SELECTIONS IN ENGLISH POETRY
XIX
While he was talking thus, the lonely place,
The old Man's shape, and speech—all troubled me:
In my mind's eye 1 seemed to see him pace
About the weary moors continually, 130
Wandering about alone and silently.
While I these thoughts within myself pursued,
He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed,
XX
And soon with this he other matter blended,
Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind, 135
But stately in the main; and, when he ended,
I could have laughed myself to* scorn to find
In that decrepit Man so firm a mind.
4"God," said I, "be my help and stay secure;
I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!*' 140