Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/307

BOOK X.] Above the rest raised infinite ascents

When reason that enables him to be

Is not sequestered—what a change is here!

How different ritual for this after-worship,

What countenance to promote this second love!

The first was service paid to things which lie

Guarded within the bosom of Thy will.

Therefore to serve was high beatitude;

Tumult was therefore gladness, and the fear

Ennobling, venerable; sleep secure,

And waking thoughts more rich than happiest dreams.

But as the ancient Prophets, borne aloft

In vision, yet constrained by natural laws

With them to take a troubled human heart,

Wanted not consolations, nor a creed

Of reconcilement, then when they denounced,

On towns and cities, wallowing in the abyss

Of their offences, punishment to come;

Or saw, like other men, with bodily eyes,

Before them, in some desolated place,

The wrath consummate and the threat fulfilled;

So, with devout humility be it said,

So, did a portion of that spirit fall

On me uplifted from the vantage-ground