My favorite section of Wordsworth's "Intimation of Immortality" is the verse paragraph numbered 6 in our book, comprised of lines 77-84. Though this is a short section of a much larger work, it has a short little story all its own which it completely tells through the use of an extended metaphor.
A large part of the charm this section holds for me has to do with the personification of the earth. This presents earth as a sort of motherly old nursemaid, enjoying company of humanity in her care. However, it also implies that she strives, though with the best of intentions, to distract her human charges and prevent them from thinking to deeply on their original heavenly residence.
The images these lines bring to my minds eye are drawn almost entirely from the pages of my childhood storybooks, with the earth represented by a sort of "Old Mother Hubbard" image with an elderly caregiver. She is clad in a long black dress, apron, and mob cap and her generous lap is the safe haven of a mischievous young humanity, which takes the form of several young children of ages ranging from toddler to young school age. In my mind they climb about on her lap and chair to her great enjoyment, except for one, who sits somewhat away from the group, lost in thought of that childhood imagining of a castle and the royal parents who will someday call for her.
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