Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/189

BOOK VI.] We crossed the Brabant armies on the fret

For battle in the cause of Liberty.

A stripling, scarcely of the household then

Of social life, I looked upon these things

As from a distance; heard, and saw, and felt,

Was touched, but with no intimate concern;

I seemed to move along them, as a bird

Moves through the air, or as a fish pursues

Its sport, or feeds in its proper element;

I wanted not that joy, I did not need

Such help; the ever-living universe,

Turn where I might, was opening out its glories,

And the independent spirit of pure youth

Called forth, at every season, new delights

Spread round my steps like sunshine o'er green fields.