In spiral circles mount aloft, and soar
In prospect far above the denser air
That hangs o’er the moist plain. Again they view
The glorious sun, and while the light of day
Still gleams upon their polish’d plumes—the bright
Sonorous squadrons sing their evening hymn.
WRITTEN IN A GROTTO
Published in The Morning Post, March 9, 1802
I cannot affirm, with any certainty, that these lines were written by Wordsworth; but I agree with Mr. Ernest Coleridge in thinking that they were. He showed them to his relative—the late Chief Justice—who said that he did not know who else could have written them, at that time. Lord Coleridge said the same to myself.—Ed.
O moon! if e’er I joyed when thy soft light