The taller followed with his hat in hand, Wreathed round with yellow flowers the gayest of the land. The other wore a rimless crown With leaves of laurel stuck about; And, while both followed up and down, In their fraternal features I could trace Yet they, so blithe of heart, seemed fit For finest tasks of earth or air: Wings let them have, and they might flit Precursors to Aurora's car, 25 330 Scattering fresh flowers; though happier far, I ween, 35 To hunt their fluttering game o'er rock and level green. I looked reproof - they saw-but neither hung his head. "She has been dead, Sir, many a day.". Come! Come!" cried one, and without more ado, Off to some other play the joyous Vagrants flew ! 1802. 45 SEQUEL TO THE FOREGOING. COMPOSED MANY YEARS AFTER. WHERE are they now, those wanton Boys? Was filled with animated toys, And implements of frolic mirth; With tools for ready wit to guide; And ornaments of seemlier pride, More fresh, more bright, than princes wear; Another could repair ; What good or evil have they seen 10 Since I their pastime witnessed here, Their daring wiles, their sportive cheer? They met me in a genial hour, 15 As with the breath of one sweet flower, A time to overrule the power Of discontent, and check the birth Of thoughts with better thoughts at strife, 20 Since parting Innocence bequeathed Mortality to Earth! Soft clouds, the whitest of the year, Sailed through the sky the brooks ran clear; 25 With songs the budded groves resounding; And to my heart are still endeared The thoughts with which it then was cheered; The faith which saw that gladsome pair Walk through the fire with unsinged hair. 30 5 Or, if such faith must needs deceive — Through your sweet influence, and the care Destined whate'er their earthly doom, For mercy and immortal bloom! Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art! A solemn image to my heart, 1817. 35 40 5 My father's family! Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, 10 The time, when, in our childish plays, Together chased the butterfly! A very hunter did I rush Upon the prey - with leaps and springs 15 I followed on from brake to bush ; But she, God love her, feared to brush 1802. TO THE CUCKOO. O BLITHE New-comer! I have heard, Thrice welcome, darling of the Spring! Even yet thou art to me No bird, but an invisible thing, A voice, a mystery; The same whom in my school-boy days Which made me look a thousand ways To seek thee did I often rove 5 ΙΟ 15 20 "MY HEART LEAPS UP WHEN I BEHOLD." My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began ; Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; Bound each to each by natural piety. 1802. WRITTEN IN MARCH, WHILE RESTING ON THE BRIDGE AT THE FOOT OF BROTHER'S WATER. THE Cock is crowing, The stream is flowing, 30 5 |