How Rich That Forehead'S Calm Expanse!

Composed 1824.--Published 1827

[Written at Rydal Mount. Mrs. Wordsworth's impression is that the Poem was written at Coleorton: it was certainly suggested by a Print at Coleorton Hall.--I. F.]

One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."--ED.

How rich that forehead's calm expanse! How bright that heaven-directed glance! --Waft her to glory, wingèd Powers, Ere sorrow be renewed, And intercourse with mortal hours Bring back a humbler mood! So looked Cecilia when she drew An Angel from his station; So looked; not ceasing to pursue Her tuneful adoration!

But hand and voice alike are still; No sound here sweeps away the will That gave it birth: in service meek One upright arm sustains the cheek, And one across the bosom lies-- That rose, and now forgets to rise, Subdued by breathless harmonies Of meditative feeling; Mute strains from worlds beyond the skies, Through the pure light of female eyes, Their sanctity revealing!