Page:The Recluse, Wordsworth, 1888.djvu/24

12 In that stern countenance, for our souls thence drew

A feeling of their strength. The naked trees,

The icy brooks, as on we passed, appeared

To question us. "Whence come ye, to what end?"

They seemed to say, "What would ye," said the shower,

"Wild Wanderers, whither through my dark domain?"

The sunbeam said, "Be happy." When this vale

We entered, bright and solemn was the sky

That faced us with a passionate welcoming,

And led us to our threshold. Daylight failed

Insensibly, and round us gently fell

Composing darkness, with a quiet load

Of full contentment, in a little shed

Disturbed, uneasy in itself as seemed,