THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - VOL. 2 (Completed)

A FAREWELL

Composed May 29, 1802.--Published 1815

[Composed just before my Sister and I went to fetch Mrs. Wordsworth from Gallow-hill, near Scarborough.--I.F.]

This was one of the "Poems founded on the Affections." It was published in 1815 and in 1820 without a title, but with the sub-title 'Composed in the Year 1802'. In 1827 and 1832 it was called 'A Farewell', to which the sub-title was added. The sub-title was omitted in 1836, and afterwards.--Ed.

Farewell, thou little Nook of mountain-ground,

Thou rocky corner in the lowest stair

Of that magnificent temple which doth bound

One side of our whole vale with grandeur rare;

Sweet garden-orchard, eminently fair,

The loveliest spot that man hath ever found,

Farewell!--we leave thee to Heaven's peaceful care,

Thee, and the Cottage which thou dost surround.

Our boat is safely anchored by the shore,

And there will safely ride [1] when we are gone;

The flowering shrubs that deck our humble door [2]

Will prosper, though untended and alone:

Fields, goods, and far-off chattels we have none:

These narrow bounds contain our private store

Of things earth makes, and sun doth shine upon;

Here are they in our sight--we have no more.

Sunshine and shower be with you, bud and bell!

For two months now in vain we shall be sought;

We leave you here in solitude to dwell

With these our latest gifts of tender thought;

Thou, like the morning, in thy saffron coat,

Bright gowan, and marsh-marigold, farewell!

Whom from the borders of the Lake we brought,

And placed together near our rocky Well.