William Wordsworth

The Trosachs

THERE ’s not a nook within this solemn Pass,
    But were an apt confessional for one
    Taught by his summer spent, his autumn gone,
That Life is but a tale of morning grass
Wither’d at eve. From scenes of art which chase
    That thought away, turn, and with watchful eyes
    Feed it ’mid Nature’s old felicities,
Rocks, rivers, and smooth lakes more clear than glass
Untouch'd, unbreathed upon. Thrice happy quest,
    If from a golden perch of aspen spray
    (October’s workmanship to rival May)
The pensive warbler of the ruddy breast
    That moral sweeten by a heaven-taught lay,
Lulling the year, with all its cares, to rest!