The Excursion - Book Ninth - Discourse Of The Wanderer, And An Evening Visit To The Lake Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABCDDDEDFGHIJKDDLMAN DDNOOPQRSOODDTDBDDOU VDDQKOOQODWBFOOQDDDX YZODDDDA2RODOOFDUDDD B2O BZDOQODOLDOR DDDDOC2OD2E2F2G2H2NX G2I2OJ2K2L2OOM2OOOON 2OD2DOFDO2EC2DP2DOZD DO DDQ2EQDDDDOOR2FB2O OOFODOS2A2OOOT2U2G2D ODODODDDDOODC2DOOV2D DW2OOXDDEDODP2X2S2OO L2OOY2 TG2OOW2YDODFOQOH2O2D 2DZ2DODJ2OOOODU2A3OD ODDDM2DB3ODC3N2D3NOO EOT DFE3OOM2DDODF3ZG2G3H 3DDDODQ2DOOOI3PJ3K3L 3OH2M3N3O N2DO L3H3O3OT2OE2DP3U2W2Q 3W2OR3DODDZ2DOOE3OT2 OOOODOFW2UOOOS3DOT3O DODOODOODLDDT2DDEQDD OOQOU3J2OB ZC2J3O2L2X2DDV3OOOQD W3K2DNZ2O J2OX3OY3DQ2DW2OY2DDU DODDDOZ2OOZ3OE3A4DDO OOW2 FOOW2OOB4FD3OOOX2DC4 FDOD4ODOODE4OLOF4LOY OFDO DLODOOOFTOBDDOOOE3OD DM2DF ODG4DFT2DOODL3FOFH4D OD3DDFI4O3I4FDJ4OK4 FDDDOODOFOOZ2EFL2DDO DOOOD L4FFL4DOL4DL4DL4ODFD OI3DD DOFOFT2T2DDFDOOO DL4OK4DODFFO OJ4M4DOW3FDOON4 OOOT2EDT2OOOW2OOO4OP 4ODOJ4ODL4T2DOH2K4J4 OOODOOOOH2DQ4R4W2DOO ODFOL4K2F3FS4OOH3I3O DL4FONZ2DW2ODDOOOOZ2 OH2O H2Z2L4H2ONS4F3H2Z2H2 ODOT4S4H2OS2DX2 L4OW2OZ2ODODH2TFDODO J4DDDODFDDDOOOH2OEOO OOOFTH2O OODJ4J4Z2OF3DOOFL4OO OU2DOFF3Z2ODDU4DZ2DD F2OJ4OZ2 OS4DL4OOH2OJ4K2OOFOF DOL4DZ2ODV4DW2OFH2DF DOOOODOOOFDOO

To every Form of being is assigned	A
Thus calmly spake the venerable Sage	B
An 'active' Principle howe'er removed	C
From sense and observation it subsists	D
In all things in all natures in the stars	D
Of azure heaven the unenduring clouds	D
In flower and tree in every pebbly stone	E
That paves the brooks the stationary rocks	D
The moving waters and the invisible air	F
Whate'er exists hath properties that spread	G
Beyond itself communicating good	H
A simple blessing or with evil mixed	I
Spirit that knows no insulated spot	J
No chasm no solitude from link to link	K
It circulates the Soul of all the worlds	D
This is the freedom of the universe	D
Unfolded still the more more visible	L
The more we know and yet is reverenced least	M
And least respected in the human Mind	A
Its most apparent home The food of hope	N
Is meditated action robbed of this	D
Her sole support she languishes and dies	D
We perish also for we live by hope	N
And by desire we see by the glad light	O
And breathe the sweet air of futurity	O
And so we live or else we have no life	P
To morrow nay perchance this very hour	Q
For every moment hath its own to morrow	R
Those blooming Boys whose hearts are almost sick	S
With present triumph will be sure to find	O
A field before them freshened with the dew	O
Of other expectations in which course	D
Their happy year spins round The youth obeys	D
A like glad impulse and so moves the man	T
'Mid all his apprehensions cares and fears	D
Or so he ought to move Ah why in age	B
Do we revert so fondly to the walks	D
Of childhood but that there the Soul discerns	D
The dear memorial footsteps unimpaired	O
Of her own native vigour thence can hear	U
Reverberations and a choral song	V
Commingling with the incense that ascends	D
Undaunted toward the imperishable heavens	D
From her own lonely altar	Q
Do not think	K
That good and wise ever will be allowed	O
Though strength decay to breathe in such estate	O
As shall divide them wholly from the stir	Q
Of hopeful nature Rightly is it said	O
That Man descends into the VALE of years	D
Yet have I thought that we might also speak	W
And not presumptuously I trust of Age	B
As of a final EMINENCE though bare	F
In aspect and forbidding yet a point	O
On which 'tis not impossible to sit	O
In awful sovereignty a place of power	Q
A throne that may be likened unto his	D
Who in some placid day of summer looks	D
Down from a mountain top say one of those	D
High peaks that bound the vale where now we are	X
Faint and diminished to the gazing eye	Y
Forest and field and hill and dale appear	Z
With all the shapes over their surface spread	O
But while the gross and visible frame of things	D
Relinquishes its hold upon the sense	D
Yea almost on the Mind herself and seems	D
All unsubstantialized how loud the voice	D
Of waters with invigorated peal	A2
From the full river in the vale below	R
Ascending For on that superior height	O
Who sits is disencumbered from the press	D
Of near obstructions and is privileged	O
To breathe in solitude above the host	O
Of ever humming insects 'mid thin air	F
That suits not them The murmur of the leaves	D
Many and idle visits not his ear	U
This he is freed from and from thousand notes	D
Not less unceasing not less vain than these	D
By which the finer passages of sense	D
Are occupied and the Soul that would incline	B2
To listen is prevented or deterred	O
	-
And may it not be hoped that placed by age	B
In like removal tranquil though severe	Z
We are not so removed for utter loss	D
But for some favour suited to our need	O
What more than that the severing should confer	Q
Fresh power to commune with the invisible world	O
And hear the mighty stream of tendency	D
Uttering for elevation of our thought	O
A clear sonorous voice inaudible	L
To the vast multitude whose doom it is	D
To run the giddy round of vain delight	O
Or fret and labour on the Plain below	R
	-
But if to such sublime ascent the hopes	D
Of Man may rise as to a welcome close	D
And termination of his mortal course	D
Them only can such hope inspire whose minds	D
Have not been starved by absolute neglect	O
Nor bodies crushed by unremitting toil	C2
To whom kind Nature therefore may afford	O
Proof of the sacred love she bears for all	D2
Whose birthright Reason therefore may ensure	E2
For me consulting what I feel within	F2
In times when most existence with herself	G2
Is satisfied I cannot but believe	H2
That far as kindly Nature hath free scope	N
And Reason's sway predominates even so far	X
Country society and time itself	G2
That saps the individual's bodily frame	I2
And lays the generations low in dust	O
Do by the almighty Ruler's grace partake	J2
Of one maternal spirit bringing forth	K2
And cherishing with ever constant love	L2
That tires not nor betrays Our life is turned	O
Out of her course wherever man is made	O
An offering or a sacrifice a tool	M2
Or implement a passive thing employed	O
As a brute mean without acknowledgment	O
Of common right or interest in the end	O
Used or abused as selfishness may prompt	O
Say what can follow for a rational soul	N2
Perverted thus but weakness in all good	O
And strength in evil Hence an after call	D2
For chastisement and custody and bonds	D
And oft times Death avenger of the past	O
And the sole guardian in whose hands we dare	F
Entrust the future Not for these sad issues	D
Was Man created but to obey the law	O2
Of life and hope and action And 'tis known	E
That when we stand upon our native soil	C2
Unelbowed by such objects as oppress	D
Our active powers those powers themselves become	P2
Strong to subvert our noxious qualities	D
They sweep distemper from the busy day	O
And make the chalice of the big round year	Z
Run o'er with gladness whence the Being moves	D
In beauty through the world and all who see	D
Bless him rejoicing in his neighbourhood	O
	-
Then said the Solitary by what force	D
Of language shall a feeling heart express	D
Her sorrow for that multitude in whom	Q2
We look for health from seeds that have been sown	E
In sickness and for increase in a power	Q
That works but by extinction On themselves	D
They cannot lean nor turn to their own hearts	D
To know what they must do their wisdom is	D
To look into the eyes of others thence	D
To be instructed what they must avoid	O
Or rather let us say how least observed	O
How with most quiet and most silent death	R2
With the least taint and injury to the air	F
The oppressor breathes their human form divine	B2
And their immortal soul may waste away	O
	-
The Sage rejoined I thank you you have spared	O
My voice the utterance of a keen regret	O
A wide compassion which with you I share	F
When heretofore I placed before your sight	O
A Little one subjected to the arts	D
Of modern ingenuity and made	O
The senseless member of a vast machine	S2
Serving as doth a spindle or a wheel	A2
Think not that pitying him I could forget	O
The rustic Boy who walks the fields untaught	O
The slave of ignorance and oft of want	O
And miserable hunger Much too much	T2
Of this unhappy lot in early youth	U2
We both have witnessed lot which I myself	G2
Shared though in mild and merciful degree	D
Yet was the mind to hindrances exposed	O
Through which I struggled not without distress	D
And sometimes injury like a lamb enthralled	O
'Mid thorns and brambles or a bird that breaks	D
Through a strong net and mounts upon the wind	O
Though with her plumes impaired If they whose souls	D
Should open while they range the richer fields	D
Of merry England are obstructed less	D
By indigence their ignorance is not less	D
Nor less to be deplored For who can doubt	O
That tens of thousands at this day exist	O
Such as the boy you painted lineal heirs	D
Of those who once were vassals of her soil	C2
Following its fortunes like the beasts or trees	D
Which it sustained But no one takes delight	O
In this oppression none are proud of it	O
It bears no sounding name nor ever bore	V2
A standing grievance an indigenous vice	D
Of every country under heaven My thoughts	D
Were turned to evils that are new and chosen	W2
A bondage lurking under shape of good	O
Arts in themselves beneficent and kind	O
But all too fondly followed and too far	X
To victims which the merciful can see	D
Nor think that they are victims turned to wrongs	D
By women who have children of their own	E
Beheld without compassion yea with praise	D
I spake of mischief by the wise diffused	O
With gladness thinking that the more it spreads	D
The healthier the securer we become	P2
Delusion which a moment may destroy	X2
Lastly I mourned for those whom I had seen	S2
Corrupted and cast down on favoured ground	O
Where circumstance and nature had combined	O
To shelter innocence and cherish love	L2
Who but for this intrusion would have lived	O
Possessed of health and strength and peace of mind	O
Thus would have lived or never have been born	Y2
	-
Alas what differs more than man from man	T
And whence that difference whence but from himself	G2
For see the universal Race endowed	O
With the same upright form The sun is fixed	O
And the infinite magnificence of heaven	W2
Fixed within reach of every human eye	Y
The sleepless ocean murmurs for all ears	D
The vernal field infuses fresh delight	O
Into all hearts Throughout the world of sense	D
Even as an object is sublime or fair	F
That object is laid open to the view	O
Without reserve or veil and as a power	Q
Is salutary or an influence sweet	O
Are each and all enabled to perceive	H2
That power that influence by impartial law	O2
Gifts nobler are vouchsafed alike to all	D2
Reason and with that reason smiles and tears	D
Imagination freedom in the will	Z2
Conscience to guide and check and death to be	D
Foretasted immortality conceived	O
By all a blissful immortality	D
To them whose holiness on earth shall make	J2
The Spirit capable of heaven assured	O
Strange then nor less than monstrous might be deemed	O
The failure if the Almighty to this point	O
Liberal and undistinguishing should hide	O
The excellence of moral qualities	D
From common understanding leaving truth	U2
And virtue difficult abstruse and dark	A3
Hard to be won and only by a few	O
Strange should He deal herein with nice respects	D
And frustrate all the rest Believe it not	O
The primal duties shine aloft like stars	D
The charities that soothe and heal and bless	D
Are scattered at the feet of Man like flowers	D
The generous inclination the just rule	M2
Kind wishes and good actions and pure thoughts	D
No mystery is here Here is no boon	B3
For high yet not for low for proudly graced	O
Yet not for meek of heart The smoke ascends	D
To heaven as lightly from the cottage hearth	C3
As from the haughtiest palace He whose soul	N2
Ponders this true equality may walk	D3
The fields of earth with gratitude and hope	N
Yet in that meditation will he find	O
Motive to sadder grief as we have found	O
Lamenting ancient virtues overthrown	E
And for the injustice grieving that hath made	O
So wide a difference between man and man	T
	-
Then let us rather fix our gladdened thoughts	D
Upon the brighter scene How blest that pair	F
Of blooming Boys whom we beheld even now	E3
Blest in their several and their common lot	O
A few short hours of each returning day	O
The thriving prisoners of their village school	M2
And thence let loose to seek their pleasant homes	D
Or range the grassy lawn in vacancy	D
To breathe and to he happy run and shout	O
Idle but no delay no harm no loss	D
For every genial power of heaven and earth	F3
Through all the seasons of the changeful year	Z
Obsequiously doth take upon herself	G2
To labour for them bringing each in turn	G3
The tribute of enjoyment knowledge health	H3
Beauty or strength Such privilege is theirs	D
Granted alike in the outset of their course	D
To both and if that partnership must cease	D
I grieve not to the Pastor here he turned	O
Much as I glory in that child of yours	D
Repine not for his cottage comrade whom	Q2
Belike no higher destiny awaits	D
Than the old hereditary wish fulfilled	O
The wish for liberty to live content	O
With what Heaven grants and die in peace of mind	O
Within the bosom of his native vale	I3
At least whatever fate the noon of life	P
Reserves for either sure it is that both	J3
Have been permitted to enjoy the dawn	K3
Whether regarded as a jocund time	L3
That in itself may terminate or lead	O
In course of nature to a sober eve	H2
Both have been fairly dealt with looking back	M3
They will allow that justice has in them	N3
Been shown alike to body and to mind	O
	-
He paused as if revolving in his soul	N2
Some weighty matter then with fervent voice	D
And an impassioned majesty exclaimed	O
	-
O for the coming of that glorious time	L3
When prizing knowledge as her noblest wealth	H3
And best protection this imperial Realm	O3
While she exacts allegiance shall admit	O
An obligation on her part to 'teach'	T2
Them who are born to serve her and obey	O
Binding herself by statute to secure	E2
For all the children whom her soil maintains	D
The rudiments of letters and inform	P3
The mind with moral and religious truth	U2
Both understood and practised so that none	W2
However destitute be left to droop	Q3
By timely culture unsustained or run	W2
Into a wild disorder or be forced	O
To drudge through a weary life without the help	R3
Of intellectual implements and tools	D
A savage horde among the civilised	O
A servile band among the lordly free	D
This sacred right the lisping babe proclaims	D
To be inherent in him by Heaven's will	Z2
For the protection of his innocence	D
And the rude boy who having overpast	O
The sinless age by conscience is enrolled	O
Yet mutinously knits his angry brow	E3
And lifts his wilful hand on mischief bent	O
Or turns the godlike faculty of speech	T2
To impious use by process indirect	O
Declares his due while he makes known his need	O
This sacred right is fruitlessly announced	O
This universal plea in vain addressed	O
To eyes and ears of parents who themselves	D
Did in the time of their necessity	O
Urge it in vain and therefore like a prayer	F
That from the humblest floor ascends to heaven	W2
It mounts to meet the State's parental ear	U
Who if indeed she own a mother's heart	O
And be not most unfeelingly devoid	O
Of gratitude to Providence will grant	O
The unquestionable good which England safe	S3
From interference of external force	D
May grant at leisure without risk incurred	O
That what in wisdom for herself she doth	T3
Others shall e'er be able to undo	O
	-
Look and behold from Calpe's sun burnt cliffs	D
To the flat margin of the Baltic sea	O
Long reverenced titles cast away as weeds	D
Laws overturned and territory split	O
Like fields of ice rent by the polar wind	O
And forced to join in less obnoxious shapes	D
Which ere they gain consistence by a gust	O
Of the same breath are shattered and destroyed	O
Meantime the sovereignty of these fair Isles	D
Remains entire and indivisible	L
And if that ignorance were removed which breeds	D
Within the compass of their several shores	D
Dark discontent or loud commotion each	T2
Might still preserve the beautiful repose	D
Of heavenly bodies shining in their spheres	D
The discipline of slavery is unknown	E
Among us hence the more do we require	Q
The discipline of virtue order else	D
Cannot subsist nor confidence nor peace	D
Thus duties rising out of good possest	O
And prudent caution needful to avert	O
Impending evil equally require	Q
That the whole people should be taught and trained	O
So shall licentiousness and black resolve	U3
Be rooted out and virtuous habits take	J2
Their place and genuine piety descend	O
Like an inheritance from age to age	B
	-
With such foundations laid avaunt the fear	Z
Of numbers crowded on their native soil	C2
To the prevention of all healthful growth	J3
Through mutual injury Rather in the law	O2
Of increase and the mandate from above	L2
Rejoice and ye have special cause for joy	X2
For as the element of air affords	D
An easy passage to the industrious bees	D
Fraught with their burthens and a way as smooth	V3
For those ordained to take their sounding flight	O
From the thronged hive and settle where they list	O
In fresh abodes their labour to renew	O
So the wide waters open to the power	Q
The will the instincts and appointed needs	D
Of Britain do invite her to cast off	W3
Her swarms and in succession send them forth	K2
Bound to establish new communities	D
On every shore whose aspect favours hope	N
Or bold adventure promising to skill	Z2
And perseverance their deserved reward	O
	-
Yes he continued kindling as he spake	J2
Change wide and deep and silently performed	O
This Land shall witness and as days roll on	X3
Earth's universal frame shall feel the effect	O
Even till the smallest habitable rock	Y3
Beaten by lonely billows hear the songs	D
Of humanised society and bloom	Q2
With civil arts that shall breathe forth their fragrance	D
A grateful tribute to all ruling Heaven	W2
From culture unexclusively bestowed	O
On Albion's noble Race in freedom born	Y2
Expect these mighty issues from the pains	D
And faithful care of unambitious schools	D
Instructing simple childhood's ready ear	U
Thence look for these magnificent results	D
Vast the circumference of hope and ye	O
Are at its centre British Lawgivers	D
Ah sleep not there in shame Shall Wisdom's voice	D
From out the bosom of these troubled times	D
Repeat the dictates of her calmer mind	O
And shall the venerable halls ye fill	Z2
Refuse to echo the sublime decree	O
Trust not to partial care a general good	O
Transfer not to futurity a work	Z3
Of urgent need Your Country must complete	O
Her glorious destiny Begin even now	E3
Now when oppression like the Egyptian plague	A4
Of darkness stretched o'er guilty Europe makes	D
The brightness more conspicuous that invests	D
The happy Island where ye think and act	O
Now when destruction is a prime pursuit	O
Show to the wretched nations for what end	O
The powers of civil polity were given	W2
	-
Abruptly here but with a graceful air	F
The Sage broke off No sooner had he ceased	O
Than looking forth the gentle Lady said	O
Behold the shades of afternoon have fallen	W2
Upon this flowery slope and see beyond	O
The silvery lake is streaked with placid blue	O
As if preparing for the peace of evening	B4
How temptingly the landscape shines The air	F
Breathes invitation easy is the walk	D3
To the lake's margin where a boat lies moored	O
Under a sheltering tree Upon this hint	O
We rose together all were pleased but most	O
The beauteous girl whose cheek was flushed with joy	X2
Light as a sunbeam glides along the hills	D
She vanished eager to impart the scheme	C4
To her loved brother and his shy compeer	F
Now was there bustle in the Vicar's house	D
And earnest preparation Forth we went	O
And down the vale along the streamlet's edge	D4
Pursued our way a broken company	O
Mute or conversing single or in pairs	D
Thus having reached a bridge that overarched	O
The hasty rivulet where it lay becalmed	O
In a deep pool by happy chance we saw	D
A twofold image on a grassy bank	E4
A snow white ram and in the crystal flood	O
Another and the same Most beautiful	L
On the green turf with his imperial front	O
Shaggy and bold and wreathed horns superb	F4
The breathing creature stood as beautiful	L
Beneath him showed his shadowy counterpart	O
Each had his glowing mountains each his sky	Y
And each seemed centre of his own fair world	O
Antipodes unconscious of each other	F
Yet in partition with their several spheres	D
Blended in perfect stillness to our sight	O
	-
Ah what a pity were it to disperse	D
Or to disturb so fair a spectacle	L
And yet a breath can do it	O
These few words	D
The Lady whispered while we stood and gazed	O
Gathered together all in still delight	O
Not without awe Thence passing on she said	O
In like low voice to my particular ear	F
I love to hear that eloquent old Man	T
Pour forth his meditations and descant	O
On human life from infancy to age	B
How pure his spirit in what vivid hues	D
His mind gives back the various forms of things	D
Caught in their fairest happiest attitude	O
While he is speaking I have power to see	O
Even as he sees but when his voice hath ceased	O
Then with a sigh sometimes I feel as now	E3
That combinations so serene and bright	O
Cannot be lasting in a world like ours	D
Whose highest beauty beautiful as it is	D
Like that reflected in yon quiet pool	M2
Seems but a fleeting sunbeam's gift whose peace	D
The sufferance only of a breath of air	F
	-
More had she said but sportive shouts were heard	O
Sent from the jocund hearts of those two Boys	D
Who bearing each a basket on his arm	G4
Down the green field came tripping after us	D
With caution we embarked and now the pair	F
For prouder service were addrest but each	T2
Wishful to leave an opening for my choice	D
Dropped the light oar his eager hand had seized	O
Thanks given for that becoming courtesy	O
Their place I took and for a grateful office	D
Pregnant with recollections of the time	L3
When on thy bosom spacious Windermere	F
A Youth I practised this delightful art	O
Tossed on the waves alone or 'mid a crew	F
Of joyous comrades Soon as the reedy marge	H4
Was cleared I dipped with arms accordant oars	D
Free from obstruction and the boat advanced	O
Through crystal water smoothly as a hawk	D3
That disentangled from the shady boughs	D
Of some thick wood her place of covert cleaves	D
With correspondent wings the abyss of air	F
Observe the Vicar said yon rocky isle	I4
With birch trees fringed my hand shall guide the helm	O3
While thitherward we shape our course or while	I4
We seek that other on the western shore	F
Where the bare columns of those lofty firs	D
Supporting gracefully a massy dome	J4
Of sombre foliage seem to imitate	O
A Grecian temple rising from the Deep	K4
	-
Turn where we may said I we cannot err	F
In this delicious region Cultured slopes	D
Wild tracts of forest ground and scattered groves	D
And mountains bare or clothed with ancient woods	D
Surrounded us and as we held our way	O
Along the level of the glassy flood	O
They ceased not to surround us change of place	D
From kindred features diversely combined	O
Producing change of beauty ever new	F
Ah that such beauty varying in the light	O
Of living nature cannot be portrayed	O
By words nor by the pencil's silent skill	Z2
But is the property of him alone	E
Who hath beheld it noted it with care	F
And in his mind recorded it with love	L2
Suffice it therefore if the rural Muse	D
Vouchsafe sweet influence while her Poet speaks	D
Of trivial occupations well devised	O
And unsought pleasures springing up by chance	D
As if some friendly Genius had ordained	O
That as the day thus far had been enriched	O
By acquisition of sincere delight	O
The same should be continued to its close	D
	-
One spirit animating old and young	L4
A gipsy fire we kindled on the shore	F
Of the fair Isle with birch trees fringed and there	F
Merrily seated in a ring partook	L4
A choice repast served by our young companions	D
With rival earnestness and kindred glee	O
Launched from our hands the smooth stone skimmed the lake	L4
With shouts we raised the echoes stiller sounds	D
The lovely Girl supplied a simple song	L4
Whose low tones reached not to the distant rocks	D
To be repeated thence but gently sank	L4
Into our hearts and charmed the peaceful flood	O
Rapaciously we gathered flowery spoils	D
From land and water lilies of each hue	F
Golden and white that float upon the waves	D
And court the wind and leaves of that shy plant	O
Her flowers were shed the lily of the vale	I3
That loves the ground and from the sun withholds	D
Her pensive beauty from the breeze her sweets	D
	-
Such product and such pastime did the place	D
And season yield but as we re embarked	O
Leaving in quest of other scenes the shore	F
Of that wild spot the Solitary said	O
In a low voice yet careless who might hear	F
The fire that burned so brightly to our wish	T2
Where is it now Deserted on the beach	T2
Dying or dead Nor shall the fanning breeze	D
Revive its ashes What care we for this	D
Whose ends are gained Behold an emblem here	F
Of one day's pleasure and all mortal joys	D
And in this unpremeditated slight	O
Of that which is no longer needed see	O
The common course of human gratitude	O
	-
This plaintive note disturbed not the repose	D
Of the still evening Right across the lake	L4
Our pinnace moves then coasting creek and bay	O
Glades we behold and into thickets peep	K4
Where couch the spotted deer or raised our eyes	D
To shaggy steeps on which the careless goat	O
Browsed by the side of dashing waterfalls	D
And thus the bark meandering with the shore	F
Pursued her voyage till a natural pier	F
Of jutting rock invited us to land	O
	-
Alert to follow as the Pastor led	O
We clomb a green hill's side and as we clomb	J4
The Valley opening out her bosom gave	M4
Fair prospect intercepted less and less	D
O'er the flat meadows and indented coast	O
Of the smooth lake in compass seen far off	W3
And yet conspicuous stood the old Church tower	F
In majesty presiding over fields	D
And habitations seemingly preserved	O
From all intrusion of the restless world	O
By rocks impassable and mountains huge	N4
	-
Soft heath this elevated spot supplied	O
And choice of moss clad stones whereon we couched	O
Or sate reclined admiring quietly	O
The general aspect of the scene but each	T2
Not seldom over anxious to make known	E
His own discoveries or to favourite points	D
Directing notice merely from a wish	T2
To impart a joy imperfect while unshared	O
That rapturous moment never shall I forget	O
When these particular interests were effaced	O
From every mind Already had the sun	W2
Sinking with less than ordinary state	O
Attained his western bound but rays of light	O
Now suddenly diverging from the orb	O4
Retired behind the mountain tops or veiled	O
By the dense air shot upwards to the crown	P4
Of the blue firmament aloft and wide	O
And multitudes of little floating clouds	D
Through their ethereal texture pierced ere we	O
Who saw of change were conscious had become	J4
Vivid as fire clouds separately poised	O
Innumerable multitude of forms	D
Scattered through half the circle of the sky	L4
And giving back and shedding each on each	T2
With prodigal communion the bright hues	D
Which from the unapparent fount of glory	O
They had imbibed and ceased not to receive	H2
That which the heavens displayed the liquid deep	K4
Repeated but with unity sublime	J4
	-
While from the grassy mountain's open side	O
We gazed in silence hushed with eyes intent	O
On the refulgent spectacle diffused	O
Through earth sky water and all visible space	D
The Priest in holy transport thus exclaimed	O
Eternal Spirit universal God	O
Power inaccessible to human thought	O
Save by degrees and steps which thou hast deigned	O
To furnish for this effluence of thyself	H2
To the infirmity of mortal sense	D
Vouchsafed this local transitory type	Q4
Of thy paternal splendours and the pomp	R4
Of those who fill thy courts in highest heaven	W2
The radiant Cherubim accept the thanks	D
Which we thy humble Creatures here convened	O
Presume to offer we who from the breast	O
Of the frail earth permitted to behold	O
The faint reflections only of thy face	D
Are yet exalted and in soul adore	F
Such as they are who in thy presence stand	O
Unsullied incorruptible and drink	L4
Imperishable majesty streamed forth	K2
From thy empyreal throne the elect of earth	F3
Shall be divested at the appointed hour	F
Of all dishonour cleansed from mortal stain	S4
Accomplish then their number and conclude	O
Time's weary course Or if by thy decree	O
The consummation that will come by stealth	H3
Be yet far distant let thy Word prevail	I3
Oh let thy Word prevail to take away	O
The sting of human nature Spread the law	D
As it is written in thy holy book	L4
Throughout all lands let every nation hear	F
The high behest and every heart obey	O
Both for the love of purity and hope	N
Which it affords to such as do thy will	Z2
And persevere in good that they shall rise	D
To have a nearer view of thee in heaven	W2
Father of good this prayer in bounty grant	O
In mercy grant it to thy wretched sons	D
Then not till then shall persecution cease	D
And cruel wars expire The way is marked	O
The guide appointed and the ransom paid	O
Alas the nations who of yore received	O
These tidings and in Christian temples meet	O
The sacred truth to knowledge linger still	Z2
Preferring bonds and darkness to a state	O
Of holy freedom by redeeming love	H2
Proffered to all while yet on earth detained	O
	-
So fare the many and the thoughtful few	H2
Who in the anguish of their souls bewail	Z2
This dire perverseness cannot choose but ask	L4
Shall it endure Shall enmity and strife	H2
Falsehood and guile be left to sow their seed	O
And the kind never perish Is the hope	N
Fallacious or shall righteousness obtain	S4
A peaceable dominion wide as earth	F3
And ne'er to fail Shall that blest day arrive	H2
When they whose choice or lot it is to dwell	Z2
In crowded cities without fear shall live	H2
Studious of mutual benefit and he	O
Whom Morn awakens among dews and flowers	D
Of every clime to till the lonely field	O
Be happy in himself The law of faith	T4
Working through love such conquest shall it gain	S4
Such triumph over sin and guilt achieve	H2
Almighty Lord thy further grace impart	O
And with that help the wonder shall be seen	S2
Fulfilled the hope accomplished and thy praise	D
Be sung with transport and unceasing joy	X2
	-
Once and with mild demeanour as he spake	L4
On us the venerable Pastor turned	O
His beaming eye that had been raised to Heaven	W2
Once while the Name Jehovah was a sound	O
Within the circuit of this sea girt isle	Z2
Unheard the savage nations bowed the head	O
To Gods delighting in remorseless deeds	D
Gods which themselves had fashioned to promote	O
Ill purposes and flatter foul desires	D
Then in the bosom of yon mountain cove	H2
To those inventions of corrupted man	T
Mysterious rites were solemnised and there	F
Amid impending rocks and gloomy woods	D
Of those terrific Idols some received	O
Such dismal service that the loudest voice	D
Of the swoln cataracts which now are heard	O
Soft murmuring was too weak to overcome	J4
Though aided by wild winds the groans and shrieks	D
Of human victims offered up to appease	D
Or to propitiate And if living eyes	D
Had visionary faculties to see	O
The thing that hath been as the thing that is	D
Aghast we might behold this crystal Mere	F
Bedimmed with smoke in wreaths voluminous	D
Flung from the body of devouring fires	D
To Taranis erected on the heights	D
By priestly hands for sacrifice performed	O
Exultingly in view of open day	O
And full assemblage of a barbarous host	O
Or to Andates female Power who gave	H2
For so they fancied glorious victory	O
A few rude monuments of mountain stone	E
Survive all else is swept away How bright	O
The appearances of things From such how changed	O
The existing worship and with those compared	O
The worshippers how innocent and blest	O
So wide the difference a willing mind	O
Might almost think at this affecting hour	F
That paradise the lost abode of man	T
Was raised again and to a happy few	H2
In its original beauty here restored	O
	-
Whence but from thee the true and only God	O
And from the faith derived through Him who bled	O
Upon the cross this marvellous advance	D
Of good from evil as if one extreme	J4
Were left the other gained O ye who come	J4
To kneel devoutly in yon reverend Pile	Z2
Called to such office by the peaceful sound	O
Of sabbath bells and ye who sleep in earth	F3
All cares forgotten round its hallowed walls	D
For you in presence of this little band	O
Gathered together on the green hill side	O
Your Pastor is emboldened to prefer	F
Vocal thanksgivings to the eternal King	L4
Whose love whose counsel whose commands have made	O
Your very poorest rich in peace of thought	O
And in good works and him who is endowed	O
With scantiest knowledge master of all truth	U2
Which the salvation of his soul requires	D
Conscious of that abundant favour showered	O
On you the children of my humble care	F
And this dear land our country while on earth	F3
We sojourn have I lifted up my soul	Z2
Joy giving voice to fervent gratitude	O
These barren rocks your stern inheritance	D
These fertile fields that recompense your pains	D
The shadowy vale the sunny mountain top	U4
Woods waving in the wind their lofty heads	D
Or hushed the roaring waters and the still	Z2
They see the offering of my lifted hands	D
They hear my lips present their sacrifice	D
They know if I be silent morn or even	F2
For though in whispers speaking the full heart	O
Will find a vent and thought is praise to him	J4
Audible praise to thee omniscient Mind	O
From whom all gifts descend all blessings flow	Z2
	-
This vesper service closed without delay	O
From that exalted station to the plain	S4
Descending we pursued our homeward course	D
In mute composure o'er the shadowy lake	L4
Under a faded sky No trace remained	O
Of those celestial splendours grey the vault	O
Pure cloudless ether and the star of eve	H2
Was wanting but inferior lights appeared	O
Faintly too faint almost for sight and some	J4
Above the darkened hills stood boldly forth	K2
In twinkling lustre ere the boat attained	O
Her mooring place where to the sheltering tree	O
Our youthful Voyagers bound fast her prow	F
With prompt yet careful hands This done we paced	O
The dewy fields but ere the Vicar's door	F
Was reached the Solitary checked his steps	D
Then intermingling thanks on each bestowed	O
A farewell salutation and the like	L4
Receiving took the slender path that leads	D
To the one cottage in the lonely dell	Z2
But turned not without welcome promise made	O
That he would share the pleasures and pursuits	D
Of yet another summer's day not loth	V4
To wander with us through the fertile vales	D
And o'er the mountain wastes Another sun	W2
Said he shall shine upon us ere we part	O
Another sun and peradventure more	F
If time with free consent be yours to give	H2
And season favours	D
To enfeebled Power	F
From this communion with uninjured Minds	D
What renovation had been brought and what	O
Degree of healing to a wounded spirit	O
Dejected and habitually disposed	O
To seek in degradation of the Kind	O
Excuse and solace for her own defects	D
How far those erring notions were reformed	O
And whether aught of tendency as good	O
And pure from further intercourse ensued	O
This if delightful hopes as heretofore	F
Inspire the serious song and gentle Hearts	D
Cherish and lofty Minds approve the past	O
My future labours may not leave untold	O

William Wordsworth

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