WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee :

A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company :

I gazed and gazed but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought

For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude ;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

��731. Ode to "Duty

OTERN Daughter of the Voice of God!

^ O Duty ! if that name thou love,

Who art a light to guide, a rod

To check the erring and reprove;

Thou, who art victory and law

When empty terrors overawe ;

From vain temptations dost set free;

And calm'st the weary strife of frail humanity !

There are who ask not if thine eye Be on them; who, in love and truth, Where no misgiving is, rely Upon the genial sense of youth :

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