Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/210

188 But let me now, less moved, in order take

Our argument. Enough is said to show

How casual incidents of real life,

Observed where pastime only had been sought,

Outweighed, or put to flight, the set events

And measured passions of the stage, albeit

By Siddons trod in the fulness of her power.

Yet was the theatre my dear delight;

The very gilding, lamps and painted scrolls,

And all the mean upholstery of the place,

Wanted not animation, when the tide

Of pleasure ebbed but to return as fast

With the ever-shifting figures of the scene,

Solemn or gay: whether some beauteous dame

Advanced in radiance through a deep recess

Of thick entangled forest, like the moon

Opening the clouds; or sovereign king, announced

With flourishing trumpet, came in full-blown state

Of the world's greatness, winding round with train

Of courtiers, banners, and a length of guards;

Or captive led in abject weeds, and jingling

His slender manacles; or romping girl

Bounced, leapt, and pawed the air; or mumbling sire,

A scare-crow pattern of old age dressed up

In all the tatters of infirmity