On Visiting Donnington Castle

Said to have been the latest residence of Chaucer and celebrated for its resistance to the army of Parliament during the Civil Wars.

O for some gentle spirit to surround
With clinging ivy thy high-seated towers,
Fair Donnington, and wipe from Chaucer's bowers
The last rude touch of war! All sight, all sound
Of the old strife boon nature from the ground
Hath banished. Here the trench no longer lours,
But, like a bosky dell, begirt with flowers
And garlanded with May, sinks dimpling round
A veiy spot for youthful lover's dreams
In the prime hour. Grisildis' mournful lay,
The "half-told tale," would sound still sweeter here.
O for some hand to hide with ivy spray
War's ravages, and chase the jarring themes
Of King and State, Roundhead and Cavalier!