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

"THOUGH THE BOLD WINGS OF POESY AFFECT"

Composed (?)--Published 1842

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

Though the bold wings of Poesy affect

The clouds, and wheel around the mountain tops

Rejoicing, from her loftiest height she drops

Well pleased to skim the plain with wild flowers deckt,

Or muse in solemn grove whose shades protect

The lingering dew--there steals along, or stops

Watching the least small bird that round her hops,

Or creeping worm, with sensitive respect.

Her functions are they therefore less divine,

Her thoughts less deep, or void of grave intent

Her simplest fancies? Should that fear be thine,

Aspiring Votary, ere thy hand present

One offering, kneel before her modest shrine,

With brow in penitential sorrow bent!