Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/202

176 "Methinks," persuasively the Sage replied,

"That for this arduous office You possess

Some rare advantages. Your early days

A grateful recollection must supply

Of much exalted good that may attend

Upon the very humblest state.—Your voice

Hath in my hearing often testified

That poor Men's Children, they, and they alone,

By their condition taught, can understand

The wisdom of the prayer that daily asks

For daily bread. A consciousness is your's

How feelingly religion may be learned

In smoky Cabins, from a Mother's tongue—

Heard while the Dwelling vibrates to the din

Of the contiguous Torrent, gathering strength

At every moment—and, with strength, increase

Of fury; or while Snow is at the door,

Assaulting and defending, and the Wind,

A sightless Labourer, whistles at his work—

Fearful, but resignation tempers fear,

And piety is sweet to Infant minds.

—The Shepherd Lad, who in the sunshine carves,

On the green turf, a dial—to divide