Quote#World
A few strong instincts and a few plain rules
Quote byWilliam Wordsworth · 1770–1850
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Alas! What Boots the Long Laborious Quest?, l. 11 (1809).
English (original)
A few strong instincts and a few plain rules, Among the herdsmen of the Alps, have wrought More for mankind at this unhappy day Then all the pride of intellect and thought?
— 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: