TO MISS SELLON
This sonnet exists, in Wordsworth’s handwriting; but it is doubtful whether it was written by him, or not. Possibly Mr. Quillinan wrote it. The place, and the date of composition—given in MS.—are, “Ambleside, 22nd February, 1849.” Miss Sellon was a relation of the late Count Cavour.—Ed.
The vestal priestess of a sisterhood who knows
No self, and whom the selfish scorn—
She seeks a wilderness of weed and thorn,
And, undiverted from the blessed mood
By keen reproach or blind ingratitude, 5
A wreath she twines of blossoms lowly born—
An amaranthine crown of flowers forlorn—