THE RIVER DUDDON

A SERIES OF SONNETS, 1820.

XXXII

          NOT hurled precipitous from steep to steep;
          Lingering no more 'mid flower-enamelled lands
          And blooming thickets; nor by rocky bands
          Held; but in radiant progress toward the Deep
          Where mightiest rivers into powerless sleep
          Sink, and forget heir nature--'now' expands
          Majestic Duddon, over smooth flat sands
          Gliding in silence with unfettered sweep!
          Beneath an ampler sky a region wide
          Is opened round him:--hamlets, towers, and towns,           10
          And blue-topped hills, behold him from afar;
          In stately mien to sovereign Thames allied
          Spreading his bosom under Kentish downs,
          With commerce freighted, or triumphant war.