Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/184

158 Most frequently call forth, and best sustain

These pure sensations; that can penetrate

The obstreperous City; on the barren Seas

Are not unfelt,—and much might recommend,

How much they might inspirit and endear,

The loneliness of this sublime Retreat!"

"Yes," said the Sage, resuming the discourse

Again directed to his downcast Friend,

"If, with the froward will and groveling soul

Of Man offended, liberty is here,

And invitation every hour renewed,

To mark their placid state, who never heard

Of a command which they have power to break,

Or rule which they are tempted to transgress;

These, with a soothed or elevated heart,

May we behold, their knowledge register,

Observe their ways; and, free from envy, find

Complacence there:—but wherefore this to You?

I guess that, welcome to your lonely hearth,

The Redbreast feeds in winter from your hand;

A box perchance is from your casement hung

For the small Wren to build in;—not in vain,