Composed 1838.--Published 1838
One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty and Order."--ED.
Blest Statesman He, whose Mind's unselfish will
Leaves him[191] at ease among grand thoughts: whose eye
Sees that, apart from magnanimity,
Wisdom exists not; nor the humbler skill
Of Prudence, disentangling good and ill
With patient care. What tho'[192] assaults run high,
They daunt not him who holds his ministry,
Resolute, at all hazards, to fulfil
Its[193] duties;--prompt to move, but firm to wait,--
Knowing, things rashly sought are rarely found;
That, for[194] the functions of an ancient State--
Strong by her charters, free because imbound,
Servant of Providence, not slave of Fate--
Perilous is sweeping change, all chance unsound.[195]
[191] 1842.
... her
C. and 1838.
[192] 1838.
... if
C.
[
[193] 1838.
His
C.
[194] 1838.
... in
C.
[195]
All change is perilous, and all chance unsound.
SPENSER.--W.W. 1838.
The passage will be found in The Faërie Queene, book v. canto xii.stanza 36.--ED.
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THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)
PoetryThe Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, Vol. 8. Edited by William Knight
