Such intercourse I witnessed, while we roved, Now as his choice directed, now as mine; Or both, with equal readiness of will, Our course submitting to the changeful breeze Of accident. But when the rising sun 85 Had three times called us to renew our walk, My Fellow-traveller, with earnest voice, As if the thought were but a moment old, Claimed absolute dominion for the day.[114] We started--and he led me toward the hills,[115] 90 Up through an ample vale, with higher hills Before us, mountains stern and desolate;[BJ] But, in the majesty of distance, now Set off, and to our ken appearing fair Of aspect, with aërial softness clad, 95 And beautified with morning's purple beams. The wealthy, the luxurious, by the stress Of business roused, or pleasure, ere their time, May roll in chariots, or provoke the hoofs Of the fleet coursers they bestride, to raise 100 From earth the dust of morning, slow to rise; And they, if blest with health and hearts at ease, Shall lack not their enjoyment:--but how faint Compared with ours! who, pacing side by side, Could, with an eye of leisure, look on all 105 That we beheld; and lend the listening sense To every grateful sound of earth and air; Pausing at will--our spirits braced, our thoughts Pleasant as roses in the thickets blown, And pure as dew bathing their crimson leaves. 110 Mount slowly, sun! that we may journey long, By this dark hill protected from thy beams![116] Such is the summer pilgrim's frequent wish; But quickly from among our morning thoughts[117] 'Twas chased away: for, toward[118] the western side Of the broad vale, casting a casual glance, 116 We saw a throng of people;--wherefore met? Blithe notes of music, suddenly let loose On the thrilled ear, and flags uprising, yield[119] Prompt answer; they proclaim the annual Wake,[BK] 120 Which the bright season favours.--Tabor and pipe In purpose join to hasten or[120] reprove The laggard Rustic; and repay with boons Of merriment a party-coloured knot, Already formed upon the village-green. 125 --Beyond the limits of the shadow cast By the broad hill,[BL] glistened upon our sight That gay assemblage. Round them and above, Glitter, with dark recesses interposed, Casement, and cottage-roof, and stems of trees 130 Half-veiled in vapoury cloud, the silver steam Of dews fast melting on their leafy boughs By the strong sunbeams smitten. Like a mast Of gold, the Maypole shines; as if the rays Of morning, aided by exhaling dew, 135 With gladsome influence could re-animate The faded garlands dangling from its sides.