The Mind

These words were utter'd in a pensive mood

by William Wordsworth 1770–1850

From Poems, in Two Volumes (1807)

The Mind

These words were utter'd in a pensive mood,
Even while mine eyes were on that solemn sight:
A contrast and reproach to gross delight,
And life's unspiritual pleasures daily woo'd!
But now upon this thought I cannot brood:
It is unstable, and deserts me quite;
Nor will I praise a Cloud, however bright,
Disparaging Man's gifts, and proper food.
The Grove, the sky-built Temple, and the Dome,
Though clad in colours beautiful and pure,
Find in the heart of man no natural home:
The immortal Mind craves objects that endure:
These cleave to it; from these it cannot roam,
Nor they from it: their fellowship is secure.

MLA

Wordsworth, William. “These words were utter'd in a pensive mood.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/48/.

Chicago

Wordsworth, William. “These words were utter'd in a pensive mood.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wordsworth/48/.

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