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1770–1850

Haydon! let worthier judges praise the skill...

William Wordsworth

Haydon! let worthier judges praise the skill Here by thy pencil shown in truth of lines And charm of colours; I applaud those signs Of thought, that give the true poetic thrill;

That unencumbered whole of blank and still, Sky without cloud — ocean without a wave; And the one Man that laboured to enslave The World, sole-standing high on the bare hill —

Back turned, arms folded, the unapparent face Tinged, we may fancy, in this dreary place With light reflected from the invisible sun Set, like his fortunes; but not set for aye

Like them. The unguilty Power pursues his way, And before him doth dawn perpetual run.

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Haydon! let worthier judges praise the skill... · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove