Volume 8 — 1836
Reading edition
So far as can be ascertained, only one sonnet was written by Wordsworth in 1836. The verses To a Redbreast, by his sister-in-law, Sarah Hutchinson, may however be placed alongside of the sonnet addressed to her.—Ed.
NOVEMBER 1836
Composed 1836.—Published 1837.
One of the “Miscellaneous Sonnets.”—Ed.
Even so for me a Vision sanctified The sway of Death; long ere mine eyes had seen Thy countenance—the still rapture of thy mien— When thou, dear Sister![58] wert become Death’s Bride: No trace of pain or languor could abide 5 That change:—age on thy brow was smoothed—thy cold Wan cheek at once was privileged to unfold A loveliness to living youth denied. Oh! if within me hope should e’er decline, The lamp of faith, lost Friend! too faintly burn; 10 Then may that heaven-revealing smile of thine, The bright assurance, visibly return: And let my spirit in that power divine Rejoice, as, through that power, it ceased to mourn.
TO A REDBREAST—(IN SICKNESS)
Published 1842
[Almost the only verses by our lamented sister Sara Hutchinson.—I.F.]
One of the “Miscellaneous Poems.”—Ed.
Stay, little cheerful Robin! stay, And at my casement sing, Though it should prove a farewell lay And this our parting spring. Though I, alas! may ne’er enjoy 5 The promise in thy song; A charm, that thought can not destroy, Doth to thy strain belong. Methinks that in my dying hour Thy song would still be dear, 10 And with a more than earthly power My passing Spirit cheer. Then, little Bird, this boon confer, Come, and my requiem sing, Nor fail to be the harbinger 15 Of everlasting Spring. S.H.