporary who so deeply impressed + Wordsworth intellectually, or so won his heart. The 'Poems' of Miss + Hamilton (1 vol. 1838) sparkle with beauties, often unexpected as the + flash of gems. Space can only be found for one slight specimen of her gift + in 'Lines written in Miss Dora Wordsworth's Album,' as follows: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'It is not now that I can speak, while still<br /></span> <span + class="i4">Thy lakes, thy hills, thyself are in my sight;<br /></span> + <span>I would be quiet—for the thoughts that fill<br /></span> + <span class="i4">My spirit's urn are a confused delight;<br /></span> + <span>They must have time to settle to the clear<br /></span> <span + class="i4">Untroubled calm of memory, ere they show,<br /></span> <span>True + as the water-depths around thee here,<br /></span> <span class="i4">These + images, that then will come and go,<br /></span> <span>An everlasting + joy. Far, far away<br /></span> <span class="i4">As life, extends the + shadow of to-day;<br /></span> <span>And keenlier present from the past + will come<br /></span> <span class="i4">Thy sweet laugh's freshness pure, + with all the poet's home.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + '<i>Rydal Mount</i>. 1830.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + 'The Boys' School' is the title of Miss Hamilton's poem referred to by + Wordsworth. It occurs in the volume, pp. 126-131. Her brother's was one + commencing, 'It haunts me yet.' The 'Mr. Nimmo' of this letter was a civil + engineer connected with the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage299">P. 299</a>, l. 18; 300, l. 8, &c. 'Countess of + Winchelsea.' Sad to say, a collection of this remarkable English + gentlewoman's Poems remains still an unfurnished <i>desideratum</i>. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage306">P. 306</a>, l. 11. 'The Duchess of Newcastle.' Edward + Jenkins, Esq. M.P., has recently collected some of the Poems of this lady + and her lord in a pretty little volume, which he entitles, 'The Cavalier + and the Lady.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage312">P. 312</a>, l. 32. 'Eschylus and the eagle. 'The + reference doubtless is to Aeschylus' 'Prometheus Vinctus,' l. 1042: + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>916()#;ιδϛ<br /></span> <span> πτηνδϛ + κὑων, δαφοινὑϛ + αἱετυϛ.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Compare + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Aischulos' bronze-throat <i>eagle-bark</i> at blood<br /></span> + <span>Has somehow spoiled my taste for twitterings.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + </p> + <p> + Robert Browning, 'Aristophanes' Apology' (1875), p. 94.<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage509" id="Cpage509"></a>{509}</span> + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage321">P. 321</a>, ll. 32-3. Verse-quotation, from 'Macbeth,' + viz. i. 3. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage333">P. 333</a>, l. 2. 'Russell.' Before misspelled + 'Russel' (p. 155). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage337">P. 337</a>, ll. 17-18. 'Auld Robin Grey' [= Gray], by + Lady Ann Lindsay. 'Lament for the Defeat,' &c., viz. 'The Flowers of + the Forest,' by (1) Mrs. Cockburn; 'I've seen the smiling,' &c. (2), + Miss Jane Elliot. 'I've heard the lilting,' &c. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage342">P. 342</a>, l. 1. 'Shakspeare.' Quotation from Sonnet + lxxiii. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage380">P. 380</a>, ll. 6-7. Horace, Ep. i. l, 8-9. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage382">P. 382</a>, ll. 27-9. Southey's Letters. Admirably + done by his son Cuthbert in many volumes. The seeming over-quantity have + been reduced (to the look) by the American reproduction in a single + handsome volume. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage394">P. 394</a>. Heading of Letter 144. 'Of the' has by + misadventure slipped in a second time here. Read, 'Of the Heresiarch + Church of Rome.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage449">P. 449</a>, l. 34 onward. Mrs. Wordsworth. My + excellent Correspondent the Rev. R.P. Graves, of Dublin, thus writes me of + Mrs. Wordsworth: 'I forget whether it has been put on record, as it + certainly deserves to be, that Wordsworth habitually referred to his wife + for the help of her judgment on his poems. Mrs. Wordsworth did not indeed + possess the creative and colouring power of imagination that belonged to + his sister as well as to himself; but her simple truthfulness, her strong + good sense (which no sophistry could impose upon), and her delicate + feeling for propriety, rendered her judgment a test of utmost value with + regard to any subjects of which it could take adequate cognisance. And + these were confined within no narrow range—the workings of Nature as + it lived and moved around her, social equities and charities, religious + and moral truth, tried by the heart as well as by the head, and verbal + expression, required by her to avoid the regions of the merely abstract + and philosophical, and keep to the lower but more poetical ground of + idiomatic strength and transparent logic.' + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage457">P. 457</a>, l. 18. 'The (almost) contemporary notice + of Milton.' A still more significant contemporary notice of Milton than + the well-known one of the text occurs in 'The Censure of the Rota upon Mr. + Milton's book entituled The Ready and Easie Way to establish a Free + Commonwealth, 1660, by James Harrington,' as comes out at p. 16 ('<i>my</i> + Oceana'). As it seems to have escaped the commentators, a short quotation + must be given here: 'Though you have scribled your eyes out, your works + have never been printed but for the company of Chandlers and Tobacco-Men, + who are your Stationers, and the onely men that vend your Labors' (pp. + 4-5). 'He [a member of the Rota] said that he himself reprieved the Whole + <i>Defence of the People of England</i> for a groat, that was sentenced to + vile <i>Mundungus</i>, and had suffer'd inevitably (but for him), though + it cost you much oyle and the Rump 300<i>l.</i> a year,' &c. (ibid.). + This of the 'Defence'!!! + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage459">P. 459</a>, l. 7 onward. Horace, Ode iv. 2, 1; ibid. + 2, 27. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage462">P. 462</a>, l. 15. 'Walter Scott is not a careful + composer,' &c. This recurs in Mr. Aubrey do Vere's 'Recollections' (p. + 487 onward). I venture as a Scot to observe that for this one slight + misquotation by Scott, on which so large a conclusion is built, the + quotations by Wordsworth from others would furnish twenty-fold. He was + singularly inexact in quotation, as even these Notes and Illustrations + will satisfy in the places—scarcely in a single instance being + verbally accurate. 'Sweet' certainly was a perfectly fitting word for the + sequestered lake of St. Mary in its serene summer beauty. Moreover, swans + are not usually found singly, but in pairs; and a pair surely differenced + not greatly the symbol of loneliness. The latter remark points to + Wordsworth's further objection, as stated to Mr. de Vere (as <i>supra</i>). + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage492">P. 492</a>, l. 26. 'In the case of a certain poet + since dead,' &c. I may record what his own son has not felt free to + do, that this was Sir Aubrey de Vere, whose 'Song of Faith, and other + Poems,' has not yet gathered its ultimate renown. Wordsworth greatly + admired the modest little volume. See one of his Sonnets<span + class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage510" id="Cpage510"></a>{510}</span> on page + 495. Nor with the Laureate's poem-play of 'Queen Mary' (Tudor) winning + inevitable welcome ought it to be forgotten—as even prominent + critics of it are sorrowfully forgetting—that Sir Aubrey de Vere, so + long ago as 1847, published <i>his</i> drama of 'Mary Tudor.' I venture to + affirm that it takes its place—a lofty one—beside 'Philip van + Artevelde,' and that it need fear no comparison with 'Queen Mary.' Early + and comparatively modern supreme poetry somehow gets out of sight for + long. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#Cpage497">P. 497</a>, 1. 15. Read 'no angel smiled.' I can only + offer the plea of an old Worthy, who said, 'Errata are inevitable, for we + are human; and to have none would imply eyes behind as well as before, or + the wallet of our errors all in front.' G. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage511" id="Cpage511"></a>{511}</span> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a>INDEX. + </h2> + <p> + </p> + <p> + * * * As pointed out in the places, the 'Contents' of Vol. III. give the + details of topics in the 'Notes and Illustrations of the Poems' and of + 'Letters and Extracts of Letters' so minutely, as to obviate their record + here; thus lightening the Index. G. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <p> + A.<br /> <br /> Abuses, <a href="#Apage284">i. 284.</a><br /> <br /> + Acquiescence, not choice, <a href="#Apage19">i. 19.</a><br /> <br /> Action, + springs of, <a href="#Apage160">i. 160.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Addresses, Two, + to the Freeholders of Westmoreland</i>, <a href="#Apage211">i. 211.</a><a + href="#Apage270"> 270;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">occasion + of writing, <a href="#Apage214">i. 214.</a></span><br /> <br /> Addison, <a + href="#Apage357">i. 357.</a><a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> <br /> + Adventurers, <a href="#Apage241">i. 241.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Advice to the + Young</i>, <a href="#Apage295">i. 295.</a><a href="#Apage326">326.</a><br /> + <br /> Admiration, unqualified, <a href="#Apage312">i. 312.</a><br /> <br /> + Advancement and preferment of youth, <a href="#Apage352">i. 352.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Age, present,' supposed moral inferiority of, <a href="#Apage310">i. + 310.</a><br /> <br /> Agitators, <a href="#Apage249">i. 249.</a><br /> <br /> + Alban's, St., <a href="#Bpage46">ii. 46.</a><br /> <br /> Alfoxden, <a + href="#Cpage16">iii. 16.</a><a name="CFNanchor_277_277" + id="CFNanchor_277_277"></a><a href="#CFootnote_277_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a><br /> + <br /> Alpedrinha, <a href="#Apage56">i. 56.</a><br /> <br /> Allies, to be + supported, <a href="#Apage138">i. 138.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">how, <a href="#Apage138">i. 138-9.</a><i>et + seqq.</i></span><br /> <br /> Alston, <a href="#Bpage193">ii. 193.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Altering' of poems, <a href="#Bpage207">ii. 207.</a><br /> <br /> + Ambleside, <a href="#Bpage224">ii. 224-6;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">road from, to Keswick, <a href="#Bpage227">ii. + 227-8.</a></span><br /> <br /> 'Amends,' how to make, <a href="#Apage130">i. + 130-1,</a><i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> American war, <a href="#Apage135">i. + 135.</a>6.<br /> <br /> American edition of poems, <a href="#Cpage483">iii. + 483-4.</a><br /> <br /> Anxiety, moderate, <a href="#Apage324">i. 324.</a><br /> + <br /> <i>Appendix</i><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>to Bishop + Watson's Sermon</i>, <a href="#Apage24">i. 24-30;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>to Contention of Cintra</i>, <a + href="#Apage175">i. 175-79.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See + preface, I.<a href="#Apagexiv"> xiv.-xix.</a>)</span><br /> <br /> <i>Apology + for the French Revolution</i>, <a href="#Apage1">i. 1-23.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">(See preface, I.<a href="#Apagex"> x.-xix.</a>)</span><br /> + <br /> Arbitrary, <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">distinctions, <a + href="#Apage16">i. 16-17;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">power, + <a href="#Apage158">i. 158-9.</a></span><br /> <br /> Aristocracy, <a + href="#Apage19">i. 19.</a><br /> <br /> Aristarchus, <a href="#Bpage17">ii. + 17.</a><br /> <br /> Armistice, <a href="#Apage84">i. 84.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">preamble of, <a href="#Apage86">i. 86.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">articles of, <a href="#Apage88">i. 88-94.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Armstrong, Dr., <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Army, + <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">British, departure of, <a + href="#Apage38">i. 38.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Spanish, + the people, <a href="#Apage47">i. 47.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">French, and the French government, <a + href="#Apage95">i. 95.</a></span><br /> <br /> 'Arrow,' <a href="#Apage21">i. + 21.</a><br /> <br /> Artevelde, van, Philip, <a href="#Cpage492">iii. 492.</a><br /> + <br /> Art and nature, <a href="#Bpage157">ii. 157-61.</a><br /> <br /> Arts + and science, <a href="#Apage154">i. 154.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">fine, <a href="#Apage323">i. 323.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Ashe, <a href="#Apage360">i. 360.</a><br /> <br /> Ashley, <a + href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> <br /> Assembly, <a href="#Apage147">i. + 147.</a><br /> <br /> Asturias, <a href="#Apage52">i. 52-3.</a><br /> <br /> + <br /> B.<br /> <br /> ' <i>Bad</i> people,' <a href="#Bpage41">ii. 41.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Babes in the wood,' <a href="#Bpage98">ii. 98.</a><br /> <br /> + Bacon, <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">quotation from, <a + href="#Apage357">i. 357.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">and + Shakespeare, <a href="#Cpage457">iii. 457.</a></span><br /> <br /> Beia, <a + href="#Apage55">i. 55.</a><br /> <br /> Benevolence, <a href="#Apage171">i. + 171.</a><br /> <br /> 'Beck.' <a href="#Apage336">i. 336.</a><br /> <br /> + Beaumont, Sir George H. and Lady, <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>letters + to</i>, <a href="#Bpage146">ii. 146-201;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">drawings by Sir George, <a href="#Bpage151">ii. + 151.</a></span><br /> <br /> Beaumont, Sir John, <a href="#Apage346">i. 346.</a><a + href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Bell, Peter, <a href="#Bpage182">ii. + 182.</a><br /> <br /> Bell, Dr., <a href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> + <br /> Bede, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Biscayans, <a + href="#Apage60">i. 60.</a><br /> <br /> Biography, of authors, <a + href="#Bpage11">ii. 11-12.</a><br /> <br /> Birthday, <a href="#Cpage443">iii. + 443-4.</a><br /> <br /> Bonaparte, <a href="#Apage37">i. 37.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">acknowledgment of titles, <a href="#Apage84">i. + 84-5;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">influence of + concession on, <a href="#Apage93">i. 93-4;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">ravager of Europe, <a href="#Apage115">i. 115.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">formidable yet weak, <a href="#Apage163">i. + 163-4;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">to decrease, <a + href="#Apage200">i. 200.</a><a href="#Bpage18">ii. 18.</a> <i>et alibi + frequenter</i>.</span><br /> <br /> Books, religious, <a href="#Apage335">i. + 335.</a><br /> <br /> 'Bolton, Mr.,' <a href="#Apage350">i. 350.</a><br /> + <br /> Boswell's Johnson, <a href="#Bpage9">ii. 9.</a><br /> <br /> Bran + [misprinted Braw], <a href="#Cpage69">iii. 69.</a><br /> <br /> Bleeding, + good, <a href="#Apage86">i. 86.</a><br /> <br /> Britain, history of a noble + one, <a href="#Apage101">i. 101-2.</a><br /> <br /> Brougham, <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">public life of, <a href="#Apage225">i. 225.</a> + <i>et seqq.</i>, <a href="#Apage242">i. 242-8,</a> <i>et seqq.</i></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">later opinion of, <a href="#Cpage504">iii. + 504.</a></span><br /> <br /> Bruce, Michael, <a href="#Bpage21">ii. 21.</a><a + href="#Bpage343">i. 343.</a><br /> <br /> Bruce, P.H..<a href="#Cpage507">iii. + 507.</a><br /> <br /> Browne, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Bpage23">ii. 23.</a><br /> + <br /> Browning, Robert, <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>letter to + the Editor</i>, i. xxxiv.;</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">quotation + from poem of, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a></span><br /> <br /> Brun, + Frederica, <a href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Brooke, Lord, <a + href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage512" id="Cpage512"></a>{512}</span> Burke, <a href="#Apage21">i. + 21.</a> <a href="#Apage357">i. 357.</a><br /> <br /> Burns, Robert, Cottar's + Saturday-night, <a href="#Apage356">i. 356-60;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>letter to a friend of</i>, <a href="#Bpage1">ii. + 1.</a><a href="#Bpage19">ii. 19;</a> </span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">Gilbert, <a href="#Bpage5">ii. 5.</a> <a + href="#Bpage19">ii. 19.</a><a href="#Bpage343">ii. 343;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">fitted to tell the whole truth of, <a + href="#Bpage6">ii. 6-7;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">quotations + from, <a href="#Bpage7">ii. 7.</a> <a href="#Bpage13">ii. 13-14,</a><a + href="#Bpage331"> 331,</a><a href="#Bpage343"> 343 (bis),</a> <a + href="#Bpage347">ii. 347,</a><a href="#Cpage436">iii. 436.</a> <a + href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a></span><br /> <br /> Building and gardening, + <a href="#Bpage184">ii. 184.</a> <a href="#Bpage191">ii. 191.</a><br /> + <br /> Buttermere and Crummock, <a href="#Bpage230">ii. 230.</a><br /> <br /> + Burnet, Thomas, <a href="#Bpage327">ii. 327.</a> <a href="#Cpage507">ii. + 507.</a><br /> <br /> Burnet, Bishop, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> + <br /> Buchanan, <a href="#Cpage459">iii. 459.</a><br /> <br /> Byron, <a + href="#Cpage462">iii. 462-3,</a> <a href="#Cpage503">ii. 503.</a><br /> + <br /> <br /> C.<br /> <br /> Calamity, how to be regarded, <a href="#Apage52">i. + 52.</a><br /> <br /> Castile, council of, <a href="#Apage59">i. 59.</a><br /> + <br /> Cadiz, governor of, <a href="#Apage92">i. 92.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Catholic + Relief Bill</i>, <a href="#Apage259">i. 259.</a> <a href="#Apage70">i. 70.</a><br /> + <br /> Camden, <a href="#Bpage27">ii. 27.</a> 343-4.<br /> <br /> Carter, + Miss, 'Spring,' <a href="#Cpage426">iii. 426.</a><br /> <br /> Campbell, odd + forgetfulness of, <a href="#Cpage445">ii. 445.</a><br /> <br /> Celandine, + small, <a href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Chamber, personal + character of and its chief, <a href="#Bpage140">ii. 140-1.</a><br /> <br /> + Child and man, <a href="#Apage170">i. 170.</a><br /> <br /> Charles I., + tyranny of, <a href="#Apage310">i. 310.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">epitaph of, <a href="#Bpage49">ii. 49.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sydney and, <a href="#Bpage50">ii. 50.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Chatterton, <a href="#Bpage21">ii. 21.</a> <a href="#Bpage343">ii. + 343.</a><br /> <br /> Chiabiera, <a href="#Bpage58">ii. 58.</a> <a + href="#Bpage68">ii. 68,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Christabelle, <a + href="#Cpage427">iii. 427.</a><br /> <br /> Chronological classification of + poems, <a href="#Cpage474">iii. 474.</a><br /> <br /> Church of England, + servility of its clergy, <a href="#Apage3">i. 3-4;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">notices of, <a href="#Apage262">i. 262-4,</a> <a + href="#Apage283">i. 283,</a> <i>et seqq.</i></span><br /> <br /> Churchyard, + village, <a href="#Bpage33">ii. 33-4;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">country, <a href="#Bpage41">ii. 41.</a> <i>et + seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">on sea-coast, <a + href="#Cpage434">iii. 434.</a></span><br /> <br /> Clark, Mrs., <a + href="#Bpage66">ii. 66-7,</a> <a href="#Cpage344">iii. 344-5.</a><br /> + <br /> Classical study, <a href="#Cpage479">iii. 479.</a><br /> <br /> + Clergyman, the, <a href="#Apage286">i. 286-7,</a><i>et seqq.</i><br /> + <br /> Cleveland, history of, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> <br /> + Cockburn, Mrs., <a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a><br /> <br /> Coleridge, <a + href="#Bpage155">ii. 155-6,</a><a href="#Bpage163"> 163,</a><a + href="#Bpage164"> 164,</a><a href="#Bpage166"> 166,</a><a href="#Bpage167"> + 167,</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a href="#Bpage168">168,</a> + <a href="#Bpage170">170,</a> <a href="#Bpage174">174-5,</a> <a + href="#Bpage183">184-4,</a> <a href="#Bpage193">193,</a> <a + href="#Cpage427">iii. 427.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><a + href="#Cpage441">441,</a> <a href="#Cpage442">442,</a> <a href="#Cpage444">444,</a> + <a href="#Cpage469">469-70,</a> <a href="#Cpage492">492,</a> <a + href="#Cpage507">507,</a> </span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>et + alibi frequenter</i>.</span><br /> <br /> Coleridge, Hartley, <a + href="#Cpage482">iii. 482.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> Coleridge, the + Lord, <a href="#Apagexxxiii">i. xxxiii.</a><br /> <br /> Collins, <a + href="#Bpage120">ii. 120.</a><a href="#Cpage419">iii. 419.</a><br /> <br /> + Commissioners, report of, <a href="#Apage274">i. 274.</a><br /> <br /> + 'Common life,' <a href="#Bpage81">ii. 81-2,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> + Companions, <a href="#Apage229">i. 229.</a><br /> <br /> 'Compulsory' + relief, <a href="#Apage278">i. 278.</a><br /> <br /> Conciliation and + concession, <a href="#Apage265">i. 265.</a><br /> <br /> Condemnation, + inevitable, <a href="#Apage82">i. 82-3.</a><br /> <br /> Coniston, <a + href="#Bpage226">ii. 226-7.</a><br /> <br /> Constancy, <a href="#Apage51">i. + 51.</a><br /> <br /> Contempt, <a href="#Bpage18">ii. 18.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Contention + of Cintra</i>, <a href="#Apage31">i. 31.</a><a href="#Apage172">172;</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">occasion of writing, <a href="#Apage35">i. + 35.</a><a href="#Apage129">129;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">importance of, <a href="#Apage37">i. 37.</a><a + href="#Apage143">143;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">impression + produced by the, <a href="#Apage37">i. 37.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">condemned, <a href="#Apage65">i. 65.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">reception by the people, <a href="#Apage69">i. + 69.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">results of, as a + military act, <a href="#Apage70">i. 70-1;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">critical examination of its terms, <a + href="#Apage71">i. 71.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">not necessary, <a href="#Apage82">i. 82.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">military results, <a href="#Apage84">i. + 84.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">conditions + of, thus far examined, <a href="#Apage99">i. 99.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">injury done to British character, <a + href="#Apage99">i. 99-100,</a><a href="#Apage101">101-102;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">sorrow of the nation over, <a + href="#Apage103">i. 103-4;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">punishment + demanded, <a href="#Apage104">i. 104-5;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">to be repudiated, <a href="#Apage105">i. 105-6;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">disgrace of, <a href="#Apage121">i. 121.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Vindication of the Opinions on</i>, <a + href="#Apage195">i. 195.</a> <a href="#Apage209">209.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See preface. Vol. I.<a href="#Apagexiv"> + xiv.-xix.</a></span><br /> <br /> Continuous education, <a href="#Apage355">i. + 355-6.</a><br /> <br /> Contradictions, <a href="#Apage237">i. 237.</a><br /> + <br /> Conversations and personal reminiscences of Wordsworth, <a + href="#Cpage403">iii. 403.</a> <a href="#Cpage504">504.</a><br /> <br /> Coöperation + of working people, <a href="#Apage282">i. 282.</a><br /> <br /> Copyright, + international, <a href="#Cpage483">iii. 483.</a><br /> <br /> Corruption, <a + href="#Apage20">i. 20.</a><br /> <br /> Cortes, <a href="#Apage147">i. 147.</a><br /> + <br /> Cotton, Charles, and Walton, <a href="#Bpage89">ii. 89.</a> <a + href="#Bpage345">345.</a><br /> <br /> Cotton, Dr., <a href="#Bpage142">ii. + 142-4.</a><br /> <br /> Counters and stakes, <a href="#Apage81">i. 81.</a><br /> + <br /> County elections, entire charge of, <a href="#Apage251">i. 251-2.</a><br /> + <br /> Courage, <a href="#Apage50">i. 50.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">intellectual, lacking, <a href="#Apage74">i. + 74-5.</a></span><br /> <br /> Cowley, <a href="#Cpage465">iii. 465.</a><br /> + <br /> Courts, corruption of, <a href="#Apage14">i. 14.</a><br /> <br /> + Cowper, <a href="#Bpage104">ii. 104.</a> <a href="#Cpage211">211,</a> <a + href="#Cpage346">346.</a><br /> <br /> Crabbe, <a href="#Cpage503">iii. 503.</a> + <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> Crashaw, <a href="#Bpage344">ii. 344.</a><br /> + <br /> Criticism, false, <a href="#Bpage175">ii. 175.</a><a href="#Bpage181">181;</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">result of in <i>Edinburgh Review</i> and + <i>Quarterly</i>, <a href="#Cpage437">iii. 437.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">a low ability for, <a href="#Cpage438">iii. 438.</a> + <a href="#Cpage9">9;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">verbal, + <a href="#Cpage474">iii. 474.</a> <a href="#Cpage5">5.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Critic, decision of, <a href="#Bpage110">ii. 110.</a><br /> <br /> + Cromwell, <a href="#Apage166">i. 166.</a> <a href="#Apage359">359.</a><br /> + <br /> Crowe, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Cuckoo, <a + href="#Bpage136">ii. 136-7.</a><br /> <br /> Cumberland's Calvary, <a + href="#Cpage415">iii. 415.</a><br /> <br /> Curates, <a href="#Apage285">i. + 285-6.</a><br /> <br /> Currie, Dr., <a href="#Bpage5">ii. 5.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">indignation with, <a href="#Bpage7">ii. 7-8,</a> + <a href="#Bpage12">i12</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> D.<br /> <br /> + Dalrymple, Sir Hew, <a href="#Apage72">i. 72.</a> <i>et frequenter</i>.<br /> + <br /> Daughter, education of a, <a href="#Apage329">i. 329-33.</a><br /> + <br /> Dante, <a href="#Apage359">i. 359.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> + Da Vinci, Leonardo, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Darwin, + Dr., <a href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> <br /> D'Abrantes, title of, + wrongly acknowledged, <a href="#Apage68">i. 68.</a> <a href="#Apage357">357.</a><br /> + <br /> Delusions, <a href="#Apage19">i. 19.</a><br /> <br /> Debt, national, + <a href="#Apage20">i. 20.</a><br /> <br /> 'Declarations,' <a href="#Apage43">i. + 43-4.</a><br /> <br /> Defeats and disasters, <a href="#Apage44">i. 44-5.</a><br /> + <br /> Delicacy, no, <a href="#Apage98">i. 98.</a><br /> <br /> Defence of + fellow-countrymen, <a href="#Apage113">i. 113.</a><br /> <br /> Despotism<a + href="#Apage139">i. 139.</a> <a href="#Apage40">40</a> <a href="#Apage229">229.</a><br /> + <br /> Despond, those who, <a href="#Apage171">i. 171-2.</a><br /> <br /> + Detraction, no, <a href="#Bpage42">ii. 42.</a><br /> <br /> Dedication, to + the Queen, <a href="#Apagev">i. v.;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">of 1815, <a href="#Bpage144">ii. 144.</a></span><br /> + <br /> De Vere, Sir Aubrey, <a href="#Cpage495">iii. 495.</a> <a + href="#Cpage509">509-510.</a> <br /> <br /> De Quincey, i. xxxiii.-iv., <a + href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Diction, of poetic</i>, <a + href="#Bpage101">ii. 101.</a> <a href="#Bpage5">5.</a><br /> <br /> + 'Difficulties,' <a href="#Apage72">i. 72.</a><br /> <br /> Diogenes, <a + href="#Apage238">i. 238.</a><br /> <br /> Disabilities, civil, <a + href="#Apage269">i. 269.</a><br /> <br /> Dissenters, <a href="#Apage262">i. + 262.</a><br /> <br /> 'Dignity,' individual, <a href="#Apage292">i. 292.</a><br /> + <br /> Discrimination in epitaphs, <a href="#Bpage37">ii. 37-8.</a><br /> + <br /> Doe, White, the, <a href="#Cpage430">iii. 430.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> + <br /><span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage513" id="Cpage513"></a>{513}</span> + Double sense, <a href="#Bpage45">ii. 45-6.</a><br /> <br /> Drummond, Miss.<a + href="#Bpage65">ii. 65-6.</a><br /> <br /> Dryden, <a href="#Bpage118">ii. + 118.</a> <a href="#Cpage416">iii. 416.</a> <a href="#Cpage419">419.</a><br /> + <br /> Duty, <a href="#Apage40">i. 40.</a><a href="#Apage1">1,</a> <a + href="#Apage129">129,</a> <a href="#Apage326">326,</a> <a href="#Apage349">349.</a> + <br /> <br /> Dupont, <a href="#Apage358">i. 358.</a><br /> <br /> Duppa, <a + href="#Bpage162">ii. 162.</a> <a href="#Bpage346">346,</a> <a + href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Dubartas, <a href="#Bpage111">ii. + 111-12.</a><br /> <br /> Dyer, John, <a href="#Bpage196">ii. 196.</a> <a + href="#Bpage7">7,</a> <a href="#Bpage196">ii. 196.</a> <a href="#Cpage216">iii. + 216.</a> <a href="#Cpage405">405,</a> <a href="#Cpage506">506,</a> <i>et + alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> <br /> E.<br /> <br /> Economists, unfortunate, <a + href="#Apage233">i. 233.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Education, of</i>, <a + href="#Apage327">i. 327.</a> <a href="#Apage56">56;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 2em;">what it is, <a href="#Apage343">i. 343-4,</a> <i>et + seqq.</i>, </span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">moral, <a + href="#Apage346">i. 346-7;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">of + Scotland, <a href="#Apage348">i. 348.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 2em;">continuous, <a href="#Apage355">i. 355-6.</a></span><br /> + <br /> <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, censured, <a href="#Bpage16">ii. 16.</a> <i>et + alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> Edwards, John, <a href="#Bpage33">ii. 33.</a> <a + href="#Bpage344">344.</a><br /> <br /> Edgeworth, Francis, <a + href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> <br /> Egle, bank of, <a + href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> <br /> Election, free, <a + href="#Apage234">i. 234.</a><br /> <br /> Elizabeth, <a href="#Apage310">i. + 310.</a><br /> <br /> Elliot, Jane, <a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a><br /> + <br /> Emerson, <a href="#Apagexxxiv">i. xxxiv,</a> <i>et alibi</i><br /> + <br /> Ends, <a href="#Apage80">i. 80-1.</a><br /> <br /> Enthusiasm, <a + href="#Apage149">i. 149.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Epitaphs, upon, from 'The + Friend,' </i><a href="#Bpage27">ii. 27.</a> <a href="#Bpage40">40;</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">laws of, <a href="#Bpage31">31,</a> <i>et + seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">requisites of, <a + href="#Bpage35">ii. 35.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">a perfect, <a href="#Bpage39">ii. 39.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>The country Churchyard, and critical + Examination of ancient</i>, <a href="#Bpage41">ii. 41.</a> <a + href="#Bpage59">59;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">in + Germany, <a href="#Bpage44">ii. 44.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">homeliness, <a href="#Bpage46">ii. 46-7;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Westmoreland, <a href="#Bpage51">ii. + 51-2;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">of Pope, criticised, + <a href="#Bpage55">ii. 55.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Celebrated Epitaphs considered</i>, <a + href="#Bpage60">ii. 60.</a> <a href="#Bpage75">75;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">favourable examples, <a href="#Bpage72">ii. 72.</a> + <i>et seqq.</i> (See preface, I.<a href="#Apagexxiv">xxiv.-v.</a>)</span><br /> + <br /> Equality, <a href="#Apage14">i. 14.</a> <a href="#Apage288">288.</a><br /> + <br /> Established church and priesthood, <a href="#Apage232">i. 232.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">preservation of, <a href="#Apage290">i. + 290.</a></span><br /> <br /> Eschylus, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Estate,' gift of, <a href="#Bpage151">ii. 151.</a><br /> <br /> + Europe, state of, <a href="#Apage220">i. 220-1.</a><br /> <br /> Evil, <a + href="#Bpage91">ii. 91.</a><br /> <br /> Excursion, <a href="#Bpage145">ii. + 145.</a> <a href="#Bpage8">8,</a> <a href="#Bpage168">168-9.</a><br /> + <br /> Executive, the power, <a href="#Apage13">i. 13.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> + F.<br /> <br /> Faith, <a href="#Bpage109">ii. 109-10.</a><br /> <br /> Fancy + and imagination, <a href="#Bpage134">ii. 134-5,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> + <br /> 'Favourite spots,' <a href="#Cpage424">iii. 424.</a><br /> <br /> + Fame, posthumous, <a href="#Cpage458">iii. 458.</a> <a href="#Cpage493">493.</a><br /> + <br /> Faber, <a href="#Cpage488">iii. 488.</a> <a href="#Cpage506">506.</a><br /> + <br /> Family, a single, <a href="#Apage215">215-16.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">defence of the, <a href="#Apage217">217-18.</a> + <i>et seqq.</i></span><br /> <br /> Feelings, <a href="#Apage65">i. 65.</a> + <a href="#Apage158">158,</a> <a href="#Bpage83">ii. 83.</a> <a + href="#Bpage4">4,</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;<br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">rely + on our, <a href="#Bpage99">ii. 99.</a></span><br /> <br /> Ferguson, + General, <a href="#Apage137">i. 137.</a><br /> <br /> Fermor, Mrs., <a + href="#Bpage178">ii. 178.</a><br /> <br /> Fenwick, Miss, <a + href="#Apagexxvi">xxvi-xxx.</a><br /> <br /> Ferdinand VII., <a + href="#Apage358">i. 358.</a><br /> <br /> 'Fire.' <a href="#Apage118">i. + 118-19.</a><br /> <br /> Flowers, <a href="#Cpage447">iii. 447.</a><br /> + <br /> Florus, <a href="#Apage359">i. 359.</a><br /> <br /> Fortitude, + ancient, <a href="#Apage205">i. 205-6.</a><br /> <br /> Forebodings, <a + href="#Apage249">i. 249-50.</a><br /> <br /> Fore-feeling, <a + href="#Bpage344">ii. 344.</a><br /> <br /> Founders of a school to be + remembered, <a href="#Apage351">i. 351.</a><br /> <br /> Fool, in Lear, <a + href="#Cpage419">iii. 419.</a><br /> <br /> Fools, Paradise of, <a + href="#Bpage18">ii. 18.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Fox, letter to, on poems</i>, <a + href="#Bpage202">ii. 202.</a> <a href="#Bpage5">5;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">reply, <a href="#Bpage205">ii. 205-6.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Frere, <a href="#Apage67">i. 67.</a><a href="#Apage8">8,</a> <a + href="#Apage96">96,</a> <a href="#Apage358">358.</a><br /> <br /> French + armies, character of, <a href="#Apage79">i. 79-80;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">to surrender at discretion, <a href="#Apage81">i. + 81.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">under French + government, <a href="#Apage90">i. 90.</a></span><br /> <br /> 'Free,' a + nation resolved to be, <a href="#Apage146">i. 146.</a><br /> <br /> + Franchise, <a href="#Apage223">i. 223.</a> <a href="#Apage239">239.</a><br /> + <br /> Fuller, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> G.<br /> + <br /> Gardening, <a href="#Bpage174">ii. 174.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">and building, <a href="#Bpage184">ii. 184.</a> + <a href="#Bpage191">191.</a></span><br /> <br /> Generals, British, bearing + of, <a href="#Apage79">i. 79.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">political, + <a href="#Apage95">i. 95.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">incompetent + and competent, <a href="#Apage143">i. 143.</a></span><br /> <br /> Girl, + peasant, <a href="#Cpage466">iii. 466-7;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">education of, <a href="#Apage341">i. 341.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Goldsmith, <a href="#Bpage154">ii. 154.</a> <a href="#Bpage333">333.</a><br /> + <br /> Goethe, <a href="#Cpage435">iii. 435.</a><a href="#Cpage6">6,</a> <a + href="#Cpage465">465.</a><br /> <br /> Grammar, &c., <a href="#Apage353">i. + 353.</a><br /> <br /> Grasmere, <a href="#Bpage229">ii. 229.</a><br /> <br /> + Gratifications, what, <a href="#Apage315">i. 315-16.</a><br /> <br /> + Gratuitous instruction, <a href="#Apage346">i. 346.</a><br /> <br /> + Gratitude for kindnesses, <a href="#Bpage149">ii. 149.</a><br /> <br /> + Graves, Rev. R.P., M.A., <a href="#Apagexxxv">i. xxxv-vi.;</a><br /><span + style="margin-left: 1em;">prayer by, <a href="#Apage359">i. 359-60.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Gray, <a href="#Bpage41">ii. 41.</a> <a href="#Bpage67">67-68,</a> + <a href="#Bpage85">85-6,</a> <a href="#Bpage327">327,</a> <a + href="#Bpage344">344,</a> <a href="#Bpage345">345,</a> <a href="#Cpage507">iii. + 507.</a><br /> <br /> Gray, James, <a href="#Bpage5">ii. 5.</a> <a + href="#Bpage343">343.</a><br /> <br /> Gregoire, <a href="#Apage4">i. 4,</a> + <a href="#Apage5">5,</a> <a href="#Apage357">357.</a><br /> <br /> + Grievances, national, <a href="#Apage4">i. 4.</a><br /> <br /> Grimm, Baron, + <a href="#Bpage113">ii. 113.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Guide through the District + of the Lakes</i>, <a href="#Bpage215">ii. 215.</a> <a href="#Bpage313">313.</a>(See + under<br /> <a href="#lakes"><i>Lakes</i></a> and different places.)<br /> + <br /> <br /> H.<br /> <br /> Hamlet, <a href="#Apage22">i. 22.</a><br /> <br /> + Hakewell, <a href="#Bpage113">ii. 113.</a> <a href="#Bpage345">345.</a><br /> + <br /> Hamilton, Sir R.W., <a href="#Cpage492">iii. 492.</a> <a + href="#Cpage506">506,</a> <a href="#Cpage508">508,</a> <i>et frequenter</i>.<br /> + <br /> Hamilton, Miss, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> <br /> + Hazlitt, i. xxiv., <a href="#Bpage168">ii. 168.</a> <a href="#Bpage177">177,</a> + <a href="#Cpage125">iii. 125.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> Hearne, <a + href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Hemans, Mrs., <a href="#Cpage507">iii. + 507.</a><br /> <br /> Hessians, <a href="#Apage136">i. 136.</a><br /> <br /> + High-minded men, <a href="#Apage76">i. 76.</a><br /> <br /> Hope, <a + href="#Apage41">i. 41.</a> <a href="#Apage123">123-4,</a> <a + href="#Apage148">148,</a> <a href="#Apage169">169,</a> <a href="#Apage322">322-3.</a> + <br /> <br /> Honour, <a href="#Apage78">i. 78.</a><br /> <br /> Home + influences, <a href="#Apage345">i. 345.</a><br /> <br /> Houbraken, <a + href="#Bpage170">ii. 170.</a> <a href="#Bpage346">346.</a><br /> <br /> + Homer and the classics, <a href="#Cpage458">iii. 458.</a> <a href="#Cpage9">9.</a><br /> + <br /> Horace, <a href="#Apage357">i. 357.</a><a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a>(<i>bis</i>).<br /> + <br /> Humanity, <a href="#Apage78">i. 78.</a> <a href="#Apage274">274.</a><br /> + <br /> Humility, <a href="#Cpage491">iii. 491.</a><br /> <br /> Humour, <a + href="#Cpage495">iii. 495-6.</a><br /> <br /> 'Hurricane,' <a + href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> I.<br /> <br /> Idiots, <a + href="#Bpage212">ii. 212.</a><br /> <br /> Impulses, grand, <a + href="#Apage115">i. 115.</a><br /> <br /> Imagination, <a href="#Apage154">i. + 154.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">and taste, <a + href="#Bpage126">ii. 126.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">and fancy, <a href="#Bpage134">ii. 134.</a>5, <i>et + seqq.</i></span><br /> <br /> Immoral, the perishable, <a href="#Apage163">i. + 163.</a><br /> <br /> Improvement, process of intellectual, <a + href="#Apage318">i. 318-20.</a><br /> <br /> Immortality, <a href="#Bpage27">ii. + 27.</a> <a href="#Bpage30">30.</a><br /> <br /><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage514" id="Cpage514"></a>{514}</span> Imbecility, <a + href="#Apage172">i. 172.</a><br /> <br /> Imagery and imagination, <a + href="#Cpage464">iii. 464-5.</a><br /> <br /> Independence and liberty, <a + href="#Apage102">i. 102-3;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">of + Spain, <a href="#Apage151">i. 151.</a></span><br /> <br /> 'Indifferent,' <a + href="#Apage110">i. 110.</a><br /> <br /> Invasion of our country, supposed, + <a href="#Apage114">i. 114.</a><br /> <br /> Infancy and childhood, <a + href="#Apage318">i. 318.</a><br /> <br /> Intellect, sharpening of, <a + href="#Apage340">i. 340.</a><br /> <br /> Infant-schools, <a href="#Apage343">i. + 343.</a><br /> <br /> Inscriptions at Coleorton, <a href="#Bpage191">ii. + 191.</a> <a href="#Bpage2">2,</a> <a href="#Bpage195">195-6.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Intimations of immortality,' <a href="#Cpage464">iii. 464.</a><br /> + <br /> Individual character, <a href="#Cpage467">iii. 467-8.</a><br /> <br /> + Intake, <a href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Ireland, <a + href="#Apage267">i. 267-8,</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> <br /> J.<br /> + <br /> James I., <a href="#Bpage47">ii. 47-8.</a><br /> <br /> Johnson, Dr., + <a href="#Bpage98">ii. 98.</a> <a href="#Bpage103">103-4.</a><br /> <br /> + Jones, Rev. Robert, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Judges in + England, <a href="#Apage12">i. 12.</a><br /> <br /> Junot, <a href="#Apage55">i. + 55-6.</a><br /> <br /> 'Judicature, court of,' not essential to a verdict on + wrong, <a href="#Apage108">i. 108-10.</a><br /> <br /> Justice, <a + href="#Apage116">i. 116.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">moral, + <a href="#Apage118">i. 118.</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> K.<br /> <br /> + Kant, <a href="#Cpage420">iii. 420.</a><br /> <br /> Keble, <a + href="#Cpage441">iii. 441.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Kendal and Windermere Railway</i>, + two letters on, <a href="#Bpage321">ii. 321-41,</a> <a href="#Cpage448">iii. + 448-9.</a><br /> <br /> Keswick, vale of, <a href="#Bpage229">ii. 229.</a><br /> + <br /> Kirkstone, pass of, <a href="#Bpage314">ii. 314-15.</a><br /> <br /> + Klopstock, <a href="#Cpage405">iii. 405-23.</a><br /> <br /> Knowledge, life + and spirit of, <a href="#Apage309">i. 309.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">for virtue, <a href="#Apage320">i. 320.</a></span><br /> + <br /> <br /> L.<br /> <br /> Laws, partial and oppressive, <a href="#Apage12">i. + 12-13.</a><br /> <br /> Laws, delay, <a href="#Apage20">i. 20.</a><br /> + <br /> Labour, dishonoured, <a href="#Apage18">i. 18.</a><br /> <br /> Lament + for England, <a href="#Apage112">i. 112.</a><br /> <br /> Land, <a + href="#Apage239">i. 239.</a><br /> <br /> Landscape gardens, <a + href="#Apage248">i. 248.</a><br /> <br /> Lakes<a name="lakes" id="lakes"></a>, + the country of, as formed by Nature, <a href="#Bpage235">ii. 235-6;</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">as affected by its inhabitants, <a + href="#Bpage256">ii. 256-69;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">changes and rules of taste for preventing their + bad effects, <a href="#Bpage269">ii. 269-86;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">miscellaneous observations, <a href="#Bpage287">ii. + 287.</a><a href="#Bpage301">301;</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">excursions to the top of Scawfell, &c., <a + href="#Bpage302">ii. 302.</a> <a href="#Bpage315">315.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">itinerary of, <a href="#Bpage316">ii. + 316-19.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See preface, i.<a + href="#Apagexxv">xxv.-vi.</a>)</span><br /> <br /> Laodamia, <a + href="#Cpage496">iii. 496.</a><br /> <br /> Laing, Malcom, <a + href="#Bpage345">ii. 345.</a><br /> <br /> Lamb, letters of, <a + href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> <br /> Leon, <a href="#Apage60">i. 60.</a><br /> + <br /> <i>Legislation for the Poor</i>, &c., <a href="#Apage271">i. + 271-94.</a><br /> <br /> Letter-writing, difficulty of, <a href="#Bpage149">ii. + 149-50.</a><br /> <br /> Leech-gatherer, <a href="#Bpage206">ii. 206-7.</a><br /> + <br /> Letters and extracts of Letters, <a href="#Bpage217">ii. 217.</a> <a + href="#Cpage401">401.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See + preface, I.<a href="#Apagexxx">xxx.-ii</a>.)</span><br /> <br /> Liberty, <a + href="#Apage6">i. 6.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">against + oppression, <a href="#Apage52">i. 52.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">and independence, <a href="#Apage155">i. 155-6.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Life, <a href="#Apage77">i. 77-8,</a> <a href="#Apage280">280.</a><br /> + <br /> Library for poor, <a href="#Apage337">i. 337-8.</a><br /> <br /> + Lindsay, Lady Ann, <a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a><br /> <br /> Louis + XVI., 'royal martyr' (so-called), <a href="#Apage4">i. 4-5.</a><i>et seqq.</i><br /> + <br /> Loyalty, enthusiasm of, <a href="#Apage46">i. 46.</a><br /> <br /> + Lowther family, <a href="#Apage235">i. 235.</a><a href="#Cpage507">iii. + 507-8.</a><br /> <br /> 'Lower orders,' <a href="#Apage273">i. 273.</a><br /> + <br /> Loughrigg Tarn, <a href="#Bpage155">ii. 155.</a><br /> <br /> + Loweswater, <a href="#Bpage230">ii. 230.</a><br /> <br /> Locke, <a + href="#Cpage461">iii. 461.</a><br /> <br /> Loison, <a href="#Apage357">i. + 357.</a><br /> <br /> Luff, Mr., <a href="#Bpage172">ii. 172.</a><br /> <br /> + Lucretius, <a href="#Bpage347">ii. 347.</a><br /> <br /> Lyttleton, Lucy, <a + href="#Bpage52">ii. 52.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lord, + monody criticised, <a href="#Bpage53">ii. 53-4.</a></span><br /> <br /> + Lyrical ballads, defence of, <a href="#Bpage79">ii. 79.</a> <a + href="#Bpage100">100.</a><br /> <br /> Lying, <a href="#Cpage497">iii. + 497-8.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> M.<br /> <br /> Macpherson, <a href="#Bpage122">ii. + 122.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Madoc, <a href="#Bpage169">ii. 169.</a> + <a href="#Bpage171">171.</a><br /> <br /> Madras, system of education, <a + href="#Apage341">i. 341.</a> <a href="#Apage343">343.</a><br /> <br /> + Malignity, <a href="#Bpage17">ii. 17.</a><br /> <br /> Manner in + conversation, <a href="#Cpage480">iii. 480.</a><br /> <br /> Manufactories, + workmen in, <a href="#Apage282">i. 282-3.</a><br /> <br /> Massaredo, <a + href="#Apage56">i. 56-8,</a> <a href="#Apage357">357.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Mathetes, + Letter of</i>, <a href="#Apage297">i. 297.</a> <a href="#Apage308">308;</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Answer to</i>, <a href="#Apage309">i. + 309-26.</a></span><br /> <br /> Mason, William, <a href="#Bpage62">ii. 62.</a> + <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Matter-of-fact and poetry, <a href="#Bpage86">ii. + 86.</a><br /> <br /> Means, <a href="#Apage80">i. 80.</a><br /> <br /> + Mearely, <a href="#Bpage344">ii. 344.</a><br /> <br /> Memory, <a + href="#Bpage41">ii. 41.</a><br /> <br /> Metrical language, <a + href="#Bpage95">ii. 95-6,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Might, <a + href="#Apage116">i. 116.</a><br /> <br /> Military spirit, <a href="#Apage48">i. + 48-9;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">men to be judged by the + people, <a href="#Apage83">i. 83-4.</a></span><br /> <br /> Milton, <a + href="#Apage358">i. 358.</a>(<i>bis</i>), <a href="#Apage359">359,</a> <a + href="#Apage360">360.</a> <a href="#Bpage6">ii. 6.</a> <a href="#Apage40">40,</a> + <a href="#Apage114">114-15,</a> <a href="#Apage136">136,</a> <br /> <span + style="margin-left: 2em;"> <a href="#Bpage142">142,</a> <i>et seqq.</i> <a + href="#Bpage344">344,</a> <a href="#Bpage345">345,</a> <a href="#Bpage346">346,</a> + <a href="#Cpage430">iii. 430.</a> <a href="#Cpage1">1,</a> <a + href="#Cpage449">449,</a> <a href="#Cpage453">453-4,</a> </span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;"> <a href="#Cpage461">461,</a> <a + href="#Cpage505">505,</a> <a href="#Cpage506">506,</a> <a href="#Cpage507">507,</a> + <a href="#Cpage508">508;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">contemporary + notice of, <a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a> <i>et alibi frequenter</i>.</span><br /> + <br /> 'Ministry,' the conduct of the, <a href="#Apage105">i. 105-6.</a><br /> + <br /> Mirza, vision of, <a href="#Apage3">i. 3.</a><br /> <br /> + Miscarriages, national, <a href="#Apage128">i. 128-9.</a><br /> <br /> + Misery, effects of, <a href="#Apage281">i. 281.</a><br /> <br /> Monarchy, + objections to, <a href="#Apage13">i. 13.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> + Montgomery, James, <a href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Montrose, + Marquis of, <a href="#Bpage49">ii. 49,</a> <a href="#Bpage51">51,</a> <a + href="#Bpage344">344.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Monuments to Literary Men</i>, <a + href="#Bpage20">ii. 20.</a> <a href="#Bpage22">22;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">beauty of, <a href="#Bpage31">ii. 31-2;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">monition of, <a href="#Bpage32">ii. 32-3.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">near churches, <a href="#Bpage34">ii. + 34-5;</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">in churches, <a + href="#Cpage450">iii. 450-1.</a></span><br /> <br /> 'Moral' superiority, <a + href="#Apage165">i. 165.</a><br /> <br /> Morla, <a href="#Apage357">i. + 357-8.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Morning Post</i>, letter to, <a href="#Bpage321">ii. + 321-41.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> N.<br /> <br /> Nations, the two suffering, <a + href="#Apage63">i. 63-4;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">to speak + to representatives of, <a href="#Apage144">i. 144-5.</a></span><br /> <br /> + Nature, <a href="#Apage317">i. 317.</a><a href="#Bpage60">ii. 60.</a><a + href="#Cpage493">iii. 493-4;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">and + art, <a href="#Bpage157">ii. 157.</a> <a href="#Bpage161">161.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Needpath Castle, sonnet on, <a href="#Bpage152">ii. 152.</a> <a + href="#Bpage345">345-6.</a><br /> <br /> Nelson, Lord, <a href="#Bpage173">ii. + 173.</a><br /> <br /> Necklace, diamond, <a href="#Apage357">i. 357.</a><br /> + <br /> Newcastle, Duchess of, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> <br /> + Nobility, hereditary, a wrong, <a href="#Apage17">i. 17.</a><br /> <br /> <i>Notes + and Illustrations of the Poems</i><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>a</i>), + the notes originally added to the first and successive editions;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>b</i>) the whole of the I.F. MSS., <a + href="#Bpage1">ii. 1.</a> <a href="#Bpage216">216.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">(For details of these Notes, see minute <a + href="#CONTVOLIII">'Contents' of Vol. III.</a>)</span><br /> <br /> O.<br /> + <br /><span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage515" id="Cpage515"></a>{515}</span> + Obliquities of admiration, <a href="#Bpage116">ii. 116.</a><br /> <br /> + Observation and description, <a href="#Bpage131">ii. 131.</a> <a + href="#Bpage144">144.</a><br /> <br /> 'Occurrences,' <a href="#Apage98">i. + 98.</a><br /> <br /> Offices, <a href="#Apage18">i. 18-19.</a><br /> <br /> + Oligarchy, <a href="#Apage147">i. 147.</a><br /> <br /> 'Oppression,' <a + href="#Apage168">i. 168-9.</a><br /> <br /> 'Opposition,' in House of + Commons needed, <a href="#Apage219">i. 219.</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">the party of, <a href="#Apage222">i. 222.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">degenerated, <a href="#Apage225">i. 225.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Originality, <a href="#Bpage126">ii. 126.</a><br /> <br /> Oviedo, <a + href="#Apage63">i. 63.</a><br /> <br /> Oversight, culpable, <a + href="#Apage68">i. 68.</a><br /> <br /> Ovid, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> + <br /> <br /> P.<br /> <br /> Paine, Thomas, <a href="#Apage14">i. 14.</a> <a + href="#Apage357">357.</a><br /> <br /> Parchment, 'dead,' <a href="#Apage21">i. + 21.</a><br /> <br /> Past, retrospect of, <a href="#Apage43">i. 43-4.</a><br /> + <br /> Passions and passion, <a href="#Apage115">i. 115-6.</a> <a + href="#Bpage127">ii. 127.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;<br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">in poetry, <a href="#Cpage473">iii. 473-4;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">though not declamatory, <a href="#Cpage489">iii. + 489.</a></span><br /> <br /> 'Party,' <a href="#Apage144">i. 144.</a> <a + href="#Apage219">219.</a><br /> <br /> Patriot, the, <a href="#Apage150">i. + 150.</a><br /> <br /> Palafox, <a href="#Apage167">i. 167.</a> <a + href="#Apage359">359.</a><br /> <br /> Pasley, letter to, <a href="#Apage195">i. + 195.</a> <a href="#Apage206">206;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">essay + on the military policy of Great Britain, <a href="#Apage197">i. 197.</a> + <a href="#Apage205">205,</a><i>et seqq.</i></span><br /> <br /> Palmers, <a + href="#Bpage46">ii. 46.</a><br /> <br /> Page, Frederic, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. + 508.</a><br /> <br /> 'People,' the, <a href="#Apage10">i. 10-11;</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Spanish, <a href="#Apage47">i. 47-8;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>their ways and needs</i>, <a + href="#Apage334">i. 334.</a> <a href="#Apage339">339.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Peasants and mechanics, <a href="#Apage11">i. 11-12;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">peasantry, <a href="#Apage159">i. 159.</a></span><br /> + <br /> 'Petition,' vindication of, <a href="#Apage107">i. 107-8,</a> <a + href="#Apage110">110.</a><br /> <br /> 'Petty' things, <a href="#Apage120">i. + 120.</a><br /> <br /> Peninsula, southern, <a href="#Apage122">i. 122-3.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Peace,' <a href="#Apage221">i. 221.</a><br /> <br /> Peterkin, <a + href="#Bpage5">ii. 5.</a> <a href="#Bpage343">343.</a><br /> <br /> + 'Pedlar,' <a href="#Bpage163">ii. 163.</a> <a href="#Bpage346">346.</a><br /> + <br /> Pelayo and Cid, <a href="#Apage358">i. 358.</a><br /> <br /> Petrarch, + <a href="#Apage359">i. 359.</a><br /> <br /> Philosophy, <a href="#Apage316">i. + 316.</a><br /> <br /> Pity, <a href="#Apage5">i. 5.</a><br /> <br /> Pitt, <a + href="#Bpage174">ii. 174.</a><br /> <br /> Pleasures, poetic, <a + href="#Bpage13">ii. 13.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">production + of, <a href="#Bpage90">ii. 90.</a></span><br /> <br /> Pluralities, <a + href="#Apage284">i. 284.</a><br /> <br /> Policy, <a href="#Apage116">i. + 116.</a><br /> <br /> 'Political' generals, <a href="#Apage78">i. 78-9.</a> + <a href="#Apage95">95.</a><br /> <br /> Poems, classification of, <a + href="#Bpage133">ii. 133.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Poet, what is a, + <a href="#Bpage87">ii. 87.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> <i>Poetry, of + the Principles of and the 'Lyrical Ballads,' </i><a href="#Bpage79">ii. + 79.</a> <a href="#Bpage100">100;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>as + a study</i>, <a href="#Bpage106">ii. 106.</a> <a href="#Bpage130">130;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">kinds of readers of, <a href="#Bpage106">ii. + 106.</a></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>as observation and + description</i>, <a href="#Bpage131">ii. 131.</a> <a href="#Bpage144">144;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">forms of, <a href="#Bpage132">ii. 132-3;</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">of the principle of and Wordsworth's own + poems, <a href="#Bpage208">ii. 208-14.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">(See preface, I.<a href="#Apagexxv">xxv.-vi.</a>)</span><br /> + <br /> Poor, laws to be reformed, <a href="#Apage232">i. 232.</a><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">amendment act, <a href="#Apage273">i. + 273-4,</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">just + claims of the, <a href="#Apage274">i. 274-7,</a> <a href="#Apage278">278-9.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Pope, <a href="#Bpage55">ii. 55.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>, 116, <a + href="#Cpage419">iii. 419.</a><br /> <br /> 'Popular,' <a href="#Bpage129">ii. + 129.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">vox populi, <a + href="#Bpage130">ii. 130.</a></span><br /> <br /> Portugal, <a + href="#Apage80">i. 80.</a>1.<br /> <br /> Portugeze, <a href="#Apage43">i. + 43.</a> <a href="#Apage54">54-5,</a> <a href="#Apage67">67,</a> <a + href="#Apage86">86,</a> <a href="#Apage97">97,</a> <a href="#Apage100">100-101,</a> + <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Power without right, <a href="#Apage159">i. + 159-60.</a><br /> <br /> Priesthood, French, <a href="#Apage6">i. 6-7.</a><br /> + <br /> Principles, <a href="#Apage39">i. 39.</a> <a href="#Apage43">43,</a> + <a href="#Apage74">74-5,</a> <a href="#Apage144">144,</a> <a + href="#Apage145">145;</a> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">of poetry, + <a href="#Bpage79">ii. 79.</a> <a href="#Bpage100">100.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Primogeniture, <a href="#Apage16">i. 16.</a><br /> <br /> + Prostitution, <a href="#Apage18">i. 18.</a><br /> <br /> 'Precautions,' <a + href="#Apage45">i. 45.</a> <a href="#Apage61">61.</a><br /> <br /> Prudence, + <a href="#Apage58">i. 58-9.</a><br /> <br /> Private, a, individual, <a + href="#Apage83">i. 83.</a><br /> <br /> Private property, <a href="#Apage89">i. + 89-90.</a><br /> <br /> Preface, Editor's, <a href="#Apagevii">i. + vii-xxxviii.</a><br /> <br /> Prisoners of war, <a href="#Apage89">i. 89.</a><br /> + <br /> Property, a sound basis, <a href="#Apage240">i. 240.</a><br /> <br /> + Protestantism and Popery, <a href="#Apage261">i. 261.</a><br /> <br /> + Progress, <a href="#Apage314">i. 314-15.</a><br /> <br /> Prosaisms, <a + href="#Bpage85">ii. 85.</a><br /> <br /> Prose, more of but for Coleridge, + <a href="#Cpage457">iii. 457.</a><br /> <br /> Purpose, worthy, <a + href="#Bpage82">ii. 82.</a><br /> <br /> Public, not the people, <a + href="#Bpage130">ii. 130.</a><br /> <br /> Puny, <a href="#Bpage347">ii. + 347.</a><br /> <br /> Pyrrhus, <a href="#Apage359">i. 359.</a><br /> <br /> + <br /> Q.<br /> <br /> Qualities, moral, <a href="#Apage49">i. 49-50.</a><br /> + <br /> Queen, dedication and poem to the, <a href="#Apagev">i. v-vi.</a><br /><br /> + <br /> <br /> R.<br /> <br /> Racine, <a href="#Apage5">i. 5.</a>6.<br /> <br /> + 'Rash' politicians, <a href="#Apage248">i. 248.</a><br /> <br /> Reputation, + <a href="#Apage3">i. 3.</a><br /> <br /> Republic, American, <a + href="#Apage10">i. 10.</a><br /> <br /> Republican, Wordsworth a, <a + href="#Apage3">i. 3.</a> <a href="#Apage10">10</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">republicanism defended, <a href="#Apage9">i. + 9-10.</a><i>et seqq.</i></span><br /> <br /> Revolution, <a href="#Apage6">i. + 6.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">war against the French, <a + href="#Apage135">i. 135.</a><a href="#Cpage490">iii. 490.</a></span><br /> + <br /> Reform, parliamentary, <a href="#Apage22">i. 22.</a><br /> <br /> + Representation, universal, <a href="#Apage11">i. 11.</a><br /> <br /> + 'Rejoicing,' deplorable, <a href="#Apage69">i. 69.</a> <a href="#Apage105">105.</a> + <br /> <br /> Regeneration, national, <a href="#Apage122">i. 122.</a><br /> + <br /> 'Remonstrance,' <a href="#Apage127">i. 127.</a><br /> <br /> + Representation of Westmoreland, <a href="#Apage215">i. 215.</a><br /> <br /> + Religion, in poetry, <a href="#Bpage108">ii. 108-9.</a><i>et seqq.</i><br /> + <br /> Religious instruction, <a href="#Apage354">i. 354.</a><br /> <br /> + Reserve, biographical, <a href="#Bpage9">ii. 9.</a><br /> <br /> 'Reliques,' + <a href="#Bpage120">ii. 120.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Reynolds, Sir + Joshua, <a href="#Bpage153">ii. 153-7,</a> <a href="#Bpage161">161-2,</a> + <a href="#Bpage345">345.</a><br /> <br /> 'Recluse,' the, <a href="#Bpage163">ii. + 163.</a> <a href="#Bpage105">105.</a><br /> <br /> Revision of Authorised + Version, &c., <a href="#Cpage471">iii. 471-3.</a><br /> <br /> Riddance, + <a href="#Apage115">i. 115.</a><br /> <br /> Royalty, no more, in France, <a + href="#Apage5">i. 5.</a><br /> <br /> Road, anecdote, <a href="#Apage22">i. + 22.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">old, <a href="#Cpage428">iii. + 428.</a></span><br /> <br /> Robespierre, <a href="#Bpage18">ii. 18.</a><br /> + <br /> Roscius, Young, <a href="#Bpage164">ii. 164.</a> 165.<br /> <br /> + Robinson Crusoe, <a href="#Cpage468">iii. 468.</a><br /> <br /> Rogers, <a + href="#Cpage516">iii. 516.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> 'Ruin + mouldering.' <a href="#Apage237">i. 237.</a><br /> <br /> Russell, <a + href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a> 509.<br /> <br /> <br /> S.<br /> <br /> + Saragossa, <a href="#Apage117">i. 117.</a> <a href="#Apage121">121,</a> <a + href="#Apage166">166,</a> <a href="#Apage357">357.</a><br /> <br /> Sass, + Padre St. Iago, <a href="#Apage167">i. 167.</a> <a href="#Apage359">359.</a><br /> + <br /> Scott, i. xiv., <a href="#Cpage442">iii. 442.</a> <a href="#Cpage30">30,</a> + <a href="#Cpage445">445,</a> <a href="#Cpage457">457,</a> <a + href="#Cpage462">462,</a> <a href="#Cpage487">487;</a><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">vindication of, <a href="#Cpage509">509,</a> <i>et + alibi frequenter</i>.</span><br /> <br /> Scotland, critics of, <a + href="#Bpage116">ii. 116.</a><br /> <br /><span class="pagenum"><a + name="Cpage516" id="Cpage516"></a>{516}</span> Schiller, <a + href="#Cpage417">iii. 417.</a><br /> <br /> Seville, <a href="#Apage1">i. + 1-3.</a> <a href="#Apage60">60.</a><br /> <br /> Shelvocke, <a + href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a><br /> <br /> Shelley, <a href="#Cpage489">iii. + 489.</a> <a href="#Cpage493">493,</a> <a href="#Cpage501">501,</a> <a + href="#Cpage503">503.</a><br /> <br /> Shakespeare, <a href="#Bpage113">ii. + 113.</a> <a href="#Bpage114">114,</a> <a href="#Bpage136">136,</a> <a + href="#Bpage139">139,</a> <a href="#Bpage140">140,</a> <a href="#Bpage141">141,</a> + <a href="#Bpage345">345-6,</a> <br /> <span style="margin-left: 2em;"> <a + href="#Cpage460">460,</a> <a href="#Cpage488">488,</a> <a href="#Cpage506">506,</a> + <a href="#Cpage509">509,</a> <i>et alibi frequenter</i>.</span><br /> <br /> + Silence, <a href="#Bpage10">ii. 10.</a><br /> <br /> Simonides, <a + href="#Bpage30">ii. 30.</a><br /> <br /> Sincerity, <a href="#Bpage48">ii. + 48.</a><br /> <br /> Slavery, <a href="#Apage77">i. 77.</a><br /> <br /> + Smith, Charlotte, <a href="#Cpage507">iii. 507.</a><br /> <br /> Southey's + Letters, <a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a><br /> <br /> Spain and Britain, + <a href="#Apage41">i. 41-2,</a> <a href="#Apage161">161-2,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> + <br /> Spanish people, patriotism of, <a href="#Apage45">i. 45-7,</a> <i>et + seqq.</i>, <a href="#Apage125">125-6,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> + Spenser, <a href="#Apage322">i. 322.</a><a href="#Bpage111">ii. 111-12,</a> + <a href="#Bpage345">345,</a> <a href="#Bpage347">347,</a> <a + href="#Cpage466">iii. 466,</a> <a href="#Cpage506">506,</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> + <br /> <i>Speech on laying the Foundation stone of Bowness School</i>, <a + href="#Apage350">i. 350-6.</a><br /> <br /> Spelling and style, <a + href="#Cpage452">iii. 452.</a>3.<br /> <br /> Struggle, how the, ought to + have been carried on, <a href="#Apage116">i. 116.</a><br /> <br /> Statesmen + and courtiers, minds of, <a href="#Apage130">i. 130-1,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> + <br /> Stagnation, apparent, <a href="#Apage313">i. 313.</a><br /> <br /> + Statistical account of Scotland, <a href="#Bpage44">ii. 44.</a><br /> <br /> + Style, <a href="#Bpage84">ii. 84.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Stevens, + George, <a href="#Bpage113">ii. 113-14.</a><br /> <br /> Steamboats and + railways, <a href="#Bpage340">ii. 340.</a><br /> <br /> Superstition, <a + href="#Apage117">i. 117.</a><br /> <br /> Superiority, <a href="#Apage321">i. + 321.</a><br /> <br /> Sword, not pen, <a href="#Apage95">i. 95.</a><br /> + <br /> Sympathy, <a href="#Bpage38">ii. 38.</a><br /> <br /> Sydney, Sir + Philip, <a href="#Bpage49">ii. 49-50.</a><br /> <br /> Sympson, Rev. John, + <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> T.<br /> <br /> Tam + o'Shanter, <a href="#Bpage13">ii. 13-14.</a><br /> <br /> Tempers and + dispositions, <a href="#Apage279">i. 279.</a><br /> <br /> Teacher, + enlightened, <a href="#Apage325">i. 325.</a><br /> <br /> Tenderness, <a + href="#Cpage480">iii. 480.</a> <a href="#Cpage489">489.</a><br /> <br /> + Tennyson, <a href="#Cpage390">iii. 390.</a> <a href="#Cpage492">492,</a> + <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> Things, if not men, <a href="#Apage142">i. + 142.</a><br /> <br /> Thomson, <a href="#Bpage117">ii. 117.</a> <i>et seqq.</i>, + <a href="#Bpage160">160,</a> <a href="#Cpage505">iii. 505.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> + <br /> Timidity, <a href="#Apage231">i. 231.</a><br /> <br /> Tourist, + directions and information for the, <a href="#Bpage221">ii. 221.</a> <i>et + seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Traitors, <a href="#Apage23">i. 23.</a><br /> <br /> + Tranquillity from 'Relief Bill' not possible, <a href="#Apage266">i. + 266-7.</a><br /> <br /> Truth, love of, <a href="#Apage323">i. 323.</a><a + href="#Cpage488">iii. 488.</a><br /> <br /> Trespass, <a href="#Cpage425">iii. + 425.</a><br /> <br /> Tree-planting, <a href="#Cpage436">iii. 436.</a><br /> + <br /> Transcendental world, <a href="#Cpage467">iii. 467.</a><br /> <br /> + Triad, <a href="#Cpage505">iii. 505-6.</a><br /> <br /> Turner, Sharon, <a + href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Tyrant, the, <a href="#Apage70">i. + 70.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> Tyranny, French, basis of, <a + href="#Apage139">i. 139.</a> <a href="#Apage148">148.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> + U.<br /> <br /> Ulpha, Kirk, <a href="#Bpage227">ii. 227.</a><br /> <br /> + Ullswater, <a href="#Bpage230">ii. 230-4.</a><br /> <br /> Union of nations, + <a href="#Apage152">i. 152-3.</a><br /> <br /> Unworthy objects, <a + href="#Apage326">i. 326.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> V.<br /> <br /> Vane, Sir + George, <a href="#Bpage47">ii. 47.</a><br /> <br /> Verse, why write in, <a + href="#Bpage93">ii. 93-4.</a><br /> <br /> Veracity and ideality, <a + href="#Cpage486">iii. 486.</a><br /> <br /> Vespers, Sicilian, <a + href="#Apage359">i. 359.</a><br /> <br /> Vimiera, <a href="#Apage43">i. 43.</a> + <a href="#Apage75">75.</a><br /> <br /> Vindication of opinions, &c.<a + href="#Apage195">i. 195.</a> <a href="#Apage209">209.</a><br /> <br /> Vice + and Virtue, <a href="#Bpage42">ii. 42-3,</a> <a href="#Bpage61">61.</a><br /> + <br /> Virgil, <a href="#Apage358">i. 358.</a>(<i>bis</i>), <a + href="#Cpage469">iii. 469.</a> <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">(See II. 274-9.)</span><br /> <br /> Virgin, the, + <a href="#Cpage492">iii. 492.</a><br /> <br /> Voice of the people, <a + href="#Apage113">i. 113.</a><br /> <br /> Volunteers, <a href="#Apage234">i. + 234.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> W.<br /> <br /> Watson, Bp., <a href="#Apage3">i. + 3.</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See preface, + I.<a href="#Apagexx">x.-xiv.</a>)</span><br /> <br /> Watson, Thomas, <a + href="#Bpage313">ii. 313.</a><br /> <br /> War, just and necessary, <a + href="#Apage39">i. 39-40;</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">opponents + of, <a href="#Apage40">i. 40.</a></span><br /> <span + style="margin-left: 1em;">with France, wished still, <a href="#Apage201">i. + 201-2,</a> <i>et seqq.</i>;</span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">varied + opinions of, <a href="#Apage226">i. 226-7.</a></span><br /> <br /> Warrior, + happy, <a href="#Bpage173">ii. 173-4.</a><br /> <br /> Wales, North, + excursion in, <a href="#Bpage197">ii. 197.</a> <a href="#Bpage201">201.</a><br /> + <br /> Wastdale, <a href="#Bpage230">ii. 230.</a><br /> <br /> Walks, <a + href="#Cpage423">iii. 423.</a><br /> <br /> Warwick, Sir Philip, <a + href="#Apage359">i. 359.</a><br /> <br /> Walker, A., book on the lakes + overlooked, <a href="#Bpage346">ii. 346-7,</a> <a href="#Cpage506">iii. + 506. (?)</a><br /> <br /> Waterton, <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> + <br /> Wealth, <a href="#Apage15">i. 15.</a> <a href="#Apage189">189.</a><br /> + <br /> Westmoreland, two letters to freeholders of, <a href="#Apagexix">i. + xix-xxi.,</a> <a href="#Apage211">211,</a> <i>et seqq.</i><br /> <br /> + Wellesley (= Wellington), <a href="#Apage65">i. 65-6.</a> <a + href="#Apage68">68-9,</a> <a href="#Apage126">126-7,</a> <i>et seqq., et + alibi</i>.<br /> <br /> Weever, John, <a href="#Bpage27">ii. 27.</a> <a + href="#Bpage50">50,</a> <a href="#Bpage344">344.</a><br /> <br /> Westall, + <a href="#Cpage506">iii. 506.</a><br /> <br /> Wickedness, prodigious, <a + href="#Apage170">i. 170.</a><br /> <br /> Wilson, Alexander, <a + href="#Bpage346">ii. 346.</a><br /> <br /> Wilson, Professor, <a + href="#Bpage208">ii. 208-14.</a><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See + under <i>Mathetes</i>.)</span><br /> <br /> Windermere, <a href="#Bpage223">ii. + 223-4.</a><br /> <br /> Wieland, <a href="#Cpage418">iii. 418.</a><br /> + <br /> Winchelsea, Countess of, <a href="#Cpage508">iii. 508.</a><br /> + <br /> Wordsworth, Mrs.<a href="#Cpage509">iii. 509.</a><br /> <br /> Workmen + in manufactories, <a href="#Apage282">i. 282-3.</a><br /> <br /> + Worthlessnesses swept away, <a href="#Apage311">i. 311.</a><br /> <br /> + Woman, <a href="#Cpage457">iii. 457.</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Y.<br /> <br /> <i>Young, + Advice to the</i>.<a href="#Apage295">i. 295.</a>326, <i>et alibi</i>.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(See under Education.)</span><br /> <br /> + <br /> Z.<br /> <br /> Zaragoza, <a href="#Apage167">i. 167.</a><br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="Cpage517" id="Cpage517"></a>{517}</span> + </p> + <p> + FINIS. + </p> + <p> + </p> + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_1_1" id="CFootnote_1_1"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_1_1"><span + class="label">[1]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 97-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_2_2" id="CFootnote_2_2"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_2_2"><span + class="label">[2]</span></a> Mr. Walker's charity being of that kind + which 'seeketh not her own,' he would rather forego his rights than + distrain for dues which the parties liable refused, as a point of + conscience, to pay. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_3_3" id="CFootnote_3_3"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_3_3"><span + class="label">[3]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. pp. 57-58. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_4_4" id="CFootnote_4_4"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_4_4"><span + class="label">[4]</span></a> ('According to Baronius the humiliation + of the Emperor was a voluntary act of prostration on his part. <i>Ann. + Eccl. ad Ann</i>. 1177.' <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 111.) + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_5_5" id="CFootnote_5_5"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_5_5"><span + class="label">[5]</span></a> Extract: September 4th, 1842: <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 389-90. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_6_6" id="CFootnote_6_6"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_6_6"><span + class="label">[6]</span></a> In pencil—This is a mistake, dear + Father. It was the following evening, when the Liddells were gone, and + only ourselves and Mr. Allan present. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_7_7" id="CFootnote_7_7"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_7_7"><span + class="label">[7]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. p. 114. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_8_8" id="CFootnote_8_8"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_8_8"><span + class="label">[8]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. pp. 386-7. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_9_9" id="CFootnote_9_9"></a><a href="#CFNanchor_9_9"><span + class="label">[9]</span></a> Extract: January 13th, 1841 (<i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. p. 374-5). + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_10_10" id="CFootnote_10_10"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> In pencil + on opposite page, by Mrs. Quillinan—Daddy dear, I don't like + this. Think how many reasons there were to depress his Muse—to + say nothing of his duties as a Priest, and probably he found poetry + interfere with them. He did not <i>require</i> such praise to make him + write, but it just put it into his heart to try again, and gave him + the courage to do so. (See Notes and Illustrations at close. G) + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_11_11" id="CFootnote_11_11"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> In pencil + on opposite page—But this first stanza of 'We are Seven' is + Coleridge's Jem and all (Mr. Quillinan). + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_12_12" id="CFootnote_12_12"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Which took + place in March, 1843. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_13_13" id="CFootnote_13_13"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> In pencil + on opposite page—Sarah went to Kendal on our mother's death, but + Mr. P. died in the course of a year or two. M.W. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_14_14" id="CFootnote_14_14"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Excursion; + book the last, near the conclusion. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_15_15" id="CFootnote_15_15"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Sir George + Vandeput. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_16_16" id="CFootnote_16_16"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> The + original is as follows, some of the abbreviations being expanded: 'HOC + OPUS FIEBAT ANNO DOMINI MCCCXXV EX SUMPIU WLLLELMI WOBDESWORTH FILII + W. FIL. JOH. FIL. W. FIL. NICH. VIRI ELIZABETH FILIAE ET HEREDIS W. + PROCTOR DE PENYSTON QUORUM ANIMABUS PROPITIETUE DEUS.' + </p> + <p> + On the almery are carved the letters 'I.H.S.' and 'M.;' also the + emblem of the Holy Trinity. + </p> + <p> + For further information concerning this oak press, see Mr. Hunter's + paper in <i>Gentleman's Magazine </i>for July, 1850, p. 43. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_17_17" id="CFootnote_17_17"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> See + Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Part III. Sonnet xxii. 'On Catechising.' + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_18_18" id="CFootnote_18_18"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> He was + succeeded by Dr. Craven in 1789. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_19_19" id="CFootnote_19_19"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Prelude, + book vi. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_20_20" id="CFootnote_20_20"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Ibid, book + xiv. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_21_21" id="CFootnote_21_21"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> This is + not quite correct; the time of his absence did not exceed thirteen + months. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_22_22" id="CFootnote_22_22"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. pp. 7-17. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_23_23" id="CFootnote_23_23"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Letter to + Rev. H.J. Rose (1828), <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 33. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_24_24" id="CFootnote_24_24"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Letter to + a nephew, <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 48-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_25_25" id="CFootnote_25_25"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Memoirs, + pp. 57-66. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_26_26" id="CFootnote_26_26"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Letter to + William Mathews, <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 70. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_27_27" id="CFootnote_27_27"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Ibid. <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 71. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_28_28" id="CFootnote_28_28"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 71. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_29_29" id="CFootnote_29_29"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Extract of + letter to Mathews, May 17, 1792, <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 75. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_30_30" id="CFootnote_30_30"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 76. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_31_31" id="CFootnote_31_31"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> Extract of + letter to Mathews, <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 79-80. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_32_32" id="CFootnote_32_32"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 82. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_33_33" id="CFootnote_33_33"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Ibid. i. + 82-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_34_34" id="CFootnote_34_34"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Memoirs, + i. 85. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_35_35" id="CFootnote_35_35"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Letter to + Mathews, Nov. 9, 1794. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_36_36" id="CFootnote_36_36"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Memoirs, + i. 85-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_37_37" id="CFootnote_37_37"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Captain + John Wordsworth, who perished by shipwreck a short time before the + date of this letter. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_38_38" id="CFootnote_38_38"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 88-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_39_39" id="CFootnote_39_39"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> Ibid. i. + 94. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_40_40" id="CFootnote_40_40"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 95-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_41_41" id="CFootnote_41_41"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> Ibid. i. + 104-5. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_42_42" id="CFootnote_42_42"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Letter to + Cottle, <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 116. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_43_43" id="CFootnote_43_43"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Ibid. i. + 116-17. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_44_44" id="CFootnote_44_44"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> 1799: <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 145. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_45_45" id="CFootnote_45_45"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Ibid. i. + 147. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_46_46" id="CFootnote_46_46"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 148-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_47_47" id="CFootnote_47_47"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 149-54. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_48_48" id="CFootnote_48_48"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Note to + Coleridge, <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 174-5. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_49_49" id="CFootnote_49_49"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> <i>Life of + Scott</i>, by Lockhart, vol. ii. 165-7 (1856). The following from the + same source, earlier, may fitly find a place here: 'It was in the + September of this year [1803] that Scott first saw Wordsworth. Their + common acquaintance, Stoddart, had so often talked of them to each + other, that they met as if they had not been strangers; and they + parted friends. Mr. and Miss Wordsworth had just completed that tour + in the Highlands of which so many incidents have since been + immortalised, both in the poet's sense and in the hardly less poetical + prose of his sister's Diary. On the morning of the 17th of September, + having left their carriage at Rosslyn, they walked down the valley to + Lasswade, and arrived there before Mr. and Mrs. Scott had risen. "We + were received," Mr. Wordsworth has told me, "with that frank + cordiality which, under whatever circumstances I afterwards met him, + always marked his manners; and, indeed, I found him then in every + respect—except perhaps that his animal spirits were somewhat + higher—precisely the same man that you knew him in later life; + the same lively, entertaining conversation, full of anecdote, and + averse from disquisition; the same unaffected modesty about himself; + the same cheerful and benevolent and hopeful views of man and the + world. He partly read and partly recited, sometimes in an enthusiastic + style of chant, the first four cantos of the "Lay of the Last + Minstrel;" and the novelty of the manners, the clear picturesque + descriptions, and the easy glowing energy of much of the verse, + greatly delighted me."' (pp. 160-1). + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_50_50" id="CFootnote_50_50"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 282. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_51_51" id="CFootnote_51_51"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 287. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_52_52" id="CFootnote_52_52"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> Due to + Wordsworth's father from James, Earl of Lonsdale, at whose death, in + 1802, it was paid by his Lordship's successor, and divided among the + five children. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_53_53" id="CFootnote_53_53"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Vol. ix. + p. 395, ed. Bekker. Oxon. 1837. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_54_54" id="CFootnote_54_54"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 288-98. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_55_55" id="CFootnote_55_55"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> From + Lockhart's <i>Life of Scott</i>, vol. ii. pp. 287-9 (edit. 1856). + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_56_56" id="CFootnote_56_56"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> Lockhart's + <i>Life</i>, iii. 45-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_57_57" id="CFootnote_57_57"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 385-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_58_58" id="CFootnote_58_58"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> 'Quique + sui memores alios fecere merendo.' <i>Aen</i>. vi. 664. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_59_59" id="CFootnote_59_59"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 386-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_60_60" id="CFootnote_60_60"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 388-90. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_61_61" id="CFootnote_61_61"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> <i>Ibid</i>, + i. 390-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_62_62" id="CFootnote_62_62"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> Mr. + Southey's opinions on the Convention of Cintra, at the time of its + ratification, were in unison with those of his friend. See Southey's + <i>Correspondence</i>, vol. iii. p. 177-180. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_63_63" id="CFootnote_63_63"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 391-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_64_64" id="CFootnote_64_64"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Letter to + Lord Lonsdale, Jan. 8. 1813: <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 2. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_65_65" id="CFootnote_65_65"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + i. 433, with important additions from the MS. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_66_66" id="CFootnote_66_66"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> <i>Reasons + for declining to become a Subscriber to the British and Foreign Bible + Society</i>, by Christopher Wordsworth, D.D., Dean of Bocking. Lond. + 1810. See also his <i>Letter to Lord Teignmouth</i> in vindication of + the above Letter. Lond. 1810. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_67_67" id="CFootnote_67_67"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 8-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_68_68" id="CFootnote_68_68"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 9-10. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_69_69" id="CFootnote_69_69"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> 'The + Excursion,' published 1814. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_70_70" id="CFootnote_70_70"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii 10-11. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_71_71" id="CFootnote_71_71"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> As has + been said by Demosthenes. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_72_72" id="CFootnote_72_72"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> Who died + Feb. 7, 1827. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_73_73" id="CFootnote_73_73"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 20-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_74_74" id="CFootnote_74_74"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 22. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_75_75" id="CFootnote_75_75"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 23-27. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_76_76" id="CFootnote_76_76"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 52-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_77_77" id="CFootnote_77_77"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> See his + 'Letter to a Friend of Burns.' + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_78_78" id="CFootnote_78_78"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 60-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_79_79" id="CFootnote_79_79"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 62-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_80_80" id="CFootnote_80_80"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> Vol. i. p. + 382. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_81_81" id="CFootnote_81_81"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> <i>Philological + Museum</i>, edit. Camb. 1832, vol. i. p. 382. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_82_82" id="CFootnote_82_82"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 68-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_83_83" id="CFootnote_83_83"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 69. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_84_84" id="CFootnote_84_84"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 69-74. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_85_85" id="CFootnote_85_85"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 90-104. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_86_86" id="CFootnote_86_86"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 116. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_87_87" id="CFootnote_87_87"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 129-131. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_88_88" id="CFootnote_88_88"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> Extract of + Letter to Professor Hamilton, 12th Feb. 1829, here first printed. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_89_89" id="CFootnote_89_89"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> This + refers to Dr. Wordsworth's volume on the authorship of <i>Icôn + Basiliké</i>. London, 1824. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_90_90" id="CFootnote_90_90"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> This + alludes to Dr. Wordsworth's second publication, entitled 'King Charles + the First the Author of <i>Icôn Basiliké</i>.' London, + 1828. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_91_91" id="CFootnote_91_91"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 132-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_92_92" id="CFootnote_92_92"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 134. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_93_93" id="CFootnote_93_93"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 135. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_94_94" id="CFootnote_94_94"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 155-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_95_95" id="CFootnote_95_95"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 205-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_96_96" id="CFootnote_96_96"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 211-12. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_97_97" id="CFootnote_97_97"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 212-14, with important additions from the original. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_98_98" id="CFootnote_98_98"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> + convinced by what Wordsworth had remarked to me, that those portions + of Collins's 'Ode on the Superstitions of the Highlanders,' which + first appeared in Bell's edition of that Ode, were forgeries. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_99_99" id="CFootnote_99_99"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 214-16. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_100_100" id="CFootnote_100_100"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 216-17. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_101_101" id="CFootnote_101_101"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> An + Annual, to which Wordsworth had been induced to become a contributor. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_102_102" id="CFootnote_102_102"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 217-18. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_103_103" id="CFootnote_103_103"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 219-220. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_104_104" id="CFootnote_104_104"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> It was + on hearing these lines repeated by his friend, Mr. H.C. Robinson, that + Wordsworth exclaimed, 'Well! I am not given to envy other people their + good things; but I <i>do</i> wish I had written <i>that</i>.' He much + admired Mrs. Barbauld's Essays, and sent a copy of them, with a + laudatory letter upon them, to the Archbishop of Canterbury. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_105_105" id="CFootnote_105_105"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 220-22. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_106_106" id="CFootnote_106_106"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> Extract + of letter to Professor Hamilton, Dublin, Dec. 23d, 1829. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_107_107" id="CFootnote_107_107"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 223. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_108_108" id="CFootnote_108_108"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> On a + proposed tour. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_109_109" id="CFootnote_109_109"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> In the + field to the S.W. below the garden at Rydal. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_110_110" id="CFootnote_110_110"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 224. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_111_111" id="CFootnote_111_111"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> <i>Specimens + of British Poetesses. A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_112_112" id="CFootnote_112_112"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> In Mr. + W.'s lines 'To Enterprise.' <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_113_113" id="CFootnote_113_113"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> I had + mentioned to Mr. W. that, when I had a curacy in Cornwall, I used + frequently to carry 'The Excursion' down to the sea-shore, and read it + there. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_114_114" id="CFootnote_114_114"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> Two + volumes, 1755. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_115_115" id="CFootnote_115_115"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Mr. W. + means, that I <i>have</i> inserted that poem in my 'Specimens.' <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_116_116" id="CFootnote_116_116"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 225-30. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_117_117" id="CFootnote_117_117"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 230-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_118_118" id="CFootnote_118_118"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> Here + first printed. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_119_119" id="CFootnote_119_119"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 241-2. Given completely (instead of the brief extract) from the + original. The autograph, &c. cut away. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_120_120" id="CFootnote_120_120"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 242-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_121_121" id="CFootnote_121_121"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 244. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_122_122" id="CFootnote_122_122"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> As + revolutionary. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_123_123" id="CFootnote_123_123"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 252-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_124_124" id="CFootnote_124_124"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 255-7, with important additions from the original. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_125_125" id="CFootnote_125_125"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 257. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_126_126" id="CFootnote_126_126"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 258-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_127_127" id="CFootnote_127_127"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 259-60. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_128_128" id="CFootnote_128_128"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 260, with important additions from the original. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_129_129" id="CFootnote_129_129"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 261-2. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_130_130" id="CFootnote_130_130"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 263-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_131_131" id="CFootnote_131_131"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 267-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_132_132" id="CFootnote_132_132"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 274-5. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_133_133" id="CFootnote_133_133"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 275-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_134_134" id="CFootnote_134_134"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 276-7, with important additions from the original. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_135_135" id="CFootnote_135_135"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 277-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_136_136" id="CFootnote_136_136"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> I had + requested permission to dedicate a little book, <i>Specimens of + English Sonnets</i>, to Mr. W. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_137_137" id="CFootnote_137_137"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 278-81. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_138_138" id="CFootnote_138_138"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> <i>i.e.</i> + To Mr. W.'s request that I would, if possible, furnish him with some + particulars about her. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_139_139" id="CFootnote_139_139"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> Where I + then was. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_140_140" id="CFootnote_140_140"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 281-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_141_141" id="CFootnote_141_141"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 283. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_142_142" id="CFootnote_142_142"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">[142]</span></a> <i>Specimens + of English Sonnets. A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_143_143" id="CFootnote_143_143"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> This + letter is in the handwriting of Miss D. Wordsworth, but signed by Mr. + W. <i>A.D.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_144_144" id="CFootnote_144_144"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 284-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_145_145" id="CFootnote_145_145"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 286-7. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_146_146" id="CFootnote_146_146"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> <i>Excursion</i>, + book i. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_147_147" id="CFootnote_147_147"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 287-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_148_148" id="CFootnote_148_148"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> This + hope, alas! was not realised. Mrs. Hemans died in the following year, + May 16, 1835. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_149_149" id="CFootnote_149_149"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 291-2. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_150_150" id="CFootnote_150_150"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 292-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_151_151" id="CFootnote_151_151"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">[151]</span></a> Mr. + Montgomery informed the (now) Bishop of Lincoln that 'this poem when + forwarded to Wordsworth was not in the condition in which it is now, + but that it had been almost rewritten, and was also his earliest poem—composed + when he was nineteen.' G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_152_152" id="CFootnote_152_152"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> <i>Memoirs, + ii</i>. 294-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_153_153" id="CFootnote_153_153"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 296-7. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_154_154" id="CFootnote_154_154"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> + Extract: <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 298. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_155_155" id="CFootnote_155_155"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> Extract + of letter to Sir W.R. Hamilton, Dublin, Jan. 11, 1836. Here first + printed. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_156_156" id="CFootnote_156_156"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 344-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_157_157" id="CFootnote_157_157"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 347-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_158_158" id="CFootnote_158_158"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 349. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_159_159" id="CFootnote_159_159"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 350-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_160_160" id="CFootnote_160_160"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_160_160"><span class="label">[160]</span></a> Here + first printed. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_161_161" id="CFootnote_161_161"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_161_161"><span class="label">[161]</span></a> Here + first printed. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_162_162" id="CFootnote_162_162"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_162_162"><span class="label">[162]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 351-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_163_163" id="CFootnote_163_163"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_163_163"><span class="label">[163]</span></a> + Extract: <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 357-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_164_164" id="CFootnote_164_164"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_164_164"><span class="label">[164]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 358. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_165_165" id="CFootnote_165_165"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_165_165"><span class="label">[165]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 360. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_166_166" id="CFootnote_166_166"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_166_166"><span class="label">[166]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 360-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_167_167" id="CFootnote_167_167"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_167_167"><span class="label">[167]</span></a> Ellen + Parry (daughter of Dr. Parry), who died April 28, 1840. Wordsworth saw + her April 28, 1839. He was again at Summer Hill, Bath, in April 1840. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_168_168" id="CFootnote_168_168"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_168_168"><span class="label">[168]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 362-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_169_169" id="CFootnote_169_169"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_169_169"><span class="label">[169]</span></a> Sic: + qu. 'Misapprehensions.' <i>H.A.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_170_170" id="CFootnote_170_170"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_170_170"><span class="label">[170]</span></a> Sic: 1. + 'Poems.' <i>II. A</i>. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_171_171" id="CFootnote_171_171"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_171_171"><span class="label">[171]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 364-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_172_172" id="CFootnote_172_172"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_172_172"><span class="label">[172]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 366. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_173_173" id="CFootnote_173_173"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_173_173"><span class="label">[173]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 367-9. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_174_174" id="CFootnote_174_174"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_174_174"><span class="label">[174]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 369-70. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_175_175" id="CFootnote_175_175"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_175_175"><span class="label">[175]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 370-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_176_176" id="CFootnote_176_176"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_176_176"><span class="label">[176]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 371-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_177_177" id="CFootnote_177_177"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_177_177"><span class="label">[177]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 373-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_178_178" id="CFootnote_178_178"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_178_178"><span class="label">[178]</span></a> Extract + of letter to John Peace, Esq., Jan. 19, 1841: <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 376. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_179_179" id="CFootnote_179_179"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_179_179"><span class="label">[179]</span></a> Extract + of letter to John Peace, Esq., January 19, 1841: <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. + 376. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_180_180" id="CFootnote_180_180"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_180_180"><span class="label">[180]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii, 377. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_181_181" id="CFootnote_181_181"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_181_181"><span class="label">[181]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 378. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_182_182" id="CFootnote_182_182"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_182_182"><span class="label">[182]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 382-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_183_183" id="CFootnote_183_183"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_183_183"><span class="label">[183]</span></a> Dr. + Seabury was consecrated bishop (of Connecticut) by Scottish bishops at + Aberdeen, on 14th November 1784. Dr. White and Dr. Provoost were + consecrated bishops (of New York and Pennsylvania) at Lambeth, 4th + February 1787. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_184_184" id="CFootnote_184_184"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_184_184"><span class="label">[184]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 383-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_185_185" id="CFootnote_185_185"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_185_185"><span class="label">[185]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 384-5. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_186_186" id="CFootnote_186_186"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_186_186"><span class="label">[186]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 387. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_187_187" id="CFootnote_187_187"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_187_187"><span class="label">[187]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 385. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_188_188" id="CFootnote_188_188"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_188_188"><span class="label">[188]</span></a> Extract + of letter to John Peace, Esq., Dec. 12, 1842: <i>ibid.</i> ii. 390-1. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_189_189" id="CFootnote_189_189"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_189_189"><span class="label">[189]</span></a> Extract + of letter to Nephew, March 22, 1843: <i>ibid.</i> ii. 391. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_190_190" id="CFootnote_190_190"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_190_190"><span class="label">[190]</span></a> The + venerable and illustrious soldier has only very recently died. Within + ten days of his death he wrote the present Editor tenderly and + reverentially of Wordsworth. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_191_191" id="CFootnote_191_191"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_191_191"><span class="label">[191]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 392-4. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_192_192" id="CFootnote_192_192"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_192_192"><span class="label">[192]</span></a> + Prelude, book v. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_193_193" id="CFootnote_193_193"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_193_193"><span class="label">[193]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 394-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_194_194" id="CFootnote_194_194"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_194_194"><span class="label">[194]</span></a> + Southey's account in his <i>Life and Correspondence</i> renders this + statement questionable. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_195_195" id="CFootnote_195_195"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_195_195"><span class="label">[195]</span></a> + Referring to a translation by Sir W.R.H. of <i>Die Ideale</i> of + Schiller, to which a stanza was added by Sir W.—G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_196_196" id="CFootnote_196_196"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_196_196"><span class="label">[196]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 404-5. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_197_197" id="CFootnote_197_197"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_197_197"><span class="label">[197]</span></a> The + title of Mr. J. Cottle's work is <i>Essays on Socinianism</i>, by + Joseph Cottle. Lond.: Longmans. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_198_198" id="CFootnote_198_198"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_198_198"><span class="label">[198]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 405-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_199_199" id="CFootnote_199_199"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_199_199"><span class="label">[199]</span></a> This + was written in answer to an inquiry whether Wordsworth had by him any + hymns calculated for a collection which I was making, and asking + permission to insert his 'Noon-day Hymn.' <i>H.A.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_200_200" id="CFootnote_200_200"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_200_200"><span class="label">[200]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 406. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_201_201" id="CFootnote_201_201"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_201_201"><span class="label">[201]</span></a> Lord + Lonsdale's death. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_202_202" id="CFootnote_202_202"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_202_202"><span class="label">[202]</span></a> The + respected Rector of Lowther, and Chancellor of the Diocese. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_203_203" id="CFootnote_203_203"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_203_203"><span class="label">[203]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 407-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_204_204" id="CFootnote_204_204"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_204_204"><span class="label">[204]</span></a> The fête + was given by Miss Fenwick, then at Rydal. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_205_205" id="CFootnote_205_205"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_205_205"><span class="label">[205]</span></a> See <i>Memoirs</i>, + c. xlv. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_206_206" id="CFootnote_206_206"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_206_206"><span class="label">[206]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 411-12. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_207_207" id="CFootnote_207_207"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_207_207"><span class="label">[207]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 412-13. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_208_208" id="CFootnote_208_208"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_208_208"><span class="label">[208]</span></a> + </p> + <div class="center"> + <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="65%" summary="The Immortals"> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Walter Scott + </td> + <td align="center"> + died + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 21st Sept. + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1832. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + S.T. Coleridge + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 25th July + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1834. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Charles Lamb + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 27th Dec. + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1834. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Geo. Crabbe + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 3rd Feb. + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1832. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Felicia Hemans + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 16th May + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1835. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + Robert Southey + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + <td align="center"></td> + <td align="center"> + 21st March + </td> + <td align="center"> + 1843. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_209_209" id="CFootnote_209_209"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_209_209"><span class="label">[209]</span></a> The + poem enclosed is 'The Westmoreland Girl,' dated June 6, 1845. The text + corresponds with that in the one volume edition, with the exception of + the two stanzas added in the next letter; and in the 1st stanza + 'thoughtless' has been substituted for 'simple;' and in the 18th 'is + laid' for 'must lie.' <i>H.R.</i> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_210_210" id="CFootnote_210_210"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_210_210"><span class="label">[210]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 414-17. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_211_211" id="CFootnote_211_211"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_211_211"><span class="label">[211]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 418-21. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_212_212" id="CFootnote_212_212"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_212_212"><span class="label">[212]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 151-2. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_213_213" id="CFootnote_213_213"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_213_213"><span class="label">[213]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 152-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_214_214" id="CFootnote_214_214"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_214_214"><span class="label">[214]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 422-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_215_215" id="CFootnote_215_215"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_215_215"><span class="label">[215]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 424-5. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_216_216" id="CFootnote_216_216"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_216_216"><span class="label">[216]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 432-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_217_217" id="CFootnote_217_217"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_217_217"><span class="label">[217]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 434. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_218_218" id="CFootnote_218_218"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_218_218"><span class="label">[218]</span></a> To Mr. + Moxon, Aug. 9, 1847. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_219_219" id="CFootnote_219_219"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_219_219"><span class="label">[219]</span></a> 29th + Dec. 1847. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_220_220" id="CFootnote_220_220"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_220_220"><span class="label">[220]</span></a> [Note + by Mr. Peace.] At Rydal Mount in 1838. Ephesians v. 20. 'My favourite + text,' said he. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_221_221" id="CFootnote_221_221"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_221_221"><span class="label">[221]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 435-6. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_222_222" id="CFootnote_222_222"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_222_222"><span class="label">[222]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 501-2. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_223_223" id="CFootnote_223_223"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_223_223"><span class="label">[223]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 502-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_224_224" id="CFootnote_224_224"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_224_224"><span class="label">[224]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 503. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_225_225" id="CFootnote_225_225"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_225_225"><span class="label">[225]</span></a> 'There + is a rhetorical amplitude and brilliancy in the Messias,' says Mr. + Carlyle, 'which elicits in our critic (Mr. Taylor) an instinct truer + than his philosophy is. Neither has the still purer spirit of + Klopstock's odes escaped him. Perhaps there is no writing in our + language that offers so correct an emblem of him as this analysis.' I + remember thinking Taylor's 'clear outline' of the Messias the most + satisfying account of a poem I ever read: it fills the mind with a + vision of pomp and magnificence, which it is pleasanter to + contemplate, as it were, from afar, massed together in that general + survey, than to examine part by part. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Carlyle agree + in exalting that ode of Klopstock's, in which he represents the Muse + of Britain and the Muse of Germany running a race. The piece seems to + me more rhetorical than strictly poetical; and if the younger Muse's + power of keeping up the race depends on productions of this sort, I + would not give a penny for her chance, at least if the contest relates + to pure poetry. Klopstock's <i>Herman</i> (mentioned afterwards,) + consists of three chorus-dramas, as Mr. Taylor calls them: <i>The + Battle of Herman</i>, <i>Herman and the Princes</i>, and <i>The Death + of Herman</i>. Herman is the Arminius of the Roman historians. S.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_226_226" id="CFootnote_226_226"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_226_226"><span class="label">[226]</span></a> <i>Leonidus</i>, + an epic poem, by R. Glover, first appeared in May, 1737: in the fifth + edition, published in 1770, it was corrected and extended from nine + books to twelve. Glover was the author of Boadicea and Medea, + tragedies, which had some success on the stage. I believe that <i>Leonidas</i> + has more merit in the conduct of the design, and in the delineation of + character, than as poetry. + </p> + <p> + 'He write an epic poem,' said Thomson, 'who never saw a mountain!' + Glover had seen the sun and moon, yet he seems to have looked for + their poetical aspects in Homer and Milton, rather than in the sky. + 'There is not a single simile in <i>Leonidas</i>,' says Lyttleton, + 'that is borrowed from any of the ancients, and yet there is hardly + any poem that has such a variety of beautiful comparisons.' The + similes of Milton come so flat and dry out of Glover's mangle, that + they are indeed quite <i>another thing</i> from what they appear in + the poems of that Immortal: <i>ex. gr.</i> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Like wintry clouds, which, opening for a time,<br /></span> + <span>Tinge their black folds with gleams of scattered light:—<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Is not this Milton's 'silver lining' stretched and mangled? + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i20">The Queen of Night<br /></span> <span>Gleam'd from + the centre of th' etherial vault,<br /></span> <span>And o'er the + raven plumes of darkness shed<br /></span> <span>Her placid light.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This is flattened from the well-known passage in Comus. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i20">Soon will savage Mars<br /></span> <span>Deform the + lovely <i>ringlets of thy shrubs</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + A genteel improvement upon Milton's 'bush with frizzled hair + implicit.' Then we have + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——delicious to the sight<br /></span> <span>Soft + dales meand'ring show their flowery laps<br /></span> <span>Among + rude piles of nature,<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + spoiled from + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>——the flowery lap<br /></span> <span>Of some + irriguous valley spread its store.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Thus does this poet shatter and dissolve the blooming sprays of + another man's plantation, instead of pushing through them some new + shoots of his own to crown them with fresh blossoms. + </p> + <p> + Milton himself borrowed as much as Glover. Aye, ten times more; yet + every passage in his poetry is Miltonic,—more than anything + else. On the other hand, his imitators <i>Miltonize</i>, yet produce + nothing worthy of Milton, the important characteristic of whose + writings my father well expressed, when he said 'The reader of Milton + must be always on his duty: <i>he is surrounded with sense</i>.' A man + must have his sense to imitate him worthily. How we look through his + words at the Deluge, as he floods it upon us in Book xi. l. 738-53!—The + Attic bees produce honey so flavoured with the thyme of Hymettus that + it is scarcely eatable, though to smell the herb itself in a breezy + walk upon that celebrated Mount would be an exceeding pleasure; thus + certain epic poems are overpoweringly flavoured with herbs of Milton, + while yet the fragrant balm and fresh breeze of his poetry is not to + be found in them. S.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_227_227" id="CFootnote_227_227"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_227_227"><span class="label">[227]</span></a> The + 'abrupt and laconic structure' of Glover's periods appears at the very + commencement of <i>Leonidas</i>, which has something military in its + movement, but rather the stiff gait of the drilled soldier than the + proud march of the martial hero. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>The virtuous Spartan who resign'd his life<br /></span> <span>To + save his country at th' Oetaen straits,<br /></span> <span>Thermopylae, + when all the peopled east<br /></span> <span>In arms with Xerxes + filled the Grecian plains,<br /></span> <span>O Muse record! The + Hellespont they passed<br /></span> <span>O'erpowering Thrace. The + dreadful tidings swift<br /></span> <span>To Corinth flew. Her + Isthmus was the seat<br /></span> <span>Of Grecian council. Orpheus + thence returns<br /></span> <span>To Lacedaemon. In assembly full, + &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Glover's best passages are of a soft character. This is a pleasing <i>Homerism</i>: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i28">Lycis dies,<br /></span> <span>For boist'rous war + ill-chosen. He was skill'd<br /></span> <span>To tune the lulling + flute, and melt the heart;<br /></span> <span>Or with his pipe's + awak'ning strains allure<br /></span> <span>The lovely dames of Lydia + to the dance.<br /></span> <span>They on the verdant level graceful + mov'd<br /></span> <span>In vary'd measures; while the cooling breeze<br /></span> + <span>Beneath their swelling garments wanton'd o'er<br /></span> + <span>Their snowy breasts, and smooth Cayster's streams<br /></span> + <span>Soft-gliding murmur'd by. The hostile blade, &c. Bk. VIII.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + And here is a pleasing expansion of Pindar, Olymp. II. 109: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i22">Placid were his days,<br /></span> <span>Which + flow'd through blessings. As a river pure,<br /></span> <span>Whose + sides are flowery, and whose meadows fair,<br /></span> <span>Meets + in his course a subterranean void;<br /></span> <span>There dips his + silver head, again to rise,<br /></span> <span>And, rising, glide + through flow'rs and meadows new;<br /></span> <span>So shall Oïleus + in those happier fields,<br /></span> <span>Where never tempests + roar, nor humid clouds<br /></span> <span>In mists dissolve, nor + white descending flakes<br /></span> <span>Of winter violate th' + eternal green;<br /></span> <span>Where never gloom of trouble shades + the mind,<br /></span> <span>Nor gust of passion heaves the quiet + breast,<br /></span> <span>Nor dews of grief are sprinkled. Bk. X. + S.C.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_228_228" id="CFootnote_228_228"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_228_228"><span class="label">[228]</span></a> This + was accidentally confirmed to me by an old German gentleman at + Helmstadt, who had been Klopstock's school and bed-fellow. Among other + boyish anecdotes, he related that the young poet set a particular + value on a translation of the PARADISE LOST, and always slept with it + under his pillow. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_229_229" id="CFootnote_229_229"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_229_229"><span class="label">[229]</span></a> + Klopstock's observation was partly true and partly erroneous. In the + literal sense of his words, and, if we confine the comparison to the + average of space required for the expression of the same thought in + the two languages, it is erroneous. I have translated some German + hexameters into English hexameters, and find, that on the average + three English lines will express four lines German. The reason is + evident: our language abounds in monosyllables and dissyllables. The + German, not less than the Greek, is a polysyllable language. But in + another point of view the remark was not without foundation. For the + German possessing the same unlimited privilege of forming compounds, + both with prepositions and with epithets, as the Greek, it can express + the richest single Greek word in a single German one, and is thus + freed from the necessity of weak or ungraceful paraphrases. I will + content myself with one example at present, viz. the use of the + prefixed participles <i>ver</i>, <i>zer</i>, <i>ent</i>, and <i>weg</i>: + thus <i>reissen</i> to rend, <i>verreissen</i> to rend away, <i>zerreissen</i> + to rend to pieces, <i>entreissen</i> to rend off or out of a thing, in + the active sense: or <i>schmelzen</i> to melt—<i>ver</i>, <i>zer</i>, + <i>ent</i>, <i>schmelzen</i>—and in like manner through all the + verbs neuter and active. If you consider only how much we should feel + the loss of the prefix <i>be</i>, as in bedropt, besprinkle, besot, + especially in our poetical language, and then think that this same + mode of composition is carried through all their simple and compound + prepositions, and many of their adverbs; and that with most of these + the Germans have the same privilege as we have of dividing them from + the verb and placing them at the end of the sentence; you will have no + difficulty in comprehending the reality and the cause of this superior + power in the German of condensing meaning, in which its great poet + exulted. It is impossible to read half a dozen pages of Wieland + without perceiving that in this respect the German has no rival but + the Greek. And yet I feel, that concentration or condensation is not + the happiest mode of expressing this excellence, which seems to + consist not so much in the less time required for conveying an + impression, as in the unity and simultaneousness with which the + impression is conveyed. It tends to make their language more + picturesque: it <i>depictures</i> images better. We have obtained this + power in part by our compound verbs derived from the Latin: and the + sense of its great effect no doubt induced our Milton both to the use + and the abuse of Latin derivatives. But still these prefixed + particles, conveying no separate or separable meaning to the mere + English reader, cannot possibly act on the mind with the force or + liveliness of an original and homogeneous language such as the German + is, and besides are confined to certain words. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_230_230" id="CFootnote_230_230"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_230_230"><span class="label">[230]</span></a> (A la + Fortune. Liv. II. Ode vi. Œuvres de Jean Baptiste Rousseau, p.121, + edit. 1820. One of the latter strophes of this ode concludes with two + lines, which, as the editor observes, have become a proverb, and of + which the thought and expression are borrowed from Lucretius: <i>cripitur + persona, manet res:</i> III. v. 58. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Montrez nous, guerriers magnanimes,<br /></span> <span>Votre + vertu dans tout son jour:<br /></span> <span>Voyons comment vos + coeurs sublimes<br /></span> <span>Du sort soutiendront le retour.<br /></span> + <span>Tant que sa faveur vous seconde,<br /></span> <span>Vous + étes les maîtres du monde,<br /></span> <span>Votre + gloire nous éblouit:<br /></span> <span>Mais au moindre revers + funeste,<br /></span> <span><i>Le masque tombe, l'homme reste</i>,<br /></span> + <span><i>Et le heros s'évanouit</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Horace, says the Editor, en traitant ce même sujet, liv. X. ode + XXXV. et Pindare en l'esquissant à grands traits, au + commencement de sa douzième Olympique, n'avoient laissé + à leurs successeurs que son côté moral à + envisager, et c'est le parti que prit Rousseau. The general sentiment + of the ode is handled with great dignity in Paradise Regained. Bk. + III. l. 43—157—a passage which, as Thyer says, contains + the quintessence of the subject. Dante has some noble lines on Fortune + in the viith canto of the <i>Inferno</i>,—lines worthy of a + great mystic poet. After referring to the vain complaints and + maledictions of men against this Power, he beautifully concludes: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ma ella s'è beata e ciò non ode:<br /></span> + <span>Con l'altre prime creature lieta<br /></span> <span><i>Volve + sua spera, e beata si gode</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + J.B. Rousseau was born in 1669, began his career at the close of the + age of Louis Quatorze, died at Brussels, March 17, 1741. He had been + banished from France, by an intrigue, on a false charge, as now seems + clear, of having composed and distributed defamatory verses, in 1712; + and it was engraved upon his tomb that he was 'thirty years an object + of envy and thirty of compassion.' Belonging to the classical school + of the 17th century, of which he was the last survivor, he came + somewhat into conflict with the spirit of the 18th, which was + preparing a new vintage, and would have none but new wine in new + bottles. Rousseau, however, was a very finished writer in his way, and + has been compared to Pindar, Horace, Anacreon and Malherbe. His ode to + <i>M. le Comte du Luc</i> is as fine an example as I know of the + modern classical style. This is quite different from that which is + exemplified in Wordsworth's Laodamia and Serjeant Talfourd's Ion; for + in them the subjects only are ancient, while both the form and spirit + are modern; whereas in the odes of Rousseau a modern subject is + treated, as far as difference of times and language will allow, in the + manner and tone of the Ancients. Samson Agonistes and Goethe's + Iphigenia in Tauris are conformed to ancient modes of thought, but in + them the subject also is taken from antiquity. Rousseau's works + consist of Odes, Epistles in verse, Cantatas, Epigrams, &c. &c. + He wrote for the stage at the beginning of his literary life, but with + no great success. S.C.) + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_231_231" id="CFootnote_231_231"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_231_231"><span class="label">[231]</span></a> Voss, + who lived from Feb. 20, 1751, to March, 1826, was author of the Luise, + 'a rural epopaea of simple structure divided into three idyls, which + relate the betrothment and marriage of the heroine.' This is a + pleasing and very peculiar poem, composed in hexameter verse. 'The + charm of the narrative,' says Mr. T., 'consists in the minute + description of the local domestic manners of the personages.' The + charm consists, I think, in the blending of these manners with the + beauty of Nature, and the ease and suitability of the versification. + Voss's translation of the Odyssey is praised for being so perfect an + imitation of the original. The Greek has been rendered, 'with a + fidelity and imitative harmony so admirable, that it suggests to the + scholar the original wording, and reflects, as from a mirror, every + beauty and every blemish of the ancient poem.' Hist. Survey, pp. + 61-68. S. C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_232_232" id="CFootnote_232_232"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_232_232"><span class="label">[232]</span></a> Act + III. Sc. 2. The night scene, which is the 5th of Act iv, is fine too + in a frantic way. The songs it contains are very spirited. That sung + by the Robbers is worthy of a Thug; it goes beyond our notions of any + European bandit, and transports us to the land of Jaggernat. S. C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_233_233" id="CFootnote_233_233"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_233_233"><span class="label">[233]</span></a> The + works of Bürger, who was born on the first day of 1748, died June + 8, 1794, consist of Poems (2 vols.), Macbeth altered from Shakespeare, + (pronounced by Taylor,—no good judge of <i>Shakespeare</i>,—in + some respects superiour to the original,) Muuchaüsen's Travels; + Translations; (of the six first books of the Iliad, and some others); + Papers philological and political. His fame rests chiefly on three + ballads, The Wild Hunter, The Parson's Daughter, and Lenore. The + powerful diction and admirable harmony,—rhythm, sound, rhyme of + these compositions Mr. Taylor describes as the result of laborious + art; it strikes me, from the outline which he has given of Bürger's + history, that the violent feelings, the life-like expression of which + constitutes their power and value, may have been partly the reflex of + the poet's own mind. His seems to have been a life of mismanagement + from youth till middle age. Like Milton, he lost a beloved second wife + by childbed in the first year of marriage: like him, he married a + third time, but without his special necessity—blindness and + unkind daughters. He wedded a lady who had fallen in love with his + poetry, or perhaps his poetical reputation: an union founded, as it + appears, in vanity, ended in vexation of spirit: and as Death, which + had deprived him of two wives, did not release him from a third, he + obtained his freedom, at the end of little more than three years, from + a court of justice. Why did Klopstock undervalue, by preference of + such a poet, the lofty-minded Schiller—the dearest to England of + all German bards; perhaps because the author of Wallenstein was a + philosopher, and had many things in his philosophy which the author of + The Messiah could not find in <i>his</i> heaven and earth. S.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_234_234" id="CFootnote_234_234"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_234_234"><span class="label">[234]</span></a> Oberon, + Canto viii. stanzas 69-80. The little touch about the new born babe's + returning its mother's kiss is very romantic: though put modestly in + the form of a query: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>—Und scheint nicht jeden Kuss<br /></span> <span>Sein + kleiner mund dem ihren zu entsaugen?<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The word <i>entsaugen (suck off)</i> is expressive—it very + naturally characterises the kiss of an infant five minutes of age. + Wieland had great nursery experience. 'My sweetest hours,' says he, in + a letter quoted in the Survey,' are those in which I see about me, in + all their glee of childhood, my whole posse of little half-way things + between apes and angels.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sotheby's translation of the Oberon made the poem popular in this + country. The original first appeared in 1780. S. C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_235_235" id="CFootnote_235_235"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_235_235"><span class="label">[235]</span></a> These + <i>disenchanters</i> put one in mind of the ratcatchers, who are said + and supposed to rid houses of rats, and yet the rats, somehow or + other, continue to swarm. The Kantean rats were not aware, I believe, + when Klopstock spoke thus, of the extermination that had befallen + them: and even to this day those acute animals infest the old house, + and steal away the daily bread of the children,—if the old + notions of Space and Time, and the old proofs of religious verities by + way of the <i>understanding</i> and <i>speculative reason,</i> must be + called such. Whether or no these are their true spiritual sustenance, + or the necessary guard and vehicle of it, is perhaps a question. + </p> + <p> + But who were Nicolai and Engel, and what did they against the famous + enchanter? The former was born in 1733, at Berlin, where he carried on + his father's business of book-selling, pursued literature with marked + success, and attained to old age, full of literary honours. By means + of three critical journals (the <i>Literatur-Briefe,</i> the <i>Bibliothek + der Schönen Wissenschaftern,</i> and the <i>Allgemeine Deutsche + Bibliothek,</i>) which he conducted with the powerful cooperation of + Lessing, and of his intimate friend Mendelssohn, and to which he + contributed largely himself, he became very considerable in the German + world of letters, and so continued for the space of twenty years. Jördens, + in his Lexicon, speaks highly of the effect of Nicolai's writings in + promoting freedom of thought, enlightened views in theology and + philosophy, and a sound taste in fine literature—describes him + as a brave battler with intolerance, hypocrisy, and confused + conceptions in religion; with empty subtleties, obscurities, and + terminologies, that can but issue in vain fantasies, in his + controversial writings on the 'so-named critical philosophy.' He + engaged with the <i>Kritik der reinen Vernunft,</i> on its appearance + in 1781, in the <i>Allgemeine Deutsche Bibliothek;</i> first explained + his objections to it in the 11th vol. of his <i>Reisebeschreibung</i>, + (Description of a Journey through Germany and Switzerland in the year + 1781,) and afterwards, in his romance entitled The Life and Opinions + of Sempronius Gundibert, a German Philosopher, sought to set forth the + childish crotchets and abuses imputable to many disciples of this + philosophy in their native absurdity. The <i>ratsbone</i> alluded to + by Klopstock, was doubtless contained in the above-named romance, + which the old poet probably esteemed more than Nicolai's more serious + polemics. + </p> + <p> + Gundibert has had its day, but in a fiction destined to a day of + longer duration,—Goethe's Faust,—the Satirist is himself + most effectively satirised. There he is, in that strange yet beautiful + temple, pinned to the wall in a ridiculous attitude, to be laughed at + as long as the temple itself is visited and admired. This doom came + upon him, not so much for his campaign against the Kanteans, as for + his <i>Joys of Werter</i>,—because he had dared to ridicule a + book, which certainly offered no small temptations to the parodist. + Indeed he seems to have been engaged in a series of hostilities with + Fichte, Lavater, Wieland, Herder, and Goethe. + </p> + <p> + (See Mr. Hayward's excellent translation of Faust, of which I have + heard a literary German say that it gave a better notion of the + original than any other which he had seen.) + </p> + <p> + In the <i>Walpurgisnacht</i> of the Faust he thus addresses the goblin + dancers:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Ihr seyd noch immer da! Nein das ist unerhört!<br /></span> + <span>Verschwindet doch! Wir haben ja aufgeklärt!<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i25">'Fly!<br /></span> <span>Vanish! Unheard of + impudence! What, still there!<br /></span> <span>In this enlightened + age too, when you have been<br /></span> <span>Proved not to exist?'—<i>Shelley's + Translation</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Do we not see the doughty reviewer before us magisterially waving his + hand and commanding the apparitions to vanish?—then with + despondent astonishment exclaiming: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Das Teufelspack es fragt nach keiner Regel.<br /></span> <span>Wir + sind so klug und dennoch spukt's in Tegel.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + So wise we are! yet what fantastic fooleries still stream forth from + my contemporary's brains; how are we still haunted! The speech of + Faust concerning him is mis-translated by Shelley, who understood the + humour of the piece, as well as the poetry, but not the particular + humours of it. Nothing can be more expressive of a conceited, + narrow-minded reviewer. 'Oh he!—he is absolutely everywhere,—What + others dance, he must decide upon. If he can't chatter about every + step, 'tis as good as not made at all. <i>Nothing provokes him so much + as when we go forward</i>. If you'd turn round and round in a circle, + as he does in his old mill, he'd approve of that perhaps; especially + if you'd consult him about it.' + </p> + <p> + 'A man of such spirited habitudes,' says Mr. Carlyle, after affirming + that Nicolai wrote against Kant's philosophy without comprehending it, + and judged of poetry, as of Brunswick Mum, by its utility, 'is now by + the Germans called a <i>Philister</i>. Nicolai earned for himself the + painful pre-eminence of being <i>Erz Philister</i>, Arch Philistine.' + 'He, an old enemy of Goethe's,' says Mr. Hill, in explanation of the + title in which he appears in the <i>Walpurgisnacht</i>, 'had published + an account of his phantasmal illusions, pointing them against Fichte's + system of idealism, which he evidently confounded with what Coleridge + would have called Subjective Idolism.' + </p> + <p> + Such was this wondrous <i>disenchanter</i> in the eyes of later + critics than Klopstock: a man strong enough to maintain a long fight + against genius, not wise enough to believe in it and befriend it. How + many a controversialist seems a mighty giant to those who are + predisposed to his opinions, while, in the eyes of others, he is but a + blind floundering Polyphemus, who knows not how to direct his heavy + blows; if not a menacing scarecrow, with a stake in his hand, which he + has no power to drive home! I remember reading a thin volume in which + all metaphysicians that had ever left their thoughts behind them were + declared utterly in the wrong—all up to, but not including, the + valiant author himself. The world had lain in darkness till he + appeared, like a new Phoebus, on the scene. This great man despatched + Kant's system—(never having read a syllable of any work of + Kant's)—in a page and a quarter! and the exploit had its + celebraters and admirers. Yet strange to say, the metaphysical world + went on just as if nothing had happened!—after the sun was up, + it went groping about, as if it had never been enlightened, and + actually ever since has continued to talk as if Locke, Berkeley, Hume, + Kant, and other metaphysicians understood the nature of the things + they wrote about rather <i>more</i> than the mass of mankind, instead + of <i>less! Verschwindet doch</i>! might this author say, as Nicolai + said to the spectres of the Brocken and the phantoms of literature, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>Verschwindet doch! <i>Wir haben ja aufgeklärt</i>.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Engel opposed Kant in philosophical treatises, one of which is + entitled <i>Zwei Gerpräche den Werth der Kritik betreffend</i>. + He too occupied a considerable space in Literature—his works + fill twelve volumes, besides a few other pieces. 'To him,' says Jördens, + 'the criticism of taste and of art, speculative, practical, and + popular philosophy, owe many of their later advances in Germany.' Jördens + pronounces his romance, entitled <i>Lorenz Stark</i>, a masterpiece in + its way, and says of his plays, that they deserve a place beside the + best of Lessing's. He was the author of a miscellaneous work, entitled + The Philosopher for the World, and is praised by Cousin as a + meritorious anthropologist. Engel was born September 11, 1741, at + Parchim, of which his father was pastor, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin; died + June 28, 1802. Neither Nicolai nor Engel is noticed by Cousin among + the adversaries of Kant's doctrine: the intelligent adversaries,—who + assailed it with skill and knowledge, rather proved its strength than + discovered its weakness. <i>Fortius acri ridiculum</i>; but this + applies only to transient triumphs, where the object of attack, though + it furnishes <i>occasion</i> for ridicule, affords no just <i>cause</i> + for it. S.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_236_236" id="CFootnote_236_236"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_236_236"><span class="label">[236]</span></a> I + remember well, asking him if we were not trespassing on private + pleasure-grounds here. He said, no; the walks had, indeed, been + inclosed, but he remembered them open to the public, and he always + went through them when he chose. At Lowther, we found among the + visitors, the late Lord W——; and describing our walk, <i>he</i> + made the same observation, that we had been trespassing; but + Wordsworth maintained his point with somewhat more warmth than I + either liked, or could well account for. But afterwards, when we were + alone, he told me he had purposely answered Lord W—— + stoutly and warmly, because he had done a similar thing with regard to + some grounds in the neighbourhood of Penrith, and excluded the people + of Penrith from walking where they had always enjoyed the right + before. He had evidently a pleasure in vindicating these rights, and + seemed to think it a duty. J.T.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_237_237" id="CFootnote_237_237"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_237_237"><span class="label">[237]</span></a> See <i>Memoirs</i>, + vol. i. pp. 147-8. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_238_238" id="CFootnote_238_238"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_238_238"><span class="label">[238]</span></a> You + could not walk with him a mile without seeing what a loving interest + he took in the play and working of simple natures. As you ascend + Kirkstone from Paterdale, you have a bright stream leaping down from + rock to rock, on your right, with here and there silent pools. One of + Wordsworth's poor neighbours worked all the week over Kirkstone, I + think in some mines; and returning on Saturday evenings, used to fish + up this little stream. We met him with a string of small trout. W. + offered to buy them, and bid him take them to the Mount. 'Nay,' said + the man, 'I cannot sell them, Sir; the little children at home look + for them for supper, and I can't disappoint them.' It was quite + pleasant to see how the man's answer delighted the Poet. J.T.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_239_239" id="CFootnote_239_239"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_239_239"><span class="label">[239]</span></a> This + old road was very steep, after the fashion of former days, crossing + the hill straight over its highest point. A new cut had been made, + somewhat diminishing the steepness, but still leaving it a very + inconvenient and difficult ascent. At length another alteration was + made, and the road was carried on a level round the foot of the hill. + My friend Arnold pointed these out to me, and, quizzing my politics, + said, the first denoted the old Tory corruption, the second bit by + bit, the third Radical Reform. J.T.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_240_240" id="CFootnote_240_240"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_240_240"><span class="label">[240]</span></a> See + Poems on the naming of Places. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_241_241" id="CFootnote_241_241"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_241_241"><span class="label">[241]</span></a> Poems + founded on the Affections. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_242_242" id="CFootnote_242_242"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_242_242"><span class="label">[242]</span></a> I + cannot fill the blank. J.T.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_243_243" id="CFootnote_243_243"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_243_243"><span class="label">[243]</span></a> I used + the word <i>trudging</i> at the time; it denoted to me his bold way of + walking. J.T.C. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_244_244" id="CFootnote_244_244"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_244_244"><span class="label">[244]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 300-15. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_245_245" id="CFootnote_245_245"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_245_245"><span class="label">[245]</span></a> See <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 246. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_246_246" id="CFootnote_246_246"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_246_246"><span class="label">[246]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + ii. 329-32. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_247_247" id="CFootnote_247_247"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_247_247"><span class="label">[247]</span></a> The + close of Lady Richardson's 'Reminiscences' here in the <i>Memoirs</i> + is not given, as being more fully introduced under December 1841, p. + 438. The repetition of the same sentiments in 1843, however, is + noticeable. For a vivid and sweetly toned paper on Wordsworth by Lady + Richardson—based on the <i>Memoirs</i>—see <i>Sharpe's + London Magazine</i> for March 1853, pp. 148-55. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_248_248" id="CFootnote_248_248"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_248_248"><span class="label">[248]</span></a> But see + <i>Memorials of Italy</i>, 'Sonnets on Roman Historians.' + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_249_249" id="CFootnote_249_249"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_249_249"><span class="label">[249]</span></a> Mrs. + Fletcher. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_250_250" id="CFootnote_250_250"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_250_250"><span class="label">[250]</span></a> See the + Sonnet and Letters on the Furness Railway (vol. ii. p. 321). G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_251_251" id="CFootnote_251_251"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_251_251"><span class="label">[251]</span></a> On + another occasion, I believe, he intimated a desire that his works in + Prose should be edited by his son-in-law, Mr. Quillinan. (<i>Memoirs,</i> + ii. 466.) + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_252_252" id="CFootnote_252_252"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_252_252"><span class="label">[252]</span></a> <i>Memoirs,</i> + ii. 437-66. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_253_253" id="CFootnote_253_253"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_253_253"><span class="label">[253]</span></a> <i>Iliad</i>, + i. 260. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_254_254" id="CFootnote_254_254"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_254_254"><span class="label">[254]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + iii. 156. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_255_255" id="CFootnote_255_255"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_255_255"><span class="label">[255]</span></a> <i>Aen</i>. + viii. 352. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_256_256" id="CFootnote_256_256"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_256_256"><span class="label">[256]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> + iv. 455. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_257_257" id="CFootnote_257_257"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_257_257"><span class="label">[257]</span></a> If I + remember right, it is in the third line, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Ludisque dicatae, jocisque;'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + a strange blunder, for Buchanan must have read Horace's, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span>'Quid dedicatum poscit Apolliuem,'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + <p> + a hundred times. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_258_258" id="CFootnote_258_258"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_258_258"><span class="label">[258]</span></a> This + paragraph was communicated by Mr. H.C. Robinson. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_259_259" id="CFootnote_259_259"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_259_259"><span class="label">[259]</span></a> Page + 174 (vol. i.), where Milton speaks of the evils suffered by a nation,' + unless men more than vulgar, bred up in the knowledge of ancient and + illustrious deeds, conduct its affairs.' + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_260_260" id="CFootnote_260_260"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_260_260"><span class="label">[260]</span></a> <i>Paradise + Regained</i>, iv. 431. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_261_261" id="CFootnote_261_261"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_261_261"><span class="label">[261]</span></a> 1. 37: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">'The pilgrim oft,<br /></span> <span>At dead of + night, 'mid his oraison, hears<br /></span> <span>Aghast the voice of + TIME, disparting towers,' &c.<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_262_262" id="CFootnote_262_262"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_262_262"><span class="label">[262]</span></a> + Thomson's 'Summer,' 980: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i2">'In Cairo's crowded streets,<br /></span> <span>The + impatient merchant, wondering, waits in vain,<br /></span> <span>And + Mecca saddens at the long delay.'<br /></span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_263_263" id="CFootnote_263_263"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_263_263"><span class="label">[263]</span></a> See + vol. i. pp. 340-8. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_264_264" id="CFootnote_264_264"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_264_264"><span class="label">[264]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. pp. 467-80. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_265_265" id="CFootnote_265_265"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_265_265"><span class="label">[265]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 467-83. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_266_266" id="CFootnote_266_266"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_266_266"><span class="label">[266]</span></a> Dr. + Whewell. G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_267_267" id="CFootnote_267_267"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_267_267"><span class="label">[267]</span></a> Extract + of a letter to a friend, by Rev. R.P. Graves, M.A., formerly of + Windermere, now of Dublin: <i>Memoirs</i>, pp. 288-90. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_268_268" id="CFootnote_268_268"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_268_268"><span class="label">[268]</span></a> <i>Memoirs</i>, + ii. 483-500. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_269_269" id="CFootnote_269_269"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_269_269"><span class="label">[269]</span></a> + Afterwards Father Faber of the Oratory. His 'Sir Launcelot' abounds in + admirable descriptions. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_270_270" id="CFootnote_270_270"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_270_270"><span class="label">[270]</span></a> 'For us + the stream of fiction ceased to flow' (Dedicatory Stanzas to 'The + White Doe of Rylstone'). + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_271_271" id="CFootnote_271_271"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_271_271"><span class="label">[271]</span></a> See his + Sonnet on the seat of Dante, close to the Duomo at Florence (<i>Poems + of Early and Late Years</i>). + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_272_272" id="CFootnote_272_272"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_272_272"><span class="label">[272]</span></a> + 'Evening Voluntary.' + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_273_273" id="CFootnote_273_273"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_273_273"><span class="label">[273]</span></a> <i>A + Song of Faith, Devout Exercises, and Sonnets</i> (Pickering). The + Dedication closed thus: 'I may at least hope to be named hereafter + among the friends of Wordsworth.' + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_274_274" id="CFootnote_274_274"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_274_274"><span class="label">[274]</span></a> See our + Index, under Shelley, G. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_275_275" id="CFootnote_275_275"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_275_275"><span class="label">[275]</span></a> 'Diary + of Sir Walter Scott,' <i>Life</i>, by Lockhart, as before, vol. ix. + pp. 62-3. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_276_276" id="CFootnote_276_276"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_276_276"><span class="label">[276]</span></a> <i>The + Greville Memoirs</i>. A Journal of the Reigns of King George IV. and + King William IV. By the late Charles C.F. Greville, Esq., Clerk of the + Council to those Sovereigns. Edited by Henry Reeve, Registrar of the + Privy Council. 3 vols. 8vo, fourth edition, 1875. Vol. ii. p. 120. + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + <a name="CFootnote_277_277" id="CFootnote_277_277"></a><a + href="#CFNanchor_277_277"><span class="label">[277]</span></a> This + first mention of Alfoxden in the 'Notes and Illustrations of the + Poems' leads the Editor to record here the title-page of a truly + delightful privately-printed volume, by the Rev. W.L. Nichols, M.A., + Woodlands: <i>The Quantocks and their Associations</i> (1873), 41 pp. + and Appendix, xxxii, pp. A photograph of 'Wordsworth's glen, Alfoxden' + (p. 6) is exquisite. G. + </p> + </div> + <h1> + THE PROSE WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. + </h1> + <h4> + FOR THE FIRST TIME COLLECTED, + </h4> + <h4> + <i>WITH ADDITIONS FROM UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS</i>. + </h4> + <h4> + Edited, with Preface, Notes and Illustrations, + </h4> + <h2> + BY THE REV. ALEXANDER B. GROSART, ST. GEORGE'S, BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. + </h2> + <h4> + IN THREE VOLUMES. + </h4> + <h4> + LONDON: EDWARD MOXON, SON, AND CO. 1 AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW. + </h4> + <h4> + 1876. + </h4> + <h4> + AMS Press, Inc. New York 10003 1967 + </h4> + <h4> + Manufactured in the United States of America + </h4> + <hr /> + <h2> + CONTENTS OF THREE VOLUMES + </h2> + <div class="center"> + <h3> + <a href="#CONTVOLI"><b>CONTENTS OF VOL. I.</b></a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#CONTVOLII"><b>CONTENTS OF VOL. II.</b></a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#CONTVOLIII"><b>CONTENTS OF VOL. III.</b></a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#INDEX"><b>INDEX.</b></a> + </h3> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + +<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PROSE WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH ***</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 16550-h.htm or 16550-h.zip</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/5/5/16550/</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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