Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RIVER DUDDON: SONNET 10. THE STEPPING STONES, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH



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THE RIVER DUDDON: SONNET 10. THE STEPPING STONES, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not so that pair whose youthful spirits dance
Last Line: The struggle, clap their wings for victory!


NOT so that Pair whose youthful spirits dance
With prompt emotion, urging them to pass;
A sweet confusion checks the Shepherd-lass;
Blushing she eyes the dizzy flood askance;
To stop ashamed -- too timid to advance;
She ventures once again -- another pause!
His outstretched hand He tauntingly withdraws --
She sues for help with piteous utterance!
Chidden she chides again; the thrilling touch
Both feel, when he renews the wished-for aid:
Ah! if their fluttering hearts should stir too much,
Should beat too strongly, both may be betrayed.
The frolic Loves, who, from yon high rock, see
The struggle, clap their wings for victory!






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