– by William Wordsworth
1
Three years she grew in sun and shower,
Then Nature said, “A lovelier flower
On earth was never sown;
This Child I to myself will take;
She shall be mine, and I will make
A Lady of my own.
Explanation
The poem begins by describing a girl who grew up for three years under the care of nature, with sunlight and rain nurturing her. Nature personifies itself, saying this girl is the most beautiful “flower” ever created. Nature claims her as its own, deciding to make her a special lady under its guidance.
Simple Explanation:
A young girl grows beautifully for three years, and Nature loves her so much that it wants to keep her and shape her into something extraordinary.
2
Myself will to my darling be
Both law and impulse: and with me
The Girl, in rock and plain,
In earth and heaven, in glade and bower,
Shall feel an overseeing power
To kindle or restrain.
Explanation
Nature says it will be both a guide (like a rule or law) and an inspiration (like a natural urge) for the girl. Whether she’s in rocky areas, open fields, or beautiful natural places like forests or gardens, she’ll feel Nature’s presence watching over her, encouraging her to grow or holding her back when needed.
Simple Explanation:
Nature promises to guide and inspire the girl, watching over her in every place, like mountains or fields, and helping her grow in the right way.
3
She shall be sportive as the fawn
That wild with glee across the lawn
Or up the mountain springs;
And hers shall be the breathing balm,
And hers the silence and the calm
Of mute insensate things.
Explanation
Nature says the girl will be as playful and free as a young deer running happily across fields or up mountains. She’ll also have a calming presence, like the soothing and quiet things in nature (like trees or rocks) that don’t speak or feel.
Simple Explanation:
The girl will be lively and joyful like a deer, but also calm and peaceful like silent, natural things.
4
The floating clouds their state shall lend
To her; for her the willow bend;
Nature shall be her gentle friend,
And beauty born of murmuring sound
Shall pass into her face.
Explanation
Nature will share its beauty with her, like the grace of floating clouds or the bending of willow trees. The gentle sounds of nature, like whispers of wind or water, will shape her beauty and reflect in her face.
Simple Explanation:
The girl’s beauty will come from nature, like clouds or trees, and the soft sounds of nature will make her face beautiful.
5
And vital feelings of delight
Shall rear her form to stately height,
Her virgin bosom swell;
Such thoughts to Lucy I will give
While she and I together live
Here in this happy dell.
Explanation
Nature will fill the girl with lively and joyful feelings, helping her grow tall and strong. Her pure and youthful spirit (described as her “virgin bosom”) will develop beautifully. Nature calls her Lucy and says they will live happily together in a peaceful valley.
Simple Explanation:
Nature will make Lucy happy and help her grow into a strong, beautiful woman while they live together in a happy place.
6
Thus Nature spoke—The work was done—
How soon my Lucy’s race was run!
She died, and left to me
This heath, this calm and quiet scene;
The memory of what has been,
And never more will be.
Explanation
Nature finishes its work, but Lucy’s life ends quickly—she dies. The speaker is left with only the quiet, natural landscape (like fields and hills) and the memory of Lucy, who is gone forever.
Simple Explanation:
Lucy dies suddenly, and the speaker is left with sadness, only remembering her and the peaceful nature around him.Read More
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