Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, on Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour, July 13, 1798 Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: The poem is 159 lines long, so we just cite by line number.

Quote #4

And so I dare to hope,
Though changed, no doubt, from what I was when first
I came among these hills; (65-67)

The speaker recognizes that he has "changed" since his first visit, although he might not have recognized the transformation as it was taking place.

Quote #5

— I cannot paint
What then I was (75-76)

The speaker is now so far removed from his past self that he has trouble describing it. Or perhaps he just has trouble putting it into words.

Quote #6

That time is past,
And all its aching joys are now no more,
And all its dizzy raptures. Not for this
Faint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other gifts
Have followed; (83-87)

The speaker realizes that his innocent, unreflecting enjoyment of Nature is over. He has become conscious of the "presence" in nature, and he can't go back to the way he was.