Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/280

254 Too delicate employ, as would appear,

For One, who, though of drooping mien, had yet,

From Nature's kindliness, received a frame

Robust as ever rural labour bred."

The Solitary answered. "Such a Form

Full well I recollect. We often crossed

Each other's path; but, as the Intruder seemed

Fondly to prize the silence which he kept,

And I as willingly did cherish mine,

We met, and passed, like shadows. I have heard,

From my good Host, that he was crazed in brain

By unrequited love; and scaled the rocks,

Dived into caves, and pierced the matted woods,

In hope to find some virtuous herb, of power

To cure his malady!"

The Vicar smiled,

"Alas! before to-morrow's sun goes down

His habitation will be here: for him

That open grave is destined."

"Died he then

Of pain and grief," the Solitary asked,

"Believe it not—oh! never could that be!"