Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/289

263 Two several Souls alternately had lodged,

Two sets of manners, could the youth put on;

And, fraught with antics as the Indian bird

That writhes and chatters in her wiry cage,

Was graceful, when it pleased him, smooth and still

As the mute Swan that floats adown the stream,

Or, on the waters of the unruffled lake,

Anchors her placid beauty. Not a Leaf,

That flutters on the bough, more light than He;

And not a Flower, that droops in the green shade,

More winningly reserved! If Ye inquire

How such consummate elegance was bred

Amid these wilds; a Composition framed

Of qualities so adverse—to diffuse,

Where'er he moved, diversified delight;

A simple answer may suffice, even this,

'Twas Nature's will; who sometimes undertakes,

For the reproof of human vanity,

Art to outstrip in her peculiar walk.

Hence, for this Favourite, lavishly endowed

With personal gifts, and bright instinctive wit,

While both, embellishing each other, stood

Yet farther recommended by the charm