[371] e. g. The Rothay, or the Duddon.—Ed.
[372] 1827.
... please for ever, 1823.
[373] See the same reading in The Poetical Album, 1829, vol. i. p. 43, edited by Alaric Watts.—Ed.
["A VOLANT TRIBE OF BARDS ON EARTH ARE FOUND"]
Composed 1823.—Published 1827
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.
A volant Tribe of Bards on earth are found,
Who, while the flattering Zephyrs round them play,
On "coignes of vantage"[374] hang their nests of clay;
How quickly from that aery hold unbound,
Dust for oblivion! To the solid ground 5
Of nature trusts the Mind that builds for aye;
Convinced that there, there only, she can lay
Secure foundations. As the year runs round,
Apart she toils within the chosen ring;
While the stars shine,[375] or while day's purple eye 10
Is gently closing with the flowers of spring;
Where even the motion of an Angel's wing
Would interrupt the intense tranquillity
Of silent hills, and more than silent sky.[376]