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The poetical works of William Wordsworth

... In six volumes ... A new edition

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 VII. 
 VIII. 
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 XIII. 
 XIV. 
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 XVII. 
 XVIII. 
 XIX. 
 XX. 
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 XXIV. 
 XXV. 
 XXVI. 
 XXVII. 
 XXVIII. 
XXVIII.
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 XXX. 
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 XXXIII. 
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 XXXV. 
 XXXVI. 
 XXXVII. 
 XXXVIII. 
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84

XXVIII.

[Avaunt all specious pliancy of mind]

Avaunt all specious pliancy of mind
In men of low degree, all smooth pretence!
I better like a blunt indifference,
And self-respecting slowness, disinclined
To win me at first sight: and be there joined
Patience and temperance with this high reserve,
Honour that knows the path and will not swerve;
Affections, which, if put to proof, are kind;
And piety towards God. Such men of old
Were England's native growth; and, throughout Spain,
(Thanks to high God) forests of such remain:
Then for that Country let our hopes be bold;
For matched with these shall policy prove vain,
Her arts, her strength, her iron, and her gold.