Part 30

This ardent[782] sally pleased the mild good Man, To whom the appeal couched in its[783] closing words 435 Was pointedly addressed; and to the thoughts That,[784] in assent or opposition, rose Within his mind, he seemed prepared to give Prompt utterance; but the Vicar interposed[785] With invitation urgently[786] renewed. 440 --We followed, taking as he led, a path Along a hedge of hollies dark and tall,[787][KG] Whose flexile boughs low bending with a weight[788] Of leafy spray, concealed the stems and roots That gave them nourishment. When frosty winds 445 Howl from the north, what kindly warmth, methought, Is here--how grateful this impervious screen![789] --Not shaped by simple wearing of the foot On rural business passing to and fro Was the commodious walk: a careful hand 450 Had marked the line, and strewn its[790] surface o'er With pure cerulean gravel,[KH] from the heights Fetched by a[791] neighbouring brook.--Across the vale The stately fence accompanied our steps; And thus the pathway, by perennial green 455 Guarded and graced, seemed fashioned to unite, As by a beautiful yet solemn chain, The Pastor's mansion with the house of prayer.

Like image of solemnity, conjoined With feminine allurement soft and fair, 460 The mansion's self displayed;--a reverend pile With bold projections and recesses deep; Shadowy, yet gay and lightsome as it stood Fronting the noontide sun. We paused to admire The pillared porch, elaborately embossed; 465 The low wide windows with their mullions old; The cornice, richly fretted, of grey stone; And that smooth slope from which the dwelling rose, By beds and banks Arcadian of gay flowers And flowering shrubs, protected and adorned: 470 Profusion bright! and every flower assuming A more than natural vividness of hue, From unaffected contrast with the gloom Of sober cypress, and the darker foil Of yew, in which survived some traces, here 475 Not unbecoming, of grotesque device And uncouth fancy. From behind the roof Rose the slim ash and massy sycamore, Blending their diverse foliage with the green Of ivy, flourishing and thick, that clasped 480 The huge round chimneys, harbour of delight For wren and redbreast,--where they sit and sing Their slender ditties when the trees are bare. Nor must I leave untouched (the picture else Were incomplete) a relique of old times[792] 485 Happily spared, a little Gothic niche Of nicest workmanship; that[793] once had held The sculptured image of some patron-saint, Or of the blessed Virgin, looking down On all who entered those religious doors. 490

But lo! where from the cocky garden-mount Crowned by its antique summer-house--descends, Light as the silver fawn, a radiant Girl; For she hath recognised her honoured friend, The Wanderer ever welcome! A prompt kiss 495 The gladsome Child bestows at his request; And, up the flowery lawn as we advance, Hangs on the old Man with a happy look, And with a pretty restless hand of love. --We enter--by the Lady of the place 500 Cordially greeted. Graceful was her port:[794] A lofty stature undepressed by time, Whose visitation had not wholly spared[795] The finer lineaments of form[796] and face; To that complexion brought which prudence trusts in And wisdom loves.--But when a stately ship 506 Sails in smooth weather by the placid coast[KI] On homeward voyage, what--if wind and wave, And hardship undergone in various climes, Have caused her to abate the virgin pride, 510 And that full trim of inexperienced hope With which she left her haven--not for this, Should the sun strike her, and the impartial breeze Play on her streamers, fails she[797] to assume Brightness and touching beauty of her own, 515 That charm all eyes. So bright, so fair, appeared[798] This goodly Matron, shining in the beams Of unexpected pleasure.--Soon the board Was spread, and we partook a plain repast.

Here, resting in cool shelter, we beguiled[799] 520 The mid-day hours with desultory talk; From trivial themes to general argument Passing, as accident or fancy led, Or courtesy prescribed. While question rose And answer flowed, the fetters of reserve 525 Dropping from every mind, the Solitary[800] Resumed the manners of his happier days; And[801] in the various conversation bore A willing, nay,[802] at times, a forward part; Yet with the grace of one who in the world 530 Had learned the art of pleasing, and had now Occasion given him to display his skill, Upon the stedfast 'vantage-ground of truth. He gazed, with admiration unsuppressed, Upon the landscape of the sun-bright vale, 535 Seen, from the shady room in which we sate, In softened pérspective; and more than once Praised the consummate harmony serene Of gravity and elegance, diffused Around the mansion and its whole domain; 540 Not, doubtless, without help of female taste And female care.--"A blessed lot is yours!" The words escaped his lip, with a tender sigh Breathed over them: but suddenly the door Flew open, and a pair of lusty Boys[803] 545 Appeared, confusion checking their delight. --Not brothers they in feature or attire, But fond companions, so I guessed, in field, And by the river's margin--whence they come, Keen anglers with unusual spoil elated.[804] 550 One bears a willow-pannier on his back, The boy of plainer garb, whose blush survives More deeply tinged. Twin might the other be To that fair girl who from the garden-mount Bounded:--triumphant entry this for him![805] 555 Between his hands he holds a smooth blue stone, On whose capacious surface see[806] outspread Large store of gleaming crimson-spotted trouts; Ranged side by side, and lessening by degrees[807] Up to the dwarf that tops the pinnacle. 560 Upon the board he lays the sky-blue stone With its rich freight;[808] their number he proclaims; Tells from what pool the noblest had been dragged; And where the very monarch of the brook, After long struggle, had escaped at last-- 565 Stealing alternately at them and us (As doth his comrade too) a look of pride: And, verily, the silent creatures made A splendid sight, together thus exposed; Dead--but not sullied or deformed by death, 570 That seemed to pity what he could not spare.

But O, the animation in the mien Of those two boys! yea in the very words With which the young narrator was inspired, When, as our questions led, he told at large 575 Of that day's prowess! Him might I compare, His looks,[809] tones, gestures, eager eloquence, To a bold brook that[810] splits for better speed, And at the self-same moment, works its way Through many channels, ever and anon 580 Parted and re-united: his compeer To the still lake, whose stillness is to sight[811] As beautiful--as grateful to the mind. --But to what object shall the lovely Girl Be likened? She whose countenance and air 585 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, 590 Upon this impulse, to the theme--erewhile Abruptly broken off. The ruddy boys Withdrew, on summons to their well-earned meal;[812] And He--to whom all tongues resigned 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 600 Mildly, and with a clear and steady tone.

VARIANTS:

[Footnote 726: 1836.

_Pastor's apprehensions_ 1814. ]

[Footnote 727: 1836.

_too long--Invitation to his House--_ 1814. ]

[Footnote 728: 1836.

_and somewhat playfully_ 1814. ]

[Footnote 729: 1836.

_by moral worth--gives Instances--_ 1814. ]

[Footnote 730: 1836.

... I commenced Those Narratives ... 1814.

These ... 1827. ]

[Footnote 731: 1827.

Are these-- ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 732: 1836.

Though apprehensions crossed me, in the course Of this self-pleasing exercise, that Ye My zeal to his would liken, who, possessed Of some rare gems, or pictures finely wrought, Unlocks his Cabinet, and draws them forth One after one,--soliciting regard 1814.

My zeal to his would liken, who unlocks A Cabinet with gems or pictures stored, And draws them forth--soliciting regard 1827.

Though apprehensions crossed me that my zeal To his might well be likened, who unlocks A Cabinet with gems or pictures stored, And draws them forth--soliciting regard 1832. ]

[Footnote 733: 1836.

... they seek 1814. ]

[Footnote 734: 1836.

... procured! Yet Such may ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 735: 1827.

And doth instruct her ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 736: 1836.

(As I have heard you boast with honest pride) Nature is bountiful, where'er they go; 1814. ]

[Footnote 737: 1832.

By tie ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 738: 1827.

... instruments to excite, 1814. ]

[Footnote 739: 1827.

The affections ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 740: 1827.

With healing words; and in remotest Wilds 1814. ]

[Footnote 741: 1836.

... 'tis gone. 1814. ]

[Footnote 742: 1827.

Of England's ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 743: 1836.

... interchange, 1814. ]

[Footnote 744: 1836.

... woody dale, Or on the naked mountain's lofty side. 1814. ]

[Footnote 745: 1827.

The abodes ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 746: 1827.

... and ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 747: 1836.

Which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 748: 1827.

... and there behold, Through strong temptation of those gainful Arts, Such outrage ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 749: 1814.

A single moment through the year should pass C.

That even a moment of the year should pass C. ]

[Footnote 750: 1836.

... yet I exult, 1814. ]

[Footnote 751: 1827.

Which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 752: 1836.

Upon the plain ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 753: 1827.

Is that Philosophy, whose sway is framed For ... 1814.

Is the Philosophy, that only rules Over ... MS. ]

[Footnote 754: 1845.

... He with sighs of pensive grief, 1814. ]

[Footnote 755: 1836.

... these vaunted Arts 1814. ]

[Footnote 756: 1836.

Regret and painful sadness, who revere, 1814. ]

[Footnote 757: 1820.

... his 1814. ]

[Footnote 758: 1836.

Of her dull tasks, and close captivity. 1814. ]

[Footnote 759: 1836.

... and in the ancient woods; 1814. ]

[Footnote 760: 1827.

... is rising in the heavens, 1814. ]

[Footnote 761: 1836.

From out those languid eyes could break, or blush 1814. ]

[Footnote 762: 1845.

Thus gone for ever, this organic Frame, Which from heaven's bounty we receive, instinct With light, and gladsome motions, soon becomes 1814.

Is gone for ever; this organic Frame, So joyful in her motions, is become 1827.

The limbs increase; but this organic Frame, So gladsome in its motions, is become 1836. ]

[Footnote 763: 1814.

... her ... 1827.

The text of 1836 returns to that of 1814.]

[Footnote 764: 1836.

Then, if there were not, ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 765: 1836.

... with their own blanched hair 1814. ]

[Footnote 766: 1836.

Or wearing, we might say, ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 767: 1836.

By savage Nature's unassisted care. 1814. ]

[Footnote 768: 1827.

Are framed to strike dismay; but the outstretched hand 1814. ]

[Footnote 769: 1836.

... dwell upon ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 770: 1836.

... and are born and reared At the mine's mouth, beneath ... 1814.

... such are born and reared At the mine's mouth, beneath ... 1827. ]

[Footnote 771: 1836.

Or in the chambers of some natural cave; And ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 772: 1836.

... Upon the watch, 1814. ]

[Footnote 773: 1836.

Of what this stock produces to enrich And beautify the tender age of life, A sample fairly culled, ye would exclaim, 1814.

Of what this stock produces to enrich The tender age of life, ye would exclaim, 1827. ]

[Footnote 774: 1836.

... frame:--his joints are stiff; 1814. ]

[Footnote 775: 1827.

... which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 776: 1827.

On which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 777: 1814.

... vacant ... C. ]

[Footnote 778: 1836.

... may ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 779: 1836.

To which in after years he may be rouzed. --This Boy the Fields produce: his spade and hoe, 1814. ]

[Footnote 780: 1827.

... which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 781: Italics were first used in 1836.]

[Footnote 782: 1827.

... cheerful ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 783: 1827.

... those ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 784: 1827.

Which, ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 785: 1836.

Prompt utterance; but, rising from our seat, The hospitable Vicar interposed 1814. ]

[Footnote 786: 1827.

... earnestly ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 787: 1827.

... of stately hollies framed, 1814. ]

[Footnote 788: 1836.

Whose flexile boughs, descending with a weight 1814. ]

[Footnote 789: 1827.

That gave them nourishment. How sweet methought, When the fierce wind comes howling from the north, How grateful, this impenetrable screen! 1814. ]

[Footnote 790: 1836.

... the ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 791: 1836.

... the ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 792: 1827.

Nor must I pass unnoticed (leaving else The picture incomplete, as it appeared Before our eyes) a relique of old times 1814. ]

[Footnote 793: 1827.

... which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 794: 1827.

--We enter;--need I tell the courteous guise In which the Lady of the place received Our little Band, with salutation meet To each accorded? Graceful was her port; 1814. ]

[Footnote 795: 1827.

... had not spared to touch 1814.

Whose gentle visitation had not spared MS. ]

[Footnote 796: 1827.

... frame ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 797: 1827.

... doth she fail ... 1827. ]

[Footnote 798: 1827.

... So bright to us appeared 1814. ]

[Footnote 799: 1827.

Here in cool shelter, while the scorching heat Oppressed the fields, we sate, and entertained 1814. ]

[Footnote 800: 1827.

Dropped from our minds; and even the shy Recluse 1814. ]

[Footnote 801: 1827.

He ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 802: 1827.

... and, ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 803: 1827.

He said, and with that exclamation breathed A tender sigh;--but, suddenly the door Opening, with eager haste two lusty Boys 1814.

... breathed A sigh;--but, suddenly, two lusty boys Appeared,-- ... MS. ]

[Footnote 804: 1836.

And by the river-side--from which they come, A pair of Anglers, laden with their spoil. 1814.

And by the river's margin--whence they come, Anglers elated with unusual spoil. 1827.

... come A pair of anglers, laden with fresh spoil. MS. ]

[Footnote 805: 1827.

The Boy of plainer garb, and more abashed In countenance,--more distant and retired. Twin might the Other be to that fair Girl Who bounded tow'rds us from the garden mount. Triumphant entry this to him!--for see, 1814.

The Boy of plainer garb, and more abashed In countenance, twin might the other be MS. ]

[Footnote 806: 1827.

... is ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 807: 1827.

Ranged side by side, in regular ascent, One after one, still lessening by degrees 1814. ]

[Footnote 808: 1827.

... spoil;-- ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 809: 1836.

... look, ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 810: 1827.

... which ... 1814. ]

[Footnote 811: 1827.

... to the eye 1814. ]

[Footnote 812: 1827.

Did now withdraw to take their well-earned meal; 1814. ]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote JR: "What follows in the discourse of the Wanderer, upon the changes he had witnessed in rural life by the introduction of machinery, is truly described from what I myself saw during my boyhood and early youth, and from what was often told me by persons of this humble calling. Happily, most happily, for these mountains, the mischief was diverted from the banks of their beautiful streams, and transferred to open and flat counties abounding in coal, where the agency of steam was found much more effectual for carrying on those demoralising works. Had it not been for this invention, long before the present time, every torrent and river in this district would have had its factory, large and populous in proportion to the power of the water that could there be commanded. Parliament has interfered to prevent the night-work which was carried on in these mills as actively as during the day-time, and by necessity, still more perniciously; a sad disgrace to the proprietors and to the nation which could so long tolerate such unnatural proceedings."--I. F.]

[Footnote JS: In 1788, and again in 1794, Wordsworth visited Westmoreland and Cumberland as a pedestrian. Compare the sixth book of _The Prelude_, entitled "Cambridge and the Alps" (vol. iii. p. 228).--ED.]

[Footnote JV: See Wordsworth's note, p. 390.--ED.]

[Footnote JT: Thorpe; Anglo-Saxon _Thorp_, a homestead, or hamlet; allied to _turba_, a crowd (as of houses). Vill; a little village or farm. Lat. _villa_, dimin. of _vicus_.--ED.]

[Footnote JU: Evidently a reminiscence of Penrith, a "straggling burgh, of ancient charter proud," with its castle on "the brow of a green hill," and with Brougham Castle close at hand, on "bank of rugged stream." See _The Prelude_ (vol. iii. p. 229), and compare Gray's Journal.--ED.]

[Footnote JW: Mr. Rawnsley has suggested that this may refer to the introduction of canal boats into England. It is more likely, I think, that Wordsworth had in his mind's eye

That animating spectacle of sails That, through her inland regions, to and fro Pass with the respirations of the tide, Perpetual, multitudinous!

referred to in pp. 332-33, a reminiscence perhaps of what he had often seen in the Bristol Channel.--ED.]

[Footnote JX: See last note. The phrase "_on_ the lofty side of some bare hill," occasions some difficulty; and, taken in connection with the previous clause, "air has lent her breezes," suggests the idea of a windmill, seen in its slow movement, far off on a bare hill-side. But I rather think it is the progress of the "sails of traffic" on the waters of an inland tidal channel that is still referred to; the masts and sails of the vessels being seen moving onwards, while the water itself is hidden, and the spectacle is therefore by the rustic eye, "with wonder kenned from far." I would be disposed to think that there was a misprint here, and that we should read "_from_ the lofty side" instead of "on," did the latter reading not occur in the edition of 1814, as well as in 1836, and all the subsequent editions.--ED.]

[Footnote JY: Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield.--ED.]

[Footnote JZ: See the Fenwick note, p. 330.--ED.]

[Footnote KA: The curfew-bell, introduced into England by William of Normandy, in 1068.--ED.]

[Footnote KB: Compare Mrs. Browning's _Cry of the Children_, stanza vii.--ED.]