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The Excursion: I: Dedication: To the Right Hon.William, Earl of Lonsdalee, K.G.

OFT, through thy fair domains, illustrious Peer! In youth I roamed, on youthful pleasures bent: And mused in rocky cell or sylvan tent, Beside swift-flowing Lowther's current clear. --Now, by thy care befriended, I appear Before thee, LONSDALE, and this Work present, A token (may it prove a monument!) Of high respect and gratitude sincere. Gladly would I have waited till my task Had reached its close; but Life is insecure, And Hope full oft fallacious as a dream: Therefore, for what is here produced, I ask Thy favour; trusting that thou wilt not deem The offering, though imperfect, premature. WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. RYDAL MOUNT, WESTMORELAND, July 29, 1814.