Sources for Witchcraft: Wordsworth on Plain Living and High Thinking

Plain-dressing Quakers

A surprising source this, but I have always loved this poem. Perhaps it's because I'm plain living, thinking, and speaking, to the point of rudeness.


Written in London. September, 1802
BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

O Friend! I know not which way I must look
For comfort, being, as I am, opprest,
To think that now our life is only drest
For show; mean handy-work of craftsman, cook,
Or groom! — We must run glittering like a brook
In the open sunshine, or we are unblest:
The wealthiest man among us is the best:
No grandeur now in nature or in book
Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense,
This is idolatry; and these we adore:
Plain living and high thinking are no more:
The homely beauty of the good old cause
Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence,
And pure religion breathing household laws.

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/174834