Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/101

75 For full in view, approaching through the gate

That opened from the enclosure of green fields

Into the rough uncultivated ground,

Behold the Man whom he had fancied dead!

I knew, from the appearance and the dress,

That it could be no other; a pale face,

A tall and meagre person, in a garb

Not rustic, dull and faded like himself!

He saw us not, though distant but few steps;

For he was busy, dealing, from a store

Which on a leaf he carried in his hand,

Strings of ripe currants; gift by which he strove,

With intermixture of endearing words,

To soothe a Child, who walked beside him, weeping

As if disconsolate.—"They to the Grave

Are bearing him, my little One," he said,

"To the dark pit; but he will feel no pain;

His body is at rest, his soul in Heaven."

Glad was my Comrade now, though he at first,

I doubt not, had been more surprized than glad.

But now, recovered from the shock and calm,

He soberly advanced; and to the Man