Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/85

BOOK III.] Nothing but a wild field where they were sown.

This is, in truth, heroic argument,

This genuine prowess, which I wished to touch

With hand however weak, but in the main

It lies far hidden from the reach of words.

Points have we all of us within our souls

Where all stand single; this I feel, and make

Breathings for incommunicable powers;

But is not each a memory to himself,

And, therefore, now that we must quit this theme,

I am not heartless, for there's not a man

That lives who hath not known his god-like hours,

And feels not what an empire we inherit

As natural beings in the strength of Nature.

No more: for now into a populous plain

We must descend. A Traveller I am,

Whose tale is only of himself; even so,

So be it, if the pure of heart be prompt

To follow, and if thou, my honoured Friend!

Who in these thoughts art ever at my side,

Support, as heretofore, my fainting steps.

It hath been told, that when the first delight

That flashed upon me from this novel show