'Fool, prime of life,' &c.
Suggested by observation of the way in which a young friend, whom I do not choose to name, misspent his time and misapplied his talents. He took afterwards a better course, and became an useful member of society, respected, I believe, wherever he has been known.
201. *Sonnet VI.
'I watch, and long have watched,' &c.
Suggested in front of Rydal Mount, the rocky parapet being the summit of Loughrigg Fell opposite. Not once only but a hundred times have the feelings of this sonnet been awakened by the same objects from the same place.
202. Sonnet VII.
'The ungenial Hollow.'
See the 'Phaedon' of Plato, by which this sonnet was suggested.
203. Sonnet VIII.
'For the whole weight,' &c.