Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RIVER DUDDON: SONNET 22. TRADITION by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: A LOVE-LORN MAID, AT SOME FAR-DISTANT TIME
Last Line: UNTOUCHED MEMENTO OF HER HAPLESS DOOM!
A LOVE-LORN Maid, at some far-distant time,
Came to this hidden pool, whose depths surpass
In crystal clearness Dian's looking-glass;
And, gazing, saw that Rose, which from the prime
Derives its name, reflected, as the chime
Of echo doth reverberate some sweet sound:
The starry treasure from the blue profound
She longed to ravish; -- shall she plunge, or climb
The humid precipice, and seize the guest
Of April, smiling high in upper air?
Desperate alternative! what fiend could dare
To prompt the thought? -- Upon the steep rock's breast
The lonely Primrose yet renews its bloom,
Untouched memento of her hapless doom!




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