XIII A gentle answer did the old Man make, 85
In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew: 
And him with further words I thus bespake,
“What occupation do you there pursue? [22
This is a lonesome place for one like [23] you.” 
Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise 90
Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes. [24] [B]

XIV His words came feebly, from a feeble chest,
But [25] each in solemn order followed each,
With something of a lofty [26] utterance drest—­
Choice word [27] and measured phrase, above [27] the reach 95
Of ordinary men; a stately speech;
Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use,
Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.

XV He told, that to these waters he had come [28]
To gather leeches, being old and poor:  100
Employment hazardous and wearisome! 
And he had many hardships to endure:  [29]
From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor;
Housing, with God’s good help, by choice or chance;
And in this way he gained an honest maintenance. 105

XVI The old Man still stood talking by my side;
But now [30] his voice to me was like a stream
Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide;
And the whole body of the Man did seem
Like one whom I had met with in a dream; 110
Or like a man from some far region sent,
To give me human strength, by apt admonishment. [31]

XVII My former thoughts returned:  the fear that kills;
And [32] hope that is unwilling to be fed;
Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills; 115
And mighty Poets in their misery dead. 
—­Perplexed, and longing to be comforted, [33]
My question eagerly did I renew,
“How is it that you live, and what is it you do?” [34]

XVIII He with a smile did then his words repeat; 120
And said, that, gathering leeches, far and wide
He travelled; stirring thus about his feet
The waters of the pools where they abide. [35]
“Once I could meet with them on every side;
But they have dwindled long by slow decay; 125
Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may.” [36]

XIX While he was talking thus, the lonely place,
The old Man’s shape, and speech—­all troubled me: 
In my mind’s eye I seemed to see him pace
About the weary moors continually, 130
Wandering about alone and silently. 
While I these thoughts within myself pursued,
He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.

XX And soon [37] with this he other matter blended,
Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind, 135
But stately in the main; and when he ended, [38]
I could have laughed myself to scorn to find
In that decrepit Man so firm a mind. 
“God,” said I, “be my help and stay secure;
I’ll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!” 140