History & Politics

The Source of the Danube

by William Wordsworth 1770–1850

From Memorials of a Tour on the Continent, 1820

History & Politics

Not, like his great Compeers, indignantly
Doth DANUBE spring to life! The wandering Stream
(Who loves the Cross, yet to the Crescent's gleam
Unfolds a willing breast) with infant glee
Slips from his prison walls: and Fancy, free
To follow in his track of silver light,
Mounts on rapt wing, and with a moment's flight
Hath reached the encincture of that gloomy sea
Whose waves the Orphean lyre forbad to meet
In conflict; whose rough winds forgot their jars
To waft the heroic progeny of Greece;
When the first Ship sailed for the Golden Fleece--
ARGO--exalted for that daring feat
To fix in heaven her shape distinct with stars.

Not (like his great Compeers) indignantly
Doth Danube spring to light!

MLA

Wordsworth, William. “The Source of the Danube.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/399/.

Chicago

Wordsworth, William. “The Source of the Danube.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/399/.

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