Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/140

118 Nor would I praise her but in perfect love.

Hence am I checked: but let me boldly say,

In gratitude, and for the sake of truth,

Unheard by her, that she, not falsely taught,

Fetching her goodness rather from times past,

Than shaping novelties for times to come,

Had no presumption, no such jealousy,

Nor did by habit of her thoughts mistrust

Our nature, but had virtual faith that He

Who fills the mother's breast with innocent milk,

Doth also for our nobler part provide,

Under His great correction and control,

As innocent instincts, and as innocent food;

Or draws for minds that are left free to trust

In the simplicities of opening life

Sweet honey out of spurned or dreaded weeds.

This was her creed, and therefore she was pure

From anxious fear of error or mishap,

And evil, overweeningly so called;

Was not puffed up by false unnatural hopes,

Nor selfish with unnecessary cares,

Nor with impatience from the season asked

More than its timely produce; rather loved

The hours for what they are, than from regard

Glanced on their promises in restless pride.