Composed 1827.—Published 1827
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.
Excuse is needless when with love sincere
Of occupation, not by fashion led,
Thou turn'st the Wheel that slept with dust o'erspread;
My nerves from no such murmur shrink,—tho' near,
Soft as the Dorhawk's to a distant ear, 5
When twilight shades darken[453] the mountain's head.[454]
Even She who toils to spin[455] our vital thread[456]
Might smile on work, O Lady, once so dear[457]
To household virtues. Venerable Art,
Torn from the Poor![458] yet shall kind Heaven protect 10
Its own; though Rulers, with undue respect,
Trusting to crowded factory and mart[459]
And[460] proud discoveries of the intellect,
Heed not[461] the pillage of man's ancient heart.
FOOTNOTES:
[452] Sarah Hutchinson, Mrs. Wordsworth's sister.—Ed.
[453] 1837.
... bedim ... 1827.
[454] Either Wansfell, or Loughrigg.—Ed.
[455] 1840.