Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/126

104 But ask for timely furtherance and help

Such as his state required. At this reproof,

With the same ghastly mildness in his look,

He said, "My trust is in the God of Heaven,

And in the eye of him who passes me!"

The cottage door was speedily unbarred,

And now the soldier touched his hat once more

With his lean hand, and in a faltering voice,

Whose tone bespake reviving interests

Till then unfelt, he thanked me; I returned

The farewell blessing of the patient man,

And so we parted. Back I cast a look,

And lingered near the door a little space,

Then sought with quiet heart my distant home.