On A Portrait Of Wordsworth

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

By R. B. Haydon.

Wordsworth upon Helvellyn! Let the cloud
Ebb audibly along the mountain-wind,
Then break against the rock, and show behind
The lowland valleys floating up to crowd
The sense with beauty. He, with forehead bowed
And humble-lidded eyes, as one inclined.
Before the sovran thought of his own mind;
And very meek with inspirations proud, --
Takes here his rightful place as poet-priest
By the high-altar, singing prayer and prayer
To the higher Heavens. A noble vision free,
Our Haydon's hand hath flung out from the mist!
No portrait this, with Academic air --
This is the poet and his poetry.