Through many channels, ever and anon
Parted and re-united: his compeer

580

To the still lake, whose stillness is to sight
As beautiful-as grateful to the mind.
-But to what object shall the lovely Girl
Be likened? She whose countenance and air
Unite the graceful qualities of both, 586
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, Upon this impulse, to the theme-erewhile 591 Abruptly broken off. The ruddy boys Withdrew, on summons to their well-earned meal;

And He-to whom all tongues reserved their rights

With willingness, to whom the general ear 595 Listened with readier patience than to strain Of music, lute or harp, a long delight

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.

600

BOOK NINTH.

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 Instrument. -The condition of multitudes deplored.-Former conversation recurred to, and the Wanderer's opinions set in a clearer light.-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 Almighty.-Return over the Lake. Parting with the Solitary.-Under what circumstances.

DISCOURSE OF THE WANDERER,

AND AN EVENING VISIT

THE LAKE.

ΤΟ

5

"To every Form of being is assigned,"
Thus calmly spake the venerable Sage,
"An active Principle:-howe'er removed
From sense and observation, it subsists
In all things, in all natures; in the stars
Of azure heaven, the unenduring clouds,
In flower and tree, in every pebbly stone
That paves the brooks, the stationary rocks,
The moving waters, and the invisible air.
Whate'er exists hath properties that spread 10
Beyond itself, communicating good,
A simple blessing, or with evil mixed;
Spirit that knows no insulated spot,
No chasm, no solitude; from link to link
It circulates, the Soul of all the worlds.
This is the freedom of the universe;
Unfolded still the more, more visible,

15

The more we know; and yet is reverenced least,
And least respected in the human Mind,
Its most apparent home. The food of hope 20
Is meditated action; robbed of this
Her sole support, she languishes and dies.
We perish also; for we live by hope
And by desire; we see by the glad light
And breathe the sweet air of futurity;

25