Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/86

60 In plaided vest,—his Fellow-countrymen.

This Office filling, and, by native power

And force of native inclination, made

An intellectual Ruler in the haunts

Of social vanity—he walked the World,

Gay, and affecting graceful gaiety;

Lax, buoyant—less a Pastor with his Flock

Than a Soldier among Soldiers—lived and roamed

Where Fortune led:—and Fortune, who oft proves

The careless wanderer's Friend, to him made known

A blooming Lady—a conspicuous Flower,

Admired for beauty, for her sweetness praised;

Whom he had sensibility to love,

Ambition to attempt, and skill to win.

For this fair Bride, most rich in gifts of mind.

Nor sparingly endowed with worldly wealth,

His Office he relinquished; and retired

From the world's notice to a rural Home.

Youth's season yet with him was scarcely past,

And she was in youth's prime. How full their joy,

How free their love! nor did their love decay;