The Longer Poems

by William Wordsworth

Volume 311

COVER: Red Leather (1).
COVER CONDITION: Very Good.
INSIDE CONDITION: Very Good.
CONTRIBUTORS: Edited and Note by Ernest Rhys.
FIRST PRINTING: 1908
THIS EDITION: 1912

Peter Bell
[Opening five stanzas.]

A Tale

What's in a Name?

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

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

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

Meanwhile untoubled I admire
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!

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 we dive,
Each is contented with the other.

Top Home