Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/439

413 —Alert to follow as the Pastor led

We clomb a green hill's side; and thence obtained,

Slowly, a less and less obstructed sight

Of the flat meadows, and indented coast

Of the whole lake—in compass seen! Far off,

And yet conspicuous, stood the old Church-tower,

In majesty presiding o'er the Vale

And all her Dwellings; seemingly preserved

From the intrusion of a restless world

By rocks impassable and mountains huge.

Soft heath this elevated spot supplied,

With resting-place of mossy stone;—and there

We sate reclined—admiring quietly

The frame and general aspect of the scene;

And each not seldom eager to make known

His own discoveries; or to favourite points

Directing notice, merely from a wish

To impart a joy, imperfect while unshared.

That rapturous moment ne'er shall I forget

When these particular interests were effaced

From every mind!—Already had the sun,

Sinking with less than ordinary state,