Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/204

182 Of Tivoli; and, high upon that steep,

The Sibyl's mouldering Temple! every tree,

Villa, or cottage, lurking among rocks

Throughout the landscape; tuft, stone scratch minute—

All that the traveller sees when he is there.

And to these exhibitions, mute and still,

Others of wider scope, where living men,

Music, and shifting pantomimic scenes,

Diversified the allurement. Need I fear

To mention by its name, as in degree,

Lowest of these and humblest in attempt,

Yet richly graced with honours of her own,

Half-rural Sadler's Wells? Though at that time

Intolerant, as is the way of youth

Unless itself be pleased, here more than once

Taking my seat, I saw (nor blush to add,

With ample recompense) giants and dwarfs,

Clowns, conjurors, posture-masters, harlequins,

Amid the uproar of the rabblement,

Perform their feats. Nor was it mean delight

To watch crude Nature work in untaught minds;

To note the laws and progress of belief;

Though obstinate on this way, yet on that

How willingly we travel, and how far!