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1770–1850

Degenerate Douglas! oh, the unworthy Lord...

William Wordsworth

Degenerate Douglas! oh, the unworthy Lord! Whom mere despite of heart could so far please, And love of havoc, ( for with such disease Fame taxes him,) that he could send forth word

To level with the dust a noble horde, A brotherhood of venerable Trees, Leaving an ancient dome, and towers like these, Beggared and outraged!— Many hearts deplored

The fate of those old Trees; and oft with pain The traveller, at this day, will stop and gaze On wrongs, which Nature scarcely seems to heed: For sheltered places, bosoms, nooks, and bays,

And the pure mountains, and the gentle Tweed, And the green silent pastures, yet remain.

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