THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)

V -- CONTINUED

Complacent Fictions were they, yet the same

Involved a history of no doubtful sense,

History that proves by inward evidence

From what a precious source of truth it came.

Ne'er could the boldest Eulogist have dared

Such deeds to paint, such characters to frame,

But for coeval sympathy prepared

To greet with instant faith their loftiest claim.

None but a noble people could have loved

Flattery in Ancient Rome's pure-minded style:

Not in like sort the Runic Scald was moved;

He, nursed 'mid savage passions that defile

Humanity, sang feats that well might call

For the blood-thirsty mead of Odin's riotous Hall.