VII. I KNOW an aged Man constrained to dwell When he could creep about, at will, though poor And forced to live on alms, this old Man fed 6 A Redbreast, one that to his cottage door Came not, but in a lane partook his bread. 10 There, at the root of one particular tree, Dear intercourse was theirs, day after day; What signs of mutual gladness when they met ! Think of their common peace, their simple play, The parting moment and its fond regret. 16 Months passed in love that failed not to fulfil, In spite of season's change, its own demand, By fluttering pinions here and busy bill; There by caresses from a tremulous hand. Thus in the chosen spot a tie so strong 20 That when his fate had housed him mid a throng The Captive shunned all converse proffered there. Wife, children, kindred, they were dead and gone; 25 But, if no evil hap his wishes crossed, O that the good old Man had power to prove, By message sent through air or visible token, 30 That still he loves the Bird, and still must love; That friendship lasts though fellowship is broken! VIII. 1846. SONNET. TO AN OCTOGENARIAN. AFFECTIONS lose their object; Time brings forth No successors; and, lodged in memory, 5 Wanting accustomed food must pass from earth, IO One to whom Heaven assigns that mournful part The utmost solitude of age to face, Still shall be left some corner of the heart Where Love for living Thing can find a place. 1846. IX. FLOATING ISLAND. These lines are by the Author of the Address to the HARMONIOUS Powers with Nature work Once did I see a slip of earth 5 (By throbbing waves long undermined) Might see it, from the mossy shore ΙΟ On which the warbling birds their pastime take. Food, shelter, safety, there they find; And thus through many seasons' space But Nature, though we mark her not, Perchance when you are wandering forth Without an object, hope, or fear, 15 20 Thither your eyes may turn-the Isle is passed away; Buried beneath the glittering Lake, D. W. 25 X. How beautiful the Queen of Night, on high A brightening edge will indicate that soon Break forth,—again to walk the clear blue sky. 1846. (?) XI. "Late, late yestreen I saw the new moone دو Ballad of Sir Patrick Spence, Percy's Reliques. ONCE I could hail (howe'er serene the sky) The Moon re-entering her monthly round, No faculty yet given me to espy The dusky Shape within her arms imbound, That thin memento of effulgence lost 5 Which some have named her Predecessor's ghost. Young, like the Crescent that above me shone, I saw (ambition quickening at the view) 15 Or was it Dian's self that seemed to move And when I learned to mark the spectral As each new Moon obeyed the call of Time, 25 30 Now, dazzling Stranger! when thou meet'st my glance, Thy dark Associate ever I discern; 36 So changes mortal Life with fleeting years; bring 40 The timely insight that can temper fears, |