Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/232

206 A rural Lord might dwell." "No feudal pomp,"

Replied our Friend, a Chronicler who stood

Where'er he moved upon familiar ground,

"Nor feudal power is there; but there abides,

In his allotted Home, a genuine Priest,

The Shepherd of his Flock; or, as a King

Is stiled, when most affectionately praised,

The Father of his People. Such is he,

And rich and poor, and young and old, rejoice

Under his spiritual sway, collected round him

In this sequestered Realm. He hath vouchsafed

To me some portion of his kind regard;

And something also of his inner mind

Hath he imparted—but I speak of him

As he is known to all. The calm delights

Of unambitious piety he chose,

And learning's solid dignity; though born

Of knightly race, nor wanting powerful friends.

This good to reap, these pleasures to secure,

Hither, in prime of manhood, he withdrew

From academic bowers. He loved the spot,

Who does not love his native soil? he prized

The ancient rural character, composed