Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/208

182 The Patron, on the shoulders of his Priests,

Once more parading through her crowded streets;

Now simply guarded by the sober Powers

Of Science, and Philosophy, and Sense!"

This answer followed.—"You have turned my thoughts

Upon our brave Progenitors, who rose

Against Idolatry Avith warlike mind,

And shrunk from vain observances to lurk

In caves, and woods, and under dismal rocks,

Deprived of shelter, covering, fire, and food;

Why?—for this very reason that they felt,

And did acknowledge, wheresoe'er they moved

A spiritual Presence, oft-times misconceived;

But still a high dependance, a divine

Bounty and government, that filled their hearts

With joy, and gratitude, and fear, and love;

And from their fervent lips drew hymns of praise

With which the desarts rang. Though favoured less,

Far less, than these, yet such, in their degree,

Were those bewildered Pagans of old time.

Beyond their own poor Natures and above

They looked; were humbly thankful for the good