Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/378

352 Unknowing and unknown. A pleasing thought

I sometimes entertain, that, haply bound

To Scotland's court in service of his Queen,

Or sent on mission to some northern Chief

Of England's Realm, this Vale he might have seen

With transient observation; and thence caught

An Image fair, which, brightening in his soul

When years admonished him of failing strength

And he no more rejoiced in war's delights,

Had power to draw him from the world—resolved

To make that paradise his chosen home

To which his peaceful Fancy oft had turned.

—Vague thoughts are these; but, if belief may rest

Upon unwritten story fondly traced

From sire to son, in this obscure Retreat

The Knight arrived, with pomp of spear and shield,

And borne upon a Charger covered o'er

With gilded housings. And the lofty Steed—

His sole companion, and his faithful friend,

Whom he, in gratitude, let loose to range

In fertile pastures—was beheld with eyes

Of admiration and delightful awe,

By those untravelled Dalesmen. With less pride,