Oxford, May 30, 1820

Composed 1820.--Published 1820

One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.

Shame on this faithless heart! that could allow Such transport, though but for a moment's space; Not while--to aid the spirit of the place-- The crescent moon clove with its glittering prow The clouds, or night-bird sang from shady bough; But in plain daylight:--She, too, at my side, Who, with her heart's experience satisfied, Maintains inviolate its slightest vow! Sweet Fancy! other gifts must I receive; Proofs of a higher sovereignty I claim; Take from her brow the withering flowers of eve, And to that brow life's morning wreath restore; Let her be comprehended in the frame Of these illusions, or they please no more.

The reference (in lines 6-8) is probably to his sister Dorothy. Wordsworth, his wife, and sister were at Oxford on the 30th of May 1820; and they went on immediately afterwards to London: for H. C. Robinson tells us that, on the 2nd of June, he met the Wordsworths at Charles Lamb's.--ED.