MA 1581.233, p. [15]

Download image: 
Dorothy Wordsworth
1771–1855

Journal by Dorothy Wordsworth, 1805 November : autograph manuscript

Purchased from Benjamin Ifor Evans, 1954

MA 1581.233
Transcription: 

sun shone, and only a few scattered clouds remained
on the hills except at the tops of the very highest –
the Lake perfectly calm – We had a delightful jour-
-ney. At the beginning of the first Park William
got upon the pony, and, betwixt a walk and a
run, I kept pace with him while he trotted to the
next gate; then I mounted again. We were joined
by two Travellers; like ourselves, with one white horse
between them. We went on in company till we
came near to Patterdale, trotting most of the
time. The Trees in Gowborough Park were very beau-
-tiful, the hawthorns leafless – their round heads cover-
-ed with rich red berries, and adorned with arches of
green brambles, and eglantine hung with glossy hips
– Many birches yet tricked out in full foliage of
bright yellow – Oaks brown or leafless – the smooth
branches of the ashes bare – most of the alders green
as in spring. I think I have more pleasure in look-
-ing at deer than any other animals, perhaps chief-
-ly from their living in a more natural state. At
the end of Gowborough Park, A large Troop of them
were moving slowly, or standing still, among the fern.
I was grieved when our companions startled them with
a whistle, disturbing a beautiful image of grave
simplicity and thoughtful enjoyment; for I could
have fancied that even they were partaking with
me a sensation of the solemnity of the closing day.

Credits: 

Transcription courtesy of Conor Hilton, Nicholas Mason, and Paul Westover of Brigham Young University.

Download PDF: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon 403729.pdf9.39 MB