Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/261

235 For human habitation; but I longed

To reach it, destitute of other hope.

I looked with steadiness as Sailors look

On the north star, or watch-tower's distant lamp,

And saw the light—now fixed—and shifting now—

Not like a dancing meteor, but in line

Of never-varying motion, to and fro.

It is no night-fire of the naked hills,

Said I, some friendly covert must be near.

With this persuasion thitherward my steps

I turn, and reach at last the guiding Light;

Joy to myself! but to the heart of Her

Who there was standing on the open hill,

(The same kind Matron whom your tongue hath praised)

Alarm and disappointment! The alarm

Ceased, when she learned through what mishap I came,

And by what help had gained those distant fields.

Drawn from her Cottage, on that open height

Bearing a lantern in her hand she stood,

Or paced the ground—to guide her Husband home,

By that unwearied signal, kenned afar;

An anxious duty! which the lofty Site,

Far from all public road or beaten way