On Her First Ascent To The Summit Of Helvellyn

Composed 1816.--Published 1820.

[Written at Rydal Mount. The lady was Miss Blackett, then residing with Mr. Montagu Burgoyne at Fox-Ghyll. We were tempted to remain too long upon the mountain; and I, imprudently, with the hope of shortening the way led her among the crags and down a steep slope which entangled us in difficulties that were met by her with much spirit and courage.--I. F.]

One of the "Poems of the Imagination."--ED.

Inmate of a mountain-dwelling, Thou hast clomb aloft, and gazed From the watch-towers of Helvellyn; Awed, delighted, and amazed! Potent was the spell that bound thee Not unwilling to obey: For blue Ether's arms, flung round thee, Stilled the pantings of dismay.

Lo! the dwindled woods and meadows; What a vast abyss is there! Lo! the clouds, the solemn shadows, And the glistenings--heavenly fair!

And a record of commotion Which a thousand ridges yield; Ridge, and gulf, and distant ocean Gleaming like a silver shield!

Maiden! now take flight;--inherit Alps or Andes--they are thine! With the morning's roseate Spirit, Sweep their length of snowy line;

Or survey their bright dominions In the gorgeous colours drest Flung from off the purple pinions, Evening spreads throughout the west!

Thine are all the coral fountains Warbling in each sparry vault Of the untrodden lunar mountains; Listen to their songs!--or halt,

To Niphates' top invited,[CH] Whither spiteful Satan steered; Or descend where the ark alighted, When the green earth re-appeared;

For the power of hills is on thee, As was witnessed through thine eye Then, when old Helvellyn won thee To confess their majesty!

With these stanzas to Miss Blackett, compare those addressed by Wordsworth to his sister, published in 1807, under the title To a Young Lady, who had been reproached for taking Long Walks in the Country; and the poem entitled Louisa, after accompanying her on a Mountain Excursion, also referring to his sister (vol. ii. pp. 362, 365).--ED.

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