Wordsworth read by Classic Poetry Aloud: http://classicpoetryaloud.podomatic.com/

Giving voice to classic poetry.

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London, 1802, Sonnet CCXIII by William Wordsworth

Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,

Have forfeited their ancient English dower Of inward happiness. We are selfish men: O raise us up, return to us again; And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.

Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart: Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea, Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free;

So didst thou travel on life's common way In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart The lowliest duties on herself did lay.