Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/430

404 Of increase and the mandate from above

Rejoice!—and Ye have special cause for joy.

—For, as the element of air affords

An easy passage to the industrious bees

Fraught with their burthens; and a way as smooth

For those ordained to take their sounding flight

From the thronged hive, and settle where they list

In fresh abodes, their labour to renew;

So the wide waters, open to the power,

The will, the instincts, and appointed needs

Of Britain, do invite her to cast off

Her swarms, and in succession send them forth;

Bound to establish new communities

On every shore whose aspect favours hope

Or bold adventure; promising to skill

And perseverance their deserved reward.

—"Yes," he continued, kindling as he spake,

"Change wide, and deep, and silently performed,

This Land shall witness; and, as days roll on,

Earth's universal Frame shall feel the effect

Even 'till the smallest habitable Rock,

Beaten by lonely billows, hear the songs

Of humanized Society; and bloom