Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/377

351 To his worn cheek; or with uneasy shame

For those cold humours of habitual spleen,

Which, fondly seeking in dispraise of Man

Solace and self-excuse, had sometimes urged

To self-abuse, a not ineloquent tongue.

—Right tow'rds the sacred Edifice his steps

Had been directed; and we saw him now

Intent upon a monumental Stone,

Whose uncouth Form was grafted on the wall

Or rather seemed to have grown into the side

Of the rude Pile; as oft-times trunks of trees,

Where Nature works in wild and craggy spots,

Are seen incorporate with the living rock;

To endure for aye. The Vicar, taking note

Of his employment, with a courteous smile

Exclaimed, "The sagest Antiquarian's eye

That task would foil." And, with these added words,

He thitherward advanced, "Tradition tells

That, in Eliza's golden days, a Knight

Came on a War-horse sumptuously attired,

And fixed his home in this sequestered Vale.

'Tis left untold if here he first drew breath,

Or as a Stranger reached this deep recess,