WORDSWORTH, "THE PRELUDE"

                                                                   "...Immense

          Is the recess, the circumambient world
          Magnificent, by which they are embraced:
          They move about upon the soft green turf:
          How little they, they and their doings, seem,
          And all that they can further or obstruct!                  60
          Through utter weakness pitiably dear,
          As tender infants are: and yet how great!
          For all things serve them: them the morning light
          Loves, as it glistens on the silent rocks;
          And them the silent rocks, which now from high
          Look down upon them; the reposing clouds;
          The wild brooks prattling from invisible haunts;
          And old Helvellyn, conscious of the stir
          Which animates this day their calm abode."

              --Wordsworth, "The Prelude", Book VIII 

WORDSWORTH, "THE PRELUDE"

I've been enjoying "The Prelude" again, that long, graceful, and profound poem -- among the best I've ever read. I just started Book 4, and it promises to be a beaufiul one as the poet recalls his summer escapades after the first year at Cambridge. As usual, I especially love the graceful iambic rhythms. It's what I love best in all poetry -- the enchanting music the words make.