THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)

VIII - NEAR ROME, IN SIGHT OF ST.PETER'S

Long has the dew been dried on tree and lawn;

O'er man and beast a not unwelcome boon

Is shed, the languor of approaching noon;

To shady rest withdrawing or withdrawn

Mute are all creatures, as this couchant fawn,

Save insect-swarms that hum in air afloat,

Save that the Cock is crowing, a shrill note,

Startling and shrill as that which roused the dawn.

--Heard in that hour, or when, as now, the nerve

Shrinks from the note[115] as from a mis-timed thing,

Oft for a holy warning may it serve,

Charged with remembrance of his sudden sting,

His bitter tears, whose name the Papal Chair

And yon resplendent Church are proud to bear.

[115] 1845. ... voice ... 1842.