Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/289

 BOOK TENTH.

RESIDENCE IN FRANCE.—(.)

was a beautiful and silent day

That overspread the countenance of earth,

Then fading with unusual quietness,—

A day as beautiful as e'er was given

To soothe regret, though deepening what it soothed,

When by the gliding Loire I paused, and cast

Upon his rich domains, vineyard and tilth,

Green meadow-ground, and many-coloured woods,

Again, and yet again, a farewell look;

Then from the quiet of that scene passed on,

Bound to the fierce Metropolis. From his throne

The King had fallen, and that invading host—

Presumptuous cloud, on whose black front was written

The tender mercies of the dismal wind

That bore it—on the plains of Liberty