Page:The Prelude, Wordsworth, 1850.djvu/93

BOOK III.] To instantaneous service; should at once

Have made me pay to science and to arts

And written lore, acknowledged my liege lord,

A homage frankly offered up, like that

Which I had paid to Nature. Toil and pains

In this recess, by thoughtful Fancy built,

Should spread from heart to heart; and stately groves,

Majestic edifices, should not want

A corresponding dignity within.

The congregating temper that pervades

Our unripe years, not wasted, should be taught

To minister to works of high attempt—

Works which the enthusiast would perform with love.

Youth should be awed, religiously possessed

With a conviction of the power that waits

On knowledge, when sincerely sought and prized

For its own sake, on glory and on praise

If but by labour won, and fit to endure

The passing day; should learn to put aside

Her trappings here, should strip them off abashed

Before antiquity and stedfast truth

And strong book-mindedness; and over all

A healthy sound simplicity should reign,

A seemly plainness, name it what you will,

Republican or pious.