Nature

Written at the Request of Sir George Beaumont, Bart., and in His Name, for an Urn, Placed by Him at the Termination of a Newly-planted Avenue, in the Same Grounds

by William Wordsworth 1770–1850

From Poetical Works, ed. Knight (1896), vol. IV

Nature

Ye Lime-trees, ranged before this hallowed Urn,
Shoot forth with lively power at Spring's return;
And be not slow a stately growth to rear
Of pillars, branching off from year to year,
Till they have learned to frame a darksome aisle;--
That may recal to mind that awful Pile
Where Reynolds, 'mid our country's noblest dead,
In the last sanctity of fame is laid.
--There, though by right the excelling Painter sleep
Where Death and Glory a joint sabbath keep,
Yet not the less his Spirit would hold dear
Self-hidden praise, and Friendship's private tear:
Hence, on my patrimonial grounds, have I
Raised this frail tribute to his memory;
From youth a zealous follower of the Art
That he professed; attached to him in heart;
Admiring, loving, and with grief and pride
Feeling what England lost when Reynolds died.

✦ ✦ ✦

Composed 1808; published 1815.

MLA

Wordsworth, William. “Written at the Request of Sir George Beaumont, Bart., and in His Name, for an Urn, Placed by Him at the Termination of a Newly-planted Avenue, in the Same Grounds.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/223/.

Chicago

Wordsworth, William. “Written at the Request of Sir George Beaumont, Bart., and in His Name, for an Urn, Placed by Him at the Termination of a Newly-planted Avenue, in the Same Grounds.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/223/.

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