It soothed us--it beguiled us--then, to hear Once more of troubles wrought by magic spell; And griefs whose aery motion comes not near 35 The pangs that tempt the Spirit to rebel: Then, with mild Una in her sober cheer, High over hill and low adown the dell Again we wandered, willing to partake All that she suffered for her dear Lord's sake. 40 VI Then, too, this Song _of mine_ once more could please, Where anguish, strange as dreams of restless sleep, Is tempered and allayed by sympathies Aloft ascending, and descending deep, Even to the inferior Kinds; whom forest-trees 45 Protect from beating sunbeams, and the sweep Of the sharp winds;--fair Creatures!--to whom Heaven A calm and sinless life, with love, hath given. VII This tragic Story cheered us; for it speaks Of female patience winning firm repose; 50 And, of the recompense that[2] conscience seeks, A bright, encouraging, example shows; Needful when o'er wide realms the tempest breaks, Needful amid life's ordinary woes;-- Hence, not for them unfitted who would bless 55 A happy hour with holier happiness. VIII He serves the Muses erringly and ill, Whose aim is pleasure light and fugitive: O, that my mind were equal to fulfil The comprehensive mandate which they give-- 60 Vain aspiration of an earnest will! Yet in this moral Strain a power may live, Belovèd Wife! such solace to impart As it hath yielded to thy tender heart. RYDAL MOUNT, WESTMORELAND, _April 20, 1815_. "Action is transitory--a step, a blow, 65 The motion of a muscle--this way or that-- 'Tis done; and in the after-vacancy We wonder at ourselves like men betrayed: Suffering is permanent, obscure and dark, And has the nature of infinity. 70 Yet through that darkness (infinite though it seem And irremovable) gracious openings lie, By which the soul--with patient steps of thought Now toiling, wafted now on wings of prayer-- May pass in hope, and, though from mortal bonds 75 Yet undelivered, rise with sure ascent Even to the fountain-head of peace divine."[E]