THE RIVER DUDDON
XIX. TRIBUTARY STREAM
THE RIVER DUDDON
MY frame hath often trembled with delight When hope presented some far-distant good, That seemed from heaven descending, like the flood Of yon pure waters, from their aery height Hurrying, with lordly Duddon to unite; Who, ‘mid a world of images imprest On the calm depth of his transparent breast, Appears to cherish most that Torrent white, The fairest, softest, liveliest of them all! And seldom hath ear listened to a tune 10 More lulling than the busy hum of Noon, Swoln by that voice–whose murmur musical Announces to the thirsty fields a boon Dewy and fresh, till showers again shall fall.