Cover of The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2 (of 8)

The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2 (of 8)

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"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poetry written primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This volume includes a variety of poems, including narrative verses, lyrical pieces, and reflective poems that explore themes of nature, emotion, and human experience. Particularly notable are works like "Peter Bell," which delves into the complexities of character, as well as "Lines, composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey," which celebrates the restorative power of the natural world. The beginning of this volume sets the stage with Wordsworth's introduction to "Peter Bell," where he shares insights about the creative process behind it and addresses its themes of imagination and daily life. He establishes the character of Peter Bell, a wandering potter with a wild, lawless spirit, and hints at the deeper exploration of his soul throughout the tale. Additionally, the opening section introduces reflective poetry about revisiting cherished landscapes, demonstrating Wordsworth's love for nature and how it intertwines with human emotions and memories. Overall, the opening portion provides a rich prelude to the extensive poetic landscape that Wordsworth crafts throughout this collection.

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  • English poetry · 19th century
  • English poetry · 18th century

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Prologue

There's something in a flying horse,
There's something [1] in a huge balloon;
But through the clouds I'll never float
Until I have a little Boat,
Shaped like [2] the crescent-moon. 5

And now I have a little Boat,
In shape a very crescent-moon:
Fast through the clouds my boat can sail;
But if perchance your faith should fail,
Look up—and you shall see me soon! 10

The woods, my Friends, are round you roaring,
Rocking and roaring like a sea;
The noise of danger's in [3] your ears,
And ye have all a thousand fears
Both for my little Boat and me! 15

Meanwhile untroubled I admire [4]
The pointed horns of my canoe;
And, did not pity touch my breast,
To see how ye are all distrest,
Till my ribs ached, I'd laugh at you! 20

Away we go, my Boat and I—
Frail man ne'er sate in such another;
Whether among the winds we strive,
Or deep into the clouds [5] we dive,
Each is contented with the other. 25

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Contents

  1. Front Matter
  2. Prologue
  3. Part First
  4. Part Second
  5. Part Third
  6. Part Second
  7. Book I: st. 22. Ed.]

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About this edition

This free edition of The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2 (of 8) by William Wordsworth comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #12145, released 2004-04-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Poetry, British Literature.

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