Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
England: Vols. I–IV. 1876–79.
Grasmere
By James Payn (1830–1898)S
The shocks that jar the music of the heart,
The pleasures lasting only in the smart
Of that regret which feigns a perfect whole
Where naught was full; the frequent rubs that wear
Our loves away, and strip us for the fight
With the rough world; alone, in calm delight
Of peace, content, and joy, art thou, Grasmere!
O lake most fair set round with mountain-guards,
Sweet birds, swift streams, eternal waterfall,
Crag-lichen, and wild vale-flower, all, yea, all
Shall eye and ear in love oft turn towards:
I thank thee for much lore that doth not dwell
With books nor men: farewell, bright spot, farewell!