RESOLUTION AND INDEPENDENCE.

A GENTLE answer did the old man make,

In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew;
And him with further words I thus bespake :
"What kind of work is that which you pursue?

This is a lonesome place for one like you."
He answered me with pleasure and surprise,
And there was, while he spake, a fire about his eyes.

He told me that he to this pond had come

To gather leeches, being old and poor: Employment hazardous and wearisome!

And he had many hardships to endure:

From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor; Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance; And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.

The old man still stood talking by my side;

But now his voice to me was like a stream
Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide
e;
And the whole body of the man did seem
Like one whom I had met with in a dream;

Or, like a man from some far region sent,

To give me human strength and strong admonishment.

WORDSWORTH.

My ramble ended, I returned;

Beau, trotting far before,

The floating wreath again discerned,
And plunging, left the shore.

I saw him, with that lily cropped,

Impatient swim to meet

My quick approach, and soon he dropped

The treasure at my feet.

Charmed with the sight, the world, I cried,

Shall hear of this thy deed:

My dog shall mortify the pride
Of man's superior breed:

But chief myself I will enjoin,

Awake at duty's call,

To show a love as prompt as thine

To Him who gives me all.

COWPER.

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