Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/88

62 To the great City, an Emporium then

Of golden expectations, and receiving

Freights every day from a new world of hope.

Thither his popular talents he transferred;

And from the Pulpit zealously maintained

The cause of Christ and civil liberty,

As one; and moving to one glorious end.

Intoxicating service! I might say

A happy service; for he was sincere

As vanity and fondness for applause,

And new and shapeless wishes, would allow.

That righteous Cause of freedom did, we know,

Combine, for one hostility, as friends,

Etherial Natures and the worst of Slaves;

Was served by rival Advocates that came

From regions opposite as heaven and hell.

One courage seemed to animate them all:

And, from the dazzling conquests daily gained

By their united efforts, there arose

A proud and most presumptuous confidence

In the transcendent wisdom of the age,

And its discernment; not alone in rights,