To that fair girl who from the garden-mount With its rich freight; their number he proclaims; But O, the animation in the mien Of those two boys! yea in the very words The Boy of plainer garb, and more abashed 1814. His looks,1 tones, gestures, eager eloquence, Parted and re-united: his compeer To the still lake, whose stillness is to sight 3 She whose countenance and air Unite the graceful qualities of both, Even as she shares the pride and joy of both. My grey-haired Friend was moved; his vivid eye Glistened with tenderness; his mind, I knew, Was full; and had, I doubted not, returned, Withdrew, on summons to their well-earned meal; Listened with readier patience than to strain Of music, lute or harp, a long delight 4 That ceased not when his voice had ceased-as One Who from truth's central point serenely views The compass of his argument-began Mildly, and with a clear and steady tone. Did now withdraw to take their well-earned meal; 1814. Book Ainth. DISCOURSE OF THE WANDERER, AND AN EVENING VISIT TO THE LAKE.* ARGUMENT. Wanderer asserts that an active principle pervades the Universe, its noblest seat the human soul-How lively this principle is in Childhood— Hence the delight in old Age of looking back upon Childhood—The dignity, powers, and privileges of Age asserted-These not to be looked for generally but under a just government—Right of a human Creature to be exempt from being considered as a mere Instrument1— The condition of multitudes deplored 2— Former conversation recurred to, and the Wanderer's opinions set in a clearer light 3— Truth placed within reach of the humblest-Equality-Happy state of the two Boys again adverted to-Earnest wish expressed for a System of National Education established universally by Government—Glorious effects of this foretold— Walk to the Lake-Grand spectacle from the side of a hill—Address of Priest to the Supreme Being—in the course of which he contrasts with ancient Barbarism the present appearance of the scene before him—The change ascribed to Christianity—Apostrophe to his flock, living and dead-Gratitude to the AlmightyReturn over the Lake-Parting with the Solitary--Under what cir Vicious inclinations are best kept under by giving good 1814. Deplored from want of due respect to this truth on the 1814. Wanderer breaks off-Walk to the Lake-embark— 1814. * "Upon the side of Loughrigg Fell, at the foot of the Lake, and looking down upon it and the whole Vale, and its accompanying mountains, the Pastor' is supposed by me to stand, when at sunset he addresses his companions." ."—I. F. MS.-ED. "To every Form of being is assigned," Thus calmly spake the venerable Sage, The more we know; and yet is reverenced least, Those blooming Boys, whose hearts are almost sick 1 1820. has its own Compare Tintern Abbey, Vol. I. p. 269. A motion or a spirit, that impels All thinking things, all objects of all thought, 1814. -ED. A field before them freshened with the dew Of other expectations;-in which course Their happy year spins round. The youth obeys 'Mid all his apprehensions, cares, and fears, Ah! why in age Do we revert so fondly to the walks Of childhood-but that there the Soul discerns Of her own native vigour; thence can hear1 Commingling with the incense that ascends, Do not think That good and wise ever will be allowed,3 Though strength decay, to breathe in such estate As shall divide them wholly from the stir Of hopeful nature. Rightly is it said That Man descends into the VALE of years; |