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Home  »  The Complete Poetical Works by William Wordsworth  »  XXIX. CAVE OF STAFFA

POEMS


COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833

XXIX. CAVE OF STAFFA

POEMS


COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833


THANKS for the lessons of this Spot–fit school For the presumptuous thoughts that would assign Mechanic laws to agency divine; And, measuring heaven by earth, would overrule Infinite Power. The pillared vestibule, Expanding yet precise, the roof embowed, Might seem designed to humble man, when proud Of his best workmanship by plan and tool. Down-bearing with his whole Atlantic weight Of tide and tempest on the Structure’s base, 10 And flashing to that Structure’s topmost height, Ocean has proved its strength, and of its grace In calms is conscious, finding for his freight Of softest music some reponsive place.