The Complete Poetical Works of William Wordsworth

LINES WRITTEN AS A SCHOOL EXERCISE AT HAWKSHEAD, ANNO AETATIS 14 “AND has the Sun his flaming chariot driven Two hundred times around the ring of heaven, Since Science first, with all her sacred train, Beneath yon roof began her heavenly reign? While thus I mused, methought, before mine eyes, The Power of EDUCATION seemed to rise; Not she whose rigid precepts trained the boy Dead to the sense of every finer joy; Nor that vile wretch who bade the tender age Spurn Reason’s law and humour Passion’s rage; 10 But she who trains the generous British youth In the bright paths of fair majestic Truth: Emerging slow from Academus’ grove In heavenly majesty she seemed to move. Stern was her forehead, but a smile serene ‘Softened the terrors of her awful mien