"To Wordsworth" by Percy Bysshe Shelley (poetry reading)

Written in 1813. Shelley was grieved that Wordsworth was forced to take a menial job as a minor government official, although Wordsworth was grateful for the security because he made no significant income from his poetry. Wordsworth didn't get much of an education: he was mainly self-taught.

Shelley's family was wealthy enough to send him to Eton and Oxford and he lived mainly on inherited money. Even so he had money troubles and lawsuits. He made very little from his writing in his lifetime, probably less than £50.

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Entertainment

Tags:

• Wordsworth
• Percy
• Bysshe
• Shelley

[riablakemore]

@arcanus121 wordsworth dropped out of cambridge despite people urging him to continue and become an academic/clergyman

[arcanus121]

You say above: "Wordsworth didnt get much of an education: he was mainly self taught."

He attended St John's College, Cambridge! He succeeded well there, and was destined for a position as an academic! A prety good education, particularly as I can attest for the quality of the college too having attended also.We are proud of our former fellow student.

[dineshssairam]

This was written after Shelly learned that Wordsworth wouldn't support his liberative ideas. Shelly was truly a man of freedom and must have been dejected that WW didn't go with him.

"Songs consecrate to truth and liberty,--

Deserting these, thou leavest me to grieve,

Thus having been, that thou shoudst cease to be."

[andrewlondonbook]

Amazing and dynamic voice! I have always loved Shelley's work. He is my favorite poet. Thank you for sharing this! I will come back often.

[idler11]

(The reading in retrospect is superb.)

[idler11]

Once again you have set me straight. I admit that i have totally misinterpreted this poem and enjoy it all the more for your kind direction. My earlier comment was misguided and crass. My first comment i have deleted!

[SpokenVerse]

Why? Shelley was disenchanted with Wordsworth and he wrote this poem to convey his disgust. It didn't occur to me that the poem could be misunderstood.

Thank you for your comments, I will make the meaning clearer in the side notes.

[idler11]

I'm so sorry, perhaps i was having a bad day. I take back what i said. You clearly have a passion for good poetry and for me to call you pompous and dull is but a mere reflection of myself. I have always loved this poem and perhaps feel over protective to it. However, i still maintain that there should be a mixture of fond memory, gratitude and sorrow in this reading.

[SpokenVerse]

I do my best. Obviously I don't please the more discerning listener such as yourself.