“You, Sir, know that in a neighbouring vale
A Priest abides1 before whose life such doubts
Fall to the ground; whose gifts of nature lie
Retired2 from notice. . . .
In this one man is shown a temperance proof
Against all trials; industry severe
And constant as the motion of the day. . . .
Preaching, administering, in every work
Of his sublime3 vocation4, in the walks
Of worldly intercourse5 between man and man,
And in his humble6 dwelling7, he appears
A labourer, with moral virtue8 girt,
With spiritual graces, like a glory, crown’d.”
“Doubt can be none,” the Pastor9 said, “for whom
This portraiture10 is sketch11’d. The great, the good,
The well-belov’d, the fortunate, the wise,
These titles emperors and chiefs have borne,
Honour assumed or given: and him, the Wonderful,
Our simple shepherds, speaking from the heart,
Deservedly have styled.”
Wordsworth’s Excursion.
“Hear of Wonderful Walker?” said I, “to be sure I have! and have honoured and revered12 his memory as one of the bright lights of the Church, shining in a dark age, and in a remote corner of the world, where it might have been feared that light would hardly have extended. Why, my good friend, I once walked to the quiet and retired village of Seathwaite that I might make a pilgrimage to his grave; and though I have gazed upon the tombs and monuments of many of the most renowned13 heroes and sages14 of days gone by, none of them filled my mind with such deep sensations of awe15 and reverence16 as the quiet and unpretending tomb of Robert Walker! I yet see the inscription17 as freshly as if I had read it yesterday—the villagers point it out with pride and pleasure, as an honour to their rustic18 church-yard, and preserve it from all profanation19, as a treasure above all price. How p. 38humble is the inscription engraved20 on that modest tombstone! What a couple of saints are there recorded, reposing21 in peace and union after a long life of pious22 usefulness, and awaiting the sound of the archangel’s trumpet23 with a faith as firm as their sleep is tranquil24! Thus runs the record:—
“‘In memory of the Reverend Robert Walker, who died the 25th of June, 1802, in the 93rd year of his age, and 67th of his curacy at Seathwaite.
“‘Also, of Anne his wife, who died the 28th of January, in the 92nd year of her age.’
“Truly were they ‘lovely in their lives, and in death not divided.’ How I envy you, my friend, to have been taught by the honest voice, and to have gazed on the honest face of Robert Walker!”
“Truly, sir, you are quite enthusiastic about my old pastor, and I suspect you have read the poet Wordsworth’s delightful25 sketch of his character, with the materials for which he was supplied by some of his surviving descendants; if not, I recommend you to lose no time in doing so. My recollections of him are of a humbler kind, but perhaps not less interesting; to me he has been more than a father. His divine words yet live in my memory—I wish I had always followed his good advice, and good example!
“His habits, as you know, were quite upon a level with the plain and homely26 rustics27 of the village. He lived as they lived, and worked as they worked. But he lost no spiritual influence, or even worldly respect by this; on the contrary, by excelling them all in those pursuits of which they could judge, he gained credit among them for being always right in matters wherein they were less informed. I believe the clergy28, by their too frequent ignorance of, or contempt for, common things, often lose an influence among the uneducated, which all their knowledge of divinity can never make amends29 for. Walker was the best shepherd on the mountains, and was not the less qualified30 thereby31 for being the spiritual shepherd of his people.”
p. 39“You remind me,” said I, “of a good old parson of Buttermere, who was really a learned and sound divine, but was most esteemed32 by his flock as being the best wrestler33 in all the country side!”
“That sounds ridiculous enough,” said he, “but what good thing is there which does not become ridiculous in its excess? Good Mr. Walker, however, was of a different stamp. He was at peace with himself and all the world. He ne’er had changed nor wished to change his place. Where he was born, there he lived, and there he died. He baptized, married and buried, almost every individual of at least two generations in his parish; and where he laid them in their last resting-place, there he lay down himself, waiting his final reward. I have myself always much respect for a dead body, knowing that it shall live for ever; and I always think that he who cares little for the bodies of them that sleep in Jesus, is often little better than an infidel. It is not the soul only that is immortal34, the body is immortal also!
“But, sir, to my tale. My father continued—‘Hearing that a confirmation35 is about to be held, we are anxious to put this our boy under the care of your Reverence, that he may be duly prepared. We think, from what his master, Mr. Bowman, says of him, that he is a good scholar, and well-informed in matters of religion; we know that he is a tolerably good boy at home,’ (here my father spoke36 with a half-smile on his face, as if unwilling37 to allow so much in my favour in my presence; and indeed, though much delighted, for I had never heard him say so much good of me before, I fear the effect was in some degree to feed my vanity:) ‘generally speaking,’ my father continued, with an emphasis on the phrase, ‘generally speaking his conduct is very fair. But we know that you always wish to prepare the young of your own parish for confirmation; and so we have brought him to you that you may give us your advice as to what he is to do to prepare himself, and you may depend upon it that we will see that it is done.’
“‘Thank you, my good friend,’ said the Pastor, p. 40highly delighted, ‘thank you! You have done what all parents ought, but not more than I expected from you. I remember well, when I prepared you,—now forty years ago,—when I prepared you for the same solemn rite38, I remember I told you not to forget to bring up your children in the way they should go, and thankful to God am I, that the seed sown so long since has lived in your hearts, and has shot up at the proper time as fresh as if it had been sown last spring! Truly the seeds of grace are as immortal as the seeds of nature. See you that violet?’ said he, pointing to a little simple pansy that was bending its graceful39 flower close to the spot on which the old man stood,—‘look at it, and think, how came it there? Last autumn, this spot was covered with bog40-earth, which had probably rested on this bleak41 and barren moor42 ever since the deluge43. It was disturbed last year by the spade of the turf-getter, and now, this beautiful little flower has sprung up in this place! For ages and ages its seed must have remained embedded44 in this sour and barren bog; yet, once disturbed by the hand of man, it springs up fresh and lively, to show that God can keep alive what to the eye of man may seem to perish, and can deck with grace and beauty even the most unpromising spots of creation! So be it with Thy WORD,’ said he, looking devoutly46 upwards47. Now, I had observed the pansy growing on the portions of heath which had been moved by the spade a thousand times, yet never till now did I think that such a moral could be drawn48 from so simple a fact. And, sir, I believe that there is no fact, in nature or in art, from which a devout45 and observant mind may not learn similar lessons of devotion. I never see a violet now, that I do not think on Robert Walker, and the power of the grace of God.’
“The old man paused a little, and then continued: ‘My boy,’ said the Pastor, addressing himself to me, ‘are you ready to learn?’ ‘As ready as you to teach,’ said I, firmly but respectfully. I have often thought since, that such a reply might, in the ears of some pastors49, have sounded something like a reproach; but in the ears of Robert p. 41Walker, whose ‘aptness to teach’ was as well known as his other good qualities, it was a most agreeable answer. ‘Sharp and ready, I see,’ said he, turning to my father with a smile; ‘but most of Bowman’s lads are pretty well trained. I wish you to come to my church next Sunday morning, when I propose to commence a course of lectures to the candidates for confirmation; and I trust your parents will accompany you. They must present you in the temple, as Joseph and Mary did their Holy Child. I shall expect you all to “dine with me at noon,” with the rest of the parish.’ This must sound in your ears as a large invitation from a poor pastor (his income was not more than £20 a year) to a whole parish. But, sir, it is no exaggeration; every Sunday did this good man keep open house to his flock, and all were welcome who chose to partake of his boiled beef or mutton, and a bason of broth50.
“At this point in our conversation a young man joined our party, whom I had for some time observed strolling about, and occasionally addressing some of the various parties engaged in cutting turf on the fell. He was good looking, and dressed in the prevailing51 fashion of the time, that is, very much as I am at present, for my outward man has stood still in its attire52 for the last forty years. It was evident that he was no native of the north, and might be one of those Lakers, who, in that early period, though not in such numbers as at present, visited the lakes during the summer season, to enjoy the beauties of their scenery, and imbibe53 health and strength from the pure breath of their mountain breezes. He evidently eyed our Reverend friend with much curiosity; and respectfully touching54 his hat, said with a smile, ‘Your outward attire, father, has in my eyes a somewhat primitive55 appearance.’ Mr. Walker, if he felt the sneer56, did not seem to notice it, but replied with plain simplicity57, ‘I flatter myself, sir, that my dress is such as at once becomes my character, and bespeaks58 my office. It is coarse in its texture59, for the materials of it were spun60 by my own hand; but its form is such as has been handed p. 42down from time immemorial as belonging to the priest’s office, and I see no reason, sir, why the priest’s vesture should not be as unchangeable as his creed61.’
“‘Unchangeable! venerable sir, what is unchangeable? Is not the human mind, in our days, gradually but irresistibly62 marching onwards, from the darkness of ignorance to the broad daylight of liberty and knowledge? Is not this an age of new light?” “It may be so,” said the priest, “but if my creed be true, the last new light from heaven came in the days of our Saviour—any new light since then, must, I fear, have a different origin!’
“The stranger did not seem disposed to pursue the conversation further, but, slightly touching his hat, took his leave. We also paid our parting respects to the pastor, and commenced our journey home. The stranger joined us before we had advanced far on our return, and certainly we found him a most intelligent and agreeable companion. He had seen much of foreign countries, and mentioned many circumstances with regard to them and their customs, which made a deep impression on my youthful imagination. He accompanied us to the door of our house, which was opened by my sister; and, much to my surprise, she received him with an expression of countenance63, and a conscious blush on her cheek, which showed that it was not the first time that they had met. My curiosity was excited, and I resolved, if possible, to find out the stranger’s history and occupation.”
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1
abides
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| 容忍( abide的第三人称单数 )； 等候； 逗留； 停留 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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3
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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4
vocation
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| n.职业，行业 | |
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5
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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6
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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7
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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8
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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9
pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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10
portraiture
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| n.肖像画法 | |
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sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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12
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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13
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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14
sages
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| n.圣人( sage的名词复数 )；智者；哲人；鼠尾草（可用作调料） | |
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15
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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16
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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17
inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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18
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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19
profanation
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| n.亵渎 | |
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20
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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21
reposing
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
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22
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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23
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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24
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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25
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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26
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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27
rustics
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| n.有农村或村民特色的( rustic的名词复数 )；粗野的；不雅的；用粗糙的木材或树枝制作的 | |
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28
clergy
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| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
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29
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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30
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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31
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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32
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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33
wrestler
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| n.摔角选手，扭 | |
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34
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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35
confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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36
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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37
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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38
rite
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| n.典礼，惯例，习俗 | |
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39
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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40
bog
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| n.沼泽；室...陷入泥淖 | |
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41
bleak
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| adj.(天气)阴冷的；凄凉的；暗淡的 | |
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42
moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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43
deluge
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| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
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44
embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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45
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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46
devoutly
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| adv.虔诚地，虔敬地，衷心地 | |
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47
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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48
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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49
pastors
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| n.（基督教的）牧师( pastor的名词复数 ) | |
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50
broth
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| n.原(汁)汤(鱼汤、肉汤、菜汤等) | |
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51
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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52
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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53
imbibe
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| v.喝，饮；吸入，吸收 | |
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54
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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55
primitive
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| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
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56
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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57
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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58
bespeaks
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| v.预定( bespeak的第三人称单数 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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59
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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60
spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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61
creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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62
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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63
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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