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Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey

by William Wordsworth

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"The Still, Sad Music Of Humanity"

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To look on nature, not as in the hour
Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes
The still, sad music of humanity,
Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power
To chasten and subdue. And I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts.

In this passage from Wordsworth's "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey," the poet reflects on his evolving perception of nature. No longer does he see it with the naive enthusiasm of youth. Instead, he appreciates the "still, sad music of humanity" that it conveys, which, while gentle, holds the strength to refine and humble him. This shift signifies the poet's maturation, as he acknowledges the somber beauty and profound truths that life offers through nature. The "presence" he mentions is an almost spiritual force, stirring a profound sense of joy and prompting lofty reflections. Wordsworth's words encapsulate the Romantic ideal of finding deeper meaning and emotional resonance in the natural world, underscoring a mature harmony between human experience and the environment.

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