Said I, "The music and the sprightly scene Invite us; shall we quit our road, and join These festive matins?"--He replied, "Not loth 140 To linger I would here[121] with you partake, Not one hour merely, but till evening's close, The simple pastimes of the day and place. By the fleet Racers, ere the sun be set, The turf of yon large pasture will be skimmed; 145 There, too, the lusty Wrestlers shall[122] contend: But know we not that he, who intermits The appointed task and duties of the day, Untunes full oft the pleasures of the day; Checking the finer spirits that refuse 150 To flow, when purposes are lightly changed? A length of journey yet remains untraced: Let us proceed."[123] Then, pointing with his staff Raised toward those craggy summits,[124] his intent He thus imparted:-- "In a spot that lies 155 Among yon mountain fastnesses concealed,[BM] You will receive, before the hour of noon, Good recompense, I hope, for this day's toil, From sight of One who lives secluded there, Lonesome and lost: of whom, and whose past life, 160 (Not to forestall such knowledge as may be More faithfully collected from himself) This brief communication shall suffice. "Though now sojourning there, he, like myself, Sprang from a stock of lowly parentage 165 Among the wilds of Scotland, in a tract Where many a sheltered and well-tended plant, Bears, on the humblest ground of social life, Blossoms of piety and innocence.[125] Such grateful promises his youth displayed: 170 And, having shown in study forward zeal, He to the Ministry was duly called; And straight, incited by a curious mind Filled with vague hopes, he undertook the charge[126] Of Chaplain to a military troop[BN] 175 Cheered by the Highland bagpipe, as they marched In plaided vest,--his fellow-countrymen. This office filling, yet[127] by native power And force of native inclination made An intellectual ruler in the haunts 180 Of social vanity, he walked the world, Gay, and affecting graceful gaiety; Lax, buoyant--less a pastor with his flock Than a soldier among soldiers--lived and roamed 184 Where Fortune led:--and Fortune, who oft proves The careless wanderer's friend, to him made known A blooming Lady--a conspicuous flower, Admired for beauty, for her sweetness praised; Whom he had sensibility to love, Ambition to attempt, and skill to win. 190