“The Most Alluring Clouds That Mount The Sky”

Published 1842

[Hundreds of times have I seen, hanging about and above the vale of Rydal, clouds that might have given birth to this sonnet, which was thrown off on the impulse of the moment one evening when I was returning from the favourite walk of ours, along the Rotha, under Loughrigg.--I.F.]

One of the “Miscellaneous Sonnets.”--ED.

The most alluring clouds that mount the sky Owe to a troubled element their forms, Their hues to sunset. If with raptured eye We watch their splendour, shall we covet storms, And wish the Lord of day his slow decline Would hasten, that such pomp may float on high? Behold, already they forget to shine, Dissolve--and leave to him who gazed a sigh. Not loth to thank each moment for its boon Of pure delight, come whensoe’er it may, Peace let us seek,--to stedfast things attune Calm expectations, leaving to the gay And volatile their love of transient bowers, The house that cannot pass away be ours.

1849

… whencesoe’er …

1842.

Compare To the Clouds, I. 94, p. 145.--ED.