et
from stumbling; he does not trouble himself
about what lies far before him, he attends only
to his footsteps one by one. He feels he can
pass safely over the "moor", the "fen", the
"crag", and the "torrent", by trusting to the
guidance of the light. With the dawning of the
day will come the reunion with his loved ones
from whom he has been separated.

Explain the symbolism employed here. The poet
speaks of himself as going through life like a
traveller on a long journey, wherein he is
constantly met by trials and temptations and
cannot always know what is the right course to
take. He acknowledges that he needs some
stronger power than his own to direct his life
and asks for the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
content to trust himself to His leading in any
dangers and difficulties that may arise in this
life, and secure in the knowledge that "with
the morn" he shall see once more those whom he
has "loved" and "lost awhile".

What is the main thought of the first stanza?
The traveller prays for guidance.

Of the second stanza? He states that he has not
always been willing to ask for guidance, but
had relied on his own reason.

Of the third stanza? He expresses his belief in
the power and willingness of God to guide him
aright.

What is the relation of the second stanza to
the first one? It contrasts the poet's earlier
attitude of mind toward God with that of later
years, thus emphasizing the change that has
taken place in his life.

Is the poet stronger in the second case than in
the first? No; in the first, his ideal is
higher and his humility greater, as he relies
absolutely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In the second, relying only on his own
reasoning powers to guide him, he made many
humiliating failures.

Image the "moor", the "fen", the "crag", the
"torrent", and "with the morn".

RECAPITULATION

Summarize the main thoughts and lead the pupils to bring out clearly the
comparison between the traveller and the poet.

Give a brief account of the author's life.

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT

(Third Reader, page 315)

AIM

To aid in the culture of a