 | Sonnets at the English Lakes |  |
9
IX. WORDSWORTH'S SEAT, RYDAL.
Eight steps there are beneath a Poet's throne:A lover's heart, a meditative will,
Ambitious perseverance, obstinate skill
That knows how painfully the jewel shone,
A prophet's sight, a soul's communion
With humblest wayside things by dale and hill,
An eye that tears can on a sudden fill,
And lips that smile before the tears are gone.
But, mounting up thy rocky poet's seat
With hesitation, as before a king's,
These other twain beneath thy throne I found:
Knowledge of peace that human goodness brings—
Of life most earnest, solemn, joyful, sweet;
I cried, Thy throne is sure, great Bard, thy kingdom sound!
| Sonnets at the English Lakes | |