Page:Poems by William Wordsworth (1815) Volume 2.djvu/71

63 A recreant Harp, that sings of fear

And heaviness in Clifford's ear!

I said, when evil Men are strong,

No life is good, no pleasure long,

A weak and cowardly untruth!

Our Clifford was a happy Youth,

And thankful through a weary time,

That brought him up to manhood's prime.

—Again he wanders forth at will,

And tends a Flock from hill to hill:

His garb is humble; ne'er was seen

Such garb with such a noble mien;

Among the Shepherd-grooms no Mate

Hath he, a Child of strength and state!

Yet lacks not friends for solemn glee,

And a cheerful company,

That learned of him submissive ways;

And comforted his private days.

To his side the Fallow-deer

Came, and rested without fear;

The Eagle, Lord of land and sea,

Stooped down to pay him fealty;

And both the undying Fish that swim

Through Bowscale-Tarn did wait on him,