NATURE'S FAVOURITE. BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. THREE years she grew in sun and shower, When Nature said: A lovelier flower On earth was never sown; This child I to myself will take; She shall be mine, and I will make A Lady of my own. Myself will to my darling be Both law and impulse; and with me In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, To kindle or restrain. She shall be sportive as the Fawn, Or up the mountain springs; Of mute insensate things. The floating Clouds their state shall lend Nor shall she fail to see Even in the motions of the storm, Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form By silent sympathy. The stars of midnight shall be dear To her; and she shall lean her ear In many a secret place, Where Rivulets dance their wayward round, And beauty born of murmuring sound Shall pass into her face. And vital feelings of delight Shall rear her form to stately height, Her virgin bosom swell; Such thoughts to Lucy I will give, While she and I together live Here in this happy dell. |