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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


COMPOSED IN THE GLEN OF LOCH ETIVE by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: THIS LAND OF RAINBOWS SPANNING GLENS WHOSE WALLS
Last Line: WHERE THE ALL-CONQUERING ROMAN FEARED TO TREAD.

"THIS Land of Rainbows spanning glens whose walls,
Rock-built, are hung with rainbow-coloured mists --
Of far-stretched Meres whose salt flood never rests --
Of tuneful Caves and playful Waterfalls --
Of Mountains varying momently their crests --
Proud be this Land! whose poorest huts are halls
Where Fancy entertains becoming guests;
While native song the heroic Past recalls."
Thus, in the net of her own wishes caught,
The Muse exclaimed; but Story now must hide
Her trophies, Fancy crouch; the course of pride
Has been diverted, other lessons taught,
That make the Patriot-spirit bow her head
Where the all-conquering Roman feared to tread.




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