Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/74

48 By mist and silent rain-drops silver'd o'er,

As once I passed, did to my heart convey

So still an image of tranquillity,

So calm and still, and looked so beautiful

Amid the uneasy thoughts which filled my minmind [sic]

That what we feel of sorrow and despair

From ruin and from change, and all the grief

The passing shews of Being leave behind,

Appeared an idle dream, that could not live

Where meditation was. I turned away

And walked along my road in happiness."

He ceased. Ere long the sun declining shot

A slant and mellow radiance, which began

To fall upon us, while beneath the trees

We sate on that low Bench: and now we felt,

Admonished thus, the sweet hour coming on.

A linnet warbled from those lofty elms,

A thrush sang loud, and other melodies,

At distance heard, peopled the milder air.

The Old Man rose, and, with a sprightly mien

Of hopeful preparation, grasped his Staff: