Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/110

88 I willing, nay—nay, wishing to be led.

—The face of every neighbour whom I met

Was like a volume to me; some were hailed

Upon the road, some busy at their work,

Unceremonious greetings interchanged

With half the length of a long field between.

Among my schoolfellows I scattered round

Like recognitions, but with some constraint

Attended, doubtless, with a little pride,

But with more shame, for my habiliments,

The transformation wrought by gay attire.

Not less delighted did I take my place

At our domestic table: and, dear Friend!

In this endeavour simply to relate

A Poet's history, may I leave untold

The thankfulness with which I laid me down

In my accustomed bed, more welcome now

Perhaps than if it had been more desired

Or been more often thought of with regret;

That lowly bed whence I had heard the wind

Roar and the rain beat hard, where I so oft

Had lain awake on summer nights to watch

The moon in splendour couched among the leaves

Of a tall ash, that near our cottage stood;

Had watched her with fixed eyes while to and fro