Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/448

422 Was reached, the Solitary checked his steps;

Then, intermingling thanks, on each bestowed

A farewell salutation,—and, the like

Receiving, took the slender path that leads

To the one Cottage in the lonely dell,

His chosen residence. But, ere he turned

Aside, a welcome promise had been given,

That he would share the pleasures and pursuits

Of yet another summer's day, consumed

In wandering with us through the Vallies fair,

And o'er the Mountain-wastes. "Another sun,"

Said he, "shall shine upon us, ere we part,—

Another sun, and peradventure more;

If time, with free consent, be yours to give,—

And season favours."

To enfeebled Power,

From this communion with uninjured Minds,

What renovation had been brought; and what

Degree of healing to a wounded spirit,

Dejected, and habitually disposed

To seek, in degradation of the Kind,

Excuse and solace for her own defects;