[Footnote 34: See "Memorials of a Tour in Scotland, 1803," "Fly, some
kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale!"--ED.]
COMPOSED BETWEEN DALSTON AND GRASMERE,
SEPTEMBER 25th, 1803
Fly, some kind spirit, fly to Grasmere Vale!
Say that we come, and come by this day's light.
Glad tidings!--spread them over field and height,
But, chiefly, let one Cottage hear the tale!
There let a mystery of joy prevail,
The kitten frolic with unruly might,
And Rover whine as at a second sight
Of near-approaching good that will not fail:
And from that Infant's face let joy appear;
Yea, let our Mary's one companion child,
That hath her six weeks' solitude beguiled
With intimations manifold and dear,
While we have wander'd over wood and wild--
Smile on its Mother now with bolder cheer!