Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/173

BOOK VI.] Upon the bosom of the gentle Saone

We glided forward with the flowing stream.

Swift Rhone! thou wert the wings on which we cut

A winding passage with majestic ease

Between thy lofty rocks. Enchanting show

Those woods and farms and orchards did present,

And single cottages and lurking towns,

Reach after reach, succession without end

Of deep and stately vales! A lonely pair

Of strangers, till day closed, we sailed along,

Clustered together with a merry crowd

Of those emancipated, a blithe host

Of travellers, chiefly delegates returning

From the great spousals newly solemnised

At their chief city, in the sight of Heaven.

Like bees they swarmed, gaudy and gay as bees;

Some vapoured in the unruliness of joy,

And with their swords flourished as if to fight

The saucy air. In this proud company

We landed—took with them our evening meal,

Guests welcome almost as the angels were

To Abraham of old. The supper done,

With flowing cups elate and happy thoughts

We rose at signal given, and formed a ring

And, hand in hand, danced round and round the board;