Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/231

205 —So we descend; and winding round a rock

Attain a point that shewed the Valley—stretched

In length before us; and, not distant far,

Upon a rising ground a grey Church-tower,

Whose battlements were screened by tufted trees.

And, tow'rds a chrystal Mere, that lay beyond

Among steep hills and woods embosomed, flowed

A copious Stream with boldly-winding course;

Here traceable, there hidden—there again

To sight restored, and glittering in the Sun.

On the Stream's bank, and every where, appeared

Fair Dwellings, single or in social knots;

Some scattered o'er the level, others perched

On the hill sides, a cheerful quiet scene,

Now in its morning purity arrayed.

"As, 'mid some happy Valley of the Alps,"

Said I, "once happy, ere tyrannic Power

Wantonly breaking in upon the Swiss,

Destroyed their unoffending Commonwealth,

A popular equality doth seem

Here to prevail; and yet a House of State

Stands yonder, one beneath whose roof, methinks,