Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/344

318 With which the parlour-floor, in simplest guise

Of pastoral home-steads, had been long inlaid.

—These pleasing works the Housewife's skill produced:

Meanwhile, the unsedentary Master's hand

Was busier with his task, to rid, to plant,

To rear for food, for shelter, and delight;

A thriving covert! And when wishes, formed

In youth, and sanctioned by the riper mind,

Restored me to my native Valleys, here

To end my days; well pleased was I to see

The once-bare Cottage, on the mountain-side,

Screened from assault of every bitter blast;

While the dark shadows of the summer leaves

Danced in the breeze, upon its mossy roof.

Time, which had thus afforded willing help

To beautify with Nature's fairest growth

This rustic Tenement, had gently shed,

Upon its Master's frame, a wintry grace;

The comeliness of unenfeebled age.

But how could I say, gently? for he still

Retained a flashing eye, a burning palm,

A stirring foot, and head which beat at nights

Upon its pillow with a thousand schemes.