Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/290

268 Had burst innocuous. Say in bolder words,

They—who had come elate as eastern hunters

Banded beneath the Great Mogul, when he

Erewhile went forth from Agra or Lahore,

Rajahs and Omrahs in his train, intent

To drive their prey enclosed within a ring

Wide as a province, but, the signal given,

Before the point of the life-threatening spear

Narrowing itself by moments—they, rash men,

Had seen the anticipated quarry turned

Into avengers, from whose wrath they fled

In terror. Disappointment and dismay

Remained for all whose fancies had run wild

With evil expectations; confidence

And perfect triumph for the better cause.

The State, as if to stamp the final seal

On her security, and to the world

Show what she was, a high and fearless soul,

Exulting in defiance, or heart-stung

By sharp resentment, or belike to taunt

With spiteful gratitude the baffled League,

That had stirred up her slackening faculties

To a new transition, when the King was crushed,

Spared not the empty throne, and in proud haste