Page:Peter Bell (Wordsworth).djvu/89

Part III. And up the stony lane he goes;

No ghost more softly ever trod;

Among the stones and pebbles, he

Sets down his hoofs inaudibly,

As if with felt his hoofs were shod.

Along the lane the trusty Ass

Had gone two hundred yards, not more;

When to a lonely house he came;

He turn'd aside towards the same

And stopp'd before the door.

Thought Peter, 'tis the poor man's home!

He listens—not a sound is heard

Save from the trickling household rill;

But, stepping o'er the cottage-sill,

Forthwith a little girl appear'd.