[2] 1832.
With a motion smooth and fine
Gathers ... 1820.
Runs with motion smooth and fine,
Gathering ... 1827.
COMPOSED ON THE EVE OF THE MARRIAGE OF A FRIEND IN THE VALE OF GRASMERE, 1812
Composed 1812.—Published 1815
Classed among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.
What need of clamorous bells, or ribands gay,
These humble nuptials to proclaim or grace?
Angels of love, look down upon the place;
Shed on the chosen vale a sun-bright day!
Yet no proud gladness would the Bride display 5
Even for such promise:[1]—serious is her face,
Modest her mien; and she, whose thoughts keep pace
With gentleness, in that becoming way
Will thank you. Faultless does the Maid appear;
No disproportion in her soul, no strife: 10
But, when the closer view of wedded life
Hath shown that nothing human can be clear
From frailty, for that insight may the Wife
To her indulgent Lord become more dear.
This refers to the marriage of Thomas Hutchinson (Mrs. Wordsworth's brother) to Mary Monkhouse, sister of the Mr. Monkhouse with whom Wordsworth afterwards travelled on the Continent. The marriage took place on November 1, 1812. They lived at Nadnorth for eighteen years, and afterwards at Brinsop Court, Herefordshire, for twenty-one years. To their son—the Rev. Thomas Hutchinson of Kimbolton, Leominster, Herefordshire—and to their daughter—Miss Elizabeth Hutchinson of Rock Villa, West Malvern—I am indebted for much information in reference to their uncle and aunts. The portrait of Wordsworth in his forty-seventh year, by Richard Carruthers, is in Mr. Hutchinson's possession at the Rectory, Kimbolton.—Ed.