Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/432

406 The happy Island where ye think and act:

Now, when destruction is a prime pursuit,

Shew to the wretched Nations for what end

The Powers of civil Polity were given!"

Abruptly here, but with a graceful air

The Sage broke off. No sooner had he ceased

Than, looking forth, the gentle Lady said,

"Behold, the shades of afternoon have fallen

Upon this flowery slope; and see—beyond—

The Lake, though bright, is of a placid blue;

As if preparing for the peace of evening.

How temptingly the landscape shines!—The air

Breathes invitation; easy is the walk

To the Lake's margin, where a Boat lies moored

Beneath her sheltering tree."—Upon this hint

We rose together: all were pleased—but most

The beauteous Girl, whose cheek was flushed with joy.

Light as a sun-beam glides along the hills

She vanished—eager to impart the scheme

To her loved Brother and his shy Compeer.

—Now was there bustle in the Vicar's house

And earnest preparation.—Forth we went,