Some close behind, some side by side, 45 A lake was near; the shore was steep; VI. The stream that flows out of the lake, 50 I asked 'twas whispered; The device XV. THE REDBREAST CHASING TH BUTTERFLY. [Composed April 18, 1802.--Published 1807. The bird that comes about our doors And Russia far inland? 60 And find his way to me, Under the branches of the tree: In and out, he darts about; Can this be the bird, to man so good, So painfully in the wood? What ailed thee, Robin, that thou coul pursue A beautiful creature, 1 See "Paradise Lost," Book XI., where Ad points out to Eve the ominous sign of the E 5 chasing "two Birds of gayest plume," and gentle Hart and Hind pursued by their enemj Beneath the summer sky From flower to flower let him fly; The cheerer Thou of our in-door sadness, 30 And fly about in the air together! But in man was ne'er such daring The stormy skies! "Mark him, how his power he uses, Lays it by, at will resumes! Mark, ere for his haunt he chooses Clouds and utter glooms! His beautiful wings in crimson are drest, 35 There he wheels in downward mazes; A crimson as bright as thine own: Wouldst thou be happy in thy nest, pious Bird! whom man loves best, Love him, or leave him alone! Sunward now his flight he raises, Catches fire, as seems, and blazes With uninjured plumes!" ANSWER. "Stranger, 'tis no act of courage "Such it is; the aspiring creature A dull helpless thing, Dry and withered, light and yellow ;- XVIII. And this too from the Laureate's Child, I spake, when whispered a low voice, "The Minstrels of Pygmean bands, "Some, still more delicate of ear, Yet tho' to me the pencil's art No like remembrances can give, 15 Your portraits still may reach the heart 20 25 "Gay Sylphs this miniature will court, Made vocal by their brushing wings, 30 And sullen Gnomes will learn to sport Around its polished strings; "Whence strains to love-sick maiden dear, While in her lonely bower she tries Still as we look with nicer care, Some new resemblance we may trace A Heart's-case will perhaps be there, A Speedwell may not want its place. And so may we, with charmed mind Beholding what your skill has wroug Another Star-of-Bethlehem find, A new Forget-me-not. From earth to heaven with motion fleet From heaven to earth our thoughts w pass, A Holy-thistle here we meet And there a Shepherd's weather-glass, And haply some familiar name Shall grace the fairest, sweetest, plant To cheat the thought she cannot cheer, 35 Whose presence cheers the drooping fra Of English Emigrant. Gazing she feels its power beguile Sad thoughts, and breathes with eas breath; Alas! that meek that tender smile XX. [Composed 1845 (?).-Published 1845.] GLAD Sight wherever new with old Is joined through some dear homeba tie; The life of all that we behold The beauty vain of field and grove, |