Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/198

176 A change of purpose in young Whittington,

When he, a friendless and a drooping boy,

Sate on a stone, and heard the bells speak out

Articulate music. Above all, one thought

Baffled my understanding: how men lived

Even next-door neighbours, as we say, yet still

Strangers, not knowing each the other's name.

O, wond'rous power of words, by simple faith

Licensed to take the meaning that we love!

Vauxhall and Ranelagh! I then had heard

Of your green groves, and wilderness of lamps

Dimming the stars, and fireworks magical,

And gorgeous ladies, under splendid domes,

Floating in dance, or warbling high in air

The songs of spirits! Nor had Fancy fed

With less delight upon that other class

Of marvels, broad-day wonders permanent:

The River proudly bridged; the dizzy top

And Whispering Gallery of St. Paul's; the tombs

Of Westminster; the Giants of Guildhall;

Bedlam, and those carved maniacs at the gates,

Perpetually recumbent; Statues—man,

And the horse under him—in gilded pomp

Adorning flowery gardens, 'mid vast squares;