Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/366

344 The Many for the pleasure of those Few;

Effeminately level down the truth

To certain general notions, for the sake

Of being understood at once, or else

Through want of better knowledge in the heads

That framed them; flattering self-conceit with words,

That, while they most ambitiously set forth

Extrinsic differences, the outward marks

Whereby society has parted man

From man, neglect the universal heart.

Here, calling up to mind what then I saw,

A youthful traveller, and see daily now

In the familiar circuit of my home,

Here might I pause, and bend in reverence

To Nature, and the power of human minds,

To men as they are men within themselves.

How oft high service is performed within,

When all the external man is rude in show,—

Not like a temple rich with pomp and gold,

But a mere mountain chapel, that protects

Its simple worshippers from sun and shower.

Of these, said I, shall be my song: of these,

If future years mature me for the task,

Will I record the praises, making verse