28.10.2007, 14:45
TO ROBERT SOUTHEY.
THIS Book, though it should travel far and wide
As ever unripe Author's quick conceit
Could feign his page dispersed, should nowhere meet
A friendlier censor than by Greta's side,
A warmer welcome than at Skiddaw's feet.
Unhappily infrequent in the land
Is now the sage seclusion, the retreat
Sacred to letters : but let this command
Fitting acknowledgment, that time and tide
Saw never yet embellished with more grace
Outward and inward, with more charms allied,
With honours more attended, man or place,
Than where by Greta's silver current sweet
Learning still keeps one calm sequestered seat.
THIS Book, though it should travel far and wide
As ever unripe Author's quick conceit
Could feign his page dispersed, should nowhere meet
A friendlier censor than by Greta's side,
A warmer welcome than at Skiddaw's feet.
Unhappily infrequent in the land
Is now the sage seclusion, the retreat
Sacred to letters : but let this command
Fitting acknowledgment, that time and tide
Saw never yet embellished with more grace
Outward and inward, with more charms allied,
With honours more attended, man or place,
Than where by Greta's silver current sweet
Learning still keeps one calm sequestered seat.