 | The poetical works of William Wordsworth |  |
158
XX. AT BALA-SALA, ISLE OF MAN.
(Supposed to be written by a Friend.)
Broken in fortune, but in mind entireAnd sound in principle, I seek repose
Where ancient trees this convent-pile enclose ,
In ruin beautiful. When vain desire
Intrudes on peace, I pray the eternal Sire
To cast a soul-subduing shade on me,
A grey-haired, pensive, thankful Refugee;
A shade—but with some sparks of heavenly fire
Once to these cells vouchsafed. And when I note
The old Tower's brow yellowed as with the beams
Of sunset ever there, albeit streams
Of stormy weather-stains that semblance wrought,
I thank the silent Monitor, and say
“Shine so, my aged brow, at all hours of the day!”
| The poetical works of William Wordsworth | |