superstitions are prevalent in the midland Counties of
England: that of "Gabriel's Hounds" appears to be very general over
Europe; being the same as the one upon which the German Poet, Buerger,
has founded his Ballad of _The Wild Huntsman_.--W. W. 1807.

COMPOSED BY THE SIDE OF GRASMERE LAKE. 1807

Composed 1806.--Published 1819

This sonnet was first published along with _The Waggoner_ in 1819. In
1820 it was classed among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets," and in 1827 it
was transferred to the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty." Previous to 1837
this sonnet had no title.--ED.

Clouds, lingering yet, extend[1] in solid bars
Through the grey west; and lo! these waters, steeled
By breezeless air to smoothest polish, yield
A vivid repetition[2] of the stars;
Jove, Venus, and the ruddy crest of Mars 5
Amid his fellows beauteously revealed
At happy distance from earth's groaning field,
Where ruthless mortals wage incessant wars.
Is it a mirror?--or the nether Sphere
Opening to view the abyss in which she feeds 10
Her own calm fires?[3]--But list! a voice is near;
Great Pan himself low-whispering through the reeds,
"Be thankful, thou; for, if unholy deeds
Ravage the world, tranquillity is here!"

VARIANTS:

[1] 1827.

Eve's lingering clouds extend ... MS. and 1819.

[2] 1819.

A bright re-duplication ... MS.

[3] 1837.

Opening a vast abyss, while fancy feeds
On the rich show? ... MS.

Opening its vast abyss, ... 1819.

Opening to view the abyss in which it feeds
Its own calm fires?-- ... 1827.

IN THE GROUNDS OF COLEORTON, THE SEAT OF SIR GEORGE BEAUMONT, BART.,
LEICESTERSHIRE

Composed 1808.--Published 1815

[In the grounds of Coleorton these verses are engraved on a stone placed
near the Tree, which was thriving and spreading when I saw it in the
summer of 1841.--I. F.]

Included among the "Inscriptions."--ED.

The embowering rose, the acacia, and the pine,
Will[1] not unwillingly their place resign;
If but the Cedar thrive that near them stands,
Planted by Beaumont's and by Wordsworth's hands.
One wooed the silent Art with studious pains: 5
These groves have heard the Other's pensive strains;
De