Ranged side by side, and lessening by degrees Upon the board he lays the sky-blue stone (As doth his comrade too) a look of pride: But O the animation in the mien Of those two boys! yea, in the very words, Be likened ; she whose countenance and air Unite the graceful qualities of both, Even as she shares the pride and joy of both? My gray-haired Friend was moved; his vivid eye Withdrew, on summons to their well-earned meal; That ceased not when his voice had ceased, as one Mildly, and with a clear and steady tone. ARGUMENT. Wanderer asserts that an active principle pervades the Universe, its noblest seat the human soul. - How lively this principle is in Childhood. - Hence the delight in Old Age of looking back upon Childhood. - The dignity, powers, and privileges of Age asserted. These not to be looked for generally but under a just government. - Right of a human Creature to be exempt from being considered as a mere Instrument. - The condition of multitudes deplored. - Former conversation recurred to, and the Wanderer's opinions set in a clearer light. Truth placed within reach of the humblest. — Equality. Happy state of the two Boys again adverted to. -Earnest wish expressed for a System of National Education established universally by Government. - Glorious effects of this foretold. - Walk to the Lake. - Grand spectacle from the side of a hill. - Address of Priest to the Supreme Being; in the course of which he contrasts with ancient Barbarism the present appearance of the scene before him. The change ascribed to Christianity. - Apostrophe to his flock, living and dead. Gratitude to the Almighty. - Return over the Lake. -Parting with the Solitary. - Under what circumstances. DISCOURSE OF THE WANDERER, AND AN EVENING VISIT TO THE LAKE. "To every Form of being is assigned," No chasm, no solitude; from link to link This is the freedom of the universe; The more we know; and yet is reverenced least, |