Page:The Recluse, Wordsworth, 1888.djvu/29

Rh But two are missing, two, a lonely pair

Of milk-white Swans; wherefore are they not seen

Partaking this day's pleasure? From afar

They came, to sojourn here in solitude,

Choosing this Valley, they who had the choice

Of the whole world. We saw them day by day,

Through those two months of unrelenting storm,

Conspicuous at the centre of the Lake

Their safe retreat, we knew them well, I guess

That the whole valley knew them; but to us

They were more dear than may be well believed,

Not only for their beauty, and their still

And placid way of life, and constant love

Inseparable, not for these alone,

But that their state so much resembled ours,

They having also chosen this abode;