INTRODUCTION

I, who accompanied with faithful pace

Cerulean Duddon from itscloud-fed spring,

And loved with spirit ruled by his to sing

Of mountain-quiet and boon nature's grace;

I, who essayed the nobler Stream to trace

Of Liberty,and smote the plausive string

Till the checked torrent, proudly triumphing,

Won for herself a lasting resting-place;

Now seek upon the heights of Time the source

Of a HOLY RIVER,on whose banks are found

Sweet pastoral flowers, and laurels that have crowned

Full oft the unworthy brow of lawless force;

And,for delight of him who tracks its course,

Immortal amaranth and palms abound.