“THOSE WORDS WERE UTTERED AS IN PENSIVE MOOD”
“——they are of the sky, And from our earthly memory fade away.” THOSE words were uttered as in pensive mood We turned, departing from that solemn sight: A contrast and reproach to gross delight, And life’s unspiritual pleasures daily wooed! But now upon this thought I cannot brood; It is unstable as a dream of night; Nor will I praise a cloud, however bright, Disparaging Man’s gifts, and proper food. Grove, isle, with every shape of sky-built dome, Though clad in colours beautiful and pure, 10 Find in the heart of man no natural home: The immortal Mind craves objects that endure: These cleave to it; from these it cannot roam, Nor they from it: their fellowship is secure. 1806.