Sonnets at the English Lakes | ||
17
XVII. STOCK GHYLL BARRED.
A Protest.
The gift of God—our earth more cool was grown,In liquid drops the steamy vapour fell;
Long ages after, by a Syrian well,
In those same words a deeper truth was known.
The water-bearer to the Arab town
Cries the same truth, and gives but will not sell.
Before this streamlet, in an English dell,
Dare I the free continuous gift disown?
“God's gift to all”—shall craven men allow
Desire of pelf and individual greed
To bar the gate and ask a sordid fee,
To tax the wondering eye that comes to see,
Take mean advantage of a brother's need,
And claim a toll for Nature's public show?
Sonnets at the English Lakes | ||