But we are pressed by heavy laws; And often, glad no more, We wear a… — Matthew — in William Wordsworth’s The Fountain (1799)

But we are pressed by heavy laws; And often, glad no more, We wear a face of joy, because We have been glad of yore.

Matthew — in William Wordsworth’s The Fountain (1799)

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How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: The Fountain (1799); Exact wording and attribution checked. Spoken by Matthew, a fictional character, in The Fountain (1799). Complete stanza about wearing a joyful expression in memory of former happiness.
Work: The Fountain (1799)
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 21 October 2026The Fountain (1799); Exact wording and attribution checked. Spoken by Matthew, a fictional character, in The Fountain (1799). Complete stanza about wearing a joyful expression in memory of former happiness.

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