To William Wordsworth

Yes, mighty Poet, we have read thy lines.
And felt our hearts the better for the reading.
A friendly spirit, from thy soul proceeding,
Unites our souls ; the light from thee that shines
Like the first break of morn, dissolves, combines
All creatures with a living flood of beauty.
For thou hast proved that purest joy is duty.
And love a fondling, that the trunk entwines
Of sternest fortitude. Oh, what must be
Thy glory here, and what the huge reward
In that blest region of thy poesy ?
For long as man exists, immortal Bard.
Friends, husbands, wives, in sadness or in glee,
Shall love each other more for loving thee.