Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/141

BOOK V.] Such was she—not from faculties more strong

Than others have, but from the times, perhaps,

And spot in which she lived, and through a grace

Of modest meekness, simple-mindedness,

A heart that found benignity and hope,

Being itself benign.

My drift I fear

Is scarcely obvious; but, that common sense

May try this modern system by its fruits,

Leave let me take to place before her sight

A specimen pourtrayed with faithful hand.

Full early trained to worship seemliness,

This model of a child is never known

To mix in quarrels; that were far beneath

Its dignity; with gifts he bubbles o'er

As generous as a fountain; selfishness

May not come near him, nor the little throng

Of flitting pleasures tempt him from his path;

The wandering beggars propagate his name,

Dumb creatures find him tender as a nun,

And natural or supernatural fear,

Unless it leap upon him in a dream,

Touches him not. To enhance the wonder, see

How arch his notices, how nice his sense

Of the ridiculous; not blind is he