Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO A FRIEND (1), by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A FRIEND (1), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Pastor and patriot! - at whose bidding rise
Last Line: This humble tribute as ill-timed or vain.


(ON THE BANKS OF THE DERWENT)

PASTOR and Patriot! -- at whose bidding rise
These modest walls, amid a flock that need,
For one who comes to watch them and to feed,
A fixed Abode -- keep down presageful sighs.
Threats, which the unthinking only can despise,
Perplex the Church; but be thou firm, -- be true
To thy first hope, and this good work pursue,
Poor as thou art. A welcome sacrifice
Dost Thou prepare, whose sign will be the smoke
Of thy new hearth; and sooner shall its wreaths,
Mounting while earth her morning incense breathes,
From wandering fiends of air receive a yoke,
And straightway cease to aspire, than God disdain
This humble tribute as ill-timed or vain.






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