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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
England: Vols. I–IV. 1876–79.

Grasmere

Grasmere

By James Payn (1830–1898)

SHUT out from all that wars against the soul,

The shocks that jar the music of the heart,

The pleasures lasting only in the smart

Of that regret which feigns a perfect whole

Where naught was full; the frequent rubs that wear

Our loves away, and strip us for the fight

With the rough world; alone, in calm delight

Of peace, content, and joy, art thou, Grasmere!

O lake most fair set round with mountain-guards,

Sweet birds, swift streams, eternal waterfall,

Crag-lichen, and wild vale-flower, all, yea, all

Shall eye and ear in love oft turn towards:

I thank thee for much lore that doth not dwell

With books nor men: farewell, bright spot, farewell!