It is a spot which you may see Into a chasm a mighty block Hath fallen, and made a bridge of rock; The gulf is deep below, And in a basin black and small Receives a lofty waterfall. With staff in hand, across the cleft When, list! he hears a piteous moan; A lamb, that in the pool is pent The lamb had slipp'd into the stream, His dam had seen him when he fell- Sent forth a cry forlorn, The lamb, still swimming round and round, Made answer to that plaintive sound. When he had learnt what thing it was That sent this rueful cry, I ween And there the helpless lamb he found He drew it from the troubled pool, And brought it forth into the light: An unexpected sight! Into their arms the lamb they took, Whose life and limbs the flood had spared: Then up the steep ascent they hied, And placed him at his mother's side; And gently did the bard Those idle shepherd boys upbraid, And bade them better mind their trade. In clouds above the lark is heard, But drops not here to earth for rest; Within this lonesome nook the bird Did never build her nest. No beast, no bird hath here his home; Their burdens do they bear: The lovely dell is all his own. A spirit of noon-day is he, Yet seems a form of flesh and blood; Nor piping shepherd shall he be, Nor herd-boy of the wood. A regal vest of fur he wears,' As budding pines in spring; A harp is from his shoulder slung; He suits its melody. 20 |