History & Politics

Avaunt all specious pliancy of mind

by William Wordsworth 1770–1850

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

History & Politics

Avaunt all specious pliancy of mind
In men of low degree, all smooth pretence!
I better like a blunt indifference,
And self-respecting slowness, disinclined
To win me at first sight: and be there joined
Patience and temperance with this high reserve,
Honour that knows the path and will not swerve;
Affections, which, if put to proof, are kind;
And piety towards God. Such men of old
Were England's native growth; and, throughout Spain,
(Thanks to high God) forests of such remain:
Then for that Country let our hopes be bold;
For matched with these shall policy prove vain,
Her arts, her strength, her iron, and her gold.

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Composed 1810; published 1815.

MLA

Wordsworth, William. “Avaunt all specious pliancy of mind.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/259/.

Chicago

Wordsworth, William. “Avaunt all specious pliancy of mind.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/259/.

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