Lines from: "When To The Attractions Of The Busy World" A stately Fir-grove, whither I was wont To hasten, for I found, beneath the roof Of that perennial shade, a cloistral place Of refuge, with an unincumbered floor... |
... To abide,
For an allotted interval of ease, Under my cottage-roof, had gladly come From the wild sea a cherished Visitant; And with the sight of this same path--begun, Begun and ended, in the shady grove, Pleasant conviction flashed upon my mind That, to this opportune recess allured, He had surveyed it with a finer eye, A heart more wakeful; and had worn the track By pacing here, unwearied and alone, In that habitual restlessness of foot That haunts the Sailor measuring o'er and o'er His short domain upon the vessel's deck, While she pursues her course through the dreary sea. |
In Memory of
John Wordsworth
- Brother of William and Dorothy
- "A Silent Poet" A "Cherished Visitant"
- and lover of this valley. Born 4 Dec:
- 1772. He died at his post as commander
- of the Earl of Abergavenny which
- was wrecked in the English Channel
- 5 February 1805. He was buried at
- Wyke Regis
While spending time in John's Grove, William often thought about his brother John during his times of absence. In “When to the Attractions of the Busy World," Wordsworth identifies the importance of John's Grove while also describing the setting. After the unexpected death of John during a ship wreck, John's Grove would become one of the most important sites to William Wordsworth during his time of grief and to even help him remember his brother fondly. Townsend states, "John had appreciated the peaceful seclusion of a certain fir-grove with a sensitivity that surpassed his own, thereby proving that the sea had not obliterated the impression that the land had made on his youth" (Townsend 71). Another Wordsworth poem that uniquely references John as a sailor is "The Brothers," which describes "half a shepherd on the stormy seas" to a man that is torn between life at sea and life on land (71). Townsend argues that John had a natural pull to beauty as did William, which is referenced in numerous writings of Dorothy and Mary about John helping with the garden at Dove Cottage. Ultimately, the significance of such sites is a testament to the uniquely close relationship William had with his siblings.
A testament to William and Dorthy's affection for their brother John is witnessed in the detailed inscription on his headstone. Although the grave site is only a memorial to their brother, it clearly shows their love for him. The inscription describes him as "a silent poet" and a "cherished visitant." This type of description comes from the ones closest to him in life, which were William and Dorothy. Samantha Matthews claims, "'To the Daisy' (1805), Wordsworth's elegy on his brother John Wordsworth's death at sea, yearns for a likeness between his brother's actual grave and his own future burial place" (Matthews p. 180). In William's mind, he sees this memorial site as a source of inspiration because it is in memory of John; someone he loved and respected. . . |
To the Daisy by William Wordsworth With little here to do or see Of things that in the great world be, Daisy! again I talk to thee, For thou art worthy, Thou unassuming Common-place Of Nature, with that homely face, And yet with something of a grace, Which Love makes for thee! Oft on the dappled turf at ease I sit, and play with similes, Loose types of things through all degrees, Thoughts of thy raising: And many a fond and idle name I give to thee, for praise or blame, As is the humour of the game, While I am gazing. A nun demure of lowly port; Or sprightly maiden, of Love's court, In thy simplicity the sport Of all temptations; A queen in crown of rubies drest; A starveling in a scanty vest; Are all, as seems to suit thee best, Thy appellations. A little Cyclops with one eye Staring to threaten and defy, That thought comes next — and instantly The freak is over, The shape will vanish — and behold A silver shield with boss of gold, That spreads itself, some faery bold In fight to cover! I see thee glittering from afar -- And then thou art a pretty star; Not quite so fair as many are In heaven above thee! Yet like a star, with glittering crest, Self-poised in air thou seem'st to rest; -- May peace come never to his nest, Who shall reprove thee! Bright Flower ! for by that name at last, When all my reveries are past, I call thee, and to that cleave fast, Sweet silent creature! That breath'st with me in sun and air, Do thou, as thou art wont, repair My heart with gladness, and a share Of thy meek nature! (Poetry Foundation) |