The other wore a rimless crown Yet they, so blithe of heart, seemed fit Wings let them have, and they might flit Scattering fresh flowers; though happier far, I ween, They dart across my path-but lo, Your Mother has had alms of mine." "That cannot be," one answered-"she is dead : " I looked reproof-they saw-but neither hung his head. "She has been dead, Sir, many a day." "Hush, boys! you're telling me a lie; It was your Mother, as I say !" And, in the twinkling of an eye, "Come! come!" cried one, and without more ado, Off to some other play the joyous Vagrants flew ! TO A BUTTERFLY. Composed March 15, 1802. Published 1807. STAY near me do not take thy flight! A little longer stay in sight! Much converse do I find in thee, Historian of my infancy ! Float near me; do not yet depart ! Dead times revive in thee : Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art ! A solemn image to my heart, My father's family ! G Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, Together chased the butterfly! A very hunter did I rush But she, God love her! feared to brush TO THE CUCKOO. Composed March 22, 1801-1802. Published 1807 O BLITHE New-comer! I have heard, I hear thee and rejoice. O Cuckoo! shall I call thee Bird, Or but a wandering Voice? While I am lying on the grass Though babbling only to the Vale, Of visionary hours. Thrice welcome, darling of the Spring! No bird, but an invisible thing, A voice, a mystery; The same whom in my school-boy days Which made me look a thousand ways To seek thee did I often rove And I can listen to thee yet; O blessed Bird! the earth we pace An unsubstantial, faery place; "MY HEART LEAPS UP." Composed March 26, 1802. My heart leaps up when I behold So was it when my life began; So be it when I shall grow old, Published 1807. The Child is father of the Man; THE GLOW-WORM. (22) Composed April 12, 1802. Published 1807. AMONG all lovely things my Love had been; And from my horse I lept; great joy had I. Upon a leaf the glow-worm did I lay, When to the dwelling of my Love I came, And left the glow-worm, blessing it by name, The whole next day I hoped, and hoped with fear; Oh! joy it was for her, and joy for me! WRITTEN IN MARCH, WHILE RESTING ON THE BRIDGE AT THE FOOT OF BROTHER'S WATER. Composed April 16, 1802. Published 1807. THE Cock is crowing, The stream is flowing, The small birds twitter, The lake doth glitter, The green field sleeps in the sun; The oldest and youngest Are at work with the strongest; Their heads never raising; There are forty feeding like one ! Like an army defeated The snow hath retreated, On the top of the bare hill; The plough-boy is whooping-anon-anon : There's joy in the mountains; Small clouds are sailing, Blue sky prevailing; The rain is over and gone! THE REDBREAST CHASING THE BUTTERFLY. Composed April 18, 1802. Published 1807. ART thou the bird whom Man loves best, The bird, that by some name or other If the butterfly knew but his friend, So painfully in the wood? What ailed thee, Robin, that thou couldst pursue A beautiful creature, That is gentle by nature? Beneath the summer sky From flower to flower let him fly; 'Tis all that he wishes to do. The cheerer Thou of our indoor sadness, |