William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

THANKS for the lessons of this spot, fit school

For the presumptuous thoughts that would assign

Mechanic laws to agency divine,

And, measuring heaven by earth, would overrule

Infinite power. The pillared vestibule,

Expanding yet precise, the roof embowed,

Might seem designed to humble man, when proud

Of his best workmanship by plan and tool.

Down-bearing with his whole Atlantic weight

Of tide and tempest on the structure’s base,

And flashing upwards to its topmost height,

Ocean has proved its strength, and of its grace

In calms is conscious, finding for his freight

Of softest music some responsive place.