Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/160

134 The vengeful Furies. Beautiful regards

Were turned on me—the face of her I loved;

The Wife and Mother, pitifully fixing

Tender reproaches, insupportable!

Where now that boasted liberty? No welcome

From unknown Objects I received; and those,

Known and familiar, which the vaulted sky

Did, in the placid clearness of the night,

Disclose, had accusations to prefer

Against my peace. Within the cabin stood

That Volume—as a compass for the soul—

Revered among the Nations. I implored

Its guidance; but the infallible support

Of faith was wanting. Tell me, why refused

To One by storms annoyed and adverse winds,

Perplexed with currents, of his weakness sick,

Of vain endeavours tired, and by his own,

And by his Nature's ignorance, dismayed.

Long-wished-for sight, the Western World appeared;

And, when the Ship was moored, I leapt ashore

Indignantly—resolved to be a Man,

Who, having o'er the past no power, would live