POEMS
COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833
V. TO THE RIVER DERWENT
POEMS
COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833
AMONG the mountains were we nursed, loved Stream Thou near the eagle’s nest–within brief sail, I, of his bold wing floating on the gale, Where thy deep voice could lull me! Faint the beam Of human life when first allowed to gleam On mortal notice.–Glory of the vale, Such thy meek outset, with a crown, though frail, Kept in perpetual verdure by the steam Of thy soft breath!–Less vivid wreath entwined Nemaean victor’s brow; less bright was worn, 10 Meed of some Roman chief–in triumph borne With captives chained; and shedding from his car The sunset splendours of a finished war Upon the proud enslavers of mankind! 1819.