Page:The Recluse, Wordsworth, 1888.djvu/31

Rh Thrice favoured Region, the conjecture harsh

Of such inhospitable penalty

Inflicted upon confidence so pure.

Ah! if I wished to follow where the sight

Of all that is before my eyes, the voice

Which speaks from a presiding spirit here,

Would lead me, I should whisper to myself:

They who are dwellers in this holy place

Must needs themselves be hallowed, they require

No benediction from the stranger's lips,

For they are blessed already; none would give

The greeting "peace be with you" unto them,

For peace they have; it cannot but be theirs,

And mercy, and forbearance—nay—not these—

Their healing offices a pure good-will

Precludes, and charity beyond the bounds