Wordsworthy values
Sir: Seeking 'triumphant vindication' of `the "common notion" of William Word- sworth', which I understand to be that he wrote good poetry when it put forth revolutionary views and bad poetry when it didn't, I turned to The Cumberland Beg- gar', as recommended by Paul Foot (Books, 22 July), and found this: May, I believe, there are
Who live a life of virtuous decency, Men who can hear the Decalogue and feel No self-reproach; who of the moral law Established in the land where they abide Are strict observers; and not negligent In acts of love to those with whom they dwell, Their kindred and the children of their blood.
The Ten Commandments and the Family — hardly the stuff to make Mrs Thatcher tremble in her shoes. Or perhaps Word- sworth wrote another poem called 'Tlie Cumberland Beggar', later suppressed. Or perhaps I am not reading it right. Could Mr Foot please elucidate?
John Whitworth
20 Lovell Road, Rough Common, Canterbury, Kent
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