Quote#Freedom
Once did She hold the gorgeous east in fee
Quote byWilliam Wordsworth · 1770–1850
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic, l. 1 (wr. 1802; pub. 1807).
English (original)
Once did She hold the gorgeous east in fee; And was the safeguard of the west: the worth Of Venice did not fall below her birth, Venice, the eldest Child of Liberty.
— William Wordsworth
More from William Wordsworth
Behold, within the leafy shade, Those bright blue eggs together laid! On me the chance-discovered sight Gleamed like a vision of delight.
Sweet childish days, that were as long As twenty days are now.
I travelled among unknown men, In lands beyond the sea; Nor, England! did I know till then What love I bore to thee.
Much converse do I find in thee, Historian of my infancy! Float near me; do not yet depart! Dead times revive in thee: Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art! A solemn image to my heart.
She gave me eyes, she gave me ears; And humble cares,and delicate fears; A heart, the fountain of sweet tears; And love, and thought, and joy.
Like an army defeated The snow hath retreated, And now doth fare ill On the top of the bare hill; The Ploughboy is whooping—anon—anon! There's joy in the mountains: