THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)

ROMAN ANTIQUES DISCOVERED AT BISHOPSTONE, HEREFORDSHIRE

Composed 1835.--Published 1835

[My attention to these antiquities was directed by Mr. Walker, son to the itinerant Eidouranian Philosopher. The beautiful pavement was discovered within a few yards of the front door of his parsonage, and appeared from the site (in full view of several hills upon which there had formerly been Roman encampments) as if it might have been the villa of the commander of the forces, at least such was Mr. Walker's conjecture.--I.F.]

One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.

While poring Antiquarians search the ground

Upturned with curious pains, the Bard, a Seer,

Takes fire:----The men that have been reappear;

Romans for travel girt, for business gowned;

And some recline on couches, myrtle-crowned,

In festal glee: why not? For fresh and clear,

As if its hues were of the passing year,

Dawns this time-buried pavement.

From that mound Hoards may come forth of Trajans,

Maximins, Shrunk into coins with all their warlike toil:

Or a fierce impress issues with its foil

Of tenderness--the Wolf, whose suckling Twins

The unlettered ploughboy pities when he wins

The casual treasure from the furrowed soil.