Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/154

128 I felt; the transformation I perceived,

As marvellously seized as in that moment

When, from the blind mist issuing, I beheld

Glory—beyond all glory ever seen,

Confusion infinite of heaven and earth,

Dazzling the soul! Meanwhile, prophetic harps

In every grove were ringing, "War shall cease;

"Did ye not hear that conquest is abjured?

"Bring garlands, bring forth choicest flowers, to deck

"The Tree of Liberty."—My heart rebounded;

My melancholy Voice the chorus joined;

—"Be joyful all ye Nations, in all Lands,

"Ye that are capable of joy be glad!

"Henceforth, whate'er is wanting to yourselves

"In others ye shall promptly find;—and all

"Be rich by mutual and reflected wealth."

Thus was I reconverted to the world;

Society became my glittering Bride,

And airy hopes my Children.—From the depths

Of natural passion, seemingly escaped,

My soul diffused itself in wide embrace

Of institutions, and the forms of things;