Poems (Wordsworth, 1815)/Volume 2/Avaunt all specious
XXVI.
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 tow'rds God.—Such Men of old
Were England's native growth; and, throughout Spain,
Forests of such do at this day 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.