Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/83

57 'Twas chased away: for, tow'rds the western side

Of the broad Vale, casting a casual glance,

We saw a throng of People;—wherefore met?

Blithe notes of music, suddenly let loose

On the thrilled ear, did to the question yield

Prompt answer: they proclaim the annual Wake,

Which the bright season favours.—Tabor and Pipe

In purpose join to hasten and reprove

The laggard Rustic; and repay with boons

Of merriment a party-coloured Knot,

Already formed upon the Village green.

—Beyond the limits of the shadow cast

By the broad hill, glistened upon our sight

That gay Assemblage. Round them and above,

Glitter, with dark recesses interposed,

Casement, and cottage-roof, and stems of trees

Half-veiled in vapoury cloud, the silver steam

Of dews fast melting on their leafy boughs

By the strong sun-beams smitten. Like a mast

Of gold, the Maypole shines; as if the rays

Of morning, aided by exhaling dew,

With gladsome influence could reanimate

The faded garlands dangling from its sides.