Part 32

"O for the coming of that glorious time When, prizing knowledge as her noblest wealth And best protection, this imperial Realm 295 While she exacts allegiance, shall admit An obligation, on her part, to _teach_ Them who are born to serve her and obey; Binding herself by statute[KO] to secure For all the children whom her soil maintains 300 The rudiments of letters, and inform[843] The mind with moral and religious truth, Both understood and practised,--so that none, However destitute, be left to droop By timely culture unsustained; or run 305 Into a wild disorder; or be forced To drudge through a weary life without the help[844] Of intellectual implements and tools; A savage horde among the civilised, A servile band among the lordly free! 310 This sacred right, the lisping babe proclaims[845] To be inherent in him, by Heaven's will, For the protection of his innocence; And the rude boy--who, having overpast The sinless age, by conscience is enrolled, 315 Yet mutinously knits his angry brow, And lifts his wilful hand on mischief bent, Or turns the godlike[846] faculty of speech To impious use--by process indirect Declares his due, while he makes known his need. 320 --This sacred right is fruitlessly announced, This universal plea in vain addressed, To eyes and ears of parents who themselves Did, in the time of their necessity, Urge it in vain; and, therefore, like a prayer 325 That from the humblest floor ascends to heaven, It mounts to reach the State's parental ear; Who, if indeed she own a mother's heart, And be not most unfeelingly devoid Of gratitude to Providence, will grant 330 The unquestionable good--which, England, safe From interference of external force, May grant at leisure; without risk incurred That what in wisdom for herself she doth, Others shall e'er be able to undo. 335

"Look! and behold, from Calpe's sunburnt cliffs[KP] To the flat margin of the Baltic sea, Long-reverenced titles cast away as weeds; Laws overturned; and territory split, Like fields of ice rent by the polar wind, 340 And forced to join in less obnoxious shapes Which,[847] ere they gain consistence, by a gust Of the same breath are shattered and destroyed. Meantime the sovereignty of these fair Isles Remains entire and indivisible: 345 And, if that ignorance were removed, which breeds[848] Within the compass of their several shores Dark discontent, or loud commotion, each Might still preserve[849] the beautiful repose Of heavenly bodies shining in their spheres. 350 --The discipline of slavery is unknown Among[850] us,--hence the more do we require The discipline of virtue; order else Cannot subsist, nor confidence, nor peace. Thus, duties rising out of good possest 355 And prudent caution needful to avert Impending evil, equally require That the whole people should be taught and trained.[851] So shall licentiousness and black resolve Be rooted out, and virtuous habits take 360 Their place; and genuine piety descend, Like[852] an inheritance, from age to age.

"With such foundations laid, avaunt the fear Of numbers crowded on their native soil, To the prevention of all healthful growth 365 Through mutual injury! Rather in the law Of increase and the mandate from above Rejoice!--and ye have special cause for joy. --For, as the element of air affords An easy passage to the industrious bees 370 Fraught with their burthens; and a way as smooth For those ordained to take their sounding flight From the thronged hive, and settle where they list In fresh abodes--their labour to renew; So the wide waters, open to the power, 375 The will, the instincts, and appointed needs Of Britain, do invite her to cast off Her swarms, and in succession send them forth; Bound to establish new communities On every shore whose aspect favours hope 380 Or bold adventure; promising to skill And perseverance their deserved reward.

"Yes," he continued, kindling as he spake, "Change wide, and deep, and silently performed, This Land shall witness; and as days roll on, 385 Earth's universal frame shall feel the effect; Even till the smallest habitable rock, Beaten by lonely billows, hear the songs Of humanised society; and bloom With civil arts, that shall breathe forth their fragrance,[853] A grateful tribute to all-ruling Heaven. 391 From culture, unexclusively bestowed On Albion's noble Race in freedom born,[854] Expect these mighty issues: from the pains And faithful[855] care of unambitious schools 395 Instructing simple childhood's ready ear: Thence look for these magnificent results! --Vast the circumference of hope--and ye Are at its centre, British Lawgivers; Ah! sleep not there in shame! Shall Wisdom's voice From out the bosom of these troubled times 401 Repeat the dictates of her calmer mind, And shall the venerable halls ye fill Refuse to echo the sublime decree? Trust not to partial care a general good; 405 Transfer not to futurity a work Of urgent need.--Your Country must complete Her glorious destiny. Begin even now, Now, when oppression, like the Egyptian plague Of darkness, stretched o'er guilty Europe,[KQ] makes 410 The brightness more conspicuous that invests The happy Island where ye think and act; Now, when destruction is a prime pursuit, Show to the wretched nations for what end The powers of civil polity were given." 415

Abruptly here, but with a graceful air, The Sage broke off. No sooner had he ceased Than, looking forth, the gentle Lady said, "Behold the shades of afternoon have fallen Upon this flowery slope; and see--beyond-- 420 The silvery lake is streaked with placid blue;[856] As if preparing for the peace of evening.[KR] How temptingly the landscape shines! The air Breathes invitation; easy is the walk To the lake's margin, where a boat lies moored 425 Under a[857] sheltering tree."--Upon this hint We rose together: all were pleased; but most The beauteous girl, whose cheek was flushed with joy. Light as a sunbeam glides along the hills She vanished--eager to impart the scheme 430 To her loved brother and his shy compeer. --Now was there bustle in the Vicar's house And earnest preparation.--Forth we went, And down the vale along the streamlet's edge[858] Pursued our way, a broken company, 435 Mute or conversing, single or in pairs. Thus having reached a bridge, that overarched The hasty rivulet where it lay becalmed In a deep pool, by happy chance we saw A two-fold image; on a grassy bank 440 A snow-white ram, and in the crystal flood Another and the same! Most beautiful, On the green turf, with his imperial front Shaggy and bold, and wreathèd horns superb, The breathing creature stood; as beautiful, 445 Beneath him, shewed his shadowy counterpart. Each had his glowing mountains, each his sky, And each seemed centre of his own fair world: Antipodes unconscious of each other, Yet, in partition, with their several spheres, 450 Blended in perfect stillness, to our sight![KS]

"Ah! what a pity were it to disperse, Or to disturb, so fair a spectacle, And yet a breath can do it!" These few words The Lady whispered, while we stood and gazed 455 Gathered together, all in still delight, Not without awe. Thence passing on, she said In like low voice to my particular ear, "I love to hear that eloquent old Man Pour forth his meditations, and descant 460 On human life from infancy to age. How pure his spirit! in what vivid hues His mind gives back the various forms of things, Caught in their fairest, happiest, attitude! While he is speaking, I have power to see 465 Even as he sees; but when his voice hath ceased, Then, with a sigh, sometimes I feel,[859] as now, That combinations so serene and bright Cannot be lasting in a world like ours, Whose highest beauty, beautiful as it is, 470 Like that reflected in yon quiet pool, Seems but a fleeting sun-beam's gift, whose peace The sufferance only of a breath of air!"[860]

More had she said--but sportive shouts were heard Sent from the jocund hearts of those two Boys, 475 Who, bearing each a basket on his arm, Down the green field came tripping after us. With caution we embarked; and now the pair For prouder service were addrest; but each, Wishful to leave an opening for my choice, 480 Dropped the light oar his eager hand had seized. Thanks given for that becoming courtesy, Their place I took--and for a grateful office[861] Pregnant with recollections of the time When, on thy bosom, spacious Windermere![KT] 485 A Youth, I practised this delightful art; Tossed on the waves alone, or 'mid a crew Of joyous comrades. Soon as the reedy marge Was cleared, I dipped, with arms accordant, oars[862] Free from obstruction; and the boat advanced 490 Through crystal water, smoothly as a hawk, That, disentangled from the shady boughs Of some thick wood, her place of covert, cleaves With correspondent wings the abyss of air. --"Observe," the Vicar said, "yon rocky isle 495 With birch-trees fringed;[KU] my hand shall guide the helm, While thitherward we shape[863] our course; or while We seek that other, on the western shore; Where the bare columns of those lofty firs,[KU] Supporting gracefully a massy dome 500 Of sombre[864] foliage, seem to imitate A Grecian temple rising from the Deep."

"Turn where we may," said I, "we cannot err In this delicious region."--Cultured slopes, Wild tracts of forest-ground, and scattered groves, 505 And mountains bare, or clothed with ancient woods, Surrounded us; and, as we held our way Along the level of the glassy flood, They ceased not to surround us; change of place, From kindred features diversely combined, 510 Producing change of beauty ever new.[KV] --Ah! that such beauty, varying in the light Of living nature, cannot be portrayed By words, nor by the pencil's silent skill; But is the property of him alone 515 Who hath beheld it, noted it with care, And in his mind recorded it with love! Suffice it, therefore, if the rural Muse Vouchsafe sweet influence, while her Poet speaks Of trivial occupations well devised, 520 And unsought pleasures springing up by chance; As if some friendly Genius had ordained That, as the day thus far had been enriched By acquisition of sincere delight, The same should be continued to its close. 525

One spirit animating old and young, A gipsy-fire we kindled on the shore Of the fair Isle with birch-trees fringed--and there, Merrily seated in a ring, partook A choice repast--served by our young companions[865] 530 With rival earnestness and kindred glee.[866] Launched from our hands the smooth stone skimmed the lake; With shouts we raised[867] the echoes;--stiller sounds The lovely Girl supplied--a simple song, Whose low tones reached not to the distant rocks 535 To be repeated thence,[868] but gently sank Into our hearts; and charmed the peaceful flood. Rapaciously we gathered flowery spoils From land and water; lilies of each hue-- Golden and white, that float upon the waves, 540 And court the wind; and leaves of that shy plant, (Her flowers were shed) the lily of the vale,[KW] That loves the ground, and from the sun withholds Her pensive beauty; from the breeze her sweets.

Such product, and such pastime, did the place 545 And season yield; but, as we re-embarked, Leaving, in quest of other scenes, the shore Of that wild spot, the Solitary said In a low voice, yet careless who might hear, "The fire, that burned so brightly to our wish, 550 Where is it now?--Deserted on the beach-- Dying, or dead![869] Nor shall the fanning breeze Revive its ashes. What care we for this, Whose ends are gained? Behold an emblem here Of one day's pleasure, and all mortal joys! 555 And, in this unpremeditated slight Of that which is no longer needed, see The common course of human gratitude!"

This plaintive note disturbed not the repose Of the still evening. Right across the lake 560 Our pinnace moves; then, coasting creek and bay, Glades we behold, and into thickets peep, Where couch the spotted deer;[KX] or raised our eyes To shaggy steeps on which the careless goat Browsed by the side of dashing waterfalls;[KY] 565 And thus the bark, meandering with the shore, Pursued her voyage, till a natural pier Of jutting rock invited us to land.[870]

Alert to follow as the Pastor led, We clomb a green hill's side;[KZ] and, as we clomb, 570 The Valley, opening out her bosom, gave Fair prospect, intercepted less and less,[871] O'er[872] the flat meadows and indented coast Of the smooth lake,[873] in compass seen:--far off, And yet conspicuous, stood the old Church-tower,[LA] 575 In majesty presiding over fields And habitations seemingly preserved[874] From all intrusion of the restless world[875] By rocks impassable and mountains huge.

Soft heath this elevated spot supplied, 580 And choice of moss-clad stones, whereon we couched Or sate reclined; admiring quietly The general aspect of the scene; but each Not seldom over anxious to make known[876] His own discoveries; or to favourite points 585 Directing notice, merely from a wish To impart a joy, imperfect while unshared. That rapturous moment never[877] shall I forget When these particular interests were effaced From every mind!--Already had the sun, 590 Sinking with less than ordinary state, Attained his western bound; but rays of light-- Now suddenly diverging from the orb Retired behind the mountain tops or veiled By the dense air--shot upwards to the crown 595 Of the blue firmament--aloft, and wide: And multitudes of little floating clouds, Through their ethereal texture pierced--ere we, Who saw, of change were conscious--had become[878] Vivid as fire; clouds separately poised,-- 600 Innumerable multitude of forms Scattered through half the circle of the sky; And giving back, and shedding each on each, With prodigal communion, the bright hues Which from the unapparent fount of glory 605 They had imbibed, and ceased not to receive. That which the heavens displayed, the liquid deep Repeated; but with unity sublime!

While from the grassy mountain's open side[LB] We gazed, in silence hushed, with eyes intent 610 On the refulgent spectacle, diffused Through earth, sky, water, and all visible space, The Priest in holy transport thus exclaimed:

"Eternal Spirit! universal God! Power inaccessible to human thought, 615 Save by degrees and steps which thou hast deigned To furnish; for this effluence of thyself,[879] To the infirmity of mortal sense Vouchsafed; this local transitory type Of thy paternal splendours, and the pomp 620 Of those who fill thy courts in highest heaven, The radiant Cherubim;--accept the thanks Which we, thy humble Creatures, here convened, Presume to offer; we, who--from the breast Of the frail earth, permitted to behold 625 The faint reflections only of thy face-- Are yet exalted, and in soul adore! Such as they are who in thy presence stand Unsullied, incorruptible, and drink Imperishable majesty streamed forth 630 From thy empyreal throne, the elect of earth Shall be--divested at the appointed hour Of all dishonour, cleansed from mortal stain. --Accomplish, then, their number; and conclude Time's weary course! Or if, by thy decree, 635 The consummation that will come by stealth Be yet far distant, let thy Word prevail, Oh! let thy Word prevail, to take away The sting of human nature. Spread the law, As it is written in thy holy book, 640 Throughout all lands: let every nation hear The high behest, and every heart obey; Both for the love of purity, and hope Which it affords, to such as do thy will And persevere in good, that they shall rise, 645 To have a nearer view of thee, in heaven. --Father of good! this prayer in bounty grant, In mercy grant it, to thy wretched sons. Then, nor till then, shall persecution cease, And cruel wars expire. The way is marked, 650 The guide appointed, and the ransom paid. Alas! the nations, who of yore received These tidings, and in Christian temples meet The sacred truth to acknowledge, linger still; Preferring bonds and darkness to a state 655 Of holy freedom, by redeeming love Proffered to all, while yet on earth detained.

"So fare the many; and the thoughtful few, Who in the anguish of their souls bewail This dire perverseness, cannot choose but ask, 660 Shall it endure?--Shall enmity and strife, Falsehood and guile, be left to sow their seed; And the kind never perish? Is the hope Fallacious, or shall righteousness obtain A peaceable dominion, wide as earth, 665 And ne'er to fail? Shall that blest day arrive When they, whose choice or lot it is to dwell In crowded cities, without fear shall live Studious of mutual benefit; and he, Whom Morn awakens, among dews and flowers[880] 670 Of every clime, to till the lonely field, Be happy in himself? The law of faith Working through love, such conquest shall it gain, Such triumph over sin and guilt achieve? Almighty Lord, thy further grace impart! 675 And with that help the wonder shall be seen Fulfilled, the hope accomplished; and thy praise Be sung with transport and unceasing joy.

"Once," and with mild demeanour, as he spake, On us the venerable Pastor turned 680 His beaming eye that had been raised[881] to Heaven, "Once,[882] while the Name, Jehovah, was a sound Within the circuit of this sea-girt isle Unheard, the savage nations bowed the head[883] To Gods delighting in remorseless deeds; 685 Gods which themselves had fashioned, to promote Ill purposes, and flatter foul desires. Then, in the bosom of yon mountain-cove,[LC] To those inventions of corrupted man Mysterious rites were solemnised; and there-- 690 Amid impending rocks and gloomy woods-- Of those terrific Idols some received[884] Such dismal service, that the loudest voice Of the swoln cataracts (which now are heard Soft murmuring) was too weak to overcome, 695 Though aided by wild winds, the groans and shrieks Of human victims, offered up to appease Or to propitiate. And, if living eyes Had visionary faculties to see The thing that hath been as the thing that is, 700 Aghast we might behold this crystal[885] Mere Bedimmed with smoke, in wreaths voluminous, Flung from the body of devouring fires, To Taranis erected[LD] on the heights By priestly hands, for sacrifice performed 705 Exultingly, in view of open day And full assemblage of a barbarous host; Or to Andates, female Power[LE] who gave (For so they fancied) glorious victory. --A few rude monuments of mountain-stone 710 Survive; all else is swept away.--How bright The appearances of things! From such, how changed The existing worship; and with those compared, The worshippers how innocent and blest! So wide the difference, a willing mind 715 Might almost think, at this affecting hour,[886] That paradise, the lost abode of man, Was raised again: and to a happy few, In its original beauty, here restored.

"Whence but from thee, the true and only God, 720 And from the faith derived through Him who bled Upon the cross, this marvellous advance Of good from evil; as if one extreme Were left, the other gained.--O ye, who come To kneel devoutly in yon reverend Pile,[LF] 725 Called to such office by the peaceful sound Of sabbath bells; and ye, who sleep in earth, All cares forgotten, round its hallowed walls! For you, in presence of this little band Gathered together on the green hill-side, 730 Your Pastor is emboldened to prefer Vocal thanksgivings to the eternal King; Whose love, whose counsel, whose commands, have made Your very poorest rich in peace of thought And in good works; and him, who is endowed 735 With scantiest knowledge, master of all truth Which the salvation of his soul requires. Conscious of that abundant favour showered On you, the children of my humble care, And this dear land, our country, while on earth 740 We sojourn, have I lifted up my soul, Joy giving voice to fervent gratitude.[887] These barren rocks, your stern inheritance; These fertile fields, that recompense your pains; The shadowy vale, the sunny mountain-top; 745 Woods waving in the wind their lofty heads, Or hushed; the roaring waters, and[888] the still-- They see the offering of my lifted hands, They hear my lips present their sacrifice, They know if I be silent, morn or even:[LG] 750 For, though in whispers speaking, the full heart Will find a vent; and thought is praise to him, Audible praise, to thee, omniscient Mind, From whom all gifts descend, all blessings flow!"