Page:Poems and extracts - Wordsworth.djvu/38

 With them thrown prostrate to the humble ground No more she takes (instructed by that fall) For fix'd, or worth her thought, this rolling ball: Towards a more certain station she aspires, Unshaken by revolts, and owns no less desires. But all in vain are prayers extatic thoughts, Recovered moments, and retracted faults, Retirement, which the world moroseness calls, Abandoned pleasures in monastic walls: These, but at distance towards that purpose tend, The lowly means to an exalted end; Which He must perfect who allots her stay And that, accomplish'd, will direct the way. Pity her restless cares, and weary strife, And point some issue to escaping life; Which so dismissed, no pen or human speech The ineffable recess can ever teach: The expanse, the light, the harmony, the throng, The Bride's attendance, and the bridal song,

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