Page:Peter Bell (Wordsworth).djvu/61

Part II. The meagre Shadow all this while—

What aim is his? what is he doing?

His sudden fit of joy is flown,—

He on his knees hath laid him down,

As if he were his grief renewing.

That Peter on his back should mount

He shows a wish, well as he can,

"I'll go, I'll go, whate'er betide—

"He to his home my way will guide,

"The cottage of the drowned man."

This utter'd, Peter mounts forthwith

Upon the pleas'd and thankful Ass;

And then, without a moment's stay,

The earnest creature turn'd away,

Leaving the body on the grass.