Tynwald Hill
William Wordsworth
Once on the top of Tynwald's formal mound
(Still marked with green turf circles narrowing
Stage above stage) would sit this island's king,
The laws to promulgate, enrobed and crowned;
While, compassing the little mount around,
Degrees and orders stood, each under each;
Now, like to things within fate's easiest reach,
The power is merged, the pomp a grave has found.
Off with yon cloud, old Snafell! that thine eye
Over three realms may take its widest range;
And let, for them, thy fountains utter strange
Voices, thy winds break forth in prophecy,
If the whole state must suffer mortal change,
Like Mona's miniature of sovereignty.
Tynwwald Hill is a 12ft high conical mound of concentric rings, said to be built with earth from all the island's 17 parishes. It was the original site of the Manx parliament and once a year on 5th of July (Tynwald Day) the parliament leaves Douglas and convenes at Tynwald Hill to promulgate new laws with royal assent.
Snaefell is the highest point on the Isle of Man.
Mona is the ancient name for the Isle of Man.
