He shrank from vice, and at the startling view,
As from an adder in his path, withdrew.
All else was cheerful. Peter’s easy mind
To the gay scenes of village-life inclined.
The lark that soaring sings his notes of joy,
Was not more lively than th’ awaken’d boy.
Yet oft with this a softening sadness dwelt, 160
While, feeling thus, he marvell’d why he felt.
“I am not sorry,” said the Boy, “but still,
The tear will drop—I wonder why it will!”