The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth Volume Ii Part 156

The friend referred to in the note of 1815, who urged Wordsworth to give his blind voyager a Sh.e.l.l, instead of a washing-tub to sail in, was Coleridge. The original tale of the tub was not more unfortunate than the lines in praise of Wilkinson's spade, and several of Wordsworth's friends, notably Charles Lamb and Barren Field, objected to the change.

Lamb wrote to Wordsworth in 1815,

"I am afraid lest that subst.i.tution of a sh.e.l.l (a flat falsification of the history) for the household implement, as it stood at first, was a kind of tub thrown out to the beast" [_i. e._ the reviewer!] "or rather thrown out for him. The tub was a good honest tub in its place, and nothing could fairly be said against it. You say you made the alteration for the 'friendly reader,' but the 'malicious' will take it to himself."

('The Letters of Charles Lamb', edited by Alfred Ainger, vol. i. p.

283.) Wordsworth could not be induced to "undo his work," and go back to his own original; although he evidently agreed with what Lamb had said (as is seen in a letter to Barren Field, Oct. 24, 1828).--Ed.

OCTOBER, 1803

Composed October 1803.--Published 1807

Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; renamed in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."--Ed.

One might believe that natural miseries Had blasted France, and made of it a land Unfit for men; and that in one great band Her sons were bursting forth, to dwell at ease.

But 'tis a chosen soil, where sun and breeze 5 Shed gentle favours: rural works are there, And ordinary business without care; Spot rich in all things that can soothe and please!

How piteous then that there should be such dearth Of knowledge; that whole myriads should unite 10 To work against themselves such fell despite: Should come in phrensy and in drunken mirth, Impatient to put out the only light Of Liberty that yet remains on earth!

"THERE IS A BONDAGE WORSE, FAR WORSE, TO BEAR"

Composed possibly in 1803.--Published 1807

Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; renamed in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."--Ed.

There is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear [1]

Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall, Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall: 'Tis his who walks about in the open air, One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear 5 Their fetters in their souls. For who could be, Who, even the best, in such condition, free From self-reproach, reproach that [2] he must share With Human-nature? Never be it ours To see the sun how brightly it will shine, 10 And know that n.o.ble feelings, manly powers, Instead of gathering strength, must droop and pine; And earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowers Fade, and partic.i.p.ate in man's decline.

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1827.

... which is worse to bear 1807.]

[Variant 2:

1837.

... which ... 1807.]

OCTOBER, 1803 (#2)

Composed October 1803.--Published 1807

This was one of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; afterwards called, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."--Ed.

These times strike [1] monied worldlings with dismay: Even rich men, brave by nature, taint the air With words of apprehension and despair: While tens of thousands, thinking on the affray, Men unto whom sufficient for the day 5 And minds not stinted or unfilled are given, Sound, healthy, children of the G.o.d of heaven, Are cheerful as the rising sun in May.

What do we gather hence but firmer faith That every gift of n.o.ble origin 10 Is breathed upon by Hope's perpetual breath; That virtue and the faculties within Are vital,--and that riches are akin To fear, to change, to cowardice, and death?