Wordsworth, Dora (1804-1847). - Transcribed Wordsworth sonnet 'Why art thou silent? is thy Love a plant', sent from an unstated address, to Christopher Wordsworth (1807-1885), at Athol Street, Douglas, Mona, dated 18 January 1830. WLL / Wordsworth, Dora / 1 / 27

Why art thou silent? is thy Love a plant Of such weak fibre that the treacherous air Of absence withers what seem'd once so fair? Is there no debt to pay, no boon to grant? Yet have my thoughts for thee been vigilant, As would my deeds have been, with hourly care, The mind's least generous wish a medicant For nought but what thy happiness could spare. Speak, tho' this soft warm heart, once free to hold A thousand tender pleasures thine and mine, Be left more desolate and dreary cold Than a Linnet's nest filled with unmelting snow, Mid its own bush of leafless Eglantine, Speak - that my torturing doubts their end may know! Kate Barker

Athol St

Douglas

Mona

Jany 18th 1830.

I mean to send this to Chris: on Valentine's day - he would not tell me the name of his Mona Love & I have found her out through Aunt Joanna.

Sonnet to be sent to to Chris: Wordsworth.

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Object summary: WLL / Wordsworth, Dora / 1 / 27