Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/34

12 But, like a thirsty wind, to roam about

Withering the Oppressor: how Gustavus sought

Help at his need in Dalecarlia's mines:

How Wallace fought for Scotland; left the name

Of Wallace to be found, like a wild flower,

All over his dear Country; left the deeds

Of Wallace, like a family of Ghosts,

To people the steep rocks and river banks,

Her natural sanctuaries, with a local soul

Of independence and stern liberty.

Sometimes it suits me better to invent

A tale from my own heart, more near akin

To my own passions and habitual thoughts;

Some variegated story, in the main

Lofty, but the unsubstantial structure melts

Before the very sun that brightens it,

Mist into air dissolving! Then a wish,

My best and favourite aspiration, mounts

With yearning toward some philosophic song

Of Truth that cherishes our daily life;

With meditations passionate from deep

Recesses in man's heart, immortal verse

Thoughtfully fitted to the Orphean lyre;

But from this awful burthen I full soon

Take refuge and beguile myself with trust