Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/240

214 That he, from wrath redeemed, therein shall float

Over the billows of this troublesome world

To the fair land of everlasting Life.

Corrupt affections, covetous desires,

Are all renounced; high as the thought of man

Can carry virtue, virtue is professed;

A dedication made, a promise given

For due provision to controul and guide,

And unremitting progress to ensure

In holiness and truth."

"You cannot blame,"

Here interposing fervently I said,

"Rites which attest that Man by nature lies

Bedded for good and evil in a gulph

Fearfully low; nor will your judgment scorn

Those services, whereby attempt is made

To lift the Creature tow'rds that eminence

On which, now fallen, erewhile in majesty

He stood; or if not so, whose top serene

At least he feels 'tis given him to descry;

Not without aspirations, evermore

Returning, and injunctions from within

Doubt to cast off and weariness; in trust