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1770–1850

How sweet it is, when mother Fancy rocks...

William Wordsworth

How sweet it is, when mother Fancy rocks The wayward brain, to saunter through a wood! An old place, full of many a lovely brood, Tall trees, green arbours, and ground flowers in flocks;

And Wild rose tip-toe upon hawthorn stocks, Like to a bonny Lass, who plays her pranks At Wakes and Fairs with wandering Mountebanks, When she stands cresting the Clown's head, and mocks

The crowd beneath her. Verily I think, Such place to me is sometimes like a dream Or map of the whole world: thoughts, link by link Enter through ears and eyesight, with such gleam

Of all things, that at last in fear I shrink, And leap at once from the delicious stream.

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How sweet it is, when mother Fancy rocks... · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove