Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/302

276 Harsh portraiture, in which a vulgar face

And a coarse outside of repulsive life

And unaffecting manners may at once

Be recognized by all"—"Ah! do not think,"

The Wanderer somewhat eagerly exclaimed,

"Wish could be ours that you, for such poor gain,

(Gain shall I call it?—gain of what?—for whom?)

Should breathe a word tending to violate

Your own pure spirit. Not a step we look for

In slight of that forbearance and reserve

Which common human-heartedness inspire,

And mortal ignorance and frailty claim,

Upon this sacred ground, if no where else."

"True," said the Solitary, "be it far

From us to infringe the laws of charity.

Let judgment here in mercy be pronounced;

This, self-respecting Nature prompts, and this

Wisdom enjoins; but, if the thing we seek

Be genuine knowledge, bear we then in mind

How, from his lofty throne, the Sun can fling

Colours as bright on exhalations bred

By weedy pool or pestilential swamp,