Inscriptions for a Seat in the Groves of Coleorton
Inscriptions for a Seat in the Groves of Coleorton - meaning Summary
Ruins and Lasting Intellect
Wordsworth describes the ivied ruins of Grace Dieu near Coleorton and recalls how the site once echoed with religious rites and fostered figures like Francis Beaumont. The poem contrasts transient human institutions—communities, empires, sacred places—with the lasting creative power of the mind. In the closing lines Wordsworth claims that intellect and poetic language can erect an imperishable monument where physical structures decay.
Read Complete AnalysesBENEATH yon eastern ridge, the craggy bound, Rugged and high, of Charnwood's forest ground Stand yet, but, Stranger! hidden from thy view, The ivied Ruins of forlorn GRACE DIEU; Erst a religious House, which day and night With hymns resounded, and the chanted rite: And when those rites had ceased, the Spot gave birth To honourable Men of various worth: There, on the margin of a streamlet wild, Did Francis Beaumont sport, an eager child; There, under shadow of the neighbouring rocks, Sang youthful tales of shepherds and their flocks; Unconscious prelude to heroic themes, Heart-breaking tears, and melancholy dreams Of slighted love, and scorn, and jealous rage, With which his genius shook the buskined stage. Communities are lost, and Empires die, And things of holy use unhallowed lie; They perish;--but the Intellect can raise, From airy words alone, a Pile that ne'er decays.
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