Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/388

366 Suppose my powers so far confirmed, and such

My knowledge, as to make me capable

Of building up a Work that shall endure.

Yet much hath been omitted, as need was;

Of books how much! and even of the other wealth

That is collected among woods and fields,

Far more: for Nature's secondary grace

Hath hitherto been barely touched upon,

The charm more superficial that attends

Her works, as they present to Fancy's choice

Apt illustrations of the moral world,

Caught at a glance, or traced with curious pains.

Finally, and above all, O Friend! (I speak

With due regret) how much is overlooked

In human nature and her subtle ways,

As studied first in our own hearts, and then

In life among the passions of mankind,

Varying their composition and their hue,

Where'er we move, under the diverse shapes

That individual character presents

To an attentive eye. For progress meet,

Along this intricate and difficult path,

Whate'er was wanting, something had I gained,

As one of many schoolfellows compelled,