 Book two of the excursion. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The excursion by William Wordsworth. Book two. The Solitary. In days of yore, how fortunately fared the minstrel, wandering on from hall to hall, baronial court or royal, cheered with gifts munificent and love and ladies' praise, now meeting on his road an armed knight, now resting with a pilgrim by the side of a clear brook, beneath an abbey's roof one evening sumptuously lodged, the next humbly in a religious hospital with some merry outlaws of the wood, or happily shrouded in a hermit's cell. Him sleeping or awake the robbers fared, he walked, protected from the sword of war by virtue of that sacred instrument, his harp, suspended at the traveler's side, his dear companion, where so ere he went, opening from land to land an easy way by melody and by the charm of verse. Yet not the noblest of that honored race drew happier, loftier, more impassioned thoughts from his long journeyings and eventful life, then this obscure itinerant had skill to gather, ranging through the tamer ground of these our unimaginative days, both while he trod the earth in humblest guise accouter'd with his birthing and his staff, and now, when free to move with lighter pace. What wonder, then, if I, whose favorite school hath been the fields, the roads, and rural lanes, looked on this guide with reverential love. Each with the other pleased, we now pursued our journey under favorable skies. Turn where so ere we would. He was a light unfailing, not a hamlet could we pass, rarely a house that did not yield to him remembrances, or from his tongue call forth some way beguiling tale. Nor less regard accompanied those strains of apt discourse, which nature's various objects might inspire, and in the silence of his face I read his overflowing spirit. Birds and beasts and the mute fish that glances in the stream, and harmless reptile coiling in the sun, and gorgeous insect hovering in the air, the foul domestic and the household dog in his capacious mind, he loved them all. Their rites acknowledging he felt for all, oft was occasion given to me to perceive how the calm pleasures of the pasturing herd to happy contemplation soothed his walk, how the poor brute's condition, forced to run its course of suffering in the public road, sad contrast, all too often smote his heart with unavailing pity. Rich in love and sweet humanity he was, himself to the degree that he desired, beloved. Smiles of goodwill from faces that he knew greeted us all day long, we took our seats by many a cottage hearth, where he received the welcome of an inmate from afar. And I had once forgot I was a stranger, nor was he loathed to enter ragged huts, huts where his charity was blessed, his voice heard as the voice of an experienced friend, and sometimes where the poor man held dispute with his own mind, unable to subdue impatience through an happiness to perceive general distress in his particular lot, or cherishing resentment, or in vain struggling against it a soul perplexed, and finding in herself no steady power to draw the line of comfort that divides calamity, the chastisement of heaven from the injustice of our brother men. To him appeal was made as to a judge, who with an understanding heart allayed the perturbation, listened to the plea, resolved the dubious point, and sentence gave so grounded, so applied, that it was heard with softened spirit, even when it condemned. Such intercourse I witnessed while we roved, now as his choice directed, now as mine, or both with equal readiness of will our course submitting to the changeful breeze of accident. But when the rising sun had three times called us to renew our walk, my fellow traveler with earnest voice, as if the thought were but a moment old claimed absolute dominion for the day. We started, and he led me toward the hills, up through an ample veil with higher hills before us, mountains stern and desolate. But in the majesty of distance now set off into our can appearing fair of aspect, with aerial softness clad and beautified with morning's purple beams. The wealthy, the luxurious, by the stress of business roused or pleasure ere their time may roll in chariots, or provoke the hoofs of the fleet coarsers they bestried to raise from earth the dust of morning slow to rise. And they, if blessed with health and hearts at ease, shall lock not their enjoyment. But how faint compared with ours, who, pacing side by side, could, with an eye of leisure, look on all that we beheld, and lend the listening sense to every grateful sound of earth and air, pausing at will, our spirits braced, our thoughts pleasant as roses in the thickets blown, and pure as dew bathing their crimson leaves. Mount slowly, son, that we may journey long by this dark hill protected from thy beams, such as the summer pilgrim's frequent wish. But quickly from among our morning thoughts was chased away, for toward the western side of the broad veil casting a casual glance we saw a throng of people. Wherefore met? Blythe notes of music suddenly let loose on the thrilled ear, and flags uprising yield prompt answer. They proclaim the annual wake, which the bright season favors, taber and pipe in purpose joined to hasten or reprove the laggard rustic, and repay with boons of merriment a party-colored knot already formed upon the village green. Beyond the limits of the shadow cast by the broad hill, glistened upon our sight that gay assemblage. Round them and above, glitter with dark recesses interposed, casement and cottage-roof, and stems of trees half veiled in vapory cloud, the silver steam of dew's fast melting on their leafy boughs by the strong sun-beams smitten. Like a mast of gold the maypole shines, as if the rays of morning aided by exhaling dew with gladsome influence could reanimate the faded garlands dangling from its sides. Said I, the music and the sprightly scene invite us, shall we quit our row and join these festive matins? He replied, not loath to linger, I would hear with you partake, not one hour merely, but till evenings close, the simple pastimes of the day in place. By the fleet-racers ere the sun be set, the turf of yon large pasture will be skimmed, there too the lusty wrestlers shall contend. But know we not that he who intermits the appointed task and duties of the day untunes full off the pleasures of the day, checking the finer spirits that refuse to flow when purposes are lightly changed? A length of journey yet remains untraced, let us proceed. Then pointing with his staff raised toward those craggy summits, his intent he thus imparted. In a spot that lies among yon mountain fastnesses concealed, you will receive before the hour of noon good recompense, I hope, for this day's toil. From sight of one who lives secluded there, lonesome and lost, of whom and whose past life not to forestall such knowledge as may be more faithfully collected from himself, this brief communication shall suffice. Though now so journing there, he like myself sprang from a stock of lowly parentage among the wilds of Scotland, in a tract where many a sheltered and well-tended plant bears on the humblest ground of social life blossoms of piety and innocence. Such grateful promises his youth displayed, and having shown in study forward zeal, he to the ministry was duly called, and straight, incited by a curious mind filled with vague hopes, he undertook the charge of chaplain to a military troop cheered by the Highland bagpipe as they marched in plated vest his fellow countrymen. This office-filling, yet by native power and force of native inclination made an intellectual ruler in the haunts of social vanity, he walked the world, gay and affecting graceful gaiety, lax, buoyant, less a pastor with his flock than a soldier among soldiers, lived and roamed where fortune led, and fortune, who oft proves the careless wanderer's friend, to him made known a blooming lady, a conspicuous flower admired for beauty, for her sweetness praised, and he had sensibility to love, ambition to attempt, and skill to win. For this fair bride, most rich in gifts of mind, nor sparingly endowed with worldly wealth his office he relinquished, and retired from the world's noticed to a rural home, youth's season yet with him was scarcely past, and she was in youth's prime, how free their love, how full their joy, till pitiable doom, in the short course of one undreaded year death blasted all, death suddenly or through two lovely children, all that they possessed, the mother followed, miserably bare the one survivor stood, he wept, he prayed for his dismissal day and night, compelled to hold communion with the grave, and face with pain the regions of eternity. An uncomplaining apathy displaced this anguish, and indifferent to delight, to aim and purpose, he consumed his days to private interest dead in public care, so lived he, so he might have died. But now to the wide world's astonishment appeared a glorious opening, the unlooked-for dawn, that promised everlasting joy to France. Her voice of social transport reached even him, he broke from his contracted bounds, repaired to the great city, an emporium then of golden expectations, and receiving freight every day from a new world of hope. Thither his popular talents he transferred, and from the pulpit zealously maintained the cause of Christ and civil liberty as one, and moving to one glorious end, intoxicating service, I might say a happy service, for he was sincere as vanity and fondness for applause, and new and shapeless wishes would allow. That righteous cause such power hath freedom bound, for one hostility in friendly league, ethereal natures, and the worst of slaves, was served by rival advocates that came from regions opposite as heaven and hell. One courage seemed to animate them all, and from the dazzling conquests they'd daily gained by their united efforts, there arose a proud and most presumptuous confidence in the transcendent wisdom of the age and her discernment. Not alone in rights, and in the origin and bounds of power social and temporal, but in laws divine, deduced by reason or to faith revealed. An overweening trust was raised, and fear cast out, a like of person and a thing. Plague from this union spread, whose subtle bane the strongest did not easily escape, and he, what wonder, took a mortal taint. How shall I trace the change? How dare to tell that he broke faith with them whom he had laid in earth's dark chambers with a Christian's hope? An infidel contempt of holy writ stole by degrees upon his mind, and hence life, like that Roman Janus double-faced, vilest hypocrisy, the laughing gay hypocrisy not lead with fear, but pride. Smooth words he had to weedle simple souls, but for disciples of the inner school, old freedom was old servitude, and they the wisest whose opinions stooped the least to known restraints, and who most boldly drew hopeful prognostications from a creed, that in light of false philosophy, spread like a halo round a misty moon, widening its circle as the storms advance. His sacred function was at length renounced, and every day and every place enjoyed the unshackled layman's natural liberty. Speech, manners, morals, all without disguise. I do not wish to wrong him, though the course of private life licentiously displayed at unhallowed actions, planted like a crown upon the insolent, aspiring brow of spurious notions, worn as open signs of prejudice subdued. Still he retained, mid much abasement, what he had received from nature, an intense and glowing mind. Wherefore, when humble liberty grew weak and mortal sickness on her face appeared, he colored objects to his own desire as with a lover's passion. Yet his moods of pain were keen as those of better men, nay keener as his fortitude was less, and he continued when worse days were come to deal about his sparkling eloquence, struggling against the strange reverse with zeal that showed like happiness. But in despite of all this outside bravery within, he neither felt encouragement nor hope. For moral dignity and strength of mind were wanting and simplicity of life and reverence for himself, and last and best confiding thoughts, love and fear of him before whose sight the troubles of this world are vain, as billows in a tossing sea. The glory of the times fading away, the splendor which had given a festival air to self-importance hallowed it, and veiled from his own sight. This gone he forfeited all joy in human nature, was consumed and vexed and chafed by levity and scorn and fruitless indignation. Gulled by pride, made desperate by contempt of men who throve before his sight in power or fame, and one without dessert what he desired. Weak men, too weak even for his envy or his hate, tormented thus after a wandering course of discontent, and inwardly oppressed with malady in part, I fear, provoked by weariness of life. He fixed his home, or rather say, sat down by very chance among these rugged hills, where now he dwells and wastes the sad remainder of his hours, steeped in a self-indulging spleen, that wants not its own voluptuousness, on this resolved with this content, that he will live and die forgotten at a safe distance from a world not moving to his mind. These serious words closed the preparatory notices that served my fellow traveler to beguile the way while we advanced up that wide veil. Diverging now as if his quest had been some secret of the mountains, cavern, fall of water, or some lofty eminence, renowned for splendid prospect far and wide, we scaled, without a track to ease our steps, a steep ascent, and reached a dreary plain, with a tumultuous waste of huge hill-tops before us, savage region, which I paced dispirited, when all at once behold beneath our feet a little lowly veil, a lowly veil, and yet uplifted high among the mountains, even as if the spot had been from eldest time by wish of their so-placed to be shut out from all the world. Earn like it was in shape, deep as an urn with rocks encompassed, saved that to the south was one small opening, where a heath-clad ridge supplied a boundary less abrupt and close, a quiet, treeless nook with two green fields, a liquid pool that glittered in the sun, and one bare-dwelling, one abode, no more. It seemed a home of poverty and toil, though not of want. The little fields made green by husbandry of many thrifty years pay cheerful tribute to the Moorland house. There crows the cock, single in his domain, the small birds find in spring no thicket there to shroud them. Only from the neighboring veils the cuckoo, straggling up to the hill-tops, shouteth faint tidings of some gladder place. Ah, what a sweet recess that I is here. Instantly throwing down my limbs at ease upon a bed of heath, full many a spot of hidden beauty have I chanced to a spy among the mountains, never one like this, so lonesome and so perfectly secure. Not melancholy, no, for it is green and bright and fertile, furnished in itself with the few needful things that life requires. In rugged arms how softly does it lie, how tenderly protected, far and near we have an image of the pristine earth, the planet in its nakedness, where this man's only dwelling, sole appointed seat, first last and single in the breathing world, it could not be more quiet. Pieces here or nowhere, days unruffled by the gale of public news or private, years that pass forgetfully, uncalled upon to pay the common penalties of mortal life, sickness or accident or grief or pain. Of these in kindred thoughts intent I lay in silence musing by my comrade's side, he also silent, when from out the heart of that profound abyss a solemn voice or several voices in one solemn sound was heard ascending, mournful, deep and slow the cadence as of psalms, a funeral dirge. We listened, looking down upon the hut but seeing no one, meanwhile from below the strain continued spiritual as before, and now distinctly could I recognize these words, shall in the grave thy love be known in death thy faithfulness? God rest his soul, said the old man, abruptly breaking silence. He is departed and finds peace at last. This scarcely spoken and those holy strains not ceasing, forth appeared in view a band of rustic persons, from behind the hut bearing a coffin in the midst, with which they shaped their course along the sloping side of that small valley, singing as they moved. A sober company and few, the men bareheaded and all decently attired. Some steps when they had thus advanced the dirge ended, and from the stillness that ensued recovering to my friend I said, you spake me thought, with apprehension that these rites are paid to him upon whose shy retreat this day we propose to intrude. I did so, but let us hence that we may learn the truth. Perhaps it is not he but someone else for whom this pious service has performed some other tenant of the solitude. So to a steep and difficult descent trusting ourselves, we wound from crag to crag, where passage could be won. And as the last of the mute train behind the healthy top of that off-sloping outlet disappeared I, more impatient in my downward course, had landed upon easy ground, and there stood waiting for my comrade. When behold an object that enticed my steps aside. A narrow winding entry opened out into a platform that lay sheepfold-wise and closed between an upright mass of rock and one old moss-grown wall, a cool recess and fanciful. For where the rock and wall met in an angle hung a penthouse, framed by thrusting two rude staves into the wall and overlaying them with mountain sods. To weather-fend a little turf-built seat whereon a full-grown man might rest, nor dread the burning sunshine or a transient shower. But the whole plainly wrought by children's hands, whose skill had thronged the floor with a proud show of baby houses curiously arranged, nor wanting ornament of walks between with mimic trees inserted in the turf and gardens interposed. Pleased with the sight I could not choose but beckon to my guide, who entering round him through a careless glance impatient to pass on when I exclaimed, Lo, what is here? And stooping down drew forth a book that in the midst of stones and moss and wreck of party-colored earthenware aptly disposed had lent its help to raise one of those petty structures. His it must be, exclaimed the wanderer, cannot be but his, and he is gone. The book, which in my hand had opened of itself, for it was swollen with searching damp and seemingly had lain to the injurious elements exposed from week to week, I found to be a work in the French tongue, a novel of Voltaire, his famous optimist. Unhappy man, exclaimed my friend. Here then has been to him retreat within retreat a sheltering place within how deep a shelter. He had fits even to the last of genuine tenderness and loved the haunts of children. Here no doubt pleasing and pleased he shared their simple sports or sat companionless. And here the book, left and forgotten in his careless way, must by the cottage children have been found, heaven bless them in their inconsiderate work, to what odd purpose have the darlings turned this sad memorial of their hapless friend. Me, said I, most doth it surprise to find such a book in such a place. A book it is, he answered, to the person suited well, the little suited to surrounding things, to strange, I grant, and stranger still had been to see the man who owned it dwelling here with one poor shepherd far from all the world. Now, if our errand hath been thrown away, as from these intimations I forbode, grieved shall I be, less for my sake than yours and least of all for him who is no more. But by this the book was in the old man's hand. And he continued, glancing on the leaves and eye of scorn. The lover said he, doomed to love when hope hath failed him, whom no depth of privacy is deep enough to hide, hath yet his bracelet or his lock of hair, and that is joy to him. When change of times hath summoned kings to scaffold, do but give the faithful servant who must hide his head henceforth in whatsoever nook he may, the kerchief sprinkled with his master's blood, and he too hath his comforter. How poor, beyond all poverty, how destitute must that man have been left, who hither driven, flying or seeking, could yet bring with him no dearer relic and no better stay. And this dull product of a scoffer's pen, impure conceits discharging from a heart hardened by impious pride. I did not fear to tax you with this journey, mildly said my venerable friend, as forth we stepped into the presence of the cheerful light, for I have knowledge that you do not shrink from moving spectacles, but let us on. So speaking on he went, and at the word I followed, till he made a sudden stand, for full in view approaching through a gate that opened from the enclosure of green fields into the rough uncultivated ground, behold the man whom he had fancied dead. I knew from his deportment mean and dress that it could be no other, a pale face, a meager person, tall, and in a garb not rustic, dull and faded like himself. He saw us not, though distant but few steps, for he was busy dealing from a store upon a broadleaf carried choicest strings of red ripe currents, gift by which he strove with intermixture of endearing words to sue the child who walked beside him, weeping as if disconsolate. They to the grave are bearing him, my little one, he said, to the dark pit, but he will feel no pain. His body is at rest, his soul in heaven. More might have followed, but my honoured friend broke in upon the speaker with a frank and cordial greeting. Vivid was the light that flashed and sparkled from the other's eyes. He was all fire, no shadow on his brow remained nor sign of sickness on his face. Hands joined he with his visitant, a grasp, an eager grasp, and many moments' space. When the first glow of pleasure was no more and of the sad appearance which had once had vanished much was come and coming back, an amicable smile retained the life which it had unexpectedly received upon his hollow cheek. How kind, he said, nor could your coming have been better timed, for this, you see, is in our narrow world a day of sorrow. I have here a charge, and speaking thus he padded tenderly the sunburned forehead of the weeping child, a little mourner whom it is yet my task to comfort. But how came ye, if ye on track such a once befriended us in betray, conducted hither your most welcome feet, ye could not miss the funeral train? They yet have scarcely disappeared. This blooming child, said the old man, is of an age to weep at any grave or solemn spectacle, inly distressed or overpowered with awe. He knows not wherefore. But the boy today perhaps is shedding orphans' tears. You also must have sustained a loss. The hand of death, he answered, has been here, but could not well have fallen more lightly, if it had not fallen upon myself. The other left these words unnoticed, thus continuing. From yawn crag down whose steep sides we dropped into the veil, we heard the hymn they sang, a solemn sound heard anywhere, but in a place like this, tis more than human. Many precious rites and customs of our rural ancestry are gone and stealing from us. This, I hope, will last forever. Often my way have I stood still, though but a casual passenger. So much I felt the awfulness of life, in that one moment when the courses lifted in silence with a hush of decency. Then from the threshold moves with song of peace and confidential yearnings towards its home, its final home on earth. What traveler, who, how far so aroush stranger, does not own the bond of brotherhood when he sees them go? A mute procession on the houseless road, or passing by some single tenement or clustered dwellings, where again they raise the monetary voice. But most of all it touches, it confirms, and elevates. Then when the body soon to be consigned, ashes to ashes, dust bequeathed to dust, is raised from the church aisle, and forward born upon the shoulders of the next in love, the nearest in affection or in blood, yea, by the very mourners who had knelt beside the coffin, resting on its lid in silent grief their uplifted heads, and heard, meanwhile, the psalmist's mournful plaint and that most awful scripture which declares, we shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed. Heaven not seen, ye likewise may have seen, son, husband, brothers, brothers side by side, and son and father also side by side rise from that posture. And in concert move, on the green turf following the vested priest, four dear supporters of one senseless weight from which they do not shrink, and under which they faint not, but advance towards the open grave step after step. Together, with their firm, unhidden faces, he that suffers most, he outwardly, and inwardly perhaps the most serene, with most undaunted eye, O blessed are they who live and die like these, loved with such love, and with such sorrow mourned. That poor man taken hence today, replied the solitary with a faint sarcastic smile which did not please me, must be deemed, I fear, of the unblessed, for he will surely sink into his mother earth without such pomp of grief, depart without occasion given by him for such array of fortitude. Full seventy winters hath he lived, and mark this simple child will mourn this one short hour, and I shall miss him, scanty tribute. Yet this wanting, he would leave the sight of men if love were his soul claim upon their care like a ripe date which in the desert falls without a hand to gather it. At this I interposed, though loath to speak, and said, Can it be thus among so small a band as ye must needs be here? In such a place I would not willingly me thinks lose sight of a departing cloud. It was not for love, answered the sick man with a careless voice that I came hither. Neither have I found among associates who have power of speech, nor another such converse as is here, temptation so prevailing as to change that mood or undermine my first resolve. Then speaking in like careless sort, he said to my benign companion, Pity tis that fortune did not guide you to this house a few days earlier. Then you would have seen what stuffed the dwellers in a solitude that seems by nature hollowed out to be the seat and bosom of pure innocence are made of. An ungracious matter this. Which for truth's sake, yet in remembrance too of past discussions with this zealous friend and advocate of humble life, I now will force upon his notice, undeterred by the example of his own pure course, and that respect and deference, which a soul may fairly claim, by niggered age enriched in what she most doth value, love of God and his frail creature man, but ye shall hear. I talk, and ye are standing in the sun without refreshment. Quickly had he spoken. And with light steps still quicker than his words led toward the cottage. Homely was the spot, and to my feeling ere we reached the door, had almost a forbidding nakedness. Less fair, I grant, even painfully less fair than it appeared when from the beadling rock we had looked down upon it. All within, as left by the departed company, was silent, saved the solitary clock that on my ear ticked with a mournful sound. Following our guide, we cloned the cottage stairs and reached a small apartment dark and low, which was no sooner entered than our host said gaily, this is my domain, my cell, my hermitage, my cabin, what ye will. I love it better than a snail his house, but ye shall be feasted with our best. So with more ardour than an unripe girl left one day mistress of her mother's stores, he went about his hospitable task. My eyes were busy and my thoughts no less, and pleased I looked upon my grey-haired friend as if to thank him, he returned that look, cheered plainly and yet serious. What a wreck had we about us. Scattered was the floor, in like-sort chair, window-seed and shelf with books, maps, fossil, withered plants and flowers and tufts of mountain moss, mechanic tools lay intermixed with scraps of paper, some scribbled with verse, a broken angling rod and shattered telescope together linked by cobwebs stood within a dusty nook and instruments of music, some half-made, some in disgrace, hung dangling from the walls. But speedily the promise was fulfilled, a feast before us and a courteous host inviting us in glee to sit and eat, a napkin white as foam as of that rough brook by which it had been bleached or spread the board. It was itself half-covered with a store of dainties, oat and bread, curd, cheese and cream, and cakes of butter curiously embossed, butter that had imbibed from mountain meadows, a golden hue, delicate as their own faintly reflected in a lingering stream. Nor lacked for more delight on that warm day our tables, small parade of garden fruits and berries from the mountainside. The child who long ere this had stilled his sobs was now a help to his late comforter and moved a willing page as he was bid ministering to our need. In genial mood while at our pastoral banquet thus we sat fronting the window of that little cell, I could not, ever none on, forbear to glance an upward look on two huge peaks that from some other veil peered into this. Those lusty twins exclaimed our host, if here it were your lot to dwell would soon become your prized companions. Many are the notes which in his tuneful course the wind draws forth from rocks, woods, caverns, heaths and dashing shores, and well those lofty brethren bear their part in the wild concert, chiefly when the storm rides high. Then all the upper air they fill with roaring sound ceases not to flow like smoke along the level of the blast and mighty current. There's too is the song of stream and headlong flood that seldom fails, and in the grim and breathless hour of noon me thinks that I have heard them echo back the thunder's greeting, nor have nature's laws left them ungifted with the power to yield music of finer tone, a harmony. So do I call it, though it be the hand of silence, though there be no voice, the clouds, the mist, the shadows, light of golden suns, motions of moonlight all come thither, touch and have an answer, thither come and shape a language not unwelcome to sick hearts and idle spirits. There the sun himself at the calm close of summer's longest day rests his substantial orb. Between those heights and on the top of either pinnacle more keenly than elsewhere in night's blue vault sprinkle the stars as of their station proud. Thoughts are not busier in the mind of man than the mute agents stirring there alone. Here do I sit and watch a fall of voice regretted like the Nightingale's last note had scarcely closed this high-wrought strain of rapture. Air with inviting smile the wanderer said, now for the tale with which you threatened us. In truth the threat escaped me unawares. Should the tale tire you, let this challenge stand for my excuse. Dissevered from mankind as to your eyes and thoughts we must have seen when you look down upon us from the crag, islanders met a stormy mountain sea, we are not so. Perpetually we touch upon the vulgar ordinances of the world, and he whom this our cottage hath today relinquished lived dependent for his bread upon the laws of public charity. The housewife, tempted by such slender gains as might from that occasion be distilled, opened as she before had done for me her doors to admit this homeless pensioner. The portion gave, of course, but wholesome fare which appetite required. A blind, dull nook such as she had, not the kennel of his rest. This, in itself not ill, would yet have been ill-born in earlier life, but his was now the still contentedness of seventy years. Calm did he sit under the widespread tree of his old age, and yet less calm and meek, winningly meek or venerably calm than slow and torped. Paying in this wise a penalty, if penalty it were, for spend thrift feats excesses of his prime. I loved the old man, for I pitied him. A task it was I owned to hold discourse with one so slow in gathering up his thoughts. But he was a cheap pleasure to my eyes, mild, inoffensive, ready in his way, and helpful to his utmost power. And there our housewife knew full well what she possessed. He was her vassal of all labor, tilled her garden, from the pasture fetched her kind. And one among the orderly array of haymakers beneath the burning sun maintained his place, or heedfully pursued his course on errands bound to other veils, leading sometimes an inexperienced child too young for any profitable task. So moved he like a shadow that performed substantial service. Marked me now, and learned for what reward the moon her monthly round had not completed since our dame, the queen of this one cottage and this lonely dale, into my little sanctuary rushed, voice to a rueful treble humanized and features in deplorable dismay. I treat the matter lightly, but alas, it is most serious. Persevering rain had fallen in torrents. All the mountaintops were hidden, and black vapors coursed their sides. Thus had I seen and saw, but till she spake was wholly ignorant that my ancient friend, who at her bidding early and alone had clomoloft to delve the moorland turf for winter fuel, to his noontide meal returned not, and now haply on the heights lay at the mercy of this raging storm. Inhuman, said I, was an old man's life not worth the trouble of a thought, alas, this notice comes too late. With joy I saw her husband enter from a distant veil. We sallied forth together, found the tools which the neglected veteran had dropped, but through all quarters looked for him in vain. We shouted, but no answer. Darkness fell without remission of the blast or shower, and tears of our own safety drove us home. I, who weep little, did, I will confess, the moment I was seated here alone, honor my little cell with some few tears, which anger and resentment could not dry. All night the storm endured, and soon as help had been collected from the neighboring veil, with mourning we renewed our quest. The wind was fallen, the rain abated, but the hills lay shrouded in impenetrable mist, and hopelessly we sought in vain. Till chancing on that lofty ridge to pass a heap of ruin, almost without walls and wholly without roof, the bleach remains of a small chapel where in ancient time the peasants of these lonely valleys used to meet for worship on that central height. We there aspired the object of our search, lying full three parts buried among tufts of heath plant, under and above him strewn, to baffle as he might the watery storm. And there we found him breathing peaceably, snug as a child that hides itself in sport amid a green haycock in a sunny field. We spake, he made reply, but would not stir at our entreaty, less from want of power than apprehension and bewildering thoughts, so he was lifted gently from the ground. And with their frayed homeward, the shepherds moved through the dull mist, eye-following, when a step, a single step, that freed me from the skirts of the blind vapor, turned to my view, glory beyond all glory ever seen by waking sense or by the dreaming soul. The appearance, instantaneously disclosed, was of a mighty city, boldly say a wilderness of building, sinking far and self-withdrawn into a boundless depth, far sinking into splendor without end. Fabric it seemed of diamond and of gold with alabaster domes and silver spires and blazing terrace upon terrace, high uplifted. Here, serene pavilions bright in avenues disposed, their towers beguird with battlements that on their restless fronts bore stars, illumination of all gems. By earthly nature had the effect been wrought upon the dark materials of the storm now pacified, on them and on the coves and mountains, steeps and summits, where unto the vapors had receded, taking there their station under a cerulean sky. Oat was an unimaginable sight, clouds, mists, streams, watery rocks and emerald turf, clouds of all tincture, rocks and sapphire sky, confused, commingled, mutually inflamed, molten together and composing thus each lost in each that marvelous array of temple, palace, citadel and huge fantastic pomp of structure without name, in fleecy folds voluminous and wrapped. Right in the midst, where inner space appeared of an open court, an object like a throne under a shining canopy of states stood fixed, and fixed resemblances were seen to implements of ordinary use, but vast in size, in substance glorified, such as by Hebrew prophets were beheld in vision, forms uncouth of mightiest power for admiration and mysterious awe. This little veil, a dwelling place of man lay low beneath my feet. It was visible, I saw not, but I felt that it was there. That which I saw was the revealed abode of spirits in beatitude. My heart swelled in my breast. I have been dead, I cried. And now I live. Oh, wherefore do I live? And with that pang I prayed to be no more. But I forget our charges. Utterly I then forgot him. There I stood and gazed. The apparition faded not away, and I descended. Having reached the house, I found its rescued inmate safely lodged, and in serene possession of himself beside a fire whose genial warmth seemed met by a faint shining from the heart, a gleam of comfort spread over his pallid face. Great show of joy the housewife made, and truly was glad to find her conscience set at ease, and not less glad for sake of her good name that the poor sufferer had escaped with life. But though he seemed at first to have received no harm, and uncomplaining as before went through his usual tasks, a silent change soon showed itself, he lingered three short weeks, and from the cottage hath been born today. So ends my dolerous tale, and glad I am that it has ended. At these words he turned, by the air of open fellowship brought from the cupboard wine and stouter cheer, like one who would be merry. Seeing this, my grey-haired friend said courteously, nay, nay, you have regaled us as a hermit ought. Now let us forth into the sun. Our host rose, though reluctantly, and forth we went. End of Book Second of The Excursion by William Wordsworth. The Excursion of Three This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org The Excursion by William Wordsworth Book Third Despondency A humming bee, a little tinkling rill, a pair of falcons wheeling on the wing In clamorous agitation round the crest of a tall rock their airy citadel, by each and all of these the pensive ear was greeted in the silence that ensued. Went through the cottage threshold we had passed, and deep within that lonesome valley stood once more beneath the concave of a blue and cloudless sky. Anon exclaimed our host, triumphantly dispersing with the taunt the shade of discontent which on his brow gathered. He have left my cell, but see how nature hems you in with friendly arms. And by her help he are my prisoners still. But which way shall I lead you? How can tribe in spots so parsimoniously endowed that the brief hours which yet remain may reap some recompense of knowledge or delight? So saying round he looked as if perplexed, and to friend said, Shall we take this pathway for our guide? Upward it lines as if in summer heats its line had first been fashioned by the flock seeking a place of refuge at the root of yon black yew tree, whose protruded boughs darken the silver bosom of the crag from which she draws her meager sustenance. There in comodious shelter may we rest or let us trace this streamlet to its source, feebly circles with an earthly sound. And a few steps may bring us to the spot where happily crowned with flowerots and green herbs the mountain infant to the sun comes forth, like human life from darkness. A quick turn through a straight passage of encumbered ground proved that such hope was vain. For now we stood shut out from prospect of the open veil and saw the water that composed this reel descending, disembodied with surface of an ample crag lofty and steep and naked as a tower. All further progress here was barred, and who thought I if master of a vacant hour here would not linger willingly detained whether the such wild objects he were led when copious rains have magnified the stream into a loud and white robed waterfall or introduced at this more quiet time. Upon a semi-circ of turf clad ground the hidden nook discovered to our view a mass of rock resembling as it lay right at the foot of that moist precipice a stranded ship with keel upturned that rests fearless of winds and waves. Three several stones stood near of smaller size and not unlike two monumental pillars and from these some little space disjoined a pair were seen that with united shoulders bore a loft fragment like an altar flat and smooth. Bear in the tablet yet thereon appeared a tall and shining holly that had found an hospitable chink and stood upright as if inserted by some human hand in mockery to wither in the sun or lay its beauty flat before a breeze the first that entered. But no breeze did now find entrance. Higher low appeared no trace of motion save the water that descended diffused down that barrier of steep rock and softly creeping like a breath of air such as is sometimes seen and hardly seen to brush the still breast of a crystal lake. Behold a cabinet for sages built which kings might envy. Praise to this effect broke from the happy old man's reverend lip who to the solitary turned and said in soothe with love's familiar privilege you have decried the wealth which is your own. Among these rocks and stones me thinks I see more than the heedless impress that belongs to lonely nature's casual work. They bear assembled strange of power intelligent and of design not wholly worn away. Boldest of plants that ever faced the wind how gracefully that slender shrub looks forth from its fantastic birthplace and I own some shadowy nature's haunt me here that in these shows a chronicle survives of purposes akin to those of man but wrought with mightier arm then now prevails. Voiceless the stream descends into the gulf with timid lapse and low while in this straight I stand the chasm of sky above my head is heaven's profoundest azure no domain for fickle short-lived clouds to occupy or to pass through but rather an abyss in which the everlasting stars abide and whose soft gloom and boundless depth might tempt the curious eye to look for them by day. Hail contemplation from the stately towers reared by the industrious hand of human art to lift the high above the misty air and turbulence of murmuring cities vast from academic groves that have for thee been planted come and find a lodge to which thou mayst resort for holier peace from whose calm center thou through height or depth mayst penetrate wherever truth shall lead measuring through all degrees until the scale of time an unconscious nature disappear lost in unsearchable eternity. A pause ensued and with minute her care the various features of the scene and soon the tenant of that lonely veil with courteous voice thus spake I should have grieved hereafter not escaping self-reproach if from my poor retirement ye had gone leaving this nook unvisited but in sooth your unexpected presence had so roused my spirits that they were bent on enterprise and like an ardent hunter I forgot or shall I say disdained the game that lurks at my own door the shapes before our eyes in their arrangement doubtless must be deemed the sport of nature aided by blind chance rudely to mock the works of toiling man and hence this upright shaft of unhewn stone from fancy willing to set off her stores by sounding titles hath acquired the name of Pompey's pillar that I gravely style in the obelisk and there behold a druid Cromlech thus I entertain the antiquarian humor and am pleased to skim along the surfaces of things beguiling harmlessly the listless hours but if the spirit be oppressed by sense of instability revolt decay and change in emptiness these freaks of nature and her blind helper chance do then suffice to quicken aggravate to feed pity and scorn and melancholy pride not less than that huge pile from some abyss of mortal power unquestionably sprung whose horrid diadem of pendant rocks confines the shrill voiced whirlwind round and round eddying within its vast circumference on serums naked plains then pyramid of Egypt unsubverted undissolved or serious marble ruins towering high above the sandy desert in the light of sun or moon raised your minds to an exalted pitch the self-same cause different effect producing is for me fraught rather with depression than delight though shame it were could I not look around by the reflection of your pleasure pleased yet happier in my judgment even than you with your bright transports fairly may be deemed the wandering herbalist who clear like from vain and that worse evil vexing thoughts cast if he ever chance to enter here upon these uncouth forms a slight regard of transitory interest and peeps round for some rare flower of the hills or plant of craggy fountain what he hopes for wins or learns at least that is not to be won then keen and eager as a fine noseed hound by soul engrossing instincts driven along through wood or open field the harmless man departs intent upon his onward quest nor is that fellow wanderer so demy less to be envied you may trace him off by scars which his activity has left beside our roads and pathways though thank heaven this covert milk reports not of his hand he who with pocket hammers smites the edge of luckless rock or prominent stone disguised in weather stains or crusted ore by nature with her first grotes detaching by the stroke a chip or splinter to resolve his doubts and with that ready answer satisfied the substance classes by some barbarous name and hurries on or from the fragments picks his specimen if but happily intervened with sparkling mineral or should crystal cube lurk in its cells and thinks himself enriched wealthier and doubtless wiser than before he musted safely each to his pursuit earnest alike let both from hill to hill range if it please them speed from climb to climb the mind is full and free from pain their pastime then said I interposing one is near who cannot but possess in your esteem place worthy or still of envy may I name without offense that fair faced cottage boy dame nature's pupil of the lowest form youngest apprentice in the school of art him as we entered from the open glen you might have noticed busily engaged heart soul and hands in mending the defects left in the fabric of a leaky dam raised for enabling this penurious stream to turn a slender real that new made play thing for his delight the happiest he of all far happiest answered the desponding man if such as now he is still remain what avails imagination higher question deep what profits all that earth or heaven's blue vault is suffered to put forth of impulse or allurement for the soul to quit the beaten track of life and so far as she finds a yielding element in past or future far as she can go through time or space if neither in the one nor in the other region nor in ought that fancy dreaming of things have placed beyond these penetrable bounds words of assurance can be heard if nowhere a habitation for consummate good or for progressive virtue by the search can be attained a better sanctuary from doubt and sorrow than the senseless grave is this the gray haired wanderer mildly said the voice which we so lately overheard to that same child addressing tenderly the consolations of a hopeful mind his body is at rest his soul in heaven these were your words and verily me thinks wisdom is off times nearer when we stoop than when we soar the other not displeased promptly replied my notion is the same and I without reluctance could decline all active inquisition once we rise and what when breath has ceased we may become here are we in a bright and breathing world our origin what matters it in lack of worthier explanation say it once with the American a thought which suits the place where now we stand that certain men leaped out together from a rocky cave and these were the first parents of mankind or if a different image be recalled by the warm sunshine and the jokun voice of insects chirping out their careless lives on these soft beds of time besprinkled turf choose with the gay Athenian a conceded sound blithe race whose mantles were bedecked with golden grasshoppers in sign that they had sprung like those bright creatures from the soil where on their endless generations dwelt but stop these theoretic fancies jar on serious minds then as the Hindus draw holy Ganges from a sky found even so deduce the stream of human life from seats of power divine and hope or trust that our existence winds her stately course beneath the sun like Ganges to make part of a living concern or to sink engulfed like Niger in impenetrable sands and utter darkness thought which may be faced though by this not of myself I speak such acquiescence neither doth imply in me a meekly bending spirit soothed by natural piety nor a lofty mind by philosophic discipline prepared for calm subjection to acknowledged law pleased to have been contented not to be such palms I boast not no to me who find reviewing my past way much nothing to regret save some resemblances of dream like joys that scarcely seem to belong to me if I must take my choice between the pair that rule alternately the weary hours night is then day more acceptable sleep doth in my estimate of good appear a better state than waking death and sleep feelingly sweet is stillness after storm though under cover of the wormy ground yet be it said in justice to myself that in more genial times when I was free to explore the destiny of humankind not as an intellectual game pursued with curious subtlety from wish to cheat irksome sensations but by love of truth urged on are happily by intense delight in feeding thought wherever thought could feed I did not rank with those too dull or nice for to my judgment such they then appeared or too aspiring thankless at the best frame of human life perceive an object where unto their souls are tied in discontented wedlock nor did air for me those dark impervious shades hang upon the region wither we are bound exclude a power to enjoy the vital beams of present sunshine deities that float on wings angelic spirits I could muse or what from eldest time I have been told of your bright forms and glorious faculties and with the imagination rest content not wishing more repining not to tread the little sinuous path of earthly care by flowers embellished by springs refreshed blow winds of autumn let your chilling breath take the live from the mead and strip the shady forest of its green attire and let the bursting clouds to fury arouse the gentle brooks your desolating sway sheds I exclaimed no sadness upon me and no disorder in your rage I find what dignity what beauty in this change from mild to angry and from sad to gay alternate and revolving how benign how rich in animation and delight how bountiful these elements compared with art as more desirable and fair devised by fancy for the golden age or the perpetual warbling that prevails in arcady beneath unaltered skies through the long year in constant quiet bound night hushed as night and day serene as day but why this tedious record age we know is garrulous and solitude is apt to anticipate the privilege of age from far you come and surely with a hope of better enlightenment let us hence loath to forsake the spot and still more loath to be diverted from our present theme I said my thoughts agreeing sir with yours would push this censure farther for if smiles of scornful pity be the just reward of poesy thus courteously employed in framing models to improve the scheme of man's existence and recast the world why should not grave philosophy be styled herself as a dreamer of a kindred stock a dreamer yet more spiritless and dull yes shall the fine immunities she boasts establish sounder titles of esteem for her who all too timid and reserved for onset for resistance too inert too weak for suffering and for hope too tame placed among flowery gardens with world excluding groves the brotherhood of soft epicureans taught if they the ends of being would secure and win the crown of wisdom to yield up their souls to a voluptuous unconcern preferring tranquility to all things or is she I cried more worthy of regard the power who for the sake of sterner quiet closed the stoic's heart against the vain approach of admiration and all sense of joy his countenance gave notice that my zeal accorded little with his present mind I ceased and he resumed ah gentle sir slight if you will the means but spare to slight the end of those who did by system rank as the prime object of a wise man's aim security from shock of accident release from fear and cherished peaceful days for their own sakes as mortal life's chief good and only reasonable felicity what motive drew what impulse I would ask through a long course of later ages drove the hermit to his cell and forest wide or what detained him till his closing eyes took their last farewell of the sun and stars fast anchored in the desert not alone dread of the persecuting sword remorse wrongs unredressed or insults avenged and unvengeable defeated pride prosperity friendship betrayed affection unreturned love with despair or grief and agony not always from intolerable pangs he fled but compassed round by pleasure sighed for independent happiness craving peace the central feeling of all happiness not as a refuge from distress or pain a breathing time vacation or a truce but for its absolute self a life of peace stability without regret or fear that hath been is and shall be evermore such the reward he sought and wore out his life there were on few external things his heart was set and those his own or if not his subsisting under nature's steadfast law what other yearning was the master tie of the monastic brotherhood upon rock aerial or in green secluded veil one after one collected from afar and undissolving fellowship what but this the universal instinct of repose the longing for confirmed tranquility inward and outward humble yet sublime the life where hope and memory are as one where earth is quiet and her face unchanged saved by the simplest toil of human hands or seasons difference the immortal soul consistent in self-rule and heaven revealed to meditation in that quietness such was their scheme and though the wish for end by multitudes was missed perhaps attained by none they for the attempt and pains employed due in my present censure stand redeemed from the unqualified disdained that once would have been cast upon them by my voice delivering her decisions from the seat of forward youth that scruples not to solve doubts and determine questions by the rules of inexperienced judgment ever prone to overweening faith and is inflamed by courage to demand from real life the test of act and suffering to provoke hostility how dreadful when it comes whether affliction be the foe or guilt a child of earth I rested in that stage of my past course and subvert upon earth's native energies forgetting that mine was a condition which required nor energy nor fortitude a calm without vicissitude which if the like had been presented to my view elsewhere I might have even been tempted to despise but no for the serene was also bright enlivened happiness with joy or flowing with joy we strive to speak the word with rapture nature's boon life's genuine inspiration happiness above what rules can teach or fancy feign abused as all possessions are abused that are not prized according to their worth and yet what worth what good is given to men more solid than the gilded clouds of heaven what joy more lasting than a vernal flower than tis the general plaint of humankind in solitude and mutually addressed from each to all for wisdom's sake this truth the priest announces from his holy seat and crowned with garlands in the summer grove the poet fits it to his pensive liar yet ere that final resting place be gained sharp contradictions may arise by doom of this same life compelling us to grieve for the prosperity of love and joy should be permitted off times to endure so long and be at once cast down forever oh tremble ye to whom hath been assigned a course of days composing happy months and they as happy years the present still so like the past and both so firm a pledge of a congenial future that the wheels of pleasure move without the aid of hope for mutability is nature's bane and slighted hope will be avenged and when ye need her favors ye shall find her not but in her stead fear doubt and agony this was the bitter language of the heart but while he spake look gesture tone of voice though discomposed and vehement were such a skill and graceful nature might suggest to a proficient of the tragic scene standing before the multitude beset with dark events desirous to divert or stem the current of the speaker's thought we signified a wish to leave that place of stillness and close privacy a nook that seemed for self examination made or for confession in the sinner's need hidden from all men's view to our attempt he yielded not but pointing to a slope of mossy turf defended from the sun and on that couch inviting us to rest full on that tender hearted man he turned a serious eye and his speech thus removed ye never saw your eyes never did look on the bright form of her whom once I loved her silver voice was heard upon the earth a sound unknown to you else honored friend your heart had borne a pitiable share of what I suffered when I wept that loss and suffer now not seldom the thought that I remember and can weep no more stripped as I am of all the golden fruit of self esteem and by the cutting blasts of self reproach familiarly assailed yet would I not be of such wintry barrenness but that some leaf of your regard should hang upon my naked branches lively thoughts give birth full often to unguarded words I grieve that in your presence too much of frailty hath already dropped but that too much demands still more you know reverent compatriot and to you kind sir not to be deemed a stranger as you come following the guidance of these welcome feet to our secluded veil that my demerits did not sue in vain to one on whose mild radiance many gazed with hope and all with pleasure this fair bride the devotedness of youthful love preferring me to parents and the choir of gay companions to the natal roof at all known places and familiar sights resigned with sadness gently weighing down her trembling expectations but no more than did to her due honor and to me yielded that day a confidence sublime in what I had to build upon this bride young modest meek and beautiful I led to a low cottage in a sunny bay where the salt sea innocuously breaks and the sea breeze as innocently breathes on Devin's leafy shores a sheltered hold in a soft climb encouraging the soil to a luxuriant bounty as our steps approached the empowered abode our chosen seat sea rooted in the earth her kindly bed the unendangered myrtle decked with flowers before the threshold stands to welcome us while in the flowering myrtles neighborhood not overlooked but courting no regard those native plants the holly and the you gave modest intimation to the mind how willingly their aid they would unite with the green myrtle to endear the hours of winter and protect that pleasant place while were the walks upon those lonely downs track leading into track how marked how worn into bright verger between fern and gorse winding away its never-ending line on their smooth surface evidence was none but there lay open to our daily haunt a range of unappropriated earth where youth's ambitious feet might move at large whence unmalested wanderers we beheld the shining giver of the day diffuse his brightness or attractive sea and land gay as our spirits free as our desires as our enjoyments boundless from those heights we dropped at pleasure into silven combs where arbors of impenetrable shade and mossy seats detained us side by side with hearts at ease and knowledge in our hearts that all the grove and all the day was ours oh happy time still happier was at hand for nature called my partner to find her share in the pure freedom of that life enjoyed by us in common to my hope to my heart's wish my tender mate became the thankful captive of maternal bonds and those wild paths were left to me alone there could I meditate on folly's past and like a weary voyager escaped from risk and hardship inwardly retrace a course of vain delights and thoughtless guilt and self-indulgence without shame pursued there undisturbed could think of and could thank her whose submissive spirit was to me rule and restraint my guardian shall I say that earthly providence whose guiding love within a port of rest had lodged me safe safe from temptation and from danger far strains followed of acknowledgement addressed to an authority and thrown above the reach of sight from whom as from their source proceed all visible ministers of good that walk the earth father of heaven and earth father and king and judge adored and feared these acts of mind and memory and heart and spirit interrupted and relieved by observations transient as the glance of flying sunbeams or to the outward form cleaving with power inherent and intense as the mute insect fixed upon the plant on whose soft leaves it hangs and from whose cup it draws its nourishment imperceptibly endeared my wanderings and the mother's kiss an infant smile awaited my return in privacy we dwelt a wedded pair companions daily often all day long not placed by fortune within easy reach of various intercourse nor wishing ought beyond the allowance of our own fireside the twain within our happy cottage born inmates and heirs of our united love graced mutually by difference of sex and with no wider interval of time between their several births then served for one to establish something of a leader's sway yet left them joined by sympathy and age equals in pleasure fellows in pursuit on these two pillars rested as in air our solitude it soothes me to perceive our courtesy withholds not from my words attentive audience but oh gentle friends as times of quiet and unbroken peace though for a nation times of blessedness give back faint echoes from the historian's page so in the imperfect sounds of this discourse depressed I hear how faithless is the voice which those most blissful days reverberate what special record can or need given to rules and habits where by much was done but all within the sphere of little things of humble though to us important cares and precious interests smoothly did our life advance swerving not from the path prescribed her annual her diurnal round alike maintained with faithful care and you divine the worst effects that our condition saw if you imagine changes slowly rot and in their progress unperceivable not wished for sometimes noticed with a sigh what air of good or lovely they might bring sighs of regret for the familiar good and loveliness endeared which they removed seven years of occupation undisturbed established seemingly a right to hold that happiness and use and habit gave to what an alien spirit had acquired a patrimonial sanctity and thus with thoughts and wishes founded to this world I lived and breathed most grateful if to enjoy without repining or desire for more for different lot or change to higher sphere only accept some impulses of pride with no determined object though upheld by theories with suitable support most grateful if in such wise to enjoy be proof of gratitude for what we have else I allow most thankless but at once from some dark seat of fatal power was urged acclaim that shattered all our blooming girl caught in the grip of death with such brief time to struggle in a scarcely would allow her cheek to change its color was conveyed from us to inaccessible worlds to regions where height or depth admits not the approach of living man the longing to pursue with even as brief a warning how soon with what short interval of time between I tremble yet to think of our last prop our happy life's only remaining stay the brother followed and was seen no more calm as a frozen lake when ruthless winds blow fiercely agitating earth and sky the mother now remained as if in her who to the lowest region of the soul had been air while unsettled and disturbed the second visitation had no power to shake but only to bind up and seal and to establish thankfulness of heart in heavens determinations ever just the eminence where on her spirit stood mine was unable to attain immense the space that severed us but as the site communicates with heavens ethereal orbs in calculably distant so I felt that consolation may descend from far and that is intercourse in union too while overcome with speechless gratitude and with a holier love inspired I looked on her had once superior to my woes and partner of my loss oh heavy change dimness or this clear luminary crept insensibly immortal and divine yielded to mortal reflux her pure glory as from the pinnacle of worldly state wretched ambition drops astounded fell into a gulf obscure of silent grief and keen heart anguish of itself ashamed yet obstinately cherishing itself and so consumed she melted from my arms and left me on this earth disconsolate what followed cannot be reviewed in thought much less retraced in words if she of life blameless so intimate with love and joy and all the tender motions of the soul had been supplanted could I hope to stand infirm dependent and now destitute I called on dreams and visions to disclose that which is availed from waking thought conjured eternity as men constrain a ghost to appear in answer to the grave I spake imploringly looked up and asked the heavens if angels traverse their cerulean floors if fixed or wandering star could tidings yield of the departed spirit what abode it occupies what consciousness retains of former loves and interests then my soul turned inward to examine of what stuff time's fetters are composed and life was put to inquisition long and profitless by pain of heart now checked by intellectual power through words and things when sounding on a dim and perilous way and from those transports and these toils abstruse some trace am I unable to retain of time else lost existing unto me only by records in myself not found from that abstraction I was roused and how even as a thoughtful shepherd by a flash of lightning startled wild hills for low the dread Bastille with all the chambers in its horrid towers fell to the ground by violence overthrown of indignation and with shouts that drowned the crash it made in falling from the wreck of golden palace rows or seemed to rise the appointed seat of equitable law and mild paternal sway the potent shock I felt transformation I perceived seized as in that moment when from the blind misissuing I beheld glory beyond all glory ever seen confusion infinite of heaven and earth dazzling the soul meanwhile prophetic harps in every grove were ringing war shall cease did he not hear that conquest is abjured bring garlands bring forth choicest flowers to deck the tree of liberty my heart rebounded my melancholy voice the chorus joined be joyful all ye nations in all lands ye that are capable of joy be glad henceforth what air is wanting to yourselves and others ye shall promptly find and all enriched by mutual and reflected wealth shall with one heart honor their common kind thus was I reconverted to the world society became my glittering bride and airy hopes my children from the depths of natural passion seemingly escaped my soul diffused herself in wide embrace of institutions and the forms of things as they exist in mutable array upon life's surface what though in my veins there flowed no Gallic blood nor had I breathed the air of France not less than Gallic zeal kindled and burnt among the sapless twigs of my exhausted heart if busy men in sober conclave met to weave a web of amity whose living threads should stretch beyond the seas into the farthest pole there did I sit assisting if with noise and acclamation crowds in open air expressed the tumult of their minds my voice there mingled hurt or not the powers of song I left not uninvoked and in still groves where mild enthusiasts tuned a pensive lay of thanks and expectation in accord with their belief I sang Saturnian rule returned a progeny of golden years permitted to descend and bless mankind with promises the Hebrew scriptures team I felt their invitation and resumed a long suspended office in the house of public worship where the glowing phrase of ancient inspiration serving me I promised also with indaunted trust foretold and added prayer to prophecy the admiration winning of the crowd the help desiring of the pure devout scorn and contempt forbid me to proceed but history times slavish scribe will tell how rapidly the zealots of the cause disbanded or in hostile ranks appeared some tired of honest service these outdone disgusted therefore or appalled by aims the fiercer zealots so confusion reigned and the more faithful were compelled to exclaim as brutis did to virtue liberty I worship thee and find thee but a shade such recantation had for me no charm nor would I bend to it who should have grieved at odd however fair that bore the mean of a conclusion or catastrophe why then conceal that the good intimate selfishness with drew I sought other support not scrupulous where it went it came and by what compromise it stood not nice even if notions seemed to be high pitched and quantities determined among men so character did I maintain a strife hopeless and still more hopeless every hour but in the process I began to feel that if the emancipation of the world were missed I should at least secure my own and be in part compensated for rights widely inveterately usurped upon I spake with vehemence and promptly seized all that abstraction furnished for my needs and purposes nor scruple to proclaim and propagate by liberty of life those new persuasions not that I rejoiced or even found pleasure in such a vagrant course for its own sake but farthest from the walk which I had sought in happiness and peace was most inviting to a troubled mind that in a struggling and distempered world saw seductive image of herself yet mark the contradictions on which man is still the sport here nature was my guide the nature of the disillute but the oh fostering nature I rejected smiled at others tears in pity and in scorn at those which thy soft influence sometimes drew my unguarded heart the tranquil shores of Britain circumscribed me else perhaps I might have been entangled among deeds which now is infamous I should abhor despise as senseless for my spirit relished strangely the exasperation of that land which turned an angry beak against the down of her own breast confounded into hope of disencumbering thus her fretful wings but all was quieted by iron bonds of military sway the shifting aims the moral interests the creative might the varied functions and high attributes of civil action yielded to a power formal and odious and contemptible in Britain ruled a panic dread of change the weak were praised rewarded and advanced and from the impulse of a just disdain once more did I retire to myself there feeling no contentment I resolved to fly for safeguard to some foreign shore remote from Europe from her blasted hopes her fields of carnage and polluted air fresh blew the wind when or the Atlantic main the ship went gliding with her thoughtless crew and who among them but an exile freed from discontent indifferent pleased to sit among the busily employed not more with obligation charged service taxed than the loose pendant to the idle wind upon the tall mast streaming but ye powers of soul and sense mysteriously allied oh never let the wretched of a choice be left him trust the freight of his distress to a long voyage on the silent deep for like a plague will memory break out and in the blank and solitude of things upon his spirit with a fever strength will conscience pray truly must they have felt who in old time attired with snakes and whips the vengeful furies beautiful regards were turned on me the face of her I love the wife and mother pitifully fixing tender reproaches insupportable where now that boasted liberty no welcome from unknown objects I received and those known and familiar which the vaulted sky did in the placid clearness of the night those had accusations to prefer against my peace within the cabin stood that volume as a compass for the soul revered among the nations I implored its guidance but the infallible support of faith was wanting tell me why refuse to one by storms annoyed and adverse wins perplexed with currents of his weakness sick of vain endeavors tired and by his own and by his nature's ignorance dismayed long wished foresight the western world appeared and when the ship was moored I leaped ashore indignantly resolved to be a man who having or the past no power would live no longer in subjection to the past with abject mind from a tyrannic lord inviting penance fruitlessly endured so like a fugitive whose feet have cleared some boundary which his followers may not cross in prosecution of their deadly chase respiring I looked round how bright the sun, the breeze how soft can anything produced in the old world compare thought I for power and majesty with this gigantic stream sprung from the desert and behold a city fresh youthful and aspiring what are these to me or I to them as much at least as he desires that they should be whom winds and waves have wafted to this distant shore in the condition of a damaged seed whose fibers cannot if they would take root here may I roam at large my business is roaming at large to observe and not to feel and therefore not to act convinced that all which bears the name of action how so air beginning ends in servitude still painful and mostly profitless and soothed to say on nearer you a motley spectacle appeared of high pretensions unreproved but by the obstreperous voice of higher still big passion strutting on a petty stage which a detached spectator may regard not unamused but ridicule demands quick change of objects and to laugh alone at a composing distance from the haunts of strife and folly though it be a treat as choice is musing leisure can bestow yet in the very center of the crowd to keep the secret of a poignant scorn how air to airy demons suitable of all unsocial courses is least fit for the gross spirit of mankind the one that soonest fails to please and quickly as turns into vexation let us then I said leave this unnit republic to the scourge of her own passions and regions haste whose shades have never felt the encroaching acts or soil endured a transfer in the mart of dire capacity there man abides primeval nature's child a creature weak in combination wherefore else driven back so far and of his old inheritance so easily deprived but for that cause more dignified and stronger in himself whether to act judge suffer or enjoy true the intelligence of social art heth overpower his forefathers and soon will sweep the remnant of his line away but contemplations worthier nobler far than her destructive energies attend his independence but along the side of Mississippi or that northern stream that spreads into successive seas he walks pleased to perceive his own unshackled life and his innate capacities of soul their imaged or when having gained the top of some commanding eminence which yet intruder may be held he then surveys regions of wood and wide savanna vast expanse of unappropriated earth with mind that sheds a light on what he sees free as the sun and lonely as the sun pouring above his head its radiance down upon a living and rejoicing world so westward toward the unviolated woods I bent my way and roaming far and wide failed not to greet the merry and while the melancholy Muckawis the sportive bird's companion in the grove repeated or and or with his plaintive cry I sympathized at leisure with the sound but that pure archetype of human greatness I found him not there in his stead appeared a creature squalid vengeful and impure remorseless and submissive to no law but superstitious fear and abject sloth enough is told here am I you have heard what evidence I seek and vainly seek what from my fellow beings I require and either they have not to give or I lack virtue to receive what I myself too off by willful forfeiture have lost nor can regain how languidly I look upon this visible fabric of the world may be divined perhaps it has been said but spare your pity thought that deserves respect for I exist within myself not comfortless the tenor which my life holds he readily may conceive who ere had stood to watch a mountain brook in some still passage of its course and seeing within the depths of its capacious breast inverted trees, rocks, clouds and azure sky or on its glassy surface specks of foam and congobulated bubbles undissolved stars that by their onward laps betray to sight the motion of the stream else imperceptible meanwhile is heard a soft and roar or murmur and the sound though soothing and the little floating aisles though beautiful are both by nature charged with the same pensive office and make known through what perplexing labyrinths abrupt precipitations and untoward straits newborn wanderer hath passed and quickly that respite or like traverses and toils he must again encounter such a stream is human life and so the spirit fares in the best quiet to her course aloud and such as mine save only for a hope that my particular current will soon reach the unfathomable gulf where all is still end of book three of the excursion