Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/336

314 The pensive moments by this calm fire-side,

And find a thousand bounteous images

To cheer the thoughts of those I love, and mine.

Our prayers have been accepted; thou wilt stand

On Etna's summit, above earth and sea,

Triumphant, winning from the invaded heavens

Thoughts without bound, magnificent designs,

Worthy of poets who attuned their harps

In wood or echoing cave, for discipline

Of heroes; or, in reverence to the gods,

'Mid temples, served by sapient priests, and choirs

Of virgins crowned with roses. Not in vain

Those temples, where they in their ruins yet

Survive for inspiration, shall attract

Thy solitary steps: and on the brink

Thou wilt recline of pastoral Arethuse;

Or, if that fountain be in truth no more,

Then, near some other spring, which, by the name

Thou gratulatest, willingly deceived,

I see thee linger a glad votary,

And not a captive pining for his home.