Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/247

221 Imperfect substitutes, whose use and power

Evince the want and weakness whence they spring."

While in this serious mood we held discourse,

The reverend Pastor tow'rds the Church-yard gate

Approached; and, with a mild respectful air

Of native cordiality, our Friend

Advanced to greet him. With a gracious mien

Was he received, and mutual joy prevailed.

Awhile they stood in conference, and I guess

That He, who now upon the mossy wall

Sate by my side, had vanished, if a wish

Could have transferred him to his lonely House

Within the circuit of those guardian rocks.

—For me, I looked upon the pair, well pleased:

Nature had framed them both, and both were marked

By circumstance with intermixture fine

Of contrast and resemblance. To an Oak

Hardy and grand, a weather-beaten Oak,

Fresh in the strength and majesty of age,

One might be likened: flourishing appeared,

Though somewhat past the fulness of his prime,