Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/197

BOOK VII.] Less strong of wonder and obscure delight.

Whether the bolt of childhood's Fancy shot

For me beyond its ordinary mark,

'Twere vain to ask; but in our flock of boys

Was One, a cripple from his birth, whom chance

Summoned from school to London; fortunate

And envied traveller! When the Boy returned,

After short absence, curiously I scanned

His mien and person, nor was free, in sooth,

From disappointment, not to find some change

In look and air, from that new region brought,

As if from Fairy-land. Much I questioned him;

And every word he uttered, on my ears

Fell flatter than a cagèd parrot's note,

That answers unexpectedly awry,

And mocks the prompter's listening. Marvellous things

Had vanity (quick Spirit that appears

Almost as deeply seated and as strong

In a Child's heart as fear itself) conceived

For my enjoyment. Would that I could now

Recal what then I pictured to myself,

Of mitred Prelates, Lords in ermine clad,

The King, and the King's Palace, and, not last,

Nor least, Heaven bless him! the renowned Lord Mayor:

Dreams not unlike to those which once begat