William Wordsworth: English Romantic Poet Original Sonnet Signed in 1814
After the Defeat of Napoleon at Leipzig. Outstanding Authenticity (1779-1850) Remarkable manuscript of a sonnet executed in someone else's hand, but signed by William Wordsworth. Remarkable authenticity conveys with this manuscript by Jonathan Wordsworth, St. Catherine's College, Oxford dated May 1, 1988 and also of The Wordsworth Trust, Dove Cottage, Grasmere Cumbria. He writes Dear J. G. I can't at the moment place the handwriting of your Wordswoth sonnet, "Now That All Hearts Are Glad" but the signature is undoubtedly by the poet himself. The poem was written after Napoleon's defeat in November and there appears to be a second or third draft dictated by Wordsworth to a friend or secretary. The only way to discover what the manuscript would fetch is to put it up for auction. The fact that it is not in the poet's hand would be against it. On the other hand, it is signed and dated and contains variants (to my knowledge elsewhere recorded) Then Wordsworth closes with a request to donate to the Wordworth Trust. We did not note much difference in the transcription on various sites Appears in the transcription there is crowding of lines to assure in proper order.
Manuscript is fragile with a tear where wax seal was hastily removed but in no way impacts and of the writing or signature. 6 x 7" and includes the original letter by Jonathan Wordsworth and material on The Wordsworth Trust.
Now that all hearts are glad, all faces bright,
Our aged Sovereign sits, to the ebb and flow
Of states and kingdoms, to their joy or woe,
Insensible. He sits deprived of sight,
And lamentably wrapt in twofold night,
Whom no weak hopes deceived; whose mind ensued,
Through perilous war, with regal fortitude,
Peace that should claim respect from lawless Might.
Dread King of Kings, vouchsafe a ray divine
To his forlorn condition! let thy grace
Upon his inner soul in mercy shine;
Permit his heart to kindle, and to embrace
(Though it were only for a moment's space).
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200
British Authors
