Composed 1800.--Published 1800
Included among the "Inscriptions."--Ed.
Rude is this Edifice, and Thou hast seen
Buildings, albeit rude, that have maintained
Proportions more harmonious, and approached
To closer fellowship with ideal grace.
But take it in good part:--alas! the poor [1]
Vitruvius of our village had no help
From the great City; never, upon leaves [2]
Of red Morocco folio saw displayed,
In long succession, pre-existing ghosts [3]
Of Beauties yet unborn--the rustic Lodge
Antique, and Cottage with verandah graced,
Nor lacking, for fit company, alcove,
Green-house, shell-grot, and moss-lined hermitage. [4]
Thou see'st a homely Pile, [5] yet to these walls
The heifer comes in the snow-storm, and here
The new-dropped lamb finds shelter from the wind.
And hither does one Poet sometimes row
His pinnace, a small vagrant barge, up-piled
With plenteous store of heath and withered fern,
(A lading which he with his sickle cuts,
Among the mountains) and beneath this roof
He makes his summer couch, and here at noon
Spreads out his limbs, while, yet unshorn, the Sheep,
Panting beneath the burthen of their wool,
Lie round him, even as if they were a part
Of his own Household: nor, while from his bed
He looks, through the open door-place, [6] toward the lake
And to the stirring breezes, does he want
Creations lovely as the work of sleep--
Fair sights, and visions of romantic joy!
* * * * *
VARIANTS ON THE TEXT
[Variant 1:1837.
... and approach'd
To somewhat of a closer fellowship
With the ideal grace. Yet as it is
Do take it in good part; for he, the poor 1800. ... alas!
the poor 1815.]
[Variant 2:1837.
... on the leaves 1800.]
[Variant 3:1837.
The skeletons and pre-existing ghosts 1800.]
[Variant 4:1837.
... yet unborn, the rustic Box, Snug Cot, with Coach-house,
Shed and Hermitage. 1800.]
[Variant 5:1815.
It is a homely pile, ... 1800.]
[Variant 6:1837.
He through that door-place looks ... 1800.]
* * * * *
FOOTNOTE ON THE TEXT
[Footnote A: The title of this poem in the edition of 1800 was simply 'Inscription for the House (an Out-house) on the Island at Grasmere'.--Ed.]
This "homely pile" on the island of Grasmere--very homely--still remains.--Ed.
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YOU ARE READING
THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - VOL. 2 (Completed)
ClassicsThe poetical works of William Wordsworth, edited by William Knight.
