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Home  »  The Complete Poetical Works by William Wordsworth  »  OXFORD, MAY 30, 1820

OXFORD, MAY 30, 1820


YE sacred Nurseries of blooming Youth! In whose collegiate shelter England’s Flowers Expand, enjoying through their vernal hours The air of liberty, the light of truth; Much have ye suffered from Time’s gnawing tooth: Yet, O ye spires of Oxford! domes and towers! Gardens and groves! your presence overpowers The soberness of reason; till, in sooth, Transformed, and rushing on a bold exchange, I slight my own beloved Cam, to range 10 Where silver Isis leads my stripling feet; Pace the long avenue, or glide adown The stream-like windings of that glorious street– An eager Novice robed in fluttering gown!