I mix more lowly matter; with the thing The transitory Being that beheld This Vision; when and where, and how he lived; If such theme May sort with highest objects, then- dread Power! may my Life Express the image of a better time, More wise desires, and simpler manners; nurse 105 My Heart in genuine freedom: - all pure thoughts Guide, and support, and cheer me to the end! THE SPARROW'S NEST. BEHOLD, within the leafy shade, The home and sheltered bed, The Sparrow's dwelling, which, hard by My Father's house, in wet or dry My sister Emmeline and I Together visited. She looked at it and seemed to fear it; 1800 (?). 5 IO The Blessing of my later years She gave me eyes, she gave me ears; 15 20 1801. TO A YOUNG LADY WHO HAD BEEN REPROACHED FOR TAKING LONG WALKS IN THE COUNTRY. DEAR Child of Nature, let them rail! There is a nest in a green dale, A harbour and a hold; Where thou, a Wife and Friend, shalt see Thy own heart-stirring days, and be A light to young and old. 5 There, healthy as a shepherd boy, And treading among flowers of joy Which at no season fade, Thou, while thy babes around thee cling, ΙΟ A Woman may be made. Thy thoughts and feelings shall not die, Nor leave thee, when grey hairs are nigh, But an old age serene and bright, And lovely as a Lapland night, Shall lead thee to thy grave. 1801 or 1802. 15 ALICE FELL; OR, POVERTY. THE post-boy drove with fierce career, For threatening clouds the moon had drowned; Was smitten with a startling sound. As if the wind blew many ways, I heard the sound, — and more and more, It seemed to follow with the chaise, And still I heard it as before. At length I to the boy called out; The boy then smacked his whip, and fast The horses scampered through the rain; The cry, I bade him halt again. Forthwith alighting on the ground, "Whence comes," said I, "this piteous moan?" And there a little Girl I found, Sitting behind the chaise, alone. "My cloak!" no other word she spake, But loud and bitterly she wept, As if her innocent heart would break; 5 ΙΟ 15 20 And down from off her seat she leapt. "What ails you, child?" she sobbed "Look here!" 25 I saw it in the wheel entangled, A weather-beaten rag as e'er From any garden scare-crow dangled. There, twisted between nave and spoke, ee And whither are you going, child, ee Insensible to all relief Sat the poor girl, and forth did send Could never, never have an end. 40 "My child, in Durham do you dwell?" SHE had a tall man's height or more; Her face from summer's noontide heat A mantle, to her very feet Descending with a graceful flow, And on her head a cap as white as new-fallen snow. Her skin was of Egyptian brown: Haughty, as if her eye had seen She towered, fit person for a Queen To lead those ancient Amazonian files; Or ruling Bandit's wife among the Grecian isles. Advancing, forth she stretched her hand And begged an alms with doleful plea Such woes, I knew, could never be ; And yet a boon I gave her, for the creature Was beautiful to see a weed of glorious feature. I left her, and pursued my way; |