A Night Thought
A Night Thought - context Summary
Published 1820 in Duddon
This sonnet, published in 1820 in Wordsworth’s collection The River Duddon, A Series of Sonnets, is a compact meditation that contrasts the moon’s steady, cheerful course with human sulkiness. Placed among reflective pieces, it depicts people as habitually sullen and the speaker asking imagination for rescue. The closing appeal invokes Fancy as a bright ship of heaven
that can redirect the mood and grant forgiveness.
Lo! where the Moon along the sky Sails with her happy destiny; Oft is she hid from mortal eye Or dimly seen, But when the clouds asunder fly How bright her mien! Far different we--a froward race, Thousands though rich in Fortune's grace With cherished sullenness of pace Their way pursue, Ingrates who wear a smileless face The whole year through. If kindred humours e'er would make My spirit droop for drooping's sake, From Fancy following in thy wake, Bright ship of heaven! A counter impulse let me take And be forgiven.
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