Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/426

400 At least, whatever fate the noon of life

Reserves for either, this is sure, that both

Have been permitted to enjoy the dawn;

Whether regarded as a jocund time

That in itself may terminate, or lead

In course of nature to a sober eve.

Both have been fairly dealt with; looking back

They will allow that justice has in them

Been shewn—alike to body and to mind."

He paused, as if revolving in his soul

Some weighty matter, then, with fervent voice

And an impassioned majesty, exclaimed,

"Oh for the coming of that glorious time

When, prizing knowledge as her noblest wealth

And best protection, this Imperial Realm,

While she exacts allegiance, shall admit

An obligation, on her part, to teach

Them who are born to serve her and obey;

Binding herself by Statute to secure

For all the Children whom her soil maintains

The rudiments of Letters, and to inform

The mind with moral and religious truth,