COMPOSED BY THE SIDE OF GRASMERE LAKE
1806.
COMPOSED BY THE SIDE OF GRASMERE LAKE
CLOUDS, lingering yet, extend in solid bars Through the grey west; and lo! these waters, steeled By breezeless air to smoothest polish, yield A vivid repetition of the stars; Jove, Venus, and the ruddy crest of Mars Amid his fellows beauteously revealed At happy distance from earth’s groaning field, Where ruthless mortals wage incessant wars. Is it a mirror?–or the nether Sphere Opening to view the abyss in which she feeds 10 Her own calm fires?–But list! a voice is near; Great Pan himself low-whispering through the reeds, “Be thankful, thou; for, if unholy deeds Ravage the world, tranquillity is here!”