IN SERIES, 1821-22.
PART I. FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY
INTO BRITAIN, TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE PAPAL DOMINION
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“A verse may catch a wandering Soul, that flies
Profounder Tracts, and by a blest surprise
Convert delight into a Sacrifice.”
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I. INTRODUCTION
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I, WHO accompanied with faithful pace
Cerulean Duddon from his cloud-fed spring,
And loved with spirit ruled by his to sing
Of mountain quiet and boon nature’s grace;
I, who essayed the nobler Stream to trace
Of Liberty, and smote the plausive string
Till the checked torrent, proudly triumphing,
Won for herself a lasting resting-place;
Now seek upon the heights of Time the source
Of a HOLY RIVER, on whose banks are found
Sweet pastoral flowers, and laurels that have crowned
Full oft the unworthy brow of lawless force;
And, for delight of him who tracks its course,
Immortal amaranth and palms abound.
-Ecclesiastical Sonnets-Part I. From The Introduction Of Christianity Into Britain, To The Consummation Of The Papal Dominion – Introduction by William Wordsworth