VARIANTS:
[1] 1827.
Like to a bonny Lass, who plays her pranks 1807.
"THOSE WORDS WERE UTTERED AS IN PENSIVE MOOD"
Composed 1806.—Published 1807
——"they are of the sky,
And from our earthly memory fade away."[A]
Placed among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.
Those[1] words were uttered as in pensive mood[2]
We turned, departing from[3] that solemn sight:
A contrast and reproach to[4] gross delight,
And life's unspiritual pleasures daily wooed!
But now upon this thought I cannot brood; 5
It is unstable as a dream of night;[5]
Nor will I praise a cloud, however bright,
Disparaging Man's gifts, and proper food.
Grove, isle, with every shape of sky-built dome,[6]
Though clad in colours beautiful and pure, 10
Find in the heart of man no natural home:
The immortal Mind craves objects that endure:
These cleave to it; from these it cannot roam,
Nor they from it: their fellowship is secure.