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Wordsworth, William - If ever happiness hath lodged with man
Identifier
014662
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
William Wordsworth – from Consummate Happiness
If ever happiness hath lodged with man,
That day consummate happiness was mine,
Wide spreading, steady, calm, contemplative
…................
Gently did my soul
Put off her veil, and self-transmuted, stood
Naked as in the presence of her God,
As on I walked, a comfort seemed to touch
A heart that had not been disconsolate
Strength came where weakness was not known to be,
At least not felt; and restoration came,
Like an intruder, knocking at the door
Of unacknowledged weariness
….........
I had hopes and peace
And swellings of the spirit, was rapt and soothed,
Conversed with promises, had glimmering views
How Life pervades the undecaying mind,
How the immortal soul with God-like power
Informs, creates, and thaws the deepest sleep
That time can lay upon her; how on earth,
Man, if he do but live within the light
Of high endeavours, daily spreads abroad
His being with a strength that cannot fail