Versos English Louise Imogen Guiney I

English poem

I

by (1861–1920)

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WHERE down the hill, across the hidden ford Stretches the open aisle from scene to scene, By halted horses silently we lean, Gazing enchanted from our steeper sward. How yon low loving skies of April hoard A plot of pinnacles! and how with sheen Of spike and ball her languid clouds between Grey Oxford grandly rises riverward!

Sweet on those dim long-dedicated walls Silver as rain the frugal sunshine falls; Slowly sad eyes resign them, bound afar. Dear Beauty, dear Tradition, fare you well, And powers that aye aglow in you, impel Our quickening spirits from the slime we are.