Which, wrought upon instinctively, had found
  A freshness in those objects of her love, 365
  A winning power, beyond all other power. 
  Not that I slighted books, [H]—­that were to lack
  All sense,—­but other passions in me ruled,
  Passions more fervent, making me less prompt
  To in-door study than was wise or well, 370
  Or suited to those years.  Yet I, though used
  In magisterial liberty to rove,
  Culling such flowers of learning as might tempt
  A random choice, could shadow forth a place
  (If now I yield not to a flattering dream) 375
  Whose studious aspect should have bent me down
  To instantaneous service; should at once
  Have made me pay to science and to arts
  And written lore, acknowledged my liege lord,
  A homage frankly offered up, like that 380
  Which I had paid to Nature.  Toil and pains
  In this recess, by thoughtful Fancy built,
  Should spread from heart to heart; and stately groves,
  Majestic edifices, should not want
  A corresponding dignity within. 385
  The congregating temper that pervades
  Our unripe years, not wasted, should be taught
  To minister to works of high attempt—­
  Works which the enthusiast would perform with love. 
  Youth should be awed, religiously possessed 390
  With a conviction of the power that waits
  On knowledge, when sincerely sought and prized
  For its own sake, on glory and on praise
  If but by labour won, and fit to endure
  The passing day; should learn to put aside 395
  Her trappings here, should strip them off abashed
  Before antiquity and stedfast truth
  And strong book-mindedness; and over all
  A healthy sound simplicity should reign,
  A seemly plainness, name it what you will, 400
  Republican or pious. 
                         If these thoughts
  Are a gratuitous emblazonry
  That mocks the recreant age we live in, then
  Be Folly and False-seeming free to affect
  Whatever formal gait of discipline 405
  Shall raise them highest in their own esteem—­
  Let them parade among the Schools at will,
  But spare the House of God.  Was ever known
  The witless shepherd who persists to drive
  A flock that thirsts not to a pool disliked? 410
  A weight must surely hang on days begun
  And ended with such mockery.  Be wise,
  Ye Presidents and Deans, and, till the spirit
  Of ancient times revive, and youth be trained
  At home in pious service, to your bells 415
  Give seasonable rest, for ’tis a sound
  Hollow as ever vexed the tranquil air;
  And your officious doings bring disgrace