The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 4 (of 8)

COMPOSED BY THE SIDE OF GRASMERE LAKE. 1807

Reading edition

Composed 1806.—Published 1819

This sonnet was first published along with The Waggoner in 1819. In 1820 it was classed among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets," and in 1827 it was transferred to the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty." Previous to 1837 this sonnet had no title.—Ed.

Clouds, lingering yet, extend[1] in solid bars Through the grey west; and lo! these waters, steeled By breezeless air to smoothest polish, yield A vivid repetition[2] of the stars; Jove, Venus, and the ruddy crest of Mars 5 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?[3]—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!"

VARIANTS:

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · 1827. Eve's lingering clouds extend ... MS. and 1819.Note 2 · 1819. A bright re-duplication ... MS.Note 3 · 1837. Opening a vast abyss, while fancy feeds On the rich show? ... MS. Opening its vast abyss, ... 1819. Opening to view the abyss in whi