Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/59

33 All recollection, and that simple Tale

Passed from my mind like a forgotten sound.

A while on trivial things we held discourse,

To me soon tasteless. In my own despite

I thought of that poor Woman as of one

Whom I had known and loved. He had rehearsed

Her homely Tale with such familiar power,

With such an active countenance, an eye

So busy, that the things of which he spake

Seemed present; and, attention now relax'd,

There was a heart-felt chillness in my veins.—

I rose; and, turning from the breezy shade,

Went forth into the open air, and stood

To drink the comfort of the warmer sun.

Long time I had not staid, ere, looking round

Upon that tranquil Ruin, I return'd,

And begged of the Old Man that, for my sake,

He would resume his story.—

He replied,

"It were a wantonness, and would demand

Severe reproof, if we were Men whose hearts

Could hold vain dalliance with the misery

Even of the dead; contented thence to draw