AT APPLETHWAITE, NEAR KESWICK

BEAUMONT! it was thy wish that I should rear

A seemly Cottage in this sunny Dell,

On favoured ground, thy gift, where I might dwell

In neighbourhood with One to me most dear,

That undivided we from year to year

Might work in our high Calling — a bright hope

To which our fancies, mingling, gave free scope

Till checked by some necessities severe.

And should these slacken, honoured BEAUMONT! still

Even then we may perhaps in vain implore

Leave of our fate thy wishesto fulfil.

Whether this boon be granted us or not,

Old Skiddaw will look down upon the Spot

With pride, the Muses love it evermore.