| “Nor deem that localized romance |
| Plays false with our affections; |
| Unsanctifies our tears—made sport |
| For fanciful dejections; |
| Ah, no! the visions of the past |
| Sustain the heart in feeling |
| Life as she is—our changeful life, |
| With friends and kindred dealing.” |
and this stanza,
“Eternal blessings on the Muse,
And her divine employment!
The blameless Muse, who trains her sons
For hope and calm enjoyment;
Albeit sickness, lingering yet,
Has o’er their pillow brooded;
And care waylay their steps—a sprite
Not easily eluded.”
reminds us of what Scott says in his farewell to the Harp of the North:
“Much have I owed thy strains, on life’s long way,
Through secret woes the world has never known,
When on the weary night dawned wearier day,
And bitter was the grief devoured alone,
That I o’erlive such woes, Enchantress, is thine own.”
“The Egyptian Maid” is distinguished by a soft visionary style of painting, and a stealthy alluring movement, like the rippling of advancing waters, which, I do not remember elsewhere in Wordsworth’s writings.
“The Armenian Lady’s love” is a fine balled. The following verses are admirable for delicacy of sentiment and musical sweetness.
| “Judge both fugitives with knowledge; |
| In those old romantic days |
| Mighty were the soul’s conmandments |
| To support, restrain, or raise. |
