Prompt transformation works the novel Lore; The Council closed, the Priest in full career Rides forth, an armèd man, and hurls a spear To desecrate the Fane which heretofore He served in folly. Woden falls, and Thor 5 Is overturned: the mace, in battle heaved (So might they dream) till victory was achieved, Drops, and the God himself is seen no more. Temple and Altar sink, to hide their shame Amid oblivious weeds, "_O come to me, 10_ _Ye heavy laden!_" such the inviting voice Heard near fresh streams;[54] and thousands, who rejoice In the new Rite--the pledge of sanctity, Shall, by regenerate life, the promise claim. FOOTNOTES: [53] See Wordsworth's note to Sonnet XVI.--ED. [54] The early propagators of Christianity were accustomed to preach near rivers, for the convenience of baptism.--W. W. 1822. XVIII APOLOGY Nor scorn the aid which Fancy oft doth lend The Soul's eternal interests to promote: Death, darkness, danger, are our natural lot; And evil Spirits _may_ our walk attend For aught the wisest know or comprehend; 5 Then be _good_ Spirits free[55] to breathe a note Of elevation; let their odours float Around these Converts; and their glories blend, The midnight stars outshining,[56] or the blaze Of the noon-day. Nor doubt that golden cords 10 Of good works, mingling with the visions, raise The Soul to purer worlds: and _who_ the line Shall draw, the limits of the power define, That even imperfect faith to man affords? FOOTNOTES: [55] 1827. Then let the _good_ be free ... 1822. [56] 1837. Outshining nightly tapers, ... 1822. XIX PRIMITIVE SAXON CLERGY[57] How beautiful your presence, how benign, Servants of God! who not a thought will share With the vain world; who, outwardly as bare As winter trees, yield no fallacious sign That the firm soul is clothed with fruit divine! 5 Such Priest, when service worthy of his care Has called him forth to breathe the common air, Might seem a saintly Image from its shrine Descended:--happy are the eyes that meet The Apparition; evil thoughts are stayed 10 At his approach, and low-bowed necks entreat A benediction from his voice or hand; Whence grace, through which the heart can understand, And vows, that bind the will, in silence made. XX OTHER INFLUENCES