watched While every bush and tree, the country through, 90 Till all was tranquil as a dreamless sleep. Is shaking to the roots. From Book IX RESIDENCE IN FRANCE A band of military Officers, Then stationed in the city, were the chief 125 France lured me forth; the realm that I Of my associates: some of these wore had crossed So lately, journeying toward the snow swords That had been seasoned in the wars, and clad Alps. Associate with his children and his wife On this and other spots, as doth a man Along that very Loire, with festal Being written in a tongue he cannot read, 431 mirth Resounding at all hours, and innocent yet Of civil slaughter, was our frequent walk. And when we chanced One day to meet a hunger-bitten girl, 510 Who crept along fitting her languid gait Unto a heifer's motion, by a cord Of wildest course but treads back his own steps; For the spent hurricane the air provides 80 The earthquake is not satisfied at once; Fled with the voice to which it had given birth; But vainly comments of a calmer mind Promised soft peace and sweet forgetful Where was their occupation and abode. And hence this Tale, while I was yet a boy Careless of books, yet having felt the power 30 Of Nature, by the gentle agency (At random and imperfectly indeed) Therefore, although it be a history Homely and rude, I will relate the same 35 For the delight of a few natural hearts; And, with yet fonder feeling, for the sake Of youthful Poets who among these hills Will be my second self when I am gone. Upon the forest-side in Grasmere Vale There dwelt a Shepherd, Michael was his An old man, stout of heart, and strong of limb. His bodily frame had been from youth to age Of an unusual strength: his mind was keen, Intense, and frugal, apt for all affairs, 45 And in his shepherd's calling he was prompt |