Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/112

90 Then have I darted forwards to let loose

My hand upon his back with stormy joy,

Caressing him again and yet again.

And when at evening on the public way

I sauntered, like a river murmuring

And talking to itself when all things else

Are still, the creature trotted on before;

Such was his custom; but whene'er he met

A passenger approaching, he would turn

To give me timely notice, and straightway,

Grateful for that admonishment, I hushed

My voice, composed my gait, and, with the air

And mien of one whose thoughts are free, advanced

To give and take a greeting that might save

My name from piteous rumours, such as wait

On men suspected to be crazed in brain.

Those walks well worthy to be prized and loved—

Regretted!—that word, too, was on my tongue,

But they were richly laden with all good,

And cannot be remembered but with thanks

And gratitude, and perfect joy of heart—

Those walks in all their freshness now came back

Like a returning Spring. When first I made

Once more the circuit of our little lake,