With prompt yet careful hands. This done, we paced
The dewy fields; but ere the Vicar's door
Was reached, the Solitary checked his steps;
Then, intermingling thanks, on each bestowed
A farewell salutation; and, the like
Receiving, took the slender path that leads
To the one cottage in the lonely dell:[LH]
But turned not without welcome promise made[890]
That he would share the pleasures and pursuits
Of yet another summer's day,[LI] not loth