The Home Book of Verse American and English

TH E HO M E BO O K O F VERSE

AMERICAN AND ENGLISH

1 5 8 0— 1 9 1 2

With an Appendix C ontaining a Few W ell- known Poems in Other Languages

Selected and A rranged

BU RTON EGBERT STEVENSON

VOLUME IV POEMS OF NATURE

NEW YORK HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY Cow m a n , mu ,

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART III POEMS OF NATURE

The World is too Much With U s William Wordsworth.

MOTHER NATURE

The Book of the World Jone: Very

Henry David Thoreau Ralph Waldo Emerson Greet Nature is an Army Gay R ichard Watson Gilda To Mother Nature The Pipe of Pan The Golden Silence

DAWN AND DARK

Song , Phoeb us, arise Hym n of Apollo “ P relude to The New D ay D awn on the Headland The Miracle of the D awn

Ode to Evening “ I t is a Beauteous Evening Calm and Free Gloaming E vening Melody I n the Cool of the Evening

At Perivale Arthur Joseph Ma uby Song to the Evening Sta r Thomas Campbell The Evening Cloud Ben Jonson My Star Robert Browning Willi am Blake P ercy Bysshe S helley Joseph Blanca While John Addington S ymonds Night Ja mes Monlgornery He Mad e the Nig ht Lloyd Miﬂlin Hym n to the Nig ht iv Table o f Contents

THE CHANGING YEAR

Waller Pr A Song for the Seasons . Bryan octer A Song of the Seasons Cosmo Monhhonse ’ Turn 0 the Year The Waking Year ’ Song , The year s at the Early Sp ring Lines Written in I n Early Spring Sp ring The Sp ring When D aﬁodils b egin to Peer William S hake speare Sp ring The Spring Returns “ When the Hound s of Sp ring R oi n a Song , Ag ain ej ci g N ture Sees Robert Burns Willi am Blahe An Ode on the Sp ring

The Wistful D ays Robert Underwood Johnson March Song in March William Gilmore S imms March Nora Hopper Written in March The Passing of March Robert Burns Wilson Hom e Thoughts from Ab roa d Robert Browning “ ” n So g , April, Ap ril n b A Ap ril Adoration Charles G. D . Ro erts Sweet Wild Ap ril William Force S tead Josephine P reston P eabody Song : on May Morni ng A May Burden Francis Thompson ’ Corinna s Going a - Maying Robert Herrick

Sister, Awake Unknown Edward Havell Thurlow Henry S ylvester Cornwell A Spring Lilt Sum m er Longings Denis Florence MacCarthy Midsum m er John Townsend Trowbridge A Mid sum m er Song Richard Watson Gi lder June James Russell Lowell

une . a S orris J . H rrison mith M Harvest Ellen Machay Hutchinson

S eptem b er

Prevision Ado Foster Murray A Song of Early Autum n Richard Watson Gilder

Ode to Autum n Ode to the West Wind P ercy Bysshe S helley Autum n a Dirge P ercy Bysshe S helley tum n il c i s Au . Em y Di k n on Autum n Tints

Kore . Frederic Manning Old October Thomas Constable

Novem b er C . L . Cleaveland Winter John Howard Bryant Table of Contents

The Frost Th e Frosted Pane Charles G . D . Roberts The Frost Spirit John Greenleaf Whittier S now Elizabeth Ahers To a Snowﬂake The S now-Shower Midwinter A Glee for Winter The D ea th of the Old Year Dirge for the Year P ercy Bysshe S helley

WOOD AND FIELD AND RUNNING BROOK i Walde nsa mkeit . Ralph Waldo Emerson “ When in the Woods I wander all Alone

Aspects of the Pines . P aul Hamilton Hayne “ The Woods tha t Bring the Sunset ” near . Richard Watson Gilder U nder the Lea ves Albert L aighton n k d O Wenloc E ge . Alfred Edward Housman

Wha t D o We Plant Henry Abbey . Jones Very . he B v l k T ra e O d Oa . Henry Fothergill Chorley: “ ’ I ne Girt Woak Tree tha t s in the gen To the Willow-tree Robert Herrick The Willow Eli zabeth Ahers The Holly-tree Robert S outhey The Pine Augusta Webster

Woodma n, Spare that Tree George P ope Morri s ’ The Beech Tree s Petition Thom as Campbell The Poplar Field William Cowper - The Planting of the Apple Tree . Willi am Cullen Bryant an r r Of O cha d . Katherine Tynan . An r O chard at Avrg non A . Mary F . Robi nson The Tide River ’ h B r ok T e o s Song Alfred Tennyson . P ercy Bysshe S hell

The Ca taract of Lodore Robert S outhey .

Song of the Chatta hoochee . S idney Lanier . “ Flow Gently, Sweet Afton Robert Burns Canadian Boat -Song Thomas Moore The Marshes of Glynn T The rosachs . . Willi am Wordsworth Hym n b efore sunrise in the Vale of

Cha m ouni . . S amuel Taylor Coleridge “

Th Pea ks . e S tephen Crane . Kinchinjung a Cale Young Rice To Meadows Robert Herrick The Cloud P ercy Bysshe S hell April R ain Robert Lovem an Sum m er I nvoca tion Willi am Cox B ennett Ap ril R ain To the Rainb ow Thomas Campbell

GREEN THINGS GROWING

TM as Edward Brown 0 ” Table of Contents

A Garden

Ada Foster Murray

Eli sabeth Barrett B rowning . A Forsaken Garden

Harr iet McEwen Kimball The Bram ble Flower

The Broom Flower The Small Celandine To the Sm a ll Celandine Four-lea f Clover

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud William Wordsworth

A Field Flower James Montgomery

h on . To D aisies, Not to S ut so So . . Robert Herrick Daisies

To the Dandelion James Russell Lowell Dandelion Annie Rankin Annan

Elizabeth Barrett Browning The Voice of The Grass

Charles G. Blanden

The y Green “ .

The Morning -Glory ’ The Mountain Heart

To Prim roses ﬁlled with Morning

To an Early Primrose

Richard Fanshawe

The Violet and the Rose Augusta Webster e s Table of Contents u

Robert Herri ch ’ Tis the Last Row of Summ er Thomas Moore

GOD ’S CREATURES

Margaret Benson

The n Gm ssho M o n o u n n u z u On the G opper and t he Cn cket . John Keats h To the Grasshopper and t e Cricket . The Cricket To a Cricket

The Housekeep er The Hum b le-Bee Ralph Waldo Emerson To a Butterﬂy William Wordsworth Ode to a Butterﬂy The Blood Horse Bryan Waller P rocter

d The Little Bea ch Bir Richard Henry Dana . The Blackb ird Frederich Tennyson The Blackb ird Alfred Edward Housman The Blackb ird Willia m Ernest Henley The Blackb ird Willia m Barnes R obert of Lincoln William Cullen Bryant ’ The O Linoon Fam ily The Bob olink My Catb ird William Henry Venable Ha mlin Garland . The Crow William Canton John Logan - Frederich Locher Lampson.

To the Man-ot-War-Bird The Maryland Yellow-Throat Henry Van Dyke

O Nig htingale ! ThouSurely Art .Willia m Wordsworth

Willia m Drummond Marh Ahenside John Milton

Ode to a Nig htingale “ ’ o h Song , Tis sweet t ear the m erry lark Hartley Coleridge

The Song the Oriole Sings

S ong : the Owl “ Sweet Suﬂolk Owl The Pewee John Townsend Trowbridge ’ R obin s Com e iii Table of Co ntents

Robin Redb reast George Washington Dc R obin Redb reast William Allingha m Celia Thaxter a ett Brownin O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Elizabeth B rr g w th O O O O O O O O O O William Words or O O O O O O O O O O O

ia Wordsworth O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Will m O O O O O O O O O O O O O

ames Ho 0 0 0 J gg 0 0 0 0 0 Ff ederick Tennyson P ercy Bysshe S helley Bryan Waller P rocter

To a Swallow Building U nder our Eav ane W h ar es J els C lyle .

Horatio Nelson P owers . I tylus Algernon Charles S wi nburne l T The Throstle A fred ennyson . Overﬂow John Banister Tabb y-Month David Attoood Wasson {laT y hrush . h h T e Herm it Thrus Augustus Wight Bomberger . Blow Softl Thrush ose h Russell Ta lor y, J p y To a Waterfowl William Cullen Bryant ’ The Wood-Dove s Note

THE SEA

Song for all Sea s, all Ship s Walt Whitman “ Sta nzas from The Tri um p h of Algernon Charles Swinburne The Sea George Gordon Byron

On the Sea . “ ” With Ship s the Sea was Sprinkled William Wordsworth A Song of Desire Frederic Lawrence Knowles

A Sea Lyric .

Wind and Sea.

h s o P ar ra ch . The Pines and t e Sea . “ Chri t pher e se C n

A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea . .Allan Cunni ngham . The Sea Bryan Waller P rocter ’ Sailor s Song Thomas Lovell Beddoes “ A Life on the Ocea n Wave Tacking Ship oﬂ Shore I n Our Boat Dinah Mari a Muloch Craik

Poor Jack . Charles Dibdin

Rocked i n the Cradle of the D eep Emma Hart Willard . har Outward John G . Net dt Robert Bridges Oﬂ Rivrere duLoup Duncan Cam pbell S cott Robert Louis S tevenson ’ ’ h P r D esire o McGroart T e o t 0 Heart s J hn S . y h On t e ! uay John Joy Bell . The Forging of the Anchor S amuel Ferguson D rifting Thomas Buchanan Read “ ’ How s My Boy The Long White Sea m

S torm Song Bayard Taylor . ’ M n D ream The ari er s Willi a m Dimond .

! The I nchcape Rock Robert S outhey . The Sea Richa rd Henry S toddard The Sands of D ee The Three Fishers Charles Kingsley ' Ballad Harriet P rescott S poﬁord Tab le of Contents

’ The Fisher s Widow ’ C aller Herri n

The Buri o the ane al f D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tom Bowling

The Last Buccaneer The Last Bucca neer ’ The Leadsm an s Song

THE SIMPLE LIFE

A Wish Ode on Solitude “ ” Thrice Happy He Under the Greenwood Tree William S hahespearc ’ C oridon s Song

ohn Townsend Trowbrid e . J g A Stri of Blue

An e to Mast er Anthony Staﬂord . Thomas Randolph “ ” The Midg es D ance Aboonthe Burn Robert Tannahill The Plow The Useful Plow Unhnown “ To One Who has b een Long in City Pent e The ! ui t Life . William Byrd . . The Wish Abraha m Cowley R l E xpostula tion and ep y Willia m Wordsworth .

The Tables Turned William Wordsworth . Sim ple Nature George John Romanes Hunting Song “ A Hunting We Will Go Hunting Song ’ The Angler s I nvita tion

The Angler John Chalkhill WAND ERLUST

’ ’ My Heart s in the Hig hlands Afar in the D es ert Sp ring Song m the Ci Robert Buchanan

I n City Streets .

The Vag ab ond . I n the Highlands Th n m Paddle P a i ohnson e So g y E . ul ne J The Gipsy Th ai! Wanderlust The Footp a th Way Katherine Tynan A Maine Trail Gertrude Huntington Mc

From Rom any to Rom e The Toil of the Trail 1: Table of Co ntents

Do YouFear the Wind? wa hn cGroart y Jo S . M y o o o o o o o o Fannie S team s Davi s PART III

POEMS OF NATU RE THE rl is m uh i h us la e and s n wo d too c w t ; t oo , in and n in we la our o ers : Gett g spe d g, y waste p w Little we see in Nature that is ours ;

' We a e i en our earts a a a sor i n ! h v g v h w y, d d boo i sea t a ares h r s m t th m n Th s h t b e bo o o e oo ,

Th in ill lin all rs e w ds that w be how g at hou , And are up -gathered now like sleeping ﬂowers ;

For s for ever in we ar ut of t ne thi , yth g, e o u ; ’ m - reat od r r b I t oves us not . G G l I d athe e A Pagan suckled in a creed outwom ; mi tan in on t is leasant lea So ght I , s d g h p , Have glim pses that would m ake m e less forlorn ; Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea ; r Or hea r old Triton blow his wreathed ho n. William Wordswarth [ 1 770- 1 8 5 0] MOTHER NATU RE

THE BOOK OF THE WORLD

Or i s ai r l m e i we W rl nam e th f vo u wh ch o d do , we the s eets and lea es l rn it are If h v cou d tu w h c , him it rre s and did it ram e Of who co ct , f , We clear might read the art and wisdom rare ; in his o er i h il es ers ot am e F d out p w wh c w d t pow d h t , His ro i en e e ten i e er ere p v d c x d ng v ywh , His us i i h r re els o no s are j t ce wh c p oud b d th t p ,

I n e er a e no erio the sam . v y p g , , p d of e But sill w li e li hil ren r y e, k foo sh c d , est Well lease it l re ell m lea es ol p d w h co o d v u , v of g d, air an lin ri ons lea in a is est F d g g bb , v g wh t b , ’ ’ On the great Writer s sense ne er taking hold ; Or i an w a ur min on au t , f by ch ce e st y o ds gh , m i r h m r i r It is so e p ctue on t e a g n w ought . — Willia m Drummond [ 1 5 8 5 1 649]

THE u lin r lea en m e b bb g b ook doth p wh I co by, Because m y feet ﬁnd m easure with its call; Th ir s no n h rien e lo e is ni e b d k w whe t e f d th y v gh,

For am n n m t rea and sm all . I k ow to the , bo h g t The ﬂower that on the lonely hillside grows Expects m e there when spring its bloom has given; And m an a ree and us m an eri n s no s y t b h y w d g k w , ’ And e en the clouds and silent stars of hea ven ; For he i his a er alks ari t who w th M k w gh , Shall b e their lord as Adam was before ; His ear s all at un i ew eli h c ch each so d w th n d ght , Each object wear the dress that then it wore; An h as e er in s l h d e, wh n ect ou e stood , ’ m his r all i Hear fro Fethe s lips that s good . — Jones Very [ 1 8 1 3 1 8 8 0] I 2 5 6 Poem s of Nature

COMPENSATION

IN t a new rl ar i ur ee r h t wo d tow d wh ch o f t a e set , Shall we ﬁnd aught to make our hea rts forget ’ Earth s hom ely joys and her bright hours of bliss? Has heaven a spell divine enough for this? For who the pleasure of the spring shall tell W en on he lea tal the r n s s ell h t ﬂess s k b ow bud w , W n the r ri n d h a s r l he g ass b ghte s an t e d y g ow ong, And little birds break out in rippling song?

0 s e h ve h l s m rn w et t e dropping e , t e b u h of o ,

The s arlit sk th r tlin el s rn t y, e us g ﬁ d of co ,

Th i r r m r nin as e soft a s blowing f o the f eshe g se ,

The sunﬂec of h a el tr es ked shadow t e st t y e , The m ello t n er and the lullin rain w hu d g , The arm i a summ er rain w , delic ous, h ppy ,

W en the r ri ens nd the a s r l n h g ass b ght a d y g ow o g, And li ttle birds break out in rippling song !

0 ea m ani l r m m rn ill ni b uty fo d, f o o t ght , ’ ’ ’ a n s s n n s laze and sunset s ten er li t ! D w ﬂu h, oo b d gh 0 air am iliar eatures an es s eet f , f f , ch g w her re l in se ns t rm and sleet Of vo v g aso , s o

And ol en alm sl he eels t ro s a e g d c , as ow s wh h ugh p c ,

rom sno to r ses — and ear her a e F w o , how d f c ,

W en the r ss ri ens en the a s ro l n h g a b ght , wh d y g w o g, And little birds break out in rippling song!

0 happy earth ! 0 hom e so well beloved ! W at recom en a e we r m ee rem e ? h p se h v , f o th ov d One h ole hope we have that overtops t e wh , Th soul e hope of ﬁnding every vanished , We l e and l r il an for thi s ov ong fo da y, d la l we t rn r m and all th li ss G d y u f o thee, y b , en a t th l li s n the a s are l n Ev y ove e t , whe d y o g, n And li ttle birds break out in rippling so g. — Celia Thaxter [ 1 8 3 5 1 8 9 4] Nature

THE LAST HOUR

O S of l e and o s am e JOY ov j y of f , It is not youI shall regret ; I sa dden lest I should forget ’ The beauty woven in earth s nam e :

Th and l t al e shout batt e of he g e,

Th s he sun-risin e stillne s of t g, The n of m ee i en s rin sou d so e d p h dd p g, Th l sob th llin sail e g ad of e ﬁ g ,

The rs reen ri l the eat ﬁ t g pp e of wh ,

Th r in- son of he lif te le es e a g t d av , The akin ir s eneat the ea es w g b d b h v , T r he voices of the sum m e heat . Ethel Clif ord [ r 8

NATURE

O NATURE ! I do not aspire T he i es in th ir o be t h gh t y cho , T m eteor in sk o b e a thy y, Or com et that m ay range on high ; Only a zephyr that m ay blow Am ong the reeds by the river low; Give m e thy m ost privy place re o run m ir ra Whe t y a y ce.

In s m e i ra n un li m e o w thd w , pub c ad Let m si n a ree e gh upo d , Or in the s i lea din wood , w th fy , Whisper the still evening in :

m e s ill r i e m e to So t wo k g v do, Only— b e it near to you!

’ For I d rather b e thy child

And il in th fores il pup , e t w d,

an b e the in m el re Th k g of en sewhe , And m ost sovereign slave of care; Poem s of Nature

T one m m en of th a n o have o t y d w , ’ Than share the city s yea r forlorn. — Henry David Thorea u [ 1 8 1 7 1 8 6 2]

SONG OF NATURE

INE are the ni and m ornin M ght g,

The its of air th l of s a e p , e gu f p c , The S orti e sun the i bous m n p v , g b oo , h i m r l T e nnu e ab e days.

i e in the l r lor I h d so a g y, am m in th ealin I du b e p g song, rest on the it th t rr n I p ch of e o e t , I slum r m n be I a strong .

0 n m ers a e nte m allies N u b h v cou d y t , ri es m ouse can ﬁll No t b y h , I sit by the shining Fc unt of Life And pour the deluge still;

And ever by delicate powers Ga thering along the centuries r m ra e on ra e the rarest e F o c c ﬂow rs, rea all no in mi My w th sh th g ss.

And m a ny a thousa nd sum m ers

ar en ri ene ell My g d s p d w , And light from m eliorating stars

t or Wi h ﬁrm er gl y fell.

I wrote the past in characters

ro a nd ﬁre he s r ll Of ck t c o , The il in in the ral sea bu d g co , l h The p anting of t e coal .

And thefts from satellites and rings a re And broken st rs I d w , And out of spent and aged things I form ed the world anew;

1 2 60 Poem s of Nature

i m l e an im a e Tw ce I have ou d d g ,

t ri stret e m an And h ce out ch d y h d , Made one of day and one of night

- And one of the salt sea sand .

ne in a e an m a er O Jud ng , And one on strea m by Av , ai t m s ile One over ag ns the outh of N , n in he a em And o e t Ac d e.

m o l e in s and a ior I u d d k g s v s, ’ And bards o er kings to rule ;

But ell the sta rr in en e r f y ﬂu c sho t, w e r The cup as n ve full.

t irl lo in eel on e m re Ye wh the g w g wh s c o , And m ix the bowl again ;

ee e a te ! the an ient elements S th , F c ,

ea t ol wet dr and ea e and ain. H , c d , , y, p c , p

L et war and trade and creeds and song

len ri en ra e on ra e B d , p c c , The sunburnt world a m an shall breed

all h zon and n Of t e es cou tless days.

No ra is im m e no a m orn y d d , to w , ol es or e is as new My d t f c good , And the fresh rose on yonder thorn h in i Gives back t e bend g heavens n dew. — Ralph Waldo Em erson [ 1 8 03 1 8 8 2]

GREAT NATURE IS AN ARMY GAY

REAT na re is an arm a G tu y g y, Resistless m arching on its way ;

r he les lear a n s e I hea t bug c d we t , m ill I hear the tread of ion feet . Across the plain I see it pour ; I t tram ples down the waving grass; Within the echoing m ountain- pass

n a nn n r I hea r a thousa d c o oar. To M other Nature 1 2 6 i

It swarm s within m y garden ga te ; dr My deepest well it drinketh y. I t doth not rest ; it doth not wait ; By night and day it sweepeth by ; Cea seless it m archeth by m y door;

e m e not o im lore . I t h eds , th ugh I p no not en e it om es nor ere I k w wh c c , wh For m it o no ar I t goes . e d th t c e

et er s ar e or eat or slee Wh h I t v , , p,

Or li e or die or sin or ee . v , , g , w p

A n w the nners all are ri nd o ba b ght, n h Now torn and blacke ed by the ﬁg t .

m im e its la ter sha es the sk So et s ugh k y, w Som etim es the groans of those ho die . Still through the night and thr ough the livelong day m ar es on its rem orsele w The inﬁni te arm y ch ss ay . RiChat’d Watson Gilder [ 1 8 44- 1 9 09 ]

TO MOTHER NATURE

ATURE in th lar ess ran N , y g , g t I m ay b e thy conﬁdant ! ’ Taste who will life s roadside cheer (Though m y heart doth hold it dear

on and ine and trees and ra S g w g ss, All the o s t a t as and ass j y h ﬂ h p ) , I m ust put within m y prayer i s m ore in im a d r r G ft t te an a e. Show m e how dry branches throw

l e sha o s on the sno Such b u d w w , Tell m e how the wind can fare On his unseen feet of arr Show m e how the spider s loom

Wea es the a ri rom her om v f b c f w b , Lead m e to those brooks of m orn ’ W ere a om an s la is rn h w ugh bo , Let m e taste the sap tha t ﬂows

ro the l s es of a r se Th ugh b u h o , Poem s of N ature

Yea and rain th l i n , d e b ood wh ch ru s

r m the eart of in ns F o h dy g su , Tea ch m e how the butterﬂy

uesse a t im m r ali G d o t ty, Let m e follow up the track ’ Of Love s dea thless Zodiac Where Joy clim bs am ong the spheres Cir le her m n ar c d by oo of te s, ell m e how en r e T , wh I fo g t All the s ools a e au t m e et ch h v t gh , y I recall each trivial thing

I n a l en far-off rin go d , Sp g, Give m e whispered hints how I May instruct m y heart to ﬂy Where the bafﬂing Vision gleam s

ill o erta e m ream s T I v k y d , And the impossible b e done When the Wish and Deed grow one ! — Frederic Lawrence Knowles [ 1 8 69 1 9 05]

THE PIPE OF PAN

ERE in i il rim e al ell H th s w d , p v d

Fa r rom the a n m an f h u ts of , ’ er ne er a ion s o e s ell Wh e v f sh fo tst p f ,

her of e r an of ell W e shriek st am no cl g b ,

r din o e and sell No of th s who buy , ’ Has ro en at re s er e s ell b k N u p f ct p ,

a n ne ear lis ens ell M y ot o h , who t w , The m ystic pipe of Pan?

So virgin and unworldly seem All things in this deep glade - m m Thi ck curtained fro the noonday bea , at ear enin one m a alm s ream Th , h k g , y o t d Fair naiads plashing in the stream While graceful lim b s and tresses r n Along the dim g ee shade. The Pipe of Pan 1 2 63

The cool brook runs as clear and sweet As ever water ran; I a lm ost hear the rhythm ic bea t

terin alls li t and e Of pat g footf , gh ﬂ et, ne e it in ee As Daph sp eds, w h ﬂy g f t

i her sa e re rea To h de in leaves f t t,

But not the pipe of Pan.

’ On yonder rocky m ountain s sides Do oreads dance a nd clim b? In that dark grot what nym ph abides?

And r aki in - od ri e when the f e sh w d g d s,

D o n he reez ti es sylphs ﬂoa t o t b y d , While in the hollow tree- trunk hides The dryad of old tim e?

Or is the world so changed to-day

a e l a n lan Th t all th sy v c , m r a orea s l and fa Ny ph , d y d , d , y ph y, a n r erm ore a a H ve ﬂow fo ev w y , So t we a t and ait and r , hough w ch , w , p ay, Never again on earth will play The Witching pipe of Pan?

Com e it n n er st ne and la , s o yo d o p y 0 P n i e of ree s a , thy p p d , A n e ear was n and s whe th th you g gay , Lon r t is ll and sor i da g e e h du d d y,

la il w learn th sim le la P y t l e y p y, And ri a nd i r a e a a g ef d sco d f d w y, And selﬁsh care recedes !

ar ene sense ! 0 ense ea ear! O, d k d , d , d f The world has placed its b an ins he enn on e so ear Aga t t g , c d , And s ri e and ree for m an a r t f g d, y yea , a e s ile the s eet old atm os ere H v po d w ph , t u he la we annot ear So , ho gh p y, c h The wondrous pipe of Pan ! Elizabeth Akers [ r 8 3 a- ror Poem s of Nature

THE GOLDEN SILENCE

WHAT though I sing no other song? What though I speak no other word? I s silence sham e? Is pa tience wrong? At least one song of m ine was hea rd :

ne e o rom the m o n a in ir O ch f u t a ,

One ea n m rm r la and ree oc u u , g d f , One sign that nothing grand or fair

I n all rl w lo o m this wo d as st t e.

I will not wake the sleeping lyre ; I will not strain the chords of thought ; The sweetest fruit of all desire

C m es its own wa a nd om nso t o y, c es u ugh .

ou all the r s of a rt ea Th gh ba d e h were d d,

And all t eir m si asse a a h u c p d w y,

' Wha t Na ture wishes should b e said ’ She ll ﬁnd the rightful voice to say !

Her eart is i n the s im m erin l a h h g e f,

The ri tin lo the lonel sk d f g c ud , y y, And all we know of bliss or grief

h in rm s t a t ann di S e s ea s o ot e. p k , f h c

The m o ntain ea s t a s ine a ar u p k h t h f ,

The silent stars the at less sea , p h ,

Are li in si ns of all we are v g g , h And types of all we 0p e to b e . William Winter [ 1 8 3 6 DAWN AND DARK

SONG

PKG-B U S arise , , And paint the sable skies

Wit az re ite and r d : h u , wh , e ’ ’ Ro se Mem non s m ot er rom her Tithon s ed u h f b , Tha t she thy career m ay with roses spread :

The n i i n ales th m in ea ere sin ght g y co g ch wh g , Make an eternal Spring ! Give lif e to this dark world whi ch lieth dead ; Sprea d forth thy golden hair

I n lar er lo s t an t o ast on e ore g ck h h u w w t b f ,

And em er r- li e e ore , p o k , d c With diadem of pearl thy tem ples fair : C ase en e the l ni t h h c ug y gh ,

i ser e but t m l io i Wh ch v s o ake dear thy g or us l ght .

is is t a a m r Th h t h ppy o n,

a da lon - is e da Th t y, g w h d y, all m li e so ar Of y f d k ,

r el stars a e not m r in s orn (If c u h v y u w ,

And a tes not o e etra f h p b y,)

W i onl ite eser es h ch , y wh , d v A di am ond for ever should it m ark . This is the m om should bring unto this grove Lo d l e to ear an r om ense m o e. My v , h ec p y v

air in who all reser es F k g, p v , But s w th l s in ea m ho y b u h g b s, And thou two sweeter eyes ’ al t see t an t i ene r a Sh , h hose wh ch by P us st e m s

Did n th r o ce y heart surp ise . Na s ns hi s ine as lear y, u , w ch h c A o n two t di to m e a s th u, whe hou dst Ro ppear .

lora e t sel in ire i se : Now, F , d ck hy f fa st gu e in s If that y , w d , would hear 1 265 1 2 66 Poem s of Nature

’ i e assi far m i n s l A vo c surp ng A ph o yre, Your storm y chiding stay; L et e r nl rea e Z phy o y b th , i her tre la And w th sses p y,

Kissing som etim es these purple ports of dea th . - The in s all silen are w d t , And Phoebus in his chair n ﬁ oni d ir E sa r ng sea an a , Makes vanish every star Night like a drunkard reels

e n the ills to s n his amin eels : B yo d h , hu ﬂ g wh

The el s i ers are e e in e er hue ﬁ d w th ﬂow d ck d v y , The clouds bespangle with bright gold their blue : ere is the leasa nt la e H p p c ,

And e er in sa e her all s oul ra e. v yth g v , who h d g c — William Drummond [ 1 5 8 5 1 649 ]

HYMN OF APOLLO

THE sl e less o rs who at m as lie e p H u w ch e I ,

rtai ne it st r-i n ta es ries Cu d w h a nwove p t , rom the r a m nli t he sk F b o d oo gh of t y, anni n the s re m s r m m dim e es F g bu y d a f o y y ,

a n m e en eir t er the ra a n W ke wh th Mo h , g y D w , ll m r m nd h m n i Te s the that d ea s a that t e oo s gone.

’ en ari d lim in n s lue om e Th I se, an c b g Heave b d , al er the m ountains and the a es I w k ov w v , L eaving m y robe upon the ocean foam ; My footsteps pave the clouds with ﬁre ; the ca ves

Are lle it m ri t resen e d h ﬁ d w h y b gh p c , an t e ai r a h r n ar to m m r Le ves t e g ee E th y e b aces bare.

The s n eam s are m s a s it hi ill u b y h ft , w h w ch I k

e eit t at lo es the ni and ears he da D c , h v ght f t y; All m en who do or even im agine ill

Fl m e and rom the lor m r y , f g y of y ay oo m in s and o en a ti ns a e new mi G d d p c o t k ght , n il iminis e the rei n i t U t d h d by g of N gh .

1 268 Poem s of Nature

By one who in his hand a lam p doth hold ’ Its am e ein i en he arm ent s ol ( ﬂ b g h dd by t g f d) , Th still air m o e h e t e i r m is l im . v s, w de oo ess d

re ri he ast e a m e the o n rn Mo b ght t E b c , cea tu ed Dark and m ore dark against the brightening sky ar er a ains the sk h on li Sh p g t y t e l g sea ne. The hollows of the breakers on the shore

Were reen li e lea es ere n no sun o s ine g k v wh o d th h ,

unli m a e h t r r n r Though s ght k t e ou e b a ches hoa . From rose to red the level heaven burned ;

n en if or ll rom o The sudd , as a sw d fe f n high , ’ A a o o o e o ean s r m bl de f g ld ﬂashed n th c i . — Richard Watson Gilder [ 1 8 44 1 9 09 ]

DAWN ON THE HEADLAND

A — nd a m a i al stillnes : n eart uies n e D WN a g c s o h , q ce c p ro found ; the a ers a as Con en as of un er a ase n On w t v t t t , h g ppe d a d stayed ; I n the heavens a silence that seem s not m ere priva tion of so n u d , But a in i rm nd a t in b e o e th g w th fo a body, h g to t uch d and weighed !

Yet I know tha t I dwell in the midst of the roar of the

o mi eel c s c wh ,

I e hot oll of r s nd lan or of oundles n th c ision Fo ce , a c g b s

ri e St f , Mi h h h orl s the r s in d t e sound of t e speed of t e w d , u h g

orl s and the eal w d , p r Of the thunde of Life. William Watson [ 1 8 5 8

THE MIRACLE OF THE DAWN

WHAT would it m ean for youand If dawn should com e no m ore !

ol n he sea Think of its g d alo g t , Its rose above the shore ! l m er That rose of awfu yst y, r Our souls bow down befo e. Dawn- Angels I 269

What on er a the n a neele w d th t I c k d, The Az tec prayed and pled An to i and ale d sa criﬁced t , se d , i ri t a lon a r ea W th tes h t g e d d , The m arvels that it once revealed

To them it comforted .

er ea ! a awe e l ! What wond , y wh t , b ho d Wha t rapture and what tea rs

r o if il its rivet ed l We e urs, w d go d,

a t now ea da a ears Th ch y pp , rs o he rl in a r ness rolle Bu t n t wo d , d k d , Once every thousand years !

Thi nk what it m eans to m e and you To see it even as God Evolved it when the world was new!

e i t r se eart a e- s Wh n L gh o , hqu k hod , And slow its gradual splendor grew ’ h rl O er deeps t e whi wind trod .

What shoutings then and cym b allings Arose from depth and height !

at rs i -solem n r m etin Wh wo h p t u p gs,

And un ers rnin - hi te th d , bu g w , win s and a es and an hemin Of d w v , t gs r r e h i Of Ea th ec ived t e L ght .

Think what it m eant to see the dawn ! The a n t a m es ea da d w , h t co ch y ’ a i the as s o l ne er ro w n Wh t f E t h u d g w a , Should neverm ore grow gray ! Tha t line of rose no m ore b e dra wn ’ Above the ocea n s spray! — Madison Cawein [ 1 865 1 9 1 4]

DAWN - ANGELS

ALL ni a ed a a for m rnin ght I w tch w ke o g, At l the as re all am ast E t g w a ﬂ e, The ir s for el om e san or ar n b d w c g, w ni g, And i h eir sin in m rnin am e w t th g g o g c . Poem s of N ature

Along the gold- green heavens drifted

al an eri souls at s n the li P e w d ng th hu ght , lou inions torn and ri te Whose c dy p , f d , ni Had bea t the ba rs of Heaven all ght .

r n the m n b ut hi her These cluste ed rou d oo , g

t o s inin s irits en A roop f h g p w t , o er not m a e in or ﬁre Wh w e d of w d , m r - l m But so e di vine d eam e e ent .

m e el the i t ile t ose rem n So h d L gh , wh h aini g

oo out ir ar - olor in Sh k the h vest c ed w gs, a n un s al m si rainin A f i t u u u c g,

(Whose sound was Light) on earthly things.

he d ri er T y sang, an as a mighty v heir oi e he ni h a a T v ces wash d t g t w y,

r m as to t ran n i e er F o E t Wes o e wh t shiv ,

And waxen strong their song was Day. 1 A. Mary F . Robinson [ 8 5 7

MUSIC OF THE DAWN

E T ER 2 AT S A, OC OB 3 , 1 907

’ ’ IN far rests lea t ili now is s ealin ra a n s fo fy w ght , t g g y d w sh li y ght , And the m isty air is trem ulous with songs of m any a bird ; ’ r m m o n ain ee es en in e er trea mlet While f o u t st ps d c d g, v y s s voice is blending Wit the an em s of rea ine rees he reat of h th g t p t , by t b h rr daylight sti ed .

’ But urn rom an s reamin the reen eart I t f F cy d g of g h , to the gleam ing ’ Of the ﬂuttering wings of m orning rushing o er the jewelled deep ; ’ r mi un in it ea l And the ocean s hyth c po d g, w h ch ucent wave ndin resou g, ’ Seem s the m usic m ade when God s own hands His m ighty r ha pstrings sweep . Virginia Biorcn Harrison [ 1 8 Reve du M idi 1 2 7 1

A SUMMER NOON

WHO has not drea m ed a world of bliss ri unn n n li is On a b ght s y oo ke th , ’ e his n e s r n Couch d by ativ brook g ee maze, Wi m ra of his i a th co de boy sh d ys, While all around them seem ed to be Just as in joyous infancy? Wh has not lo e at s n r o v d , uch a hou , n at ea t in ir en er Upo th h h , b ch bow , ’ ll in e ream m Lu ed the po t s d y ood, Its wild and sunny solitude? ’ While o er the waste of purple ling Youm ark a sultry glim m ering ;

il n l t er m o ee S e ce herse f h e see s t sl p, e m l d Wrapp d in a slu ber ong an deep, Where slowly stray those lonely sheep ’ m l Through the tall foxglove s cri son b oom , An l r m d g eam ing of the scatte ed broo . e ounot en to lis and ear Lov y , th , t h

Th ra li of h o -ﬂ wer n ar e c ck ng t e g rse o s e , Pouring an orange-scented tide ’ Of fragrance o er the desert wide? ’ To ear the uzza r s im erin shrill h b d wh p g , Hovering above youhigh and still? The twittering of the bird that dwells ’ Am ong the heath s delicious bells? ’ Whil ro o r o r rn and la e und y u bed , e fe b de, nsec s in r n and ol arr e I t g ee g d ay d, ’ The sun s gay tribes have lightly strayed ; And sweeter sound their hum m ing wings ’ an he m i rel s oin s i Th t proud nst ech g tr ngs. — William Howitt [ 1 7 9 2 1 8 7 9]

REVE DU MIDI

’ WHEN o er the m ountai n steeps h n i r s T e hazy oont de c eep , And the shrill cricket sleeps Under the grass; 1 2 72 Poem s of Nature

W n he he soft t shadows lie, ’ And l s sail o r he sk c oud e t y, And ‘ t i l in he d e w ds go by, Wi the ea s en of l ss m s as e th h vy c t b o o th y pass,

en en the silen st ream Th , wh t L in a r m apses as d ea , And the water-lilies gleam Up to the sun ; When the hot and burdened day o its o n ar wa Rests n d w w d y, en the m t r ets to la Wh o h fo g p y, the l in ant m a ream her or ne p odd g y d w k do ,

en rom h n i of war Th , f t e o se And the din art a ar of e h f , Like som e forgotten sta r

r e r m the sk D opp d f o y, Th f n r e sounds o love a d fea , All i sad and ar vo ces de , ani s silen e r ar B h to c d e , illin rall of ran es ee li w g th t c sw t I e.

Som e m elancholy gale

r a e it m r us tal e B e th s s yste io , ’ Till the rose s lips grow pale With her sighs ; ’ And o er m y thoughts are ca st ints the ani s e as T of v h d p t ,

lories t at a e G h f d d fast , ene e to s len or in m reamin e R w d p d y d g yes.

As ise on vi ran in s po d b t w g , r s r re sw m Whe e hi sweet t easu gs, The honey-lover clings the red ﬂowers To , o los in i i li S , t v v d ght , So ra rom da and ni t , pt f y gh , lin er in eli I g d ght , ’ r r r ion- r te En aptu ed o e the vis f eigh d hours. Rose Terry Cooke [ 1 8 2 7- 1 8 9 2] Ode to Evening 1 273

ODE TO EVENING

I F a t oaten s o or as toral s n ugh of t p, p o g,

Ma o e as e Eve to soo e th m o es ear y h p , ch t , th y d t , Li e th own lem n s rin s k y so p g , Thy springs and dying gales;

r r e ile now the ri t - aire sun O Nym ph ese v d , wh b gh h d

its in u stern en ose lo s ir s S yo we t t , wh c udy k t , it re et ereal o e W h b de h w v , ’ O erhang his wavy b ed :

Now ir i s sa ere the ea -e e b at a s hu hed , ve wh w k y d

rill ri ﬂi on l h m in With short sh sh ek ts by eat e w g, Or where the beetle winds

H m all b ut ull n orn is s s e h ,

’ As oft he ri es m i st the t ili t at s , d w gh p h Against the pilgrim borne in heedless hum : ow tea m e m ai om se N ch , d c po d ,

T r t e m e so tene strain o b ea h so f d ,

n m ers stealin t ro ar enin ale Whose u b , g h ugh thy d k g v ,

Ma not nseem l it its stillness s i y u y w h u t , As m sin slo ail , u g w, I h Thy genial loved return !

For when thy folding- star arising shows

Hi al i rclet at his arnin lam s p y c , w g p

The ra rant o rs and l f g H u , E ves Who sle t in s the d a p bud y,

And m an a m who wreat es her ro s it se y Ny ph h b w w h dge, And s e s the res enin dew and lo elier till h d f h g , , v s ,

The ensi e leas res s eet p v P u w , Prepare thy shadowy car :

en lea alm o aress ere s m e s eet la e Th d , c v t , wh o h y k

eers the lone eat or s m e tim e- allo e ile Ch h h , o h w d p , Or upland fallows gray

la l l m Reﬂect its st coo g ea . 1 2 74 Poem s of Nature

01 if hill lus erin in s or ri in r , c b t g w d , d v g ain, re en m illin eet b m P v t y w g f , e ine the hut ’ a r m the m unt i Th t , f o o ain s s de, ie s wil s and s ellin V w d w g ﬂoods,

And amlets r n and dim -disc ere s ires h b ow , ov d p , ’ And ears eir sim le ll n m r h th p be , a d a ks o er all Thy dewy ﬁngers draw Th ra e g dual dusky veil.

While rin s all r hi s s ers as the n Sp g h pou how , of wo t , And at e reat in tresse m ee E b h thy b h g s, kest ve ! While Sum m er loves to sport Beneath thy lingering light ;

While sall ut m n lls th la it lea es ow A u ﬁ y p w h v , Or Winter ellin t ro the tro l , y g h ugh ub ous air, Aﬂri hts th s rin in rain g y h k g t , And rudely rends thy robes :

lon re ard l ie rule So g, g fu of thy qu t , all an rien s i ien e smilin Sh F cy, F d h p , Sc c , g Pea ce, entles in en e Thy g t ﬂu c own, And hym n thy favorite nam e ! Willia m Collins [ 1 7 2 1 - 1 7 5 9]

C E IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, ALM AND FR E

IT i a ea us e enin alm and ree s b uteo v g, c f ; The holy tim e is quiet as a Nun B reathless with adoration ; the broad sun I s sinking down in his tranquility ; ’ The gentleness of heaven broods o er the Sea ; Li t ein is a a e sten ! the migh y B g w k , And doth with his eternal m otion m ake r— in l A sound like thunde everlast g y. Dear Child ! dear Girl! tha t walkest with m e lem n t ou ht If thouappear untouched by so h g ,

Poem s of Nature

e on our si t mi ne r ﬂ B y d gh ght ve ee, Yet forward still be ﬂying ; And all the dying day m ight b e Im m ortal in its dying !

ell i s in sain l ran P uc d thu t y t ce, s m e in e e a i n Thu ut xp ct t o , What waits the earth? Deliverance? Ah no ! Transﬁguration!

“ he ream s t a t New art i ine S d of h E h d v , Conceived of seed im m ortal; “ he sin s Not mine the olier s rin S g h h e, ” Yet m ine the steps and portal ! Aubrey Thoma s do Vere [ 1 8 1 4- 1 9 0 2]

IN THE COOL OF THE EVENING

l o e e enin en the low s IN the coo f th v g , wh weet whispers a en w k , W en the la rers rn em m e ar and the ear h bo tu th ho w d, w y ir ill have the w , ’ When the censers of the roses o er the forest aisles are a en sh k , ’ Is it but the wind that com eth o er the far green hill?

’ For they say tis but the sunset winds that wander through h at er t e he h , Rustle all the m eadow- grass and bend the dewy fern ’ They say tis but the winds that how the reeds in prayer e er tog th , And ﬁll the shaken pools with ﬁre along the shadowy u b rn.

In the eau the ili in the ar en a He lo et b ty of tw ght , G d th t v h , They have veiled His lovely vesture with the darkness of a nam e !

r His ar en rou His ar en it is but the in Th ough G d , th gh G d , w d a m o e th t v th ,

‘ 7 m r h m ira le the mi ra le is the sa No o e ! But O t e c , c m e. At Perivale 1 2 7 7

I n the ol the e enin en the sk is an old stor co of v g, wh y y , lo l in b ut rem em ere a and l e i S w y dy g , b d , y, ov d w th pas sion still

s ! the rin es His arm Hu h f g of g ent , in the fading golden glory ’ o tl r s lin as He m et o er the a i S f y u t g co h f r green h ll . Alfred Noyes [ 1 8 8 0

TWILIGHT

P IRI T of ili ro our ol ed win s S Tw ght , th ugh y f d g at a lim se of o r a er e a I c ch g p y u v t d f ce, And ra t ro s on a s en m so l in p u u udd , y u s gs I s not this com m on earth a holy place?

irit of ili t ouare li a n Sp Tw gh , y ke so g at slee s and aits a sin er —li a Th p , w g , ke hym n at God ﬁn s lo el and ee s near Him lon Th d v y k p g, ill i r r T t is choi ed by au eoled cherubim .

iri of ili in the o en l m Sp t Tw ght , g ld g oo

ream lan dim so t ou and o n Of d d I ugh y , I f u d A wom an sitting in a silent room ll of hi te o ers t at m o e and m n n Fu w ﬂ w h v d ade o sou d .

hese ite o ers ere the hou ts ou rin to all T wh ﬂ w w t gh y b g , ’ And the room s nam e is s er ere ousit My t y wh y , ’ om all ili en ni t s all Wom an wh we c Tw ght , wh gh p r i Youlift a cross our Earth to cove t . Olive Custance [ 1 8

AT PERIVALE

OH the grave and gloom y quiet at the closing of the day! n h s lon ne o n When the su a g go d w , n ors of his own Not in sple d , B ut behind a veil of vapor vaguely vanishing away ; lm lo With a wraith of ﬁ y c ud ,

Crea e and ri n le to ens ro s d w k d, h ud h All the glow that he should give us at the closing of t e day. 1 2 7 8 Poem s of Nature

Oh the stem and stolid quiet at the closing of the day! When the purple furrows gleam C l and eel and the ea m o d st y, t

i ers om e ar and the a rn l ms in lo - ro s Lo t h w d, h wtho b oo b od d p ,

he arves m nt s are ne When t h t o h do , And he um n rai t aut ns begun, And the la eart ree s it r h losin th b ck h k w h odo s, at t e c g of e d ay.

Oh the dim and solemn quiet at the closing of the d ay ! When the lea es are ro in slo v d pp g w, And the wet birds com e and go r the ed es and hi te in er is alrea on its wa Th ough h g , w w t dy y; m o o l r When the s ke f sm oude ing tares, l e on la i Loose y born gg ng airs,

r h n t it r i of he e s t e s rils i s sa at l n t da . F t o t w h vo , the c os g y

Oh the grim and ghostly quiet at the closing of the day! en h l e m Wh t e catt e c ase to ove, And the rees stan lose a o e t d c , b v , And the m ounds about the churchyard lie unshadowed the gray; When the soul that dwells alone Finds a sadness like its own

I n the ear of o er a t re at the l si of the da h t M th N u , c o ng y. Arthur Joseph Munby [ 1 8 28 - 1 9 1 0]

SONG TO THE EVENING STAR

TAR a ri m h S th t b ngest ho e t e b ee, ’ And sett st the weary laborer free ! ’ an star s e ea tis u If y h d p ce, tho ’ a send st i rom a e Th t t f bov , ’ Appea ring when Heaven s breath and

Are s eet a s er l w h s we ove.

Com e the l r to uxu iant skies, ’ W ilst the lan s o r h d cape s dors ise, Song : To Cynthia 1 2 79

Whilst far- Off lowing herds are heard And son s en toil is one g wh d , From cottages whose sm oke unstirred

rl ll h Cu s ye ow in t e sun.

’ ar of lo e s t inter ie St v s of v ws, Parted lovers on t hee m use ; Their rem em brancer in Heaven

t rillin o s t o rt Of h g v w h u a , TOO delicious to b e ri ven

n rom the r By abse ce f hea t . Thomas Campbell [ 1 7 7 7 - 1 8 44]

THE EVENI NG CLOUD

CLOU D la ra le near the settin sun A y c d d g , A glea m Of crim son tinged its braided snow ; Long had I watched the glory m oving on ’ r the til radian of h l e O e s l ce t e ak below .

ran il its s irit em e and oa e T qu p se d , ﬂ t d slow ! Even in its very m otion there was rest ; While every breath of eve that chanced to blow

t the tra ller o h ea t Waf ed ve t t e b u eous west . m lem m et o t of the e ar e so l! E b , h ugh , d p t d u

T ose i e ro e h leam li i n o wh wh t b t e g of b ss s give , And by the breath of m ercy m ade to roll

i t on ar s to the ol en ates of ea en R gh w d g d g h v ,

here to the e e of ait it a e ul lies W y f h pe c f ,

tell o m an his lori o s estinies And s t g u d . — John Wilson [ 1 7 8 5 1 8 5 4]

SONG : TO CYNTHIA

’ From Cynthia s Revels

U EEN and ntress as e and Q hu , ch t

Now the sun is lai to sle d ep , eate in th sil er air S d y v ch , State in wonted m anner keep :

es er s entreats th li H p u y ght , ess e ellentl ri t Godd xc y b gh . 1 2 8 0 Poem s of Nature

ar let not th en o E th , y vi us shade Dare itself to interpose ; ’ Cynthi a s shining orb was m ade ea en to lear en da H v c , wh y did close less us t en it i B h w h w shed sight , ess e ellen l ri Godd xc t y b ght .

La b ow of earl a r y thy p pa t , And thy crystal- shining quiver ; Give unto the ﬂying hart

a e to reat e how Sp c b h , short soever : ’ o t at m ak st da i Th u h a y of n ght, ll n l Goddess exce e t y bright . — B en Jonson [ 1 5 7 3 ? 1 63 7 ]

MY STAR

AL L that I know Of a certain star I s it an ro , c th w (Like the angled spar) a art Of red Now d ,

a a r of l e Now d t b u , Till m y friends have said e o l ain see Th y w u d f , too , My star that dartles the red and the blue !

n s i a ir li e a o er an s rl The it stop l ke b d ; k ﬂ w , h g fu ed :

e m s s la e t em sel es i the a rn a o e i Th y u t o c h v w th S tu b v t . What m atter to m e if their star is a world? l o r r Mine has opened its sou t m e ; the efo e I love it . — Robert Browni ng [ 1 8 1 2 1 8 8 9 ]

NIGHT

ndi n he es THE sun desce g in t W t , The evening star does shine ;

r r il nt i eir nes The bi ds a e s e n th t,

And I m ust seek for m ine . The m oon like a ﬂower

I a n i er n he ve 5 h gh bow , With silent delight m h i Sits and s iles on t e n ght .

are ell reen el s and a ro e F w , g ﬁ d h ppy g v , ’ Where ﬂocks have ta en delight ;

r lam a e ni l silent m o e Whe e bs h v bb ed , v The feet of angels bright : n n t e o r lessin U see , h y p u b g , And o it o t easin j y w h u c g, a nd los m On each bud b so , e i m On ea ch sle p ng boso .

oo in e er o less nes They l k v y th ught t , Where birds are covered warm ; r a They visit caves Of eve y be st ,

m rm To keep them all fro ha . If they see any weeping at s o l a e een slee in Th h u d h v b p g ,

e r slee on t eir ea Th y pou p h h d , h r b And sit down by t ei ed .

When wolves and tigers how! for prey

e it in stan and ee Th y p y g d w p , ee in ir irst a a S k g to drive the th w y , And e r m h ke p them f o t e sheep .

But if t e r rea l , h y ush d dfu ,

The an els m ost ee l g , h dfu , Receive ea ch m ild spirit

w orl s o in eri Ne w d t h t .

’ And there the lion s ruddy eyes Shall ﬂow with tears of gold :

And it in the ten er ries p y g d c ,

And al in ro n the ol w k g u d f d ,

a in : Wra t His m ee ne S y g h by k ss, And His ealt si ness by h h , ck , Are driven away

rom our im m or al da F t y. Poem s of N ature

And now esi e t ee bloatin lam b d h , g b , o n I can lie d w and sleep .

Or in on Him who re th nam th k bo y e,

raze a ter ee and ee . G f th , w p ’ For as e in li e s ri er , w h d f v , My bright m ane for ever Shall shine like the gold ’ r r th As I gua d o e e fold . — Willia m Bla ke [ 1 7 5 7 1 8 2 7]

TO NIGHT

’ WIFT al o er the estern a e S LY w k w w v , Spirit of Night ! Out of the m isty eastern cave ere all he lon and one Wh , t g l daylight ,

o wovest re m of o n r Th u d a s j y a d fea ,

i m a e t ee erri le an ear Wh ch k h t b d d , Swift b e thy ﬂight !

ra th orm in a m antle ra W p y f g y, Star-inwrought Blind with thine hair the eyes of D ay; i her n i h b e earie out K ss u t l s e w d , ’ en an r o er it a nd sea and lan Th w de c y , , d, Touching all with thine Opiate wand m on - t ! Co e, l g sough

en aro and saw he a n Wh I se t d w , I sighed for thee ; h i r e i nd he ew was one W en l ght od h gh , a t d g ,

n ea n o er a nd tree And noo lay h vy o ﬂ w ,

r D a rn to h rest And the wea y y tu ed is ,

li e a n n o e es Lingering k u l v d gu t ,

f r I sighed o thee.

rot er eat am e and rie Thy b h D h c , c d , ’ ” Would st thou m e?

s e il lee he ﬁlm - e e Thy w et ch d S p , t y y d , r r li a n i b ee Mu m u ed ke noo t de ,

1 2 8 4 Poem s of N ature

Deep-bosomed night ! Not here where down the m arge Ma rble with palaces those lam ps of earth rem le On rem lin la ness na far en e T b t b g b ck ; y, h c ; ere on the la e ere s a e is l n and la r Th k wh p c o e ge, ’ And m an s li e l s in roa indiﬂerence f o t b d , Lift thouthe soul to spheres that gave her birth ! John Addington Symonds [ 1 8 40 - 1 8 9 3]

NIGHT

NI GHT is the tim e for res t ; s eet en la ors l se How w , wh b c o , To ga ther round an aching breast The ain of re se curt po ,

re the ire lim s and la th St tch t d b , y e Down on our own delightful b ed !

Night is the tim e for dream s;

Th a r m an e li e e g y o c of f , en tru a is and tr a se m Wh th th t , uth th t e s, Blend in fantastic strife ; ! visi ns less e ilin far Ah o , b gu g Than waking dream s by daylight are !

Night is the tim e for toil; l he lassi el To p ough t c c ﬁ d , Intent to ﬁnd the buried spoil I ts wealthy furrows yield ;

ll s rs t at sa es ta Till a i ou h g ught ,

san or eroes ro That poets g , h w ught .

Night is the tim e to weep ; To wet with unseen tears

s of em or ere Those grave M y , wh sleep The joys of other years ;

at ere n els at t eir irt Hopes, th w A g h b h ,

n li e t in s Of ear But perished you g , k h g th .

Night is the tim e to watch ; ’ ’ r n a r e anse O e ocea s d k xp , il th leia es or at To ha e P d , c ch ’ m n s ea rli est lan The full oo g ce, H e M ade the Night 1 2 8 5

That brings into the hom esick m ind l All we have loved and eft behind .

Night is the tim e for care; r on rs m n B ooding hou isspe t , To see the spectre of Despair Com e to our lonely tent ; ’ m i st his sl erin s Like B rutus, d um b g ho t , ’ d r Sum m oned to ie by Caesa s ghost .

Night is the tim e to think;

en rom the e e the so l Wh , f y , u a i t and n the tm ost rin T kes ﬂ gh ; , o u b k , Of yonder starry pole Descries beyond the abyss of night h n n rea T e daw of u c ted light .

Night is the tim e to pray ; Our Saviour oft withdrew To d esert m ountains far away ;

SO ill his oll ers w f ow do , r m the t r n to aunts untro Steal f o h o g h d ,

And hold com m union there with God .

Night is the tim e for Death ; W en all a r n is ea e h ou d p c , Calml t iel th ear reat y o y d e w y b h , rom sin and s fferin ease F u g c , ’ in ea en s liss and i e the si n Th k of h v b , g v g — To parting friends such death b e m ine ! James Montgom ery [ 1 7 7 1 - 1 8 5 4]

HE MADE THE NIGHT

’ AST a s of eld was o om inion V Ch o , , G d s d ; ’ as His elo e il His own ﬁrst - orn Tw b v d ch d , b ; And He was aged ere the thought of m orn h r f m Shook t e shee steeps O di Oblivion . Then all the works of darkness being done

r n less aeons elessl orlorn Th ough cou t hop y f , Out to the er tm ost er e and o rne v y u v g b u , God at he last relu an m a th t , ct t , de e sun . 1 2 8 6 Poem s of Nature

He lo e His ar ness still for it v d d k , was Old ; He grieved to see His eldest child take ﬂight ;

And en His Fiat L a x the ea - nell o wh d th k t lled ,

As the m e ar ness a ar Him rolle doo d D k b ckw d by d , He snatched a rem nant ﬂying into light

And stre e it it the s ars and alle w d w h t , c d it Night . Lloyd Miﬂlin [ 1 8 46

HYMN TO THE NIGHT

I HEARD the trailing garm ents of the Night Sweep through her m arble halls ! I saw her sable skirts all fringed with light From the celestial walls !

elt her resen e its s ell Of m i t I f p c , by p gh , ’ Stoop o er m e from above ;

The alm m a esti resen e of the i c , j c p c N ght, As h lo of t e one I ve.

ear the so n s of sorro and eli I h d u d w d ght , The m ani l o im fo d , s ft ch es,

at ﬁll the a nte am er of h i Th h u d ch b s t e N ght , ’ Li e som e old et s r m e k po hy s.

From the cool cisterns of the m idnight air My spirit drank repose ;

The o ntain of er et al ea e s r f u p p u p c ﬂow the e, r m rn s F o those deep ciste s ﬂow .

0 holy Night ! from thee I learn to bear What m an has borne before !

o la est n er on the li s of a re Th u y thy ﬁ g p C , m l n n m r And they co p ai o o e .

Peace ! Peace ! Orestes- like I breathe this prayer !

es en it roa - in e i t D c d w h b d w g d ﬂ gh ,

The el om e the t ri e- ra e for the m ost a r w c , h c p y d , f i , The best-beloved Night ! Henry Wad sworth Longfellow [ 1 8 0 7 - 1 8 8 2] D awn and Dark

DAWN DARK

GOD with His million cares Went to the left or right

t Grew nigh .

Back from a sphere He cam e er a s arr la n Ov t y w , Looked a t our world ; and the dark

Grew dawn. Norma n Gale [ 1 8 6 2 THE CHANGING YEAR

A SONG FOR THE SEASONS

WHE N the m erry lark doth gild

Wit his s n the s m m er o rs h o g u h u , And their nests the swallows build

In the roo s and to s of to ers f p w , And the golden broom -ﬂower burns

All a t the aste bou w , And the m aiden May returns

Wit a rett ast h p y h e,

Then how merr r , y a e the times! The S pring times! the S ummer times!

r m off the as s on Now, f o hy t e

The ill m i ni t ri et ri ch y d gh c ck c eth , And all m err ir s are o n y b d ﬂ w , And our dream of pleasure dieth ; the on e l e la in sk Now c b u , ugh g y! a ens int ra S dd o g y,

And the rozen ri ers si f v gh , Pining all away !

Now how solem n , are the times! The Wi nter times ! the Night times!

Yet b e m err all ar n , y ; ou d I s through one vast change revolving ; en i ht la el r ned Ev N g , who t y f ow , Is in paler dawn dissolving ;

art ill rst her etters stran e E h w bu f g , And in Spring grow free ; All t in s in the rl ill an e h g wo d w ch g , — Save m y love for thee !

S in then ho e ul are all ti ! g , p f mes

inter S rin S ummer tim es ! W , p g , Bryan Waller P rocter [ 1 7 8 7 1 288 A Song of the Seasons 1 2 89

A SONG OF THE SEASONS

ING a son rin -tim e S g of Sp g , The orl is in r n w d go g ou d, Blown by the south wind :

Listen to its so und .

G r le es the m ill- u g go wheel, Cluck clucks the hen ; ’ And it s 0 for a pretty girl To kiss in the gl

in a son Of m m r S g g Su e , The orl is nearl still w d y , The m ill- n has one to sl po d g eep, And so has the mill .

all we o a - sailin Sh g g, Or s all we a e a ri h t k de, Or dream the afternoon away

ere si e si e? H , d by d

in a s n of t m n S g o g Au u , The world is going back ;

e lean in the com - ﬁeld Th y g , d am o the An st p n stack . Our C arlie boy, h , all s ron and li : T , t g, ght He shoots all the day d An dances all the night .

in a s n Winter S g o g of , The world stops dead ; Under snowy coverlid

Flowers lie abed . ’ There s hunting for the young ones And ine for the Old w , And a sexton in the churchyard l Digging in the co d . Cosmo Monkhouse [ 1 8 40- 1 9 0 1 ] 1 2 90 Poem s of Nature

THI S is the tim e when bit by b it The days begin to lengthen sweet And every m inute gained is joy r a And love stirs in the hea t of boy .

his is the im e the sun la e T t , of t

on t t li a e till ei C ten o e b d ght, Lifts up b etirnes his sleepy head

d i th rt m An love st rs in e hea of a aid .

This is the tim e we dock the night Of a whole hour of ca ndlelight ; When song of linnet and thrush is heard d l stir in the rt of a ir An ove s hea b d .

is is the tim e en r - la es re n Th wh swo d b d g e , it l and r le am as ene W h go d pu p d c , Pierce the brown crocus-b ed a -row nd e r A love stirs in a h a t I know . Katharine Tynan [ 1 8 6 1

THE WAKING YEAR

A LADY red upon the hill Her annual secret keeps; A lady white within the ﬁeld In placid lily sleeps !

The tidy breezes with their broom s

ee ale and ill and tree ! Sw p v , h , rit ee m ret ouse i es ! P h , y p ty h w v Who m ay expected b e?

The neighbors do not yet suspect ! The s e an e a sm ile wood xch g , r har and tter and ir O c d, bu cup, b d, In such a little while !

1 29 2 Poem s of Nature

The woods with living airs s l anne How oft y f d, i airs rom ere the ee L ght f wh d p , All n th n dow e sa d,

I s reat in in his slee b h g p, ear n H d by the la d .

0 ll lea in l , fo ow, p g b ood, ’ The season s lure ! 0 ear l n and u h t, ook dow p , erene se ure S , c , Warm as the r us cu c oc p ,

Li e sno - r s re k w d op , pu !

as ture lim se and P t, Fu g p fade hr u s m e sli t s ell T o gh o gh p , leam rom n er ale A g f yo d v , om e far l e ell S b u f ,

And s m a t i es how rail y p h , f , In sound and sm ell !

ill at th u le n T y ch ck d ote, win lin ir Thou t k g b d, Th air an i an e f y f c es r g e, And li l stirre , ght y d, Ring little bells of change r to r From wo d wo d .

For now the Heavenly Power

a e all hin s new M k s t g , d s the l and An thaw co d, ﬁlls The ﬂower with d ew; The la ir s a e t eir ills b ckb d h v h w , t The poets oo. Alfred Tennyson [ 1 8 09 - 1 8 9 2]

LINES WRITTEN IN EARLY SPRING

an len e n I HEARD a thous d b d d otes, n sa t re line While i a grove I c d , In that sweet m ood when pleasant thoughts min B ring sad thoughts to the d. In Early Spring 1 293

To her fai r works did Na ture link The hum an soul that through m e ran; And m uch it grieved m y heart to think e of M n Wha t Man has m ad a .

r rim r se uts in ha s ee er Th ough p o t f , t t w t bow , The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; ’ And tis m y faith tha t every ﬂower the air it rea es Enjoys b th .

ir s ar n m e o ed and la e The b d ou d h pp p y d, Their thoughts I cannot m easure But the lea st m otion which they m ade a lea s It seem ed thrill of p ure.

The buddi ng twigs spread out their fan To catch the breez y air ; A d m us in do all can n I t th k , I , e That there was pleasur there.

s elie r m ea en b e If thi b f f o h v sent, ’ u be Na ure s ol lan If s ch t h y p , Have I not reason to lam ent What Man has m ade of Man? Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0- 1 8 5 0]

IN EARLY SPRING

0 SPRING n ee ! ee for s ee sur rise , I k ow th S k w t p ’ il r n s e In the young ch d e yes. B a e lea rn the ears and n th ut I h v t y , k ow e yet

- Leaf folded violet .

ar a a e silen e can re Mine e , w k to c , fo tell ’ ﬁ f l The cuckoo s t ul hel . I wander in a gray tim e tha t encloses

nd the il - ro June a w d hedge ses. ’ A year s procession of the ﬂowers doth pass

eet alon the rass. My f , g g d ll s ee ir s silent et n An a you w t b d y , I k ow n t t a s ir ouso The o es h t t y , { 1 294 Poem s of Nature

Your songs yet half devised in the dim dear i e B eg nnings of the y ar. In these young days youm editate your part ;

I have it all by heart . I know the secrets of the seeds of ﬂowers Hi en and arm i s ers dd w w th how , And how in indlin rin th uc , k g Sp g, e c koo shall Alter hi n e s i t rval.

But not a ﬂower or song I ponder is ’ own but m em or My , y s. I shall b e silent in those days desired

e ore a rl ins ire B f wo d p d .

ear ro n ir s om se o r Old s n - rase O d b w b d , c po y u o g ph s, art th am ili ar aisies E h , y f d .

The e m use u n the s ei po t d po du ky h ght,

et een two s ars ar s ni t B w t tow d gh , H in hi is r se s ear . at e a s a e pu po h t I w ch d, p c , The m eani ng of his face

ere was the se ret ﬂed r m art and s ies Th c , f o e h k , Hid in his a n gr y you g eyes.

ear and all the m m er ai his oi e My h t Su w t ch c , n f A d wonder or his voice.

ho s all oretell his son s and as ire W h f g , who p But to divine his lyre?

ee eart we no dimm est m s eries Sw t h , k w thy y t , h is l r hi But e o d of s . Alice Meynell [ 1 8 5 3

SPRING

’ From Summ er s Last Will and Testam ent

’ PRING he s ee rin is the ear s leasan in S , t w t Sp g , y p t k g ; n l m a t in t n m ai s an in a rin The b oo s e ch h g , he d d ce g,

l ot n stin the rett ir s Sin Co d d h ot g, p y b d do g

C - u u-we to- itta- ! uckoo , jug j g , p , w woo

and m a a e r es a The palm y m k count y hous g y,

m ris and la the s e er s i e all da La bs f k p y , h ph d p p y, And we hear aye birds tune this m erry lay

oo - u- we to- itta -woo ! Cuck , jug jug , p , w When Daffodils Begin to Peer

The el s rea t e s eet the aisies iss o r ﬁ d b h w , d k u feet,

n l ers m ee old i es a -sunnin sit You g ov t, w v g , I n every street these tunes our ears do greet

C c - u-we to- i - u koo , jug jug, p , w tta too ! rin th Sp g, e sweet Spring ! Thomas Nashe [ 1 5 67- 1 601 ]

THE SPRING

From Alexander and Campaspe

WHAT ir so sin s et so oes ail? b d g , y d w ’ tis the ravis e ni in ale ! O , h d ght g “ ” u u u n ere she ries J s, j g , j g , i s, t u, c , And still h r es a t m i ni ri e wo d ght se . ’ B rave prick-song ! who is t now we hear? None but the lark so shrill and clear ; ’ a t ea en s a e she la s her in Now h v g t c p w gs, m rn no in till The o t wak g she sing s.

ar ar i a a rett r H k, h k , w th wh t p y th oa t Poor robin-redbreast tunes his note ; ar how the oll sin H k, j y cuckoos g ” Cu ! el m e in the s rin ckoo to w co p g, ” Cuckoo ! to welcom e in the spring ! John Lyly [ 1 5 5 4 ?- 1 606]

WHEN DAFFODILS BEGIN TO PEER

“ ’ From The Winter s Tale

ﬂ dils e in eer WHEN da o b g to p , t ei ! the o o er the ale Wi h h gh d xy, v d , ’ h en m es in the s ee 0 the ear W y, th co w t y ; ’ r d l rei ns in he inter For the e b ood g t w s pale.

ee lea hin on the e e The white sh t b c g h dg , Wit ei ! the s ee ir s 0 t e Sin ! h h gh w t b d , , how h y g Doth set m y pugging tooth on edge ; for a kin For a quart of ale is a dish g . 1 2 96 Poem s of Nature

The l r t a tirra -lirra a n s a k , h t ch t , Wi ei ! i h ei ! the t r s and the a th h gh w t h gh h u h j y, Are s m m er s n s for m e and m aunts u o g y , ile lin in th ha Wh we lie tum b g e y . Willia m S ha kespeare [ 1 5 64- 1 6 r 6]

SPRING

From In Mem oriam

L! ! ! II I

D IP n n the nor ern s ore dow upo th h ,

0 s t new- ea r ela in lon wee y , d y g g ;

ou oest e e ant a t re r n Th d xp ct N u w o g, ela n lon ela no m D yi g g , d y ore.

W a s a s ee rom the lo e n ns h t t y th f c ud d oo , Thy sweetness from its proper place?

Can tro le li e i ril a s ub v w th Ap d y , Or sadness in the sum m er m oons?

rin r his rin the fox- lo e ir B g o c , b g g v sp e, ’ The li tle s ee ell s arlin l t p dw d g b ue, ee t li s as e it er dew D p u p d h d w h ﬁ y ,

a rnum s ro in - el of ﬁr L bu , d pp g w ls e.

0 t o new- ear ela i n lon h u , y , d y g g,

D ela est the sorro in m loo y w y b d,

a lon s to rst a rozen Th t g bu f bud , d t r a i An ﬂood a fresher h o t w th song .

a es the last lon strea of no Now f d g k s w, Now burgeons every m aze of quick

o t the o erin s ares and t i Ab u ﬂ w g qu , h ck

a en root the iolet lo By sh s v s b w .

rin s the o lan l and lon Now g w od d oud g, The i stan e ta es a lo elier hue d c k v , And drowned in yonder living blue r om a i e so The la k bec es s ghtl ss ng . When the H ounds of Spring

an e the li ts on la n and Now d c gh w lea , The s are iter o n the al ﬂock wh d w v e, And m il i r e er m il sail k e v y ky , On winding stream or distant sea ;

W ere now the seam e i es or i es h w p p , d v In on er reeni n leam and y d g g g , ﬂy The a ir s t a t a n t eir k h ppy b d , h ch ge h s y To il and r tha t li e t e li e bu d b ood, v h ir v s

From land to land ; and in m y breast Spring wakens too : and m y regret

e m e an ril vi let B co Ap o , And an d l m li e th r buds b osso s k e est . Alfred Tennyson [ 1 8 09 - 1 8 9 2]

THE SPRING RETURNS

THE Spring returns! Wha t m a tters then that War

n the oriz n li a ea n rns O h o ke b co bu , ’ a t as en m an s m ost des éd r Tha t De h c ds, ir s ta , Tha t Darkness is his hope? The Spring returns! Trium phant through the wider- arched cope

h om es he m es nto her t rann S e c , s co , u y y, And at her coronation are set ope The risons the m in a nd m an is ree ! p of d, f

e ar- ar e or o er- ent i sn s The b gg g b d v b w th ow , m ortal l n e ea te isall e Each , o g d f d , d ow d ,

eelin her o r s stron er lim e and no F g t uch , g ow g b d , k ws

le h r nd is r The purp on is shoulde s a p oud .

The rin re urns! 0 m a ness e n sense Sp g t d b yo d , B reed in our bones thine own om nipotence ! Charles Leonard Moore [ 1 8 5 4

WHEN THE HOUNDS OF SPRING

Chorus from Ata lant a in Calydon

’ h o n s Of s rin a re on in er s ra es WHE N t e h u d p g w t t c , The m other of m onths in m eadow or plain Fills the shadows and windy pla ces With lisp of leaves and ripple of rain; 1 2 9 8 Poem s of N ature

And the brown bright nightingal e am orous Is al ass a e for l h f u g d Ity us, For the ra ian s i s and the orei a Th c h p f gn f ces, The ton eless i il and all the a gu v g , p in.

Com e it s en and it em in f r w h bow b t w h pty g O quive s, ai en m os er e la li M d t p f ct, dy of ght, Wit a noise of in s and m an ri ers h w d y v , Wit a clam or of e and i t m i h wat rs, w h ght; in on sand als 0 t um s t B d thy , ho o t ﬂee , Over the splendor a nd speed of thy feet ;

For the aint eas i ens the wan es s i e f t qu ck , w t h v rs,

n h ee of the da and the f Rou d t e f t y feet o the night .

W ere s all we ﬁnd her all we sin h r h h , how sh g to e , ol o r a s ro n h r n s and F d u h nd u d e k ee , cling? ’ 0 tha t m an s heart were as ﬁre and could spring to

ir or the s r n t the stream s t a s rin ! F e, t e g h of h t p g For the sta rs and the winds are unto her

As raim ent as son the ar - la er , gs of h p p y ;

th ris n stars and the allen lin to h r For e e f c g e ,

- h - And the southwest wind and t e west wind sing .

’ For in er s rains and ruins are o er w t v , And all the sea son of snows and sins;

The a s i i in lo er and lo er d y d v d g v v ,

The li t t a t loses the ni t a wins gh h , ght h t ;

And t e rem m ere is rie or otten im e b d g f f g ,

d ro ts ar slain and o ers e otten An f s e ﬂ w b g , And in green underwood and cover th in Blossom by blossom e spring beg s.

o r Of r s es The full stream s feed on ﬂ we u h ,

i s ram a tra ellin R pe gras es t m el v g foot, The faint fresh flam e of the young year flushes From lea f to flower and flower to fruit ; n r l l and fir A d f uit and eaf are as go d e, A d th o the l re n e oat is heard a b ve y , And the hoofed heel of a sa tyr crushes

- - The chestnut husk at the chestnut root .

1 300 Poem s of N ature

The s e er steeks his fauldin sla h ph d g p , And owre the m oorland whistles shrill; ’ ’ Wi il ne al wand rin s e w d , u qu , g t p

m ee him o e I t n the d wy hill.

’ And en the lar t een li and ar wh k, w ght d k, ’ Bli the waukens by the daisy s side

And m unts and sin s on ﬂitterin Wi n o g g gs,

woe- rn aist ham eward l A wo gh I g ide .

C m e Winter it thi ne an r l o , , w h g y how , And raging bend the naked tree ;

l m ill s t e m eerless s ul Thy g oo w oo h y ch o , When Nature all is sad like m e ! Robert Burns [ 1 7 5 9- 1 7 9 6]

TO SPRI NG

H i e l s l es n O T OU w th d wy ock , who ook t dow ro the lear in s of the m ornin t rn Th ugh c w dow g, u ine an el e es u n our es ern isle Th g y po w t ,

W i h in ull oir ails a r a 0 r h c f ch h thy pp o ch , Sp ing !

h e ne an er and l T e hills t ll o oth , the istening Valleys hear ; all our longing eyes are turned Up to thy bright pavilions : issue forth And let thy holy feet visit our clim e !

’ C m o r the ea s ern ills and let our in o e e t h , w ds Kiss thy perfum ed garm ents ; let us taste Thy m orn and evening brea th ; scatter thy pearls

n o r l e i lan a m rns for ee Upo u ov s ck d th t ou th .

O deck her forth wi th thy fair ﬁngers; pour Thy soft kisses on her bosom ; and put l en r n on her lan uis e a Thy go d c ow up g h d he d , Whose m odes t tresses are bound up for thee! William Blake [ 1 7 5 7 - 1 8 2 7] A n Od e on the Spring

AN ODE ON THE SPRING

L O! ere the ros - s m e urs wh y bo o d Ho , ’ air Ven s train a ear F u , pp ,

h n - in o er Disclose t e lo g expect g ﬂ w s, And wake the purple yea r ! The Attic warbler pours her throa t ’ es onsi e to the oo s n te R p v cuck o , The untaught harm ony of spring :

W le is erin leas re as e hi , wh p g p u th y ﬂy, Cool Zephyrs through the clear blue sky n Their gathered fragrance ﬂi g .

’ ’ Where er the oak s thi ck branches stretch

roa er ro ner a e A b d b w sh d , ’ Where er the rude and m oss- grown beech ’ O er- a n ies the la e c op g d , ’ Beside som e wa ter s rushy brink i m e the se s all sit and t in W th Mu h , h k (At ease reclined in rustic sta te)

H h r or of the ro ow vain t e a d c wd ,

How ow lit le are the rou l , how t p d, How indigent the grea t !

Still is the toiling hand Of Care : The panting herds repose :

et ar t ro the e le Y , h k, how h ugh p op d The busy m urm ur glows!

The inse - are on the in ct youth w g, Eager to taste the honied spring And ﬂoa t amid the liquid noon ; ’ r the rrent s im Som e lightly o e cu k , Som e show their gaily-gilded trim

- un Quick glancing to the s .

’ To Contem plation s sober eye Such is the race of Man And at ree and e a they th c p , th y th t ﬂy, e n Shall end where they b ga . Poem s of Nature

Alike the Busy and the Gay ’ r hro h i e li l da But ﬂutte t ug l f s tt e y, ’ In Fortune s va rying colors dressed the an Of r u is han e B rushed by h d o g h M c c , d A e eir ir Or chille by g , th a y dance

e in us to res . They leav , d t t

n ear in a en low Methi ks I h , cc ts , The sportive kind reply Poor m oralist ! and wha t art thou? A solitary ﬂy !

s no litterin em ale m ee s Thy joy g g f t , i e ast t uof oa r e s ee s NO h v h ho h d d w t , NO painted plum age to display; On hasty wings thy youth is ﬂown; un i t th s rin n Thy s s se , y p g is go e ’ Ma We r li hile tis . f o c, w y — Thomas Gray [ 1 7 1 6 1 7 7 1 ]

SPRING

SPRING i a nam eless a s in the air , w th th t p tho W i ells it all t in s air h ch dw w h h g f , rin i her ol en suns and sil er rain Sp g, w th g d v ,

I s with us once again .

Out in the lonely woods the jasmine burns

t r ran am s a nd turns I s f ag t l p , Into a royal court wi th green festoons f ar la oons The banks o d k g .

I n the deep heart of every forest tree h i all a lee T e blood s g , ’ And there s a look about the leaﬂess bowers e of r As if they dream d ﬂowe s.

Yet still on every side we trace the hand r in the lan Of Winte d, a e ere the m a le re ens on the la n S v wh p dd w , ’ Flushed by the season s dawn; Spring 1 303

Or here like se s ran e sem lances we ﬁnd w , tho t g b ild in Tha t age to ch hood b d, ’ h lm s on as if in a ure s rn T e e put , N t sco , tumn rn The brown of Au co .

As et the ur is ark alt u ou n y t f d , ho gh y k ow a not a s an el Th t , p b ow, rm r r in th A thousand ge s a e g op g through e gloom , r e And soon will bust th ir tom b .

r ere and t ere on railes s ems Al ea dy , h h , f t t az re em Appear som e u g s, t e Sm all as m igh d ck , upon a gala day,

The forehea d of a fay .

r o m a n am i the ar In ga dens y u y ote d de th, The crocus brea king earth ; ’ And near the sn r s en er i e and reen owd op t d wh t g ,

The violet in its screen.

But m any gleam s and shadows needs m ust pass lon th in ras A g e budd g g s, nd s e ore the enam r uh A week go by, b f o ed So t ’ r m Shall kiss the ose s outh .

’ Still there s a sense of blossoms yet unborn In the sweet airs of m orn; One alm ost looks to see the very street r r t s ee G ow puple a hi f t .

im ra r n re c m a in At t es a f g a t b eze o es ﬂo t g by, nd rin s ou n not A b g , y k ow why, A feeling as when eager crowds await Before a palace gate

S m e w n r us a ean and ous ar e ul s ar o o d o p g t ; y c c wo d t t, ’ If from a beech s heart

- e r a s e in r s ul sa A blue ey d D y d, t pp g fo th , ho d y, “ ” Behold m e ! I am May! Henry Timrod [ 1 8 29 - 1 86 7] Poem s of Nature

THE MEAD OWS IN SPRING

” ‘ I ma dull Sight the ear n To see y dyi g, When winter winds Set the yellow wood sighing

i i oh! i in . S gh ng, s gh g

a im m e When such t e co th, I do retire Into an old room Beside a bright ﬁre ile a ri Oh, p b ght ﬁre !

And there I sit R in old t in ead g h gs, l m s Of knights and orn da sel , While the wi nd sings rea ril sin s ! Oh , d y g

I never look out Nor attend to the blast ; For all to b e seen Is the leaves falling fas t

r But close a t the hea th , i ri ket sit L ke a c c , I , Reading of sum m er And chivalry Gallant chivalry!

Then with an old friend I talk Of our youth ! ’ How as la s m e tw g d o , but

la om e But gla dsom e, g ds !

Or to get m erry m e ld r m e We sing so o hy , Tha t m ade the wood ri ng again In sum m er tim e Sweet sum m er tim e ! The Wistful Days 1 305

n we sm in The go to ok g, Silent and snug :

a t asses e een N ugh p b tw us, Save a brown jug Som etim es !

And som etim es a tea r

ill rise in ea e W ch ye, Seeing the two Old friends SO m errily SO m errily !

And ere to b ed

Go we o we , g , Down on the ashes

kneel on th We e knee, Praying together !

s t en li e Thu , h , v I , ’ ill m id all the lo m T , g o , By hea ven ! the bold sun Is with m e in the room

en the lo s a r Th c ud p t , Swallows soaring between ;

The s rin is ali e p g v , And the m eadows are green !

m u like m ad I ju p p , , rea the old i e in t ain B k p p w , And a a to th m a o w y e e d ws, The m ea dows again ! Edward Fitzgerald 1 8 09 - 1 8 8 3]

THE WISTFUL DAYS

WHAT is there wanting in the Spring? The air is soft as yester- yca r :

The a - neste reen is ere h ppy d g h , 1 306 Poem s of Nature

i And half the world s on the wing . Th m rnin e ns and li e alm e o g b cko , k b

Are westward wa ters blue and calm . ’ in an in in the rin Yet som eth g s w t g Sp g.

What is it wanting in the Spring? ril lo er to us all 0 Ap , v , Wha t is so poignant in thy thrall ’ When children s m erry voices ring? What haunts us in the cooing dove r s le an the s ee of L Mo e ubt th p ch ove, What nam eless la ck or loss of Spring?

Let ut all it the rin Yo h go d y w h Sp g, Call her the ea r the air the u d , f , yo ng ; And all her graces ever sung

Let him n e m ore re ear in sin . , o c h s g, g e n who ee a ro en tr Th y k ow, k p b k yst, Till som ething from the Spring b e missed

We have not truly known the Spring . Robert Underwood Johnson [ 1 8 5 3

MAR CH

From The Earthly Paradise

A ER in er art o ere a ain? SL Y of w t , th u h g ’ el m e a t rin st the s m m er ni 0 w co , thou th b g u gh ! The itter in m a es not th i tor ain b w d k y v c y v ,

or ill we m t for th aint l e k N w ock hee y f b u s y. el om e 0 ar ! ose in l a and dr W c , M ch wh k d y d ys y ’ a e ri rea or h l M k Ap l dy f t e throst e s song, ’ Thou ﬁrst redresser of the winter s wrong !

Yea el m e ar h ! and t ou die ere une , w co , M c h gh I J , t f r he e f i e ive t ee ra Ye o t hop o l f I g h p ise, Striving to swell the burden of the tune at e en now ear ro n irds raise Th v I h thy b w b , Unm indful of the pas t or com ing days; “ ho sin 0 ! a new ear is e un ! W g, joy y b g 1 ” What happiness to look upon the sun .

Poem s of Nature

Red in a n w dy d w , Swift rain and sunny; h Wild bees seeking oney, Crocus on the lawn ; m on th Blosso e plum .

rass e ins to r G b g g ow, Dandelions com e ; Snowdrops haste to go ’ After last m onth s snow ; u h in s ea and l Ro g w d b t b ow, m n th Blosso o e plum . Nora Hopper

WRITTEN IN MARCH

THE C is r in ock c ow g, Th tr s o e s eam i ﬂ wing, The sm all irds t i er b w tt , The la e li t r k doth g te , The green ﬁeld sleeps in the sun ; The oldest and youngest Are at work wi th the strongest; The a l are raz in c tt e g g, Their heads never raising ; There are forty feeding like one !

Like an arm y defeated he sn a t retr T ow h h eated, And now doth fare ill On the top of the bare hill; — — The ploughboy is whooping anon anon ’ There s joy in the m ountains; ’ There s life in the fountains; s are a lin Sm all cloud s i g, Blue sky prevailing ; The rain is over and gone ! Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0- 1 H om e ou ts rom roa 1 0 Th gh , F Ab d 3 9

THE PASSING OF MARCH

’ THE bragga rt March stood in the season s door

Wit his roa s o l ers lo in the wa h b d h u d b ck g up y,

a in the sno - ﬂakes r m the l a he re Sh k g w f o c o k wo , r h ri hi ir l r And f om t e f nges of s k t e g ay .

ear him ril st it tea r l a e N by Ap ood w h fu f c ,

Wit iolets in her ' hands and in her hair h v ,

ale il anem one the ra r nt la e P , w d s ; f g a c

al - arte rom her reast i seem e li ir H f p d f b , wh ch d ke fa ,

a n-tinte m o nta in sno sm oot - ri te t ere D w d u w, h d f d h .

’ She on the l sterer s arm lai one i te an b u d wh h d ,

But he l none Of her so t lan is m ent wou d f b d h ,

Yet did she lea it tears none m i it stan p d w h ght w h d,

n the r t For eve ﬁe ces hearts a t last relent .

And he at last in ruﬂi an ten erness , , d ,

i one s i t r s in iss her li s di d reet . W th w f , c u h g k p g

o r s ar e eart - for tha t one r e a ress Ah , p o t v d h ud c , t her olet n ernea t h e t She cas vi s u d h is f e . Robert Burns Wilson [ 1 8 5 0

HOME THOUGHTS , FROM ABROAD

H to b e in n lan O , E g d ’ t ril s t ere Now ha t Ap h , And whoever wakes in England

ees som e m ornin na are S , g, u w , Tha t the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf n the elm - tree ole are in tin lea Rou d b y f, While the chaﬂi nch sings on the orchard bough I n England— now!

d a ter ril en Ma ollo s An f Ap , wh y f w

And the ite-t roa t il s and all the s all s ! wh h bu d , w ow r ere m lossom e ear- tree i n the e e Ha k , wh y b d p h dg L eans to the ﬁeld and sca tters on the clover — ’ Blossom s and dewdrops a t the bent spray s edge ’ r s : he sin s ea on t i e er Tha t s the wise th u h g ch s g w c ov , 1 3 1 0 Poem s of Nature

L est youshould think he never could recapture The ﬁrst ﬁne careless rapture !

And the el s loo r it oar dew though ﬁ d k ough w h h y , All will b e gay when noontide wakes anew ’ The tter s the little il r bu cup , ch d en s dower — Far brighter than this gaudy m elon- ﬂower! Robert Browning [ 1 8 1 2- 1 8 8 9 ]

SONG

PRI ril A L , Ap , Laugh thy girlish laughter; en the m om en r Th , t afte , Weep thy girlish tea rs !

ril at m ine ear Ap , th s

Li e a l er reet k ov g est, tell t ee s e t If I h , w e est, All m o es and y h p fears, ril ril Ap , Ap , La th l en la er ugh y go d ught , But the m om ent r , afte , Weep thy golden tears ! William Watson

AN APRIL ADORATION

SANG the sunrise on an am ber m om art b e An ril da i orn E h , glad ! Ap y s b .

’ ’ in er s one and ril s in the s ies W t d , Ap k , art l o u i lau er in r e es ! E h , o k p w th ght you y

ttin off her m ism a sn Pu g du b d y of ow , r r r Ea th bade all her unseen child en g ow .

Then the sound Of growing in the air Rose to God a liturgy of prayer ;

And the thronged succession of the days ere d a m of r Utt d up to Go psal p aise . Sweet Wild April 1 3 1 1

a e the r nnin sa in e er ein L ugh d u g p v y v , au the runnin ﬂurries of arm r L ghed g w ain ,

L a e the li e in e er an erin r ugh d f v y w d g oot ,

Laughed the tingling cells of bud and shoot .

i God in all the concord of their m irth

r r n- n art Hea d the ado atio so g of E h .

Charles G. D . Roberts [ 1 8 60

SWEET WILD APRIL

0 SWEET wild April am e o er the ills C v h , He skipped with the winds And he tripped with the

His raim ent was all ﬂ Of the da odils. h S ing i , he S ins y, Sing hot

0 sweet wild April am n the l C e dow ea , Dancing along With his sisters three tion and o Carna , R se,

And tall Lily. n h Si g i , n ke S i g y,

0 s eet il ril w w d Ap , On pastoral quill Cam e piping in m oonlight ollo an By h w d hill, In s li m i n tar ght at d ight, r By di ngle and ill. n h Si g i , Poems of Nature

Where sweet wild April His m el la e ody p y d , roo e o sli an r T p d c w p , d p imrose, And iris the m ai , d , And sil er na r iss s v c u , s ar in the s a A t h de. S in hi g , S i n he g y, S ing hot

When sweet wild April

i e o n the ale D pp d d w d ,

ale o int ri tene P cuck op b gh d , And windﬂower rail f ,

And ite- t orn the - e wh h , wood brid , r In Vi gina] veil. S n h i g i , S in he g y, S ing ho!

When sweet wild April

rou ee oo r Th gh d p w ds p essed, an oo a h m S g cuck bove i , And lar on his rest k c , And Philom el ﬂuttered

lose n er r C u d hi s b east . S in hi g , S n h i g ey, S ing ho!

0 s eet il ril w w d Ap , Wherever youwent The bondage of winter

as ro en and ren W b k t , Sank elﬁn ice- city ’ d - An frost goblin s tent . h S ing i ,

S in he g y, S ing hol Spinning in April 1 3 1 3

Yet s eet il r w w d Ap il, The lit e th r b h , e b ave, Fell asleep in the ﬁelds By a windless wave And Jack- in- the- Pulpit r P ea ched over his grave. n h S i g i , S in he g y, S ing hot

0 s ee il ril w t w d Ap , Farewell to thee ! And a deep sweet sleep

To sisters t r thy h ee, Carna ion and se t , Ro , An d tall Lily . S in hi g ,

S i ng hot William Force S tead [ 1 8

SPINNING IN APRIL

’ N in ea en s ar en am n the l s at an er MOO h v g d , o g c oud th w d , Cres ent m oon so un to see a e the ril a s c yo g , bov Ap w y ,

iten l m not et not et it in he t ili t n r Wh , b oo y , y , w h t w gh yo de ; All m s innin is not ne for h o t ri a y p g do , all t e l i e ng d ys.

m eart has il in s a e er oul b e in ! Oh , y h two w d w g th t v w d ﬂy g ’ m eart s a m o - ar r o re ! Oh , y h ead w l k that eve w uld b e f e Well it is that I m ust spin until the light b e dying ; Well it is the little wheel m ust turn all d ay for m e !

All the ill- o s e on and e n the es ern m ea s h t p b ck , b yo d w t dow om e hin l m e e er alls m e e er low and lea r : S t g cal s v , c v , c

lit le tre o n as the mi sum m er s a o s A t e as y u g I , co ng h d w , Th n r ir to e r e voice of runni g waters that I eve th st h a .

Oftentim e the plea of it has set m y wings a -bea ting ; t e es as sit ear - ise Of entim it coax , I w y w , 1 1 oem s of ature 3 4. P N

he il n wil hin s all en reatin Till t w d life haste s out to d t g t g ,

A leaves m a th s innin - eel it ar nseein nd e t e p g wh , w h d k, u g

Josephine P reston P eabody [ 1 8

SONG : ON MAY MORNING

’ N W he ri m ornin - sta r a s a r in er O t b ght g , d y h b g , m he an lea s it her Com es dancing fro t east , d d w h

o r a rom her reen la t r s The ﬂ we y M y, who f g p h ow r ro The yellow cowslip and the pale p im se .

ail nteo s Ma t a t s ins ire H , bou u y, h do t p Mirth and youth and warm desire !

s d ro es a re of th res sin Wood an g v y d g,

Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing .

s we l te ee it our e rl son Thu sa u th w h a y g ,

l m and wis ee lon . And we co e thee, h th g John Milton [ 1 608 - 1 6 7 4]

A MAY BURDEN

HR U GH m ea o - a s as did t rea T O d w w y I d , orn re in rea t l sti ea The c g w g u h d , r one And hey ! the beeches bu ge d . o dé fa Co es fa ! By G d s y, by dd y the m o t the oll m ont It is n h , j y h ,

It is the jolly m onth of May .

ri th ines and com sa God pe e w , I y, And en f r the m arria e—da w ches o g y, ’ m el And boys to tea ch love s co y play. s fa oddés fa ! By Codde y, by G y th m ont the oll m ont It is e h , j y h , a It is the jolly m onth of M y .

lane and le As I went down by a , r ene SO a r ie ! The daisies edd d , p d “ ” ell do see Blushets ! I said, I w , e fa Goddés fa ! By Codd s y, by y t in in t is m ont The thing ye h k of h h , ” a Heigho ! this jolly m onth of M y.

1 3 1 6 Poem s of Nature

m e and re m h Co , ceive the while t e light

an on the dew- o th H gs l cks of e night , And Titan on the eastern hill e ir im sel or else s an s t R t es h f, t d s ill

ill ou m e r res b e rie r T y co fo th. Wash , d s, b f in p aying

Few e s r n - b ad a e best , whe once we go a Maying .

C m e m orinna and om in m ar o , y C , com e ; , c g , k

How ea el rns a r e a str a r ch ﬁ d tu st e t , e ch eet pa k Made green and t rim m ed with t rees; see how Devotion gives ea ch house a bough

Or ran : r h ea r re b ch each po c , ch doo , e this,

An ark a a rna e is , t be cl ,

a e u o i - rn nea l int r e M d p f wh te tho , t y e wov ; As if r l r a here we e those coo e sh des of love . Can such delights b e in the street ’ An o n w o d pe ﬁelds, and e n t see t? ’ ’ C m e e ll a roa and let s e o , w b d ; Ob y The proclam ation m ade for May : And s n no m re as we e one a i o , hav d , by st ying ; ’ - But m o com e e s o a a n . , y C rinna , , l t g M yi g

’ her o or r t is da T e s n t a budding boy gi l, h y,

But is u and one to rin in Ma . got p , g b g y al ere t is is om e A de of youth , h , c

- a and i i e rn la en om e. B ck , w th wh t tho d h Som e have despa tched their cakes and cream Before tha t we have left to dream : And s m e a e e and e and li t e ro o h v w pt, woo d p gh d t th , nd r st re we can as ﬁ slot A chose thei prie , e c t o h Many a green gown has been given; a t odd and e en : Many kiss, bo h v

lan h een sen Many a g ce, too, as b t ’ rom out the e e lo e s ﬁrm am en F y , v t ; Many a jest told Of the keys betraying ’ - is ni and lo s i e et e re not a a in . Th ght , ck p ck d, y w M y g

Com e l us ile we ar our rim e , et go , wh e in p ,

And take the harmless folly of the tim e. We s all r old a a e and die h g ow p c , re we n our li r B efo k ow be ty. M ay 1 3 1 7

O a d our a ur life is short , n d ys run As fast a way as does the sun ; d a a r or a r rain An , as v po d op of , ’ n er b e o n a ain Once lost , can e f u d g So when or youor I are m ade n or e in s a e A fable, so g , ﬂ et g h d , All o e a li in all eli h l v , ll k g , d g t Lies r ne it us in en less d ow d w h d night . n im e ser es a nd we re The while t v , a but decaying , ’ om e m C rinna om e let s o a- a in C , y o , c , g M y g . Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 6 7 4]

W E ! ” SISTER, A AK

ISTER a a e ! lose not our e es ! S , w k c y y T e a her li t is l ses h d y g h d c o , And the bright m orning doth arise r Out of her b ed of oses.

’ e e r sun the orl s ri e e S e th clea , w d b ght y , In at our window peeping LO he b lusheth to es , how py Us idle wenches sleeping !

! m ak e as e Therefore awake h t , I say, An le us it o t sta in d t , w h u y g, All in our gowns of green so gay Into the Park a - m aying ! Unknown

MAY

Y een of lossom s MA ! qu b , n ﬂo ers And fulﬁlli g w , With wha t pretty m usic Shall we cha rm the hours?

e i e and re Wilt thou hav p p ed , Blown in the Open m ead? Or to the lut e give heed In the green bowers? 1 3 1 8 Poem s of N ature

n n e of us Thouhast o e d , Or pipe or wire ; Thouhast the golden bee Ripened with ﬁre ; And m any thousand m ore on ers t a t ee a ore S gst , h t h d , ’ Filling earth s grassy ﬂoor w r With ne desi e .

m i er s Thou hast thy ghty h d , Tam e and free-livers ; u no m usi too Do bt t , thy c In the deep ri vers ; And the whole plum y ﬂight Warbling the day and night

at the a es of li t Up g t gh , h r ui ers ! See, t e la k q v Edward Hovell Thurlow

MAY

' C ME al it m e alon is illo e lane O w k w h g th w w d , ’ Wher li l st oina e rom s m e m iser s s re e , ke o c g f o to , The golden dandelions m ore and m ore

o as he arm sun isses t em a ain ! Gl w , t w k h g For this is May! who with a daisy chain ’ Leads on the laughing Hours ; for now is o er ’ n n er ran e N lon er rise an roar Lo g wi t s t c . O g d

- Th n r ren h n las . e e ul S ai His fo es t w c i g b ts hop f w ,

n he rro sin s e in his team Alo g t fu w , g b h d ; h r r — ro a o r of rin Loud pipes t e edb east t ub d u sp g, And vocal all the m orni ng copses ring ; More blue the skies in lucent lakelets gleam ; n h l r are m rm r n s ers A d t e g ad ea th , c ssed by u u i g how , Wa es li e a ri e to e ersel it o ers ! k k b d , d ck h f w h ﬂ w Henry S ylvester Cornwall [ 1 8 3 1 - 1 8 8 6] Sum m er Longings I 3 1 9

A SPRING LILT

THROUGH the silver mist Of the blossom - spra y Trill the orioles : list To their joyous lay! ” W h a t in all the orl in all the rl e sa w d , wo d , th y y, I s h al so s ee so s eet is al so s ee f w t , w , h f w t as May?

June ! June ! June ! Lo w croon The r n ees in the l er b ow b c ov . “ ” Sweet ! sweet ! sweet ! Repea t The r ins r ob , nested ove . Unhnown

SUMMER LONGINGS

AH ! m e r is ar y h a t we y waiting, Waitin for the Ma g y, Waiting for the pleasant ram bles

W ere the ra r n r - r l h f g a t hawtho n b am b es, Wi the ine alt rn t n th woodb e a i g, w Scent the dewy ay. Ah ! m r is ea r y hea t w y waiting, ai in r he Ma W t g fo t y.

! m ear is si Ah y h t ck with longing, Lon i n for the Ma g g y, Longing to escape from study the un a e air an ru To yo g f c f d ddy, And the thousand charms belonging ’ To he m m r d a t su e s y . Ah m r i si n ! y hea t s ck with lo ging, f r he Longing o t May.

Ah ! m ear is s re i y h t o w th Sighing , f r he Ma Sighing o t y, i for t eir s re ret rnin S ghing h u u g, m r m s are urni When the sum e bea b ng, Poem s of Nature

er at ea or in Hopes and ﬂow s th , d d dy g, h r a All t e winte l y . ! m ea rt is sore i Si hin Ah y h w th g g , M Sighing for the ay.

! m ear is aine it r in Ah y h t p d w h th obb g, ro in for the Ma Th bb g y, n or he asi e ill Throbbi g f t se d b ows, Or the water-wooing willows;

ere in a in and in s Wh , l ugh g obbing , h r Glide t e st eam s away . m eart m ear is r in Ah ! y h , y h t th obb g , r f M Th obbing or the ay.

aitin sad e e t e a r W g , d j c d , we y, Waiting for the May : rin es it aste arnin s Sp g go by w h w d w g , nlit e enin s n ri t m om n Moo v g , su b gh i gs, m m er om es et ar and r r Su c , y d k d ea y

’ Life still ebbs away ; Man is e er ear ear v w y , w y, Waiting for the May! Denis Florence MacCarthy [ 1 8 1 7- 1 8 8 2 ]

MIDSUMMER

AROUND this lovely valley rise The r e ills of ara pu pl h P di se .

0 s l on on ank s aze , oft y y b of h , Her rosy face the Sum m er la ys!

alm e alon the azure sk Bec d g y, The ar osies of lo lan g c ud d lie, W se s ores it m n a s inin r ho h , w h a y h g ift ,

Fa r Off eir ear - th p l white peaks uplift .

Through all the long mi dsum m er- day

The m ea ow- si are e ha d des sw et with y. see the olest S el er I k co h t ed seat , Just where the ﬁeld and forest m eet Midsum m er 1 32 1

ere ro the ine—trees al a d lan Wh g w p t l n b d , Th ient a a stere and r n e anc o ks u g a d , And fringy roots and pebbles fret r h ri e The i pples of t e vul t .

a the m ers as t e I w tch ow , h y go r u the tall rass a ite-slee e row Th o gh g , wh v d . i en stro e eir s es e s in W th ev k th cyt h th y w g, In e eir m err etst es r tun th y wh on ing . e in the nim le un sters run B h d b yo g , And o h a h t ss t e thick sw ths in t e sun . The at le raz e ile arm and still c t g , wh , w , lo es the roa as ure as s the ill S p b d p t , b k h ,

And ri t ere sum m er re z rea b g h , wh b e es b k , Th e n e e gr e whea t crinkl s like a lake .

The butterﬂy and bum bleb ee Com e to the pleasant woods with m e; i kl e re m runs the ail Qu c y b fo e qu , Her chickens skulk behind the rail ;

i the lone - i e n si s H gh up wood p g o t , And the e er ek and fl woodp ck pe s its. ee oo lan m usi sinks and s ells Sw t w d d c w , The r le rin i b ook t gs its t nkling bells, The s armin inse ts rone and hum w g c d , The art ri e ea s t ro in p dg b ts it h bb g drum . The s uirrel lea s am n the s q p o g bough , t r a o And cha te s in hi s le fy h use . The riole as es and ! o fl h by ; , look nt he m irror of the ro I o t b ok , W ere the ain l e ir trim s hi a h v b u b d s co t , O rs all and a TW tiny fea the f flo t .

As ntl as en erl sile y, t d y, The n of ea e es en s on m e dow p c d c d . 0 s a e ! e no nee , this i pe c I hav d n tal to rea Of frie d to k, of book d A dear Com panion here abides; Close to m y thrilling heart He hides; Poem s of N ature

The holy silence is His Voice and liste and re I lie n, joice. John Townsend Trowbridge [ 1 8 2 7

A MIDSUMMER SONG

’ FATHER S ne m ar e - n he was u e ore the O , go to k t tow , p b f “ d a y, And ami e s a er r ins a nd the m an is m a in ha J ft ob , k g y, And whistling down the hollow goes the boy tha t m inds the m ill, While m other from the kitchen—door is calling with a will Polly - Polly —The cows are in the corn ! ’ ” er ll ? 0, wh e s Po y

From all the m isty m orning air there com es a sum m er sound m r ur as a er rom and tr a ro A u m of w t s f skies ees nd g und . The ir s e sin n the in the i e ns ill and b d th y g upo w g , p g o b coo , And over hill and hollow rings agai n the loud halloo Polly — Polly — The cows are in the corn ! ’ ” er ll ? 0, wh e s Po y

Above the trees the honey- bees swarm by with buzz and m boo , e an ar n a m o m And in the ﬁ ld d g de thousand blosso s bl o . ’ t in the arm er s m ea ow a r n-e e a lo s Wi h f d b ow y d d isy b w , And o n at the e e of he oll a red and orn r d w dg t h ow th y ose .

— - But Polly Polly The cows are in the corn ! ’ 0 ere s oll ? , wh P y

How strange at such a tim e of day the mill should stop it s clatter ! ’ ’ The farm er s wife is listening now and wonders what s the

m er att . 0 il he ir s are sin in in the oo and on the ill , w d t b d g g w d h , While whistling up the hollow goes the boy that m inds the

m ill. But Polly ! - Polly !— The cows are in the corn ! ’ 0 ere s oll ? , wh P y Richard Watson Gi lder [ 1 8 44- 1 9 09]

1 3 24 Poem s of N ature

And what is so rare as a day in June? en if e er om e er e t a s Th , v , c p f c d y ; r f it e e Then Heaven tries ea th i b in tun , And over it softly her warm ear la ys; r r we n Whether we look , o whethe liste ,

We r e m urm r or see it is en hea lif u , gl t ; r m i t Every clod feels a sti of gh , A n t i in it t a t rea es and rs n i s inct w th h ch towe , And r in lin l a e it for li , g op g b d y bov ght , Clim bs to a soul in grass and flowers ; The flush of life m ay well b e seen Thrilling back over hills and valleys; i s ar les in m ea s reen The cowsl p t t dow g , r a es the The butte cup c tch sun in its chalice, ’ And there s never a leaf nor a blade too m ean ’ To b e som e happy crea ture s pala ce ; T ir si s a t his oor in the s he little b d t d un, e a loss m am on the ea es Atilt lik b o g l v , ’ And lets his illum ined being o errun With the deluge of sum m er it receives; eels the e s enea t her in His m a te f gg b h w gs, And the heart in her dum b breast flutters and sings; H in the i e orl and she her nest e s gs to w d w d to , In the nice ea r of Na ture which song is the best?

- i e of the ea r Now is the hig h t d y , And whatever of life ha th ebbed away

m es in a i a ri l eer Co ﬂood g b ck w th pp y ch , Into every bare inlet and creek and b ay; the ear is SO ll t a t a r overﬁ Now h t fu h d op lls it, We are happy now because God wills it ; No m a er how arren the as m a a e een tt b p t y h v b , ’ Tis enough for us now tha t the leaves are green; We sit in the warm sha de a nd feel right well How the sap creeps up and the blossom s swell; e m a s u our e es but we ann el no W y h t y , c ot h p k wing That skies are clear and grass is growing ; The reeze oom es hi s erin in our ea r b w p g , a an eli ns are loss m in ne r Th t d d o b o g a ,

a m aize has s r e a s ream s are ﬂowin Th t p out d , th t t g , June 1325

ha the ri er is l er t an the sk T t v b u h y, That the robin is plastering his house hard by ; And if th reeze e e o ne e b k pt th g od ws back, For other couriers we should not la ck ; ’ We o l ess it all ou ei er s in c u d gu by y h f low g, And ar ! how lear l anti ee h k c bo d ch cl r, arm e it the new ine of the ear W d w h w y , Tells all in hi s lusty crowing ! James Russell Lowell [ 1 8 1 9 - 1 8 9 1 ]

e e m oon is n WHEN th bubbl you g, o n the s r es of the reeze D w ou c b , Like a yellow lantern hung e of la ene trees I n th tops b ck d , There is prom ise She will grow a t n oretol Into be u y u f d ,

- o Into all unthought f gold . Heigh ho !

When the Spring has dipped her

a er in the air Like a b th , , And the ripples warm the root

t le o ers are Till the li t ﬂ w d , There is prom ise She will grow

n the rin of ld Sweeter tha Sp gs O ,

s Fairer than wa ever told . Heigh ho !

m n Of m i le ni But the oo dd ght, i n is the roun e m oon R se , d d ; And the Spring of budding light

Eddies into just a June. — the romise was it so? Ah, p the i t was air ol Nay, g f f y g d ;

- All the new is over old . Heigh ho ! Harrison S mith Morris Poem s of Nature

HARVEST

WEET s ee s ee S , w t , w t , ’ W n Is the ind s so g, Astir in the rippled whea t a lon All d y g, ’ r s il a It hath the b ook w d g yety, r The sorrowful c y of the sea. b ush and ear Oh , h !

eet s ee an r Sw , w t d clea , ’ Above t he locust s whirr And hum of bee

at rm n Rises that soft , p hetic ha o y.

In the m eadow- grass T o n e w he inn ce t whit daisies blo , The dandelion plum e doth pass Vaguely to and fro The unquiet spirit Of a ﬂower

That hath too brief an hour.

a li le l all hi e Now doth tt c oud w t , r o r O g lden b ight ,

o n the arm Drift d w w , blue sky; ow n o And n o the h rizon line, r us d la n li Whe e d ky woo ds e, nn m i ot n A su y st d h shi e, i to a eil e re a l ri ne L ke v b fo ho y sh ,

n al - re n in di ine Conceali g, h f veali g, th gs v .

eet s eet s ee Sw , w , w t , ’ I s the in n w d s so g , Astir in the rippled wheat l All d ay ong . That exquisite m usic calls The reaper everywhere i e and m L f death ust share. l n r The go de ha vest falls. Septem b er I 3 2 7

SO doth all end , n re il s Ho o d Ph o ophy, ien e nd Art Sc c a , The bloom of the heart ; as er Cons ler rien M t , o , F d , Make Thouthe harvest of our days

all To f within Thy ways. Ellen Mackay Hutchinson Cortissoz [ 1 8

SCYTHE SONG

WERS ear and r wn a nd li e MO , w y b o , b th , Wha is the or m e n o t w d thi ks ye kn w , Endless over- word that the Scythe Sings to the bla des of the grass below?

t es t at s in in the rass and l r Scy h h w g g c ove , m et in still t e sa as t e a So h g, , h y y h y p ss ; W at is the or t a er a nd o er h w d h t , ov v , Sings the Scythe to the ﬂowers and grass?

Hush ah hush the es are sa n , , Scyt h yi g ,

Hush and heed not and all aslee , , f p; Hush e sa to the ras s a n , th y y g ses w yi g, Hush they sing to the clover deep ! Hush ti s the lullaby Tim e is singing

Hush and heed not or all thin s ass , , f g p , Hush ah hush! and h r , t e Scythes a e swingi ng

er the lo er er e ra ! Ov c v , ov th g ss And rew La ng [ 1 844- 1 9 1 2]

SEPTEMBER

SWEET is the voice that calls From babbling wa terfalls m eadows where the downy seeds are ﬂying; And s the reez es l oft b b ow, And e in m e n ddy g co a d go, In a e r ens er f d d ga d wh e the rose is dying . 1 3 2 8 Poem s of N ature

Am ong the stubbled corn

The lit e ail i es a t m orn b h qu p p , The m err ar ri e r m s in i en la es y p t dg d u h dd p c , And glittering insects glea m

e the ree stream Abov dy , W ere s s i ers s in t eir m h bu y p d p h ﬁl y laces .

eve l sha o s At , coo d w fall

r ss the ar en all Ac o g d w , And on the clustered grapes to purple turning ; And pearly vapors lie

Alon the eastern sk g y,

here the r a ar est-m r W b o d h v oon is edly burning .

s n n el and ill Ah , oo o ﬁ d h

The in s all istle ill w ds h wh ch , And patri arch swallows call their ﬂocks together

To rom rost and sno ﬂy f f w, And seek for lands where blow

The fairer blossom s of a balmier wea ther.

The pollen- dusted bees Search for the honey-lees

r n th ast o ers e tem er Tha t linge i e l ﬂ w of S p b , While plaintive m ourning doves COO sadly to their loves r m r Of the dead sum m er they SO well e em be .

Th e r s all da e crick t chi p y, “ ” air t sum m er sta ! 0 f es , y The squirrel eyes askance the chestnuts browning ; The wild fowl ﬂy afar

th oam b a r Above e f y , r And hasten southward ere the skies are f owning .

Now com es a fragrant breeze a r trees Through the dark ced ,

tem les n l lin ers And round about m y p fo d y g ,

I entl la f lness n g e p y u , Like to the soft caress r Bestowed in happier days b y loving ﬁnge s. Prevision 1 3 29

Yet t ou a sen , h g h se of gri ef Com es i the allin l w th f g eaf, And m em or m a es the sum m er ou l n y k d b y pleasa t, In all m y a utum n dream s ure summ er eam s A fut gl , P assing the fai rest glories of the present ! George Arnold [ 1 8 34- 1 8 65 ]

INDIAN SUMMER

HESE are the a s en ir s m e a T d y wh b d co b ck,

r few ir or two A ve y , a b d , r l To take a backwa d ook .

These are the days when skies put on

The old old s istries une , oph of J , d ol mi A blue an g d sta ke.

r a t annot at th Oh, f aud th c che e b ee, Alm ost thy plausibility m elie Induces y b f,

ill ran s of seeds t eir itness ear T k h w b , And softly through the altered air Hurries a timid leaf !

sa ram ent of summ er a s Oh, c d y ,

Oh last om m union in the aze , c h , ermi a hil to in P t c d jo ,

sa re em lem s to ar a e Thy c d b p t k ,

onse ra te rea to rea Thy c c d b d b k , Taste thine imm ortal wine !

[ - Emily Dickinson 1 8 30 1 8 8 6]

PREVISION

OH a s of eau stan in eile a ar , d y b ty d g v d p t,

Wit ream s ies and ten er trem l s air h d y k d , u ou , In this rich Indi an sum m er of the heart

m a th ear her e ell al Well y e th j w ed h o wear. 1 330 Poem s of Nature

— The long brown ﬁelds no long er drea r and dull

rn it the l of t ese ee - ea r e r Bu w h g ow h d p h t d hous. n il the dr ee s seem m re eautif l U t y w d o b u , ’ r s iri li e a n e en summ er r Mo e p t k th v s ﬂowe s.

B t ester a the rl was s ri en are u y d y wo d t ck b ,

Le o d and ea in ra ens rou in l m ft l d d g y, h d g g oo ; To- day what vivid wonder of the ai r Awakes the soul of vanished light and bloom ?

ar it the lean ﬁne e s as ea Sh p w h c , c t y of d th ,

m i ier in s all stri e the s rinkin ear A ght w d h k h g th, An exhalation of crea tive brea th ’ it n r of r ir Wake the wh e wo de the winte s b th.

In her wide Pantheon— her tem ple pla ce

ra e in stran e eaut and new omfortin W pp d g b y c g, ’ e s all not m iss the um m er s ull- l n ra e W h S f b ow g c , f r n r n r o the swi e uisite ri . No hu ge ft, xq Sp g Ada Foster Murray [ 1 8

A SONG OF EARLY AUTUMN

ate in sum m er the stream s run ell WHE N l y ow, Burst the bri dges and sprea d into ba ys ;

rri are la k and ea es a re m e o When be es b c p ch ll w, And hills are hidden by rainy haze ;

nr is l en s ill When the golde od go d t , But the hea rt of the sunﬂower is darker and sadder ; en the orn is in s a ks on the sl e of the ill Wh c t c op h , ’ And slides o er the pa th the stri ped adder ;

W n utter i es t er rom l er t i e he b ﬂ ﬂu t f c ov to h ck t, Or wave their wings on the drooping lea f ;

W en the reeze om es s rill i t the all of the ri h b c h w h c c cket , ’ ra r r nd rus le s G sshoppe s asp, a t of heaf;

W en i in the el the fem - lea es rin le h h gh ﬁ d v w k , And brown is the grass where the m owers have m own W en low in the m ea the - ells tin h dow cow b kle, ’ And sm all brooks crinkle o er stock and stone ;

1 332 Poem s of Nature

W ere are the son s of rin ? A ere are t e ? h g Sp g y , wh h y in not of e t o ast th m usi too Th k th m , h u h y c , While ba rred clouds bloom the soft -dying day And touch the stubble- plains with rosy hue ; Then in a wailful choir the sm all gna ts m ourn

m n the ri er s all s rn alo A o g v h ow , bo e ft Or sinking as the light wind lives or di es; And full- grown lam bs loud bleat from hilly bourn ;

e e- ri ets sin and now i H dg c ck g , w th treble soft

The re rea st istles rom a ar enro db wh f g d c ft ,

And a t erin s allo s t it er in the s g h g w w w t kies. John K eats [ 1 7 9 5 - 1 8 2 1 ]

ODE TO AUTUMN

I SAW old Autum n in the m isty m orn

an s a o less li e ilen listenin St d h d w k S ce, g

To sil n e for no lonel ir o sin e c , y b d w uld g n hi s llo ear r m s rlorn I to ho w f o wood fo , Nor lowly hed ge nor soli tary thorn Shaking his lang uid locks all dewy brig ht it an e ossam er t a ell ni t W h t gl d g h t f by gh , rlin his r ne l en orn Pea g co o t of go d c .

W ere are the s n s of um m er?— i th n h o g S W th e su ,

in the s e eli s th t Op g duky y d of e Souh , ill s a e and silen e a en u as one T h d c w k p ,

And ornin n it rm O r M g si gs w h a wa do ous m outh .

W ere are the m err ir s?— a a a h y b d Aw y, w y,

On antin in s t ro the in lem ent s ies p g w g h ugh c k , Lest owls should prey n azzle t n n a U d d a oo d y, And ear i orn ea t eir lus r t w th h y b k h t ous eyes.

W ere are the l m s of umm er? — In the es h b oo S W t, Bl s in t eir last to th nn o r u h g h e last su y h u s, When the m ild Eve by sudden Night is pressed

i e tear l ros erine sna ed r m her o er L k fu P p , tch f o ﬂ w s, To a m l ost g oom y breast . Ode to Autum n 1 333

r ri e of um m er — the r n rim e Whe e is the p d S , g ee p ,

Th m n m ea es all twinklin P— ree e a y, any l v g Th On the m ossed elm ; three on the naked lim e

r m lin — and one u n the old oak- ree ! T e b g, po t ’ Where is the Dryad s im m ortality? n f r and a r w Go e into m oum ul cyp ess d k ye , Or wearing the long gloom y Winter through ’ rnit In the sm ooth holly s green ete y .

Th s hi m li b oard e quirrel gloats on s acco p shed ,

The ant rim m t eir arners it ri e rain s have b ed h g w h p g , And honey bees have stored The sweets of Summ er in their luscious cells; The swallows all have winged across the m ain ;

B t er n m n ol ells u h e the Autum ela ch y dw , And sighs her tearful spells

Am ongst the sunless sha dows of the plain. Al n al ne o e, o , n a m ss s ne Upo o y to , k n and n She sits and rec o s up the dead go e,

th ea e for a lo e-rosar With e last l v s v y,

t the i ere orl loo s rearil Whils all w th d w d k d y , Like a dim picture of the drowned past ’ I n the m in s m teri o s far a a hushed d ys u w y, Doubtful wha t ghostly thing will steal the last

i tan e r n the ra . Into tha t d s c , g ay upo g y

’ 0 and sit i her and b e o ershaded go w th , Under the languid downfall of her hair : She wears a coronal of ﬂowers faded a and a Upon her forehe d, face of ca re There is enough of withered everywhere — To m a e her er and en u of lo m k bow , o gh g o ; er is n of sa ness to in it Th e e ough d v e, nl f r the r se a t ie m If o y o o th d d , whose doo ’ I ea — h a i the li in loo s B uty s, s e th t w th v g b m Of conscious cheeks m ost b eautiﬁes the light : r of rr in and i The e is enough so ow g, qu te

no i ter rui s the ear o r E ugh of b t f t th d th bea , Enough of chilly droppings for her bowl; 1 334 Poem s of Nature

n u of ea r and s a w air E o gh f h do y desp , To fram e her cloudy prison for the soul ! Thomas Hood [ 1 7 9 9 - 1 8 45 ]

ODE TO THE WEST WIND

’ WI D Wes Win t o rea of u m n s ei n O L t d , h u b th A tu b g , Thoufrom whose unseen presence the leaves dead Are ri en li e os s rom an en anter eein d v , k gh t f ch ﬂ g ,

ell and la and ale and e i r d Y ow, b ck , p , h ct c e , Pestilence-stricken m ultitudes ! O thou Who chariotest to their da rk wintry b ed

The wi éd see s ere t e li e ol and l ng d , wh h y c d ow, a h i a cor it in its ra e unti E c l ke pse w h g v , l Thine azure sister of the Spring shall blow

’ Her lari n er he ream in ea rt and c o o t d g h, ﬁll (Driving sweet buds like ﬂocks to feed in air) With living hues and odors plai n and hill;

il irit r m ovi e er ere W d Sp , which a t ng v ywh ;

r r r r r ea r e r ! Dest oye and p es e ve ; h , O h a

’ ’ ouo ream mid the stee s s om m o i n Th n whose st , p ky c t o , ’ e n l a e ar s d Loose clouds like ea rth s d cayi g e v s e he , r m h ed s ea en and o ean Shook f o t e tangl bough of h v c ,

Angels of rain and lightning ! there arespread

On the l r ine air s r e b ue su face of th y u g , Like the bright hair uplifted from the hea d

s m e r e a e en r m the dim er e Of o ﬁe c Maen d , v f o v g ’ Of the horizon to the zenith s height , The l u r e ocks of the approaching storm . Tho di g Ode to the West Wind 1 335

the ea r i is losin n Of dying y , to wh ch th c g ight ill b e he om o a as se l hre W t d e f v t pu c , Vaulted with all thy congregated might

Of a ors r m ose s li a m s ere v p , f o wh o d t o ph la r and ﬁre and ail ill urs : r B ck ain, , h w b t O hea !

Thou who didst waken from his summ er dr eam s The lue edi terranean ere he la b M , wh y, lled the c il of his r stal st r Lu by o c y line eam s,

’ esi e a um i e isle in ai b a B d p c B ae s y, And saw in sleep Old palaces and towers ’ ui erin it in the a e s in enser d Q v g w h w v t ay,

All o er r n i azure m ss and o ers v g ow w th o , ﬂ w eet th sense aints i turin t m h So sw , e f p c g he ! T ou ’ For whose path the Atlantic s level powers

Clea e t em sel es in asm s ile far el v h v to ch , wh b ow The sea -bloom s and the oozy woods which wear The sa less lia e the ean n p fo g of oc , k ow

i e and su enl ro r i r Thy vo c , dd y g w g ay w th fea , And trem ble and despoil them selves : 0 hea r !

If I were a dead lea f thou m ightest bear ; If I were a swift cloud to ﬂy with thee ; a e to ant eneat th er and s are A w v p b h y pow , h

The im lse stren t onl l r pu of thy g h , y ess f ee an o unc ntr lla le ! if e n Th th u , O o o b ve ere a s in m and I w y boyhood, could b e

The om ra e of an erin s er ea en c d thy w d g ov h v , en en to us ri th s i e As th , wh o t t p y k ey sp ed — ’ Sca rce seem ed a vision I would ne er ha ve striven 1 336 Poem s of N ature

As us i ee in ra er in m r th w th th p y y so e need . ! li t m e as a a e a lea a o ! 0 f w v , f, cl ud I fall upon the thorns of life ! I bleed !

A heavy weight of hours has chained and bowed One too li e ee— am eless and n r k th t , swift , a d p oud .

a e m e th l re e en as the ores is : M k y y , v f t Wha t if m y lea ves are falling like it s own? The tum ult of thy m ighty harm onies

ill ta e rom t a ee a t m n one W k f bo h d p , u u al t ,

eet t o in sa ness. Be t o irit er e Sw h ugh d h u , Sp ﬁ c , s iri t ! B e t o m e im et o s one ! My p h u , p u u

ri e m ea t o ts o er he ni erse D v y d d h ugh v t u v ,

i e it ere lea es to i en a w r L k w h d v , qu ck ne bi th ; d the in antation of t is erse An , by c h v ,

ter as rom an ne tin ui e Scat , f u x g sh d hearth

and s a r m or a m n m Ashes p ks, y w ds o g ankind ! B e through m y lips to unawakened earth

Th t r m et a ro e ! 0 in e u p of p ph cy W d ,

i ter m es can rin b e far e in ? If W n co , Sp g b h d P ercy Bysshe S helley [ 1 7 9 2- 1 8 2 2]

AUTUMN : A DIRGE

THE warm sun is failing ; the bleak wind is wa The bare boughs are Sighi ng ; the pale ﬂowers are dying; And the Year

rt her eat -b ed in a s ro of lea es On the ea h , d h , h ud v dead , i Is ly ng . m m ont s m e a a Co e, h , co w y, From Novem ber to May ; I n your saddest array Follow the bier

he ea ol ear Of t d d , c d Y , her se r And like dim shadows watch by pulch e. Autum n Tints 1 337

The chill rain is falling ; the nipped worm is crawling ; The rivers are swelling ; the thunder is knelli ng For the Year ;

The lit e s allo s are o n and the lizar b h w w ﬂ w , ds each gone To his dwelling ; C om e m nt s om e a a , o h , c w y ;

Put on ite b ack and r , l a ; wh , , g y L et your light sisters play Ye ollo the ier , f w b Of the ea l ear d d , co d Y , m h r r n wi e r And ake e g ave gree th t a on tear. P ercy Bysshe S helley [ 1 7 9 2- 1 8 2 2]

AUTUMN

THE m rns are m ee er t an t e ere o k h h y w , The nuts are getting brown ; ’ The rr s ee is lum er be y ch k p p , Th r O to n e ose is out f w . The m a le ears a a er s ar p w g y c f, Th rl t o n e ﬁeld a sca e g w . Lest I should b e Old -fashioned ’ I ll a n put trinket o . [ 1 8 30- 1 8 8 6]

AUTUMN TINTS

CORAL-C OLORED yew-berries tre h r en a S w t e ga d w ys, Hollyhocks and sunﬂowers Make a daz z ling blaze

I n t r a these la te d ys.

Marigolds by cottage doors

a nt t eir o en ri e Fl u h g ld p d , Crim son-punctured bram ble leaves Dapple far and wide

Th r m - e g een ountain side. I 338 Poem s of Nature

Far a a on ill sl es w y, h y op W ere riv e s run h ﬂeet ul t , iles on miles o an le M f t g d fern, urnis ed the sun B h by , l er G ow a copp dun.

’ For the ear t a s on the ane y h t w , at erin all its ﬁr G h g e, Flares up through the kindling world As r e e ir , e e th y xp e, Flames ea i and i l p h gh h gher. Mathild e Blind [ 1 8 4 1 - 1 8 9 6] KORE

YEA she a assed ere and lessed the s ea , h th p h by, b h ves, And the rea art s and s a s and iet arms g t g h , t ck , qu f , And all the ta n and the ri m s n lea w y, c o ves.

Yea she at assed it ies in her arm s , h h p w h popp , n er the star s t r tealin mi U d of du k , h ough s g st , And lessed the eart and ne ile no m an is b h, go , wh w t .

Wi sl rel an ee and ear e es th ow, uct t f t , w y y , An e-li s ea it the m in l d ey d h vy w h co g s eep, it sm all reasts li te u in tress of W h b f d p s sighs, Sh asse as s a o s ass am n the s e p d , h d w p , o g heep ; l he ea rt ream e and onl Whi e t h d d , y I was ware a ain ra ran e l n r m h r Of th t f t f g c b ow f o e soft hair.

The land lay steeped in peace of Silent dream s; er was no so n am i the sa red s Th e u d d c bough . Nor any m ournful m usic in her streams : h a o on her r s Only I saw t e sh d w b ow ,

n her for the earl slain Only I k ew y y ,

n ee ntil she com e a ain . And wept, a d w p u g Frederic Manning [ 1 8

OLD OCTOBER

l t er ri t and ill Hm , O d Oc ob , b gh ch , First freedm an from the sum m er sun ! l and ri n ur ﬁll ! Spice high the bow , d k yo ’ n n t las the sum m er s ne ! Tha k heave , a t do

1 340 Poem s of Nature

en ho ll ! t o allin Th , ho o h ugh c g so, I ca nnot keep it down ; The ea rs ari se n o m t u t y eyes, And o ts are ill nd r th ugh ch a b own.

’ Far in the ed ars us stoles c d ky ,

W ere the sere r n - ine ea e h g ou d v w v s, The partridge drum s funereal rolls e the all n l Abov f e eaves. And hi hi ho ! t o eerin so p , p , h ugh ch g , It stills no whit the pain ;

For ri ri dri r m are ran -ti d p , d p , p , f o b b ch p , ’ ear the ear s r I h y last ain .

dri e the l s rom the ill So v co d cow f h , And call the wet sheep in; And let their stam ping cla tter fill The arn it arm in din. b .w h w g And ho l ho ! t o it , fo k , h ugh b e so ha we no m ore m a roam T t y , We still will find a cheerful mind Around the fire a t hom e !

WINTER

THE da had een a alm and sunn da y b c y y, And tinged wi th am ber was the sky a t even; The ﬂeec l s a t len had rolle a a y c oud gth d w y, And lay in furrows on the eastern heaven The m n rose and s e a lim m erin ra oo a h d g g y, h r m la And round e orb a isty circle y.

The b ar- li r n h a e o frost g tte ed o t e n k d heath , The ro di n in was l and ee ar of sta t w ds oud d p,

The dr l assin reat y eaves rustled in each p g b h, t l And the gay world was lost in quie s eep . uh was the tim e en on the lan s a e ro n S c wh , d c p b w , n am e n Through a Decem ber air the s ow c dow . Winter Nights 34 1

m rnin m e the rear m orn at las The o g ca , d y , t,

And showed the whitened waste . The shivering herd

n the a r m ea - r n and ast Lowed o ho y dow g ou d , f Fell the light ﬂakes upon the ea rth unstirred ; ’ The forest ﬁrs with glittering snows o erlai d es o Stood like hoar priests in rob f white arrayed . John Howard Bryant [ 1 807- 1 9 02]

WINTER NIGHTS

NOW winter nights enla rge The num ber of their hours ; And clouds their storms discharge

Upon the airy towers. Let now the chim neys blaze ’ And s o erﬂow it ine cup w h w , Let well- tuned words am aze With harm ony divine ! Now yellow waxen lights ai on ne lo Shall w t ho y ve, W ile o ul re els m as es nd C ur l h y uthf v , qu , a o t y ’ le s ea en ells r m S ep l d sp e ove.

This tim e doth well di spense ’ With lovers long discourse ; s ee at s m e e en Much p ch h h o d f se, o eau no r m Th ugh b ty e orse. All do not all things well: m e m easures om el rea So c y t d, m e notte ri les So k d dd tell, om e em s sm t l S po oo h y read . The s m m er at his u h h joys, And wint er his delights;

l e and all his leas res are Though ov p u but toys, e r en Th y sho t tedious nights. Thomas Campion r - 1 6 1 9] Poem s of Nature

WINTER : A DIRGE

THE in e t e t n s h last w try w s x e d is b , And hall and rain does blaw ; Or the storm y north sends driving forth The blinding sleet and snaw

W ile tum lin ro n the urn m h , b g b w , b co es ‘ And roars frae b ank to brae;

An r nd east in r e t d bi d a b cove t r s , e r d And pass th hea tless ay.

’ ’ The s ee in last the sk o ercast w p g b , y , The o ess inter da j yl w y, L t ers e r — to m e m ore ar e oth f a , de Than all the pride of May ; ’ The tem est s l it s e m p how , ooth s y soul, My griefs it seem s to join; The lea ess trees m an l ase ﬂ y f cy p e , Their fa te resem bles mine !

o er rem e s i s em Th u Pow Sup , who e m ghty ch e ese es of min Th wo e fulﬁl, ~ ere ﬁrm rest the m ust b e es H , , I , y b t, e a se ar B c u they e Thy will.

en all ant oh r Th I w ( , do Thoug ant This one request of m ine !) in e to en o os en S c joy Th u d t d y, Assist m e to resign ! Robert Burns [ 1 7 5 9- 1 7 9 6]

OLD WI NTER

OLD Win er sad in sn la t , ow yc d, Is m aking a doleful din ;

But let him o l till h r o l h w e c ack his j w ,

e ill n t let W w o him in.

A let him i t r m y, l f f o the billowy drift His ar a ar rm ho y, h gg d fo , And s o lin stan it e c w g d , w h his wrinkl d hand utstre in to O tch g the storm .

1 344 Poem s of Nature

A a a t it nee not ear co t of m ail, th d f The downward point of m a ny a spear

a he n on its m ar in far and near Th t hu g g , ,

Where a rock could rear its head .

h s f se who sle He went to t e window O tho pt, And over each pane like a fairy crept ;

re r he rea t e ere er he ste e Whe ve b h d , wh v pp d , By the light of the m oon were seen

in r ere o ers and Most bea utiful th gs . The e w ﬂ w

r r i f ir nd s arm s of ees The e we e bev es o b ds a w b ,

ere r ities t rones em les and ers and t Th we e c , h , t p , tow , hese All pictured in silver sheen !

Bu he did one t in t a was ar l ir t h g h t h d y fa ,

He ee e in the ar and n in ere p p d cupbo d , , ﬁ d g th

a t all had or o for him to re are Th f g tten p p , “ ow st o e em a - hin in N , ju t s t th t k g, ’ ” I ll i e is a s et r sai h b t th b k of f uit , d e ; ’ is ostl it er I ll rs in re Th c y p ch bu t th e, ’ And the glass of water they ve left for m e ‘ ’ ’ ll h l t m I m rin in Sha tc ick to tell he d k g . Hannah Flagg Gould [ 1 7 8 9 - 1 8 65 ]

THE FROSTED PANE

ONE night cam e Winter noiselessly and leaned

- Against m y window pane . In the deep stillness of his heart convened in The ghosts Of all his sla .

ea es nd e em era and s ars of ear L v , a ph , t th ,

And iti es of rass fug v g ,

ite s irits loose rom n s of m r al irt Wh p d f bo d o t b h , H h e drew them on t e glass . l Char es G. D . Roberts [ 1 8 60

THE FROST SPIRIT

HE m es — he m es — the r s iri om es ! Youm a co , co , F o t Sp t c y trace hi s footsteps now On the naked woods and the blasted ﬁelds and the brown ’ bill s i ered r w th b ow. The F rost Spi rit

He has sm itten the leaves of the gray Old trees where their le n reen am e or p asa t g c f th , And the in s i oll ere er he es a w d , wh ch f ow wh v go , h ve Sha ken n r them dow to ea th .

He m es — he om es — the ros iri m e ! r m h co , c , F t Sp t co s f o t e r zen La ra or f o b d ,

rom the ic ri e the or ern seas i the it F y b dg of N th , wh ch wh e ’ ear an ers o er b w d , ’ Where the ﬁsherm an s sail is stiff with ice and the luckless form s below i In the sunless cold of the lingering n ght into m arble sta tues grow !

— — He om es he om es the r s iri m ! h c , c , F o t Sp t co es on t e rush in ort ern las g N h b t , And the dark Norwegian pines ha ve bowed as his fearful

r n b ea th we t past .

Wit an ns r e in he has rrie on ere the res of h u co ch d w g hu d , wh ﬁ Hecla gl On the arkl ea i l sk a e and the ancient i d y b ut fu y bov ce below .

— — He om es he om es the rost irit m es ! nd c , c , F Sp co a the quiet lake shall feel The tor i to of his lazin reat and r p d uch g g b h , ing to the ’ ska ter s heel;

And the stream s i an e on the r en r ks r wh ch d c d b ok oc , o sang to the leanin rass g g ,

all a ain t eir in er ain and in m rn l silen e Sh bow g to h w t ch , ou fu c

— He om es — he om es the ros iri om e ! L e c , c , F t Sp t c s t us m eet

him w m a as e y, And turn with the light of the parlor- ﬁre his evil power away ;

And a er loser the cir le roun en t at ﬁr g th c c d , wh h elight dances i h gh , And laugh at the shriek of the hamed Fiend as his sounding wing goes by! John Greenleaf Whittier [ 1 8 07 - 1 8 9 2] 1 34 6 Poem s of Nat ure

SNOW

L O ha n ers the da at r , w t wo d y h h b ought, Born of the soft and slum brous snow! ra al silen slo l r u G du , t , w y w o ght ; e as an ar is t u o Ev n t t , ho ght by th ught, r on li and ro Writes exp ession p b w.

’ r he ea erb rim Hanging ga lands t ves o , Deep drifts sm other the pa ths below;

Th s are s r e tr n and lim e elm h oud d , u k b, And all the ai r is diz zy and dim it irl of an in azzlin W h a wh d c g, d g snow.

Dirnly out of the bafﬂed sight Houses and church- spires stretch away;

The trees all s e tral and still and i e , p c wh t ,

e os s in the ailin li t Sta nd up lik gh t f g gh ,

And fade and faint with the blinded day.

Down from the roofs in gusts are hurled The eddying drifts to the waste below ;

h nner storm un rle And still is t e ba of fu d , Till all the drowned and desola te world

Lies dum b and white in a trance of snow.

l h a her and all S owly t e shadows g t f , Still the whispering snow- ﬂa kes bea t ; Night and darkness a re over all:

es le it enea t t eir all! R t, pa c y , b h h p

lee i e orl in th in in -s eet ! S p, wh t w d , y w d g h

Cl s m a i en and st rm - in s reat e oud y th ck , o w d b h

On m all s im Of om e y w i a gl pse R , Land of m y longing — and undernea th Swing s and trem bles m y Olive- wrea th ; ea e a d m e at m e ! P c n I are at ho , ho Elizabeth Akers [ 1 8 3 2- 1 9

1 34 8 Poem s of N ature

All r in s i or n slo , d opp g w ftly, settli g w, d are s ill n th l w Meet , an t i e depths be o ; Flake after ﬂake l in th ar and il Disso ved e d k s ent lake.

ere eli a sn - s ars o he l H d c te ow t , out f t c oud , om e oatin o n r in r la C ﬂ g d w wa d ai y p y, Like spangles dropped from the glistening crowd That whiten by night the Milky Way; There broader and burlier m asses fall; The sullen a er ries em all w t bu th , Flake after ﬂake ro n h r All d w ed in t e da k and silent lake.

And s m e as on en er win e li o , t d gs th y g de

rom t eir ill r - lo dim and ra F h ch y bi th c ud, g y,

Ar oined in t eir all and si i e e j h f , , de by s d , Com e clinging along their unsteady way; As r en wit ri n r wi f i d h f e d , o husband th wife, Makes hand in hand the passage of life; Ea ch m ated ﬂake in r Soon sinks the da k and silent lake.

! hile we are azin in s i er as e Lo w g g , w ft h t tr am n h n ill h air is ite S e dow t e s ows, t t e wh , As m r a s m r a s m a l c ase , y i d by y i d d y h d ,

They ﬂing them selves from their shadowy height . The air rail reat res f mi le sk f , f c u o dd y, W a s ee t e m a e i eir ra e so ni h t p d h y k , w th th g v gh ; Flake after ﬂake T li h r e o e in t e da k and sil nt lake.

I see in thy gentle eyes a tear ; They turn to m e in sorrowful thought ;

o t in es f rien th oo and ar Th u h k t o f ds, e g d de , h r r im w ar W o we e fo a t e, and no e not ; i e air il ren l and rost L k these f ch d of c oud f , That glisten a m om ent and then are lost a a r ﬂak Fl ke fte e, los h r n All t in t e da k and sile t lake. Midwinter

Yet l a ain for the ook g , clouds divide ; A gleam of blue on the water lies ;

And far a a on the m oun ain- w y, t side, A sunbeam falls from the Opening skies; But the hurrying host that ﬂew between The cloud and the water no m ore is seen; la e a er a e F k ft ﬂ k , res in the ar and silen At t d k t lake . William Cullen Bryant [ 1 7 9 4- 1 8 78]

MIDWINTER

THE s e le sk is dim t n p ck d y wi h s ow, The light ﬂakes fal ter and fall slow ;

t ar the ill- to ra t an A hw t h p , p d pale, Silently drops a silvery veil ; And all the valley is shut in erin r ains r By ﬂi ck g cu t g ay and thin.

But cheeri ly the chi ckadee Singeth to m e on fence and tree ;

The sno sails r n him as he w ou d sings, ’ hi e as he wn Of an W t t do gels wings.

I wat ch the slow ﬂakes a s they fall On bank and brier and broken wall; er the or har aste and ro n Ov c d , w b w ,

All no s essl t e set e o n i el y h y tl d w ,

i in he a le- o s and ea T pp g t pp b ugh , ch

L i rin of l m and ight qu ve g twig p u peach .

On turf and curb and bower- roof The snow- storm spreads its ivory woof ; It paves with pea rl the ga rden- walk ; And lovingly round tattered stalk And shivering stem its m agic weaves

r - A m antle fai as lily leaves.

Th i e m and low e hooded beeh v , s all , Stands like a m aiden in the snow ; And the old door- slab is half hid r Under an alabaste lid . Poem s of N ature

All day it snows: the sheeted post Gleam s in the dim ness like a ghost ; All day the blasted oak has stood A m uﬂled wizard of the wood ; Garland and airy cap adorn d he a si e t orn The sum ach an t w y d h , And clustering spangles lodge and Shine

In the dark tresses of the pine .

r m l ar e and Old The ragged b a b e , dw f d , Shrinks like a begga r in the cold ;

ite the e a r stan s In surplice wh c d d ,

And blesses him with priestly hands.

Still cheerily the chickadee in et to m e on en e and tree : S g h f c , But in m y inm ost ear is heard The m usic of a holier bird ; And ea nl o ts as so t and ite h ve y th ugh , f wh

As sn -ﬂakes on m s l al i ow , y ou ght , lot in it l e m lonel eart C h g w h ov y y h ,

l i a b rui éd a rt Hea ing w th pe ce each s p , Till all m y being seem s to be r r r ur T ansﬁgued by thei p ity. John Towns end Trowbrid ge [ 1 8 2 7

A GLEE FOR WINTER

ENCE ru e Win er ! ra e Old ello H , d t c bb d f w, e r m err ne r m N ve y, ve ellow ! Well-a-d ay ! in rain and snow ’ Wha t will keep one s heart aglow?

ro s Of insm en old and o n G up k , y u g, Oldest they Old friends am ong ; r u s of rien s so Old an r G o p f d , d t ue That they seem our kinsm en too; These all m erry all together

C arm a a ill Winter e r h w y ch w athe .

What will kill this dull Old fellow? ’ ’ e a s ri nd n Al th t b ght, a wi e that s m ellow !

1 35 2 Poem s of Nature

He was ll o e and es fu of j k j t, B ll ’ ut a his m erry quips are o er. To see him die a r he , c oss t waste

His son and eir ri - h doth de post haste, ’ B t e ll u h b e dead before .

Every one for his own . The ni t is s a rr and l m n gh t y co d , y frie d ,

And the ew- ear lit e and hold m en N y , b h , y fri d , m es to e wn Co up tak his o .

How hard he brea thes ! over the snow

I hea rd just now the crowing cock . The sha dows ﬂi cker to and fro : The cricket chi rps; the light burns low; ’ ’ Tis nearly twelve o clock . r Shake hands befo e youdie . ’ ld e ll rl r e f r O year, w dea y u o you. Wha t is it we ca n do for you? r die Spea k out befo e you .

H is fa ce is growing sharp and thin.

! r ri n n Alack ou f e d is go e . Close up his eyes ; ti e up his chin ; te r m the or se and let him in S p f o c p ,

s n et ere alone Tha t ta d h th , h And waiteth a t t e door. ’ ere s a new oo on the r m riend Th f t ﬂoo , y f ,

And a new a e a t the oor m ri n f c d , y f e d,

A new face a t the door . Alfred Tennyson [ 1 8 09 - 1 89 2]

DIRGE FOR THE YEAR

RPHAN urs the ear is dea O ho , y d , m and si m e and ee Co e gh , co w p! rr o rs sm ile ins ea Me y h u , t d , r h r Fo t e yea is b ut asleep .

See it sm iles as it is slee in , p g, l Mocking your untim e y weeping . Dirge for the Year

As an earthquake rocks a corse In i s ofﬁn in the la t c c y, i e in er t at ro n rse So wh t W t , h ugh u , Rocks the dead-cold year to- day; Solem n hours ! wai l aloud F r r m h r o you other in e shroud .

As the wild ai r stirs and sways The ree-s un radle a il t w g c of ch d, So the breath of these rude days s th e r — e m nd m Rock e y a z b cal a ild, Trem bling hours; she will arise Wit new lo e i hin her e h v w t yes.

anuar ra is re J y g y he , Like a sexton by her grave; February bears the bier ; ar i rie t l and ra e M ch w th g f do h how v , And ril — but rs Ap weeps , O, ye hou , ’ w r r Follow ith May s fai est ﬂowe s. P ercy Bysshe Shelley [ 1 7 9 2- 1 WOOD AND FIELD AND RUNNING BROOK

WALDEINSAMKEIT

I DO not count the hours I spend In wandering by the sea ; T r is m lo al rien he fo est y y f d , m e Like God it useth .

In plai ns that room for shadows m ake

irtin ills to lie Of sk g h , B ound in by stream s which give and take Their colors from the sky;

r on h m o ntain- rest s lim e O t e u c ub ,

r n the oa en la e O dow k g d , 0 what have I to do with tim e? r he as m e Fo this t day w ad .

Cities of m ortal s woe- begone

nt sti re eri es Fa a c ca d d , But in the serious landscape lone

Stern beneﬁt a bides.

een ill ta rn s one lo Sh w i h , h y c y,

And m err is onl a m s of sad y y a k , But so er ona n of o , b fu d j y, The s t eart are wood a h glad .

There the great Planter plants r it l orl s the rain Of f u fu w d g , And with a m illion spells enchants

The uls a so th t walk in pain.

56 Poem s of Nature

Whils ere an er l as to b alone t h I w d , p e ed e ’ Wei in in t o he orl s no-h es gh g h ught t w d appl n s, a nnot se on r a i m an I c choo but w de t ts o , Since so plain joys the woody life ca n bless :

en li e who m a ere onie wor re ail Th v y wh h d ds p v ,

it the er and it he ni tin ale ! I w h de , w h t gh g Edward Hovd l- Tkurlow [ 1 7 8 1 - 1 8 29 ]

ASPECTS OF THE PINES

A som er rim a ainst the m ornin sk T LL , b , g , g g y e rise s a r e to e m elan ol airs Th y , c c uch d by ch y ,

i ir the a eless olia e r am Wh ch st f d f g d e fully,

A i r m r lm of m i al e air s f f o ea s yst c d sp s .

al l som er rim e stan i s leam s T , b , g , th y d w th du ky g ’ ri ten n to ol it in the lan s ore B gh i g g d w h wood d c , ’ n ath h ra io s noonti e s ra il e m Be e t e g c u d t nqu b a s,

B h ir in m orni i m re ut t e we d w ds of ng s gh no o .

st illness stran e i ine ineﬂab le A , g , d v , , ’ ’ roo s ro n and o er t em in th in r e B d u d h e w d s su ceas , And on each tinted copse and shim m ering dell es the m te ra t re e ear e R ts u p u of d ep h t d peace .

L as s nse om es— the s lem n and m i t , u t c o joy ght Borne from the West when cloudless day declines

Low ﬂute- li e reezes s ee the a e f li , k b w p w v s o ght , And li tin a r reen resses of the ines , f g d k g t p ,

ill e er lo is l m inous en l a T v y ck u , g t y ﬂo t , ra it ale ors he ea ens ar F ught w h h od up t h v af , To faint when twilight on her Virgina! throat ea rs for a em the trem lo s es er tar W g u u v p s . P aul Ham ilton Hayne [ 1 8 30 - 1 8 8 6]

THE WOODS THAT BRING THE SUNSET NEAR

THE wind from out the west is blowing; The hom eward-wandering cows are lowing ;

r r he ine- oo s ar an rea r Da k g ow t p w d , d k d d , r h The woods that b ing t e sunset near. On Wenlock Edge 1 35 7

’ W en o er i e seas he un e lines h w d t s d c ,

Fa r off i s a in lor e t f d g g y shin s, Far oﬂ s lim e and ll o ear , ub , fu f f ,

The ine- o s rin h p wo d b g t e sunset near.

his se a l s ea es T hou th t ook to st , to w t , is r o e is our m r r Th , dea n , ho e, ou est ; on er the s orm sea and re Y d t y , he The s t at rin h s r wood h b g t e sun et nea . Richa rd Watson Gildcr [ 1 8 44- 1 9 09]

UNDER THE LEAVES

OFT a e al e ese lan a h v I w k d th wood d p ths, Without the blessed foreknowing That underneath the withered leaves

The air s s er f e t bud w e growing .

To-day the south- wind sweeps away ’ The s of a t m n s s l or type u u p end , And s o s the s eet ar t ers h w w bu us ﬂow , ’ rin s il ren r an r Sp g ch d , pu e d tende .

— 0 r e -ﬂowers it li l m p oph t w h ps of b oo , Outvying in your beauty

The earl tin s of o ean s ell p y t c h s, Ye teach m e faith and duty !

’ Wal li e s ar a s e seem sa k f d k w y , y to y, ’ With love s divine foreknowing at ere m an sees b ut it ere lea Th wh w h d ves, God s es s t o ers ro in e wee ﬂ w g w g . — Albert Lai ghton [ 1 8 29 1 8 8 7]

ON WENLOCK EDGE

’ ON Wenlock Edge the wood s in trouble ; His forest ﬂeece the Wrekin heaves ;

The ale it lies the sa lin s o le g , p p g d ub , i on ern sn the l And th ck Sev ow eaves. I 35 8 Poem s of Nature

’ Twould blow like this through b olt and hanger When U ricon the city stood : ’ Tis the old in in the old an er w d g ,

t en it re e an t er But h th sh d o h wood .

’ en t as e ore m im e the m an Th , w b f y t , Ro At yonder heaving hill would stare :

The l r n n lis e m n b ood tha t wa m s a E g h y o a ,

The t o ts t a t rt him t e ere t ere h ugh h hu , h y w h .

There ike the in t ro o s in riot , l w d h ugh w od , Through him the gal e of life blew high ; The t ree of m a n was never quiet : ’ ’ Then t a he n now i s t om a t s . w R , I

The ale it li s the sa lin s o le g , p e p g d ub , ’ I t lo s so ar t ill soon b e one : b w h d , w g To d ay the Rom an and his trouble

re as es n er U ricon A h u d . Alfred Edward Housman [ 1 8 5 9

WHAT DO WE PLANT?

we plant when we plant the tree?

th s i i h ill ross the sea . e h p , wh c w c the m ast to carry the sails; the planks to withstand the gales

the eelson the eam the nee k , b , k ;

h s i en l n th tr t e h p wh we p a t e ee .

Wha t do we plant when we plant the tree?

e lan the ses for and m W p t hou you e.

We lan the ra ters the s in les the oors p t f , h g , ﬂ ,

We lan th st in the la the oors p t e udd g, th , d , The eam s and si in all ar s a b e b d g , p t th t ; n r We plant the house when we pla t the t ee.

Wha t do we plant when we plant the tree? A thousand things that we daily see ;

1 360 Poem s of Nature

In the a s of old n the s rin it l d y , whe p g w h co d Had ri ene his ran es ra b ght d b ch g y, r th ass a t hi e e m ai n Th ough e gr s f et cr pt de s sweet, r the dew Ma To ga the of y . And on tha t day to the rebeck gay They frolicked with lovesom e swains e are ne t e are ea in the r ar Th y go , h y d d , chu chy d laid , ree it still rem ains But the t .

He sa w the rare tim es when the Christm as chim es

Were a m err so n to ear y u d h , ’ When the squire s wide hall and the cottage sm all r lle wi oo lis We e ﬁ d th g d Eng h cheer .

ol a s a we all e Now g d h th w y ob y, And a ruthless king is he ; But he never shall send our ancient friend t sse on the storm To b e o d y sea . Henry Fothergill Chorley [ 1 8 08- 1 8 7 2]

THE GIRT WOAK TREE THAT’S IN THE DELL

’ THE girt woak tree that s in the dell! ’ There s noo tree I do love so well ; ’ Vor tim es an tim es en wer wh I young, ’ ’ ’ there ve a - lim e an there ve a -zwun I c b d , g , ’ An i e the ea corns reen a - she p ck d g , d

In wrestlén torm r m hi r s s v o s b oa d head . ’ ’ An down below s the cloty brook ’ W ere did is it line n oo h I v h w h a h k , ’ An in la m e i s and zwim s beat , p yso d p , ’ ’ - The m stream wi ite s inne lim s. foa y , wh k d ’ An there m y m other nim bly shot

Her k i tén- n as she zo t n t eedles, At evch en down below the wide ’ ’ Woak ea wi a t er at her zi e. s h d , f h d ’ ’ ’ An I v a- la e wi m an a b wo e p y d y y, ’ ’ Tha t s now a m an an gone awoy; ! oo I do like 1100 tree so well ’ ’ r r h S the gi t woak t ee t at s in the dell. The Girt Woak Tree in the Dell

’ An t ere in leater ea rs ro h , y , I ved ’ Wi i r m ai on th k poo d I f dly loved ,

’ The m aid oo f ir to die n t ea so soo ,

W en evenén ili or the m oon h tw ght, , ’ Cast light enough ithin the pleace

To sho the smiles n her fe e w upo ac , ’ ’ Wi e es so lea r s the l ss l y c g a y poo , An’ ’ h k lips an c eéi s so soft as wool. ’ ’ ’ ere han in n wi som rm Th ha , bo s wa , ’ Wi l e a rne b ut o t noo r ov th t bu d th ugh ha m , Below the wide-boughed tree we passed The happy hours tha t went too vast ; ’ ’ An t o s n er e m i h ugh he ll ev b y w fe, ’ ’ e s s ill m Sh t y lea den star 0 life . ’ ’ ’ She s gone : an she ve a -left to m e ’ Her m em ry in the girt woak tree ; 200 I do love 1100 tree so well ’ ’ th r tr S e gi t woak ee tha t s in the dell.

’ An oh ! m id never ax nor hook Be brought to spweil his steately look ; ’ Nor ever roun hi s ribby zides Mid ca ttle rub ther heai ry hides; Nor i s r hi s t r b ut ee p g out up u f, k p His lwonesom e shead e vor harmless sheep ; ’ ’ An let en ro an let en s rea g w, p d , A ’ n let en live when I b e dea d . ’ But oh ! if m en should com e an vell ’ The r r t a t s in the ell gi t woak t ee h d , ’ ’ An build his planks ithin the zide ’ zom e r s i to lo the ti e O gi t h p p ugh d , ’ en li e or ea t ! oo to sea Th , f d h I d g , ’ A sailén wi the girt woak tree : ’ l n oul stan An I upon his p a ks w d d , ’ - h én or the lan An di e a ﬁg t v d , The l o e r — the lan so ree and s d a , d f , The land that bore the girt woak tree ; Vor I do love noo tree so well ’ ’ S the girt woak tree that s in the dell . — William Barnes [ 1 8 0 1 1 Poem s of Nature

TO THE WILLOW—TREE

U art to all s o e th es THO lo t l v e b t, Th n r an oun e o ly t ue pl t f d ,

r i oun m en a d m ai s di s r Whe ew th y g n d t essed , d e l e are r ne An l ft of ov , c ow d .

’ en on e the l er s r seis ea Wh c ov o d d, Or laid aside forlorn : Then willow-garlands bout the hea d

e e t r rn B d wed wi h tea rs a e wo .

’ W en i ne le e r an h w th g ct, th love s b e, Poor m aids rewarded b e For eir l e lost eir nl a th ov , th o y g in

I r s but a wrea th f om thee .

And n ernea oolin s a e u d th thy c g h d , W en ear of the li h w y ght, The love-spent youth and love-si ck m aid m e ee the n Co to w p out ight . Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 6 7 4]

THE WILLOW

WI W re er ee O LLO , why fo v w p , As one who m ourns an endless wrong? What hi dden woe can lie so deep? What utter grief ca n last so long?

The Spring m akes haste with step elate Your life and beauty to renew ; She e en i s the roses ai v b d w t ,

And i es her rs s t are g v ﬁ t wee c to you.

The el om e re r ol hi w c db east f ds s wing, To pour for youhis freshest strain ;

the earlies l e ir s s To you t b u b d ing, ill all o r li T y u ght stem s thrill again.

' 1 364 Poem s of N ature

And in this wisdom of the Holly-tree Ca n em blem see W ere i er an e to m a e a leasan r m h w th , p ch c , k p t hy e,

n i m a ro t in th a ter-tim e O e wh ch y p ﬁ e f .

us o a roa er an e m i a r Th , th ugh b d , p ch c , I ght ppea Ha rsh and austere ;

o t ose who on m leis re o l in ru e T h y u w u d t d , Reserved and rude ; ’ Gentle at om e ami m rien s b e h d y f d I d ,

Li e he hi lea e the oll - r k t gh v s upon H y t ee .

And s ul m u — as is a t n ho d y yo th youth p , I k ow, m e ars ness s So h h how, All ain as eri ies da da v p t I , y by y, oul ear a a W d w w y, Till the sm ooth tem per of m y age should be

e h i ea n th oll -t re Lik t e h gh l ves upo e H y e .

And as en all the sum m er rees are seen , wh t

o ri and reen S b ght g , The Holly-leaves their fa deless hues display Less bright than they;

h r and int r oo s we see But when t e ba e w y w d , What then so cheerful as the Holly- tree?

o ri s s o l m o a ear am on S , se ou h u d y y uth pp g The thoughtless throng ; em m i the o n and a So would I se , a d y u g g y, More gra ve than they ; That in m y age as cheerful I m ight b e

- As the green winter of the Holly tree . Robert S outhey [ 1 7 7 4- 1 8 43]

THE PINE

re h r s THE elm lets fall its leaves befo t e f o t , k ro s s i erin and sere The very oa g w h v g , ’ The t rees are barren when the sum m er s lost all h ear But one tree keeps its goodness t e y . oo m an S are at ree W d , p Th T

ine un an in as the a s o Green p , ch g g d y g by, Thou art thyself benea th whatever sky : shel er rom all in s m own s ron ine My t f w d , y t g p , ’ ’ s rin is m m er still ile t o art mine . Tis p g, t su , , wh h u Augusta Webster [ 1 8 3 7- 1 8 9 4]

WOODMAN , SPARE THAT TREE

W DMAN s are t at tree ! OO , p h Touch not a single bough !

In o t it s eltere m e y u h h d , ’ An I ro e n w d ll p t ct it o . ’ ’ Twas m y forefather s hand That placed it nea r his cot ;

er m an let i s an Th e, wood , t t d, Thy axe shall harm it not !

a old amiliar ree Th t f t , Whose glory and renown ’ Are s rea o er lan and sea p d d , And wouldst thou hew it down?

oo m an or ea r t ro W d , f b thy s ke ! Cut not its ea rt h-bound ties ; s are t at a e oak O, p h g d , Now towering to the skies !

When but an idle boy I sought its grateful shade ; In all their gushing joy ere too m sisters l H , , y p ayed . My m other kissed m e here ; My father pressed m y hand or i e is ooli s tea r F g v th f h , But let tha t old oak stand !

ea rt - s rin s ro n ee lin My h t g u d th c g, Close as th ar old ri y b k , f end !

ere s all the il - ir H h w d b d sing , An r d still thy b anches bend. Poem s of Nature

Old tree ! the storm still brave !

An oo m an a e the s d , w d , le v pot ; ’ ile I e a an sa e Wh v h d to v , rm Thy axe shall ha it not . George P ope Morris [ 1 80 2- 1 8 64]

THE BEECH TREE ’S PETITION

O LEAVE this barren spot to m e ! are m an s are the ee hen ree ! Sp , wood , p b c t Though bush or ﬂoweret never grow My dark unwarm ing shade below ; Nor sum m er bud perfum e the dew

ros l s or ell hue Of y b u h , y ow ;

Nor r i ts a m n lossom - orn f u of utu , b b , My green and glossy leaves adorn ; Nor m urm uring tribes from m e derive ’ Th am brosial am ber of the hive ; Yet leave this barren spot to m e are m an s ar he ee en ree ! Sp , wood , p e t b ch t

Thrice twenty sum m ers I have seen

The sk ro ri t the orest reen y g w b gh , f g ; And m any a wint ry wind have stood

I loomless r itle solit e n b , f u ss ud , Since childhood in m y pleasant bower First spent its sweet and sportive hour ; Since youthful lovers in m y shade

eir o s of t r t and ra t re m a Th v w u h p u de, ’ And on m y t runk s surviving fram e

a r a lon - or o e C ved m any g f g tt n nam e.

! the si s of entle so n Oh by gh g u d , First breathed upon this sacred ground ;

all t a t L e has is ere ere By h ov wh p d h , Or Bea uty hea rd with ravished ear ; ’ As Love s own altar honor m e :

are m an s are th n r Sp , wood , p e beeche t ee ! Thomas Campbell [ 1 7 7 7- 1 8 44]

1 368 Poem s of Nature

What plant we in this apple-tree? i the rea s m m er a s Buds, wh ch b th of u d y Shall lengthen into leafy sprays ; ere the r s it rim son r Boughs wh th u h , w h c b east , a n and sin and i e her n Shall h u t , g , h d est ; e lan n the sunn lea W p t , upo y , s a o for the noon i e o r A h d w t d h u , s e r r m h s m m er s o r A h lte f o t e u h we ,

n w lan th a le- r Whe e p t e pp t ee .

What plant we in this apple- tree? Sweets for a hundred ﬂowery springs ’ To oa h Ma -Win s res e in l d t e y d tl ss w gs,

en rom the or ar -row he r Wh , f ch d , pou s I ts fragrance through our open doors;

orl of lossom s for the A w d b b ee, ’ lo er for the si irl silen room F w s ck g s t , For the la in ant s ri s of l m g d f p g b oo ,

i h a - r We plant w th t e pple t ee .

What plant we in this apple- tree? r its t a s all s ell in s nn n F u h t h w u y Ju e, A d re n in h s noon n dde t e Augu t , And ro en entle airs m e d p , wh g co by, a f n the l e e em er sk Th t a b u S pt b y, While hil ren om e it ries lee c d c , w h c of g , And seek them where the fragrant grass e ra s eir b ed to se who B t y th tho pass,

h o of h a l - r At t e f ot t e pp e t ee .

And e a e t is a l - r wh n, bov h pp e t ee, The in er s ars are ui erin ri w t t q v g b ght , And in s o lin t ro he ni w d go h w g h ugh t ght , ’ Girls ose n e es o erﬂow i m r , wh you g y w th i th ,

all eel its ruit o ta e- eart Sh p f by c t g h h , And ests in ro er om es s all gu p ud h h see, ’ Heaped with the grape of Cintra s vine And ol en ran e of the lin g d o g e,

r - The f uit of the apple tree . The Planting of the Apple- Tree 1 369

The fruitage of this apple-tree Winds and our ﬂag of stripe and star

all ear to as s a lie a ar Sh b co t th t f , re m n on er a the ie Whe e shall w d t v w , And ask in what fair groves they grew ;

' And sojourners beyond the sea ’ all in of il o s a reless da Sh th k ch dh od c y, And lon lon o rs of sum m er la g , g h u p y,

f h - r In the shade o t e apple t ee .

Each year shall give this apple-tree roa r s of r sea e loom A b de ﬂu h o t b ,

e er m aze er r loom A d ep of v du ous g ,

And loosen en the rost- lo s lo er , wh f c ud w , The ris r n a n i r o r c p b ow le ves i th cke sh we .

The ea rs s all om e and ass w y h c p , but e all ea r no lon er ere w lie Sh h g , wh e , ’ ’ The s m m er s son he a t m n s si u gs, t u u gh ,

In he th l - r t boughs of e app e t ee .

An m l - r d ti e sha l was te this apple t ee. en its a e ran es t ro Oh , wh g d b ch h w in s a o s on the ro n elo Th h d w g u d b w , Shall fraud and force and iron will Oppress the weak and helpless still? a s the as s of m er b e Wh t hall t k cy , Am i he oils the s ri es th ear d t t , t f , e t s Of those who live when length of yea rs I s wasting this little apple- t ree?

Who planted this old apple- tree? The children of that di stant day Thus to som e aged m an shall say;

And azin on i s m oss stem , g g t y , The gray- haired m an shall answer them “ o of the lan was he A p et d , Born in the rude b ut good old tim es ; ’ Tis sai he m a e som e aint old r m es d d qu hy , ” - r On planting the apple t ee . — William Cullen Bryant [ 1 7 9 4 1 8 7 8] 1 370 Poem s of Nature

OF AN ORCHARD

Goon is an r har the ai n O c d , S t saith , m edi ta e on li e and ea t To t f d h , Wi a ool ell a hi e of e th c w , v b es, ’ rmi rot tr A he t s g below the ees.

is an r h r : er oo Good O c a d v y g d,

Though one should wear no m onkish hood . i oo en rin h R ght g d , wh Sp g awakes er ﬂute, And in in good yellow g tim e of fruit .

Very good in the grass to lie ’ And see the net or ainst the sk w k g y, li in la e of l e and reen A v g c b u g ,

And o a e o et b ughs th t l t the g ld b ween.

The bees are types of souls tha t dwell With honey in a quiet cell; The ripe fruit ﬁgures goldenly ’ ’ Th er e ion in e soul s p f ct God s eye.

ra er and rai se in a o n r om e P y p c u t y h , on nd r t : m an m i om e H ey a f ui a ght c , Fed on s m ea s alk a roa uch t , to w b d , alk it And in his Orchard t w h God . Kather ine Tyna n [ 1 8 6 1

AN ORCHARD AT AVIGNON

THE ills are ite not i sn h wh , but w th ow r le in m m er im They a e as pa su t e, For herb or grass m ay never grow e Upon their slop s of lim e.

Withi n the circle of the hills

rin all o erin in a roun A g, ﬂ w g d, An orchard- ring of alm ond ﬁlls r The plot of stony g ound .

1 37 2 Poem s of Nature

r n nd ree s r and ree St o g a f , t ong f ,

- Th ﬂood a tes are o n a a the sea . e g pe , w y to

ree nd tron ree and str n F a s g , f o g,

C e n in m s ream s rr alon l a s g y t as I hu y g , the ol en san s and the lea in b ar To g d d , p g ,

m a And the taintless tide tha t awaits e far . As I lose m yself in the inﬁnite m ain

Li e l th t h s sinne and is a r ne a ain k a sou a a d p do d g ,

nde ed f r e deﬂled U ﬂl , o th un ;

m e a e in m e m o er and il . Play by , b th , th ch d — Charles Ki ngsley [ 1 8 1 9 1 8 7 5]

THE BROOK’S SONG

From The Brook

C ME rom haun s of coot and hem I O f t , m a e a s en sall I k udd y, And s ar le out am on e ern p k g th f , n To bicker dow a valley .

ir ills rr o n By th ty h I hu y d w ,

Or .sli e een the ri es p b tw dg , t ent t or s a lit le town By w y h p , t , And a r ri half hund ed b dges.

’ Till last by Philip s farm I ﬂow To oin the rim m in ri er j b g v , For m en m a om e and m en m y c ay go, n for r But I go o eve .

a t r o er s on I ch t e v t y ways,

In lit le s ar s and tre es t h p bl , le in o e in a I bubb t ddy g b ys, n th I babble o e pebbles.

With m any a curve m y banks I fret m an a el and all By y ﬁ d f ow, And m any a fai ry foreland set

Wit ill - ee and mall h w ow w d ow. ’ The Brook s Song 1 373

a t er ha tter as ﬂow I ch t , c , I

To oin the rim m in r r j b g ive ,

For m en m a om e and m en m a y c y go, But o on for e er I g v .

in a o t and in and ou I w d b u , t, Wit ere a lossom sailin h h b g , And ere and t ere a l st tro t h h u y u , And ere and t ere a ra lin h h g y g,

And here and there a foam y ﬂake n m e as tra l Upo , I ve With m any a silvery wa ter- break e the ol en ra el Abov g d g v ,

And ra t em all alon and d w h g, ﬂow

To oin the rim m in ri er j b g v ,

For m en m a om e and m en m a y c y go , o on f r e er But I g o v .

steal la ns and rass lo s I by w g y p t , I slide by haz el covers ; I m ove th e sweet forget- m e-nots

t ro for a lo ers Tha g w h ppy v .

sli sli e loom lan e I p , I d , I g , I g c , Am ong m y skim m ing swallows; I m ake the netted sunbeam dance o Against m y sandy shall ws.

I m urm ur under m oon and stars I n bram bly wildernesses ; I linger by m y shingly bars ; I loiter round m y cresses ;

And out again I curve and ﬂow

the rim m in ri er To join b g v ,

m a m e and m en m a o For m en y co y g , But I go on for ever Alfred Tennyson [ 1 8 09- 1 8 9 2] Poem s of Nature

ARETHUSA

ARETHUSA arose From her couch of snows I n the ro eraunian m un ains Ac c o t , r m lou and r m ra F o c d f o c g, Wit m an a a h y j g ,

r in her ri Shephe d g b ght fountains. She leapt down the rocks With her rainbow locks Stream ing am ong the stream s; Her steps pa ved with green The downward ravine Whi ch slopes to the western gleam s And li in and s rin n g d g p gi g, She ent e er sin in w , v g g, In m urm urs as soft as sleep ; The art seem e to lo e h E h d v er, And ea en sm ile a e her H v d bov , As she lin ere t r s the e g d owa d d ep .

en l eus l Th A ph bo d , On hi s lacier ol g c d ,

i his tri en the m n W th d t ou tains strook , And opened a chasm In the rocks — with the spasm

All r m a n s s E y thu hook . And the bla ck south wind I t conceal ed behind

The urns . the silent sno of w, And earthquake and thunder D id rend in sunder

The ars of the s rin b p gs below . The beard a nd the hai r Of the River-god were ’ een thr the torrent s s ee S ough w p, As he followed the light ’ Of the ﬂeet nym ph s ﬂight

e rin the n e To th b k of Doria d ep .

Poem s of Nature

n o a Down o e vale where the m rning b sks, Like friends once parted

rown sin le- earte G g h d , h l T ey p y their watery tasks. At sunrise they leap From their cradles steep In the ca ve of the shelving hill; At noontide they ﬂow Through the woods below And the m ea dows of asphodel; And at night they sleep In the rocking deep Beneath the Ortygia n shore Like the spirits that li e

I z r k n the a u e s y . li e no or When they love but v m e. P ercy Bysshe S helley [ 1 7 9

THE CATARACT OF LODORE

HOW does the water Com e down a t Lodore ? My little b oy asked m e

on e on a im e Thus, c t ; And m oreover he ta sked m e

To tell him in rhym e. non a t the or A , w d ,

rst am e one a er There ﬁ c d ught ,

nd en a m e anot er A th c h , To second and thi rd

f t eir rot er The request o h b h , And to hea r how the wa ter m n a t Lo ore Co es dow d , nd its roar With its rush a , As m any a tim e e e They had seen it b for . m in r m e So I told the hy , For of rhym es I had store ; ’ And twas in m y voca tion For their recrea tion The Cataract of Lodore

That so I should sing ; Because I was Laurea te in To them and the K g.

From its sources which well In the tarn on the fell; From its fountains

In the m o ntains u , I ts rills and its gills ; ro m oss and t ro ra Th ugh h ugh b ke, I t runs a nd it creeps

For a ile till it slee wh , ps I i i n ts own l ttle lake.

And en e a t e rtin th c d pa g, a enin and sta rtin Aw k g g,

I t r ns hro he ree s u t ugh t d ,

And a a it ro ee s w y p c d ,

ro m ea o nd e Th ugh d w a gla d , I n sun and in s a e h d ,

And t ro h oo - elt h ugh t e w d sh er, m on ra s in its rr A g c g ﬂu y,

elter- s elter H k ,

rr - r Hu y sku ry . ere it om es s ar lin H c p k g, And there it lies darkling ; Now sm oking and frothing I ts m lt and ra t in tu u w h , ill in t is ra i ra T , h p d ce On i it is en wh ch b t, I t reaches the pla ce

its tee e n Of s p d sce t .

The ca ta ract strong

en l n es alon Th p u g g , Striking and raging As if a war raging caverns a nd rocks am ong; isin a nd lea in R g p g , in in a nd ree in S k g c p g, 1 37 8 Poem s of N ature

ellin and s ee in Sw g w p g, erin and s rin in Show g p g g, d ﬂi i n Flying an ng g, ri in and rin in W th g g g , and in Eddying whisk g, u n and ris in Spo ti g f k g, rnin and is in Tu g tw t g , Around a nd around With endless rebound m i in and n S t g ﬁghti g, A sight to delight in; n n in asto in Co fou d g, und g,

Dizzying and deafening the car with sound.

C lle in ro e in o ct g , p j ct g, e in and R ced g speeding, And s oc in and r i n h k g ock g, And ar in and r d t g pa ting , And t rea in and s rea in h d g p d g, And hizzin and hi ssin w g g, And ri in and s i in d pp g k pp g, And hi tin and s li in t g p tt g, And shinin and inin g tw g, And ra tlin and at n t g b tli g , And sha in and uakin k g q g, And o rin and r arin p u g o g, And avin and ra in w g v g, And ssin and r in to g c oss g, And o in and oin ﬂ w g g g , And runnin and s unnin g t g, And amin and r am in fo g o g, And innin and s innin d g p g, And r i and in d opp ng hopp g; And r in and erkin wo k g j g, And u lin and s ru lin g gg g t gg g. And ea in and l n h v g c eavi g, And m oaning and groaning ;

And litterin and ri g g f ttering, And at erin and g h g feathering,

1 380 Poem s of Nature

m Far from the hills of Habersha ,

Far from the valleys of Hall.

th of a ers am All down e hills H b h , e alle s of all All through th v y H ,

rie Abide a bid e The rushes c d , ,

a ter ee s el m e t rall The wilful w w d h d h ,

a in la rel t rne m ti e The l v g u u d y d , rn n th on li n ra i S The fe s a d e f d g g ss sa d tay, e err i e for to r ela The d wb y d pp d wo k d y,

d the li le ree s si e Abide a An tt d gh d , bide,

Here in the hills o Habersha f m , H l o H ere i n the va leys f all .

’ the hills of r m Hig h o er Habe sha , V i th alle of all eil ng e v ys H , The hickory told m e m anifold ai r ales of s a e the lar all F t h d , pop t

r t m e her o sel o o W ough shad wy f t h ld, The c estn the oak the alnut the ine h ut, , w , p , Overleanin it ﬂi erin m eanin and si g , w h ck g g gn, ai P ass not so cold these man old S d , , , if Deep shades of the hills of Ha bersha m Th e lades i n the v l s o Hall es g a ley f .

And oft in the ills of a ers am h H b h , And oft in the alle s of all v y H ,

The i e artz s one and the sm roo - stone wh t qu h , ooth b k

Did b ar m e a e i rien l ra l of p ssag w th f d y b w , And m a ny a lum inous jewel lone — Cr s als lea r or a - lo it m ist y t c c ud w h , a rnet and am et st Ruby, g hy Made lures with the lights of strea ming stone In the le ts of the ills a ers am c f h of H b h , In h of the alle s of t e beds v y Hall .

But oh not the ills of a rsha m , h H be , And oh not the alle s all , v y of H ail : am ain for to a er the lain Av I f w t p . Downward the voices of Duty call ow ent weet fton 1 8 1 Fl G ly, S A 3

n ar il and be e t th mix i e m ain. Dow w d, to to d w h The dr el s urn and the m ills are to t rn y ﬁ d b , u , And a m ria ers m or all a y d ﬂow t y ye rn, And the lordly m ain from beyond the plain ’ Calls o er the hills rs am of Habe h , Calls hr th t ough e valleys of Hall. S id ney La nier [ 1 8 4 2- 1 8 8 1 ]

. E FLOW G NTLY, SWEET AFTON

W entl s ee ton am on th reen raes FLO g y, w t Af , g y g b ; ’ I ll in e i h Flow gently, s g th e a song n t y praise ; ’ ar s aslee h m rm rin s r a My M y p by t y u u g t e m ,

en l s ee ton is r no h r r a Flow g t y, w t Af , d tu b t e d e m .

o - o e o e ho resoun s ro h l n Thoust ck d v wh se c d th ugh t e g e ,

is lin la ir s in on orn den Ye wild wh t g b ckb d y th y ,

r n- reste a in s r m n or a r Thou g ee c d l pw g, thy c ea i g f be ; is r no m um erin air I charge you d tu b t y sl b g f .

H w s ee on th ne ri n hills o lofty, w t Aft , y ighbo g , Far m arked with the courses of clea r-winding rills;

r an er as n n rises i The e daily I w d oo h gh , ’ d m ar s s ee cot in m e e My ﬂocks an y M y w t y y .

h a an r o How pleasant t y b nks d g een valleys bel w, Where wild in the woodlands the prim roses blow ; r oft as m il e enin ee o er he The e d v g w ps v t lea ,

-s ente ir a r a The sweet c d b k sh des m y Ma y nd m e.

r stal s ream f on how lo el it li es Thy c y t , A t , v y g d , And winds by the cot where m y Mary resides ;

w anton th aters her sn ee l Ho w y w owy f t ave,

As a erin s ee ﬂowerets she stem s th lear a e , g th g w t , y c w v .

entl swee ton am on th reen raes Flow g y, t Af , g y g b ; n l s ee ri er the t em e of m a Flow ge t y, w t v , h y l ys ; ’ lee th m rm rin stream My Mary s as p by y u u g ,

lo en l s ee n dist r not her ream . F w g t y, w t Afto , u b d Robert Burns [ 1 7 5 9 - 1 7 9 6] 38 2 Poem s of Nature

CANADIAN BOAT - SONG

WRI TTEN ON THE RI ER sr AWREN V . L CE

FAINTLY as tolls the eveni ng chim e

Our oi es ee une and our oars ee v c k p t k p tim e. oon as the s on s ore loo dim S wood h k , ’ ’ l a Ann o r We l sin t t . s u a r g S p ting hym n.

Row rot ers row the stream ns as , b h , , ru f t , ’ The ra i r nea r a p ds a e nd the daylight s past .

Why should we yet our sail unfurl? ere is not a rea the l e o l Th b th b u wave t cur ,

But en the in lo s off the s ore , wh w d b w h , ’ s eetl e ll rest our ea r Oh , w y w w ry oa .

lo reezes lo the stream r n ast B w, b , b w , u s f , ’ The ra i s are near h p d and t e daylight s past .

’ U tawas tide ! this trem bling m oon

all see us oa o er h r Sh ﬂ t v t y su ges soon .

ain t is reen isle ! ea r our r er S t of h g h p ay s,

rant us ool ea ens and a orin ai r Oh , g c h v f v g s. l reezes lo the stream r ns as B ow, b , b w, u f t , ’ The ra i s are nea r n he a li p d a d t d y ght s past . Thoma s Moore [ 1 7 7 9 - 1 8 5

THE MARSHES OF GLYNN

O MS the li e- a s ea ti l- rai e and o en GL O of v o k , b u fu b d d w v With intricate shades of the vines that m yriad- cloven

am er t r m ul i rm s Cl b he fo ks of the t fo bough , m eral t ili ts E d w gh ,

Vir nal sh li ts gi y gh , r r e i r of s W ought of the leaves to allue to th wh spe vow , When lovers pace tim idly down through the green colon nades

the dim eet s of the ear ark oods Of sw wood , d d w , Of h nd la es t e heavenly woods a g d , That run to the radiant m arginal sand- beach within The wide sea-m arshes of Glynn

Poem s of Nature

— t o r a or— s t i a re r n Thus wi h y u f v of , w th ve e t hand, li tl o in our ers n or of th l ! (Not gh y t uch g y p o , L d e and ) r i i Bending you beauty as de, w th a step I stand

n e ﬁrm - a e san O th p ck d d , Free

a orl m ars t a r ers worl of By w d of h h t bo d a d sea . Sinuous southward and sinuous northward the shim m ering band Of the sand- beach fastens the fringe of the m arsh to the l of he a fo ds t l nd . Inward and outward to northward and southward the beach lines linger and curl As a silver-wrought garm ent that clings to and follows the e a rl ﬁrm swe t lim bs of gi . Vanis in s ervin e erm ore r in a ain int si t h g , w g , v cu v g g o gh , Softly the sand-beach wavers away to a di m gray looping of l ight . And what if behind m e to westward the wall of the woods stands high?

The orl lies east : how am le he m arsh and he ea and w d p , t t s the sky!

lea e and a lea e of m ars - rass aist - i roa in A gu gu h g , w h gh, b d the la e b d ,

G reen and all of a ei t and unﬂecked it a li t or a , h gh , w h gh

s a e h d ,

tret leis rel off in a lea ant lain S ch u y , p s p ,

To the term inal l e of he m a b u t in .

at is a roa in he m ar a h t erm inal a ? Oh , wh b d t sh nd t e se Som ehow m y soul seem s suddenly free

rom the ei in of ate and th ad is s io o sin F w gh g f e s d cu s n f , By the length and the breadth and the sweep of the m arshes

of Glynn.

Ye m ars es how andi and sim le and no in - it ol h , c d p th g w hh d ing and free Ye publish yourselves to the sky and oﬂer yourselves to the sea !

Tolerant lains t a snﬂer the sea and e rains and the sun p , h t th , Ye spread and span like the catholic m an who hath m ig htily won The M arshes of Glynn 3 8 5

God out of knowledge and good out of inﬁnite pain

And si out lin ness and r of a a ght of b d pu ity out st in .

As the m ars -hen se re l o he at er sod h c t y builds n t w y , Behold I will build m e a nest on the greatness of God : I will fly in the greatness of God as the m arsh- hen flies ’ I n the freedom that fills all the spa ce twixt the m arsh and the skies :

By so m any roots as the m arsh - grass sends in the sod I will heartily lay m e a- hold on the greatness of God : li e to the r a ne he rea tness it in Oh , k g e t ss of God is t g w h The ran e of the m r h r m rs es of l nn g a shes , t e libe al a h G y .

And the s a len l r m r : 10 out of his len e ds a ge, as the a sh , p ty the sea

Pours fast : full soon the tim e of the ﬂood - tide m ust b e : Look how the grace of the sea doth go About and about through the intricate channels that ﬂow ere an t re H d he ,

r r Eve ywhe e, Till hiswaters have ﬂooded the utterm ost creeks and the low

l in lanes y g , A h m ars is m es e i m illion eins nd t e h h d w th a v , That like as with rosy and silvery essences ﬂow

ro e- d - l r lo I n the s an si ve evening g w .

are ell m or Sun ! F w , y l d The creeks overﬂow : a thousand rivulets run ’ Twixt the roots of the sod ; the blades of the m arsh- grass stir ; Passeth a hurrying sound of wings that westwa rd whirr ; e and all is still and he rren s ea se to run Pass th , ; t cu t c ; h r one And the sea and t e m arsh a e .

How still the plains of the waters b e ! The tide is in his ecstasy ; The tide is at hi s highest height ni And it is ght .

And now from the Vast of the Lord will the waters of sleep s uls m en Roll in on the o of , 1 3 8 6 Poem s of Nature

But who will reveal to our waking ken The form s that swim and the shapes that creep Under the waters of sleep? And I would I could know what swim m eth below when the tide comes in ° On the length and the breadth of the m arvelous m arshes of l nn G y . S idney La nier [ 1 8 4 2- 1 8 8 1 ]

THE TROSACHS

’ THERE S not a nook within this solem n Pass But were an ap t confessional for one

a t his s m m er s en his a mn on T ugh by u p t , utu g e, That Life is b ut a tale of m orning grass r a v rom s ene o r Withe ed t e e. F c s f a t which chase a t t o a a r n es Th h ught w y, tu n, a d with watchful ey ’ ’ ee it mid a re s o eli F d N tu ld f cities, o s ri ers and sm t la es m or le r t an lass R ck , v , oo h k e c a h g

n o e n reat e n r a est U t uch d , u b h d upo . Th ice h ppy qu , If from a golden perch of aspen spray ’ (October s workm anship to rival May) The pensive warbler of the ruddy breast

a m oral s eeten a ea enta t la Th t w by h v ugh y, ullin the ear it all its a res to rest ! L g y , w h c , Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0- 1 8 5 0]

BEF RE SUNRISE IN THE A E or CHAM UNI O , V L O

HAST thoua charm to stay the m om ing -star I n his Steep course? So long he seem s to pause n th al a l ea 0 so erei n lan ! O y b d , wfu h d , v g B c The Arve and Arveiron at thy base a e easelessl t o m ost a l orm R v c y ; but h u, wfu F ,

is s r m r h il n ea of ines R e t f o fo th t y s e t s p , How Silently ! Around thee and above ee is the air and ar su tantial la D p d k, bs , b ck ,

I 3 8 8 Poem s of Nature

r stren th r s eed ur ur and ur o You g , you p , yo f y, yo j y, Uncea sing thunder and eternal foam ? And who om m an e an i c d d ( d the s lence cam e) ,

ere let the ill s stiﬂ en and a r H b ow , h ve est ?

’ Ye ice-falls ! ye that from the m ountain s brow Adown enorm ous ravines slope am ain

orrents m e in s t a ea r a mi o e T , th k , h t h d ghty v ic , And stopped at once am id their m addest plunge ! Motionless torrents ! silent ca tara cts ! Who m ade youglorious as the Gates of Heaven Beneath the keen full m oon? Who bade the sun

Clot e ou it rain s? ho wi li in h y w h bow W , th v g ﬂowers lo eli es l e s rea arlan a o Of v t b u , p d g ds t y ur feet? God ! let the torrents li s o of n i , ke a h ut at ons,

ns er ! and let the ice- lai ns ec o God ! A w p h , God ! sing ye m eadow-stream s with gladsom e voice !

ine- ro es it o r so t and so l-li s Ye p g v , w h y u f u ke sound ! And t e too e a oi e on iles of sno h y hav v c , y p w, And in t ir erilous all s all t un er Go ! he p f h h d , d

Ye living ﬂowers that skirt the eternal frost ! ’ Ye wild goa ts Sporting round the eagle s nest !

Ye e les la m a es of the m o ntain-storm ! ag , p y t u

Ye li tnin s the rea arro s of the lo s! gh g , d d w c ud Ye signs and wonders of the elem ents ! nd ﬁll the hills it raise ! Utter forth God, a w h p

too oar nt ! it sk - in in ea s Thou , h Mou w h thy y po t g p k , the alan e nh ear Oft from whose feet av ch , u d , lit erin rou the re serene Shoots downward, g t g th gh pu , Into the depth of clouds that veil thy breast

ai s en o s o ntain ! u Thou too ag n, tup d u M u tho ea a ile e low That as I raise m y h d , wh bow d ar rom ase In adoration, upw d f thy b uff se it tears Slow traveling with dim eyes s u d w h ,

i e a a r lo Solem nly seem est , l k v po y c ud , — Rise 0 e er rise ! To rise before m e , v in ense rom the art ! Rise like a cloud of c , f E h am on th e ills Thoukingly Spirit throned g h , The Peaks I 38 9

r a am r rom art to ea en Thou d e d bassado f E h H v ,

ierar ! tell t o the ilent Sk Grea t H ch h u S y,

And ell the stars and ell ourisin sun t , t y g ,

art wit her usan i es raises God . E h , h tho d vo c , p S amuel Taylor Coleridge [ 1 7 7 2- 1 8 3 4]

THE PEA-KS

IN the night

Gra ea l u s m me the alle s y, h vy c o d u d v y ,

o r one And the peaks looked t wa d God al .

a t r t a m ovest he in it a n er 0 M s e , h t t w d w h ﬁ g ,

le i le tile ea s are we . Hum b , d , fu p k G rant that we m ay run swiftly across the world ” r a To huddle in wo ship t Thy feet .

In the m orning

m or t r ar l e m iles A noise of en at w k cam e h ough the cle b u ,

And the little black cities were apparent .

ast r t at no est the m eanin of rain ro s 0 M e , h k w g d p ,

m le i le tile ea s are we . Hu b , d , fu p k i e oi e to us we ra L r G v v c , p y, O o d, m h sun That we ay sing Thy goodness to t e .

In the evening i tin li t The fa r valleys were sprinkled w th y gh s. “ aster 0 M , of s and ir s Thou that knowest the value king b d ,

as m d e u m le i le tile ea s. Thou h t a s hu b , d , fu p k Thou only needest eternal patience ;

ow to isd m L or We b Thy w o , O d ” m le i le tile ea s. Hu b , d , fu p k

In the night

ra a o s m uﬂled the alle s G y, he vy cl ud v y , r And the peaks looked towa d God alone . — S tephen Crane [ 1 8 7 0 1 9 00] 1 390 Poem s of Nature

KINCHINJUNGA

NE ! T To EVERESTHIGHEST or MOUNTAINS

0 WHI TE riest of te i aro n p E rn ty, u d Whose lofty sum m it veiling clouds arise ’ Of the ea rth s im m em orial sacriﬁce

To ra m a in o r B h , wh se b ea th all lives and dies; 0 iera r enro e in tim eless sno s h ch b d w ,

irSt - bom of sia se m rna r F A , who ate l th oes

eem a n e now to a m illion m an oes S ch g d hu w ,

ol t o art a nd still! Be so nor so n H y h u , u d

One si of he m s r in e o n gh all t y te y th e f u d .

For in t is rl too m is o er lea r h wo d uch v c ,

m m ortal m inistrant to m an an I y l ds,

rom ose ice altars ﬂow to ain F wh , f ting sands,

Ri ers t t ea o re v ha ch libati n pou d expands.

Too m is no n 0 Gan es- in sire : uch k w , g giv g

le at om li e nd ﬁnd i ire Thy peop f h f , a t d ; eo le at om a and n i ﬁr Thy p p f h de th , , i t , e ’ To li e ain o in s on r v ag , th ugh Illu i s sphe e, l on l in r B eho d c cea ed as grief is a tea .

ere ore ontin e still ens rine h rites Wh f c u , h d , t y , r e t rea s eti alls Though da k Tib t , hat d d a c c , f ,

n s ran e st rit ose t ran e a als I t g au e y, wh c pp ,

ore ee n a s liant on t ee alls . B ef th , a d upp h c

n n e th silen e i and s re Co ti u still y c h gh u , That som ething beyond ﬂeeting m ay endure Som ething that shall foreverm ore allure Im agination on to m ystic ﬂights

r n of e l t Whe ei alone no wing vi ligh s.

Y a ra th a ul ul s and a ol t es e , w p y wf g f c y

r ro n it rea less sn Of lifted g anite u d w h ch ows. r rni W ile il rim ro s Stand fo ete ty, h p g w th re ose Of all the nations envy y p .

s s ar s lim ities unsealed En heath thy w t ub , ;

' B e tha t alone on earth which has not failed ;

er et has earne nor ail Be that which nev y y d ed ,

I 39 2 Poem s of Nature

THE CLOUD

I BRING fresh showers for the thirsting ﬂowers From the seas and the stream s ; I hear light shade for the leaves when laid I e r noon a r m n th i d y d ea s. From m y wings are shaken the dews that waken The s eet s e er one w bud v y , ’ en r e t rest on t r m o er t Wh ock d o hei th s breas , As sh an e a h n e d c s bout t e su . iel the ail of the las in ail I w d ﬂ h g h , And whiten the green p lains under ; And t en a ain issol e it in rain h g I d v , And la as ass r ugh I p in thunde .

si t the sno on the m o ntains lo I f w u be w, And their great pines groan aghast ; ’ d all the ni t tis m illo ite An gh y p w wh , h While I sleep in t e a rm s of the blast . Sublim e on the towers of m y skiey bowers Lightni ng m y pilot sits; rn n er is ettere the t r In a cave u d f d hunde ,

It struggles and howls at ﬁts.

er eart and o ean i entle m tion Ov h c , w th g o , ilot i m e This p is guid ng , Lured by the love of the Genu tha t m ove In the depths of the purple sea ;

er h rill and he ra s and the ills Ov t e s, t c g , h , Over the la es and the lains k p ,

re r h ream n er m o ntain or stream Whe ve e d , u d u , The Spirit he loves rem ains

th W ile as ea en 5 l e sm ile And I all e h b k in h v b u , h lv n r Whilst e is disso i g in ains.

he san uine nrise wi t his m eteor e es T g Su , h y ,

And his rnin l m es o ts rea bu g p u u p d ,

ea on the a of m sailin ra L ps b ck y g ck , W en he m rnin star s ines ea h t o g h d d , The Cloud 1 393

As on the a of a m oun - ra j g tain c g , W i an eart a e ro and s h ch hqu k cks wings, An eagle alit one m om ent m ay sit In he li of t ol en n t ght i s g d wi gs. And en unset m a r at e rom h n , wh S y b e h , f t e lit sea be eath , Its ar ors rest and of lo d of ve, And the crim son pal! of eve m ay fall rom the e t ea n a F d p h of h ve bove, t in s ol ed rest on m ine air n Wi h w g f d I y est , as r As still a b oodi ng dove.

T a r e m ai en it ite fire la en h t o b d d w h wh d , W m m r als all the on ho o t c Mo , ’ lim m rin o r m fl - r Glides g e g e y eece like floo , By the midnight breezes strewn ; And ere er the eat of her unseen wh v b feet, i onl the an els ear Wh ch y g h , ’ Ma a e ro en the oo of m tent s t i n ro y h v b k w f y h of, The a rs e e in h r an r St pe p b h d e d pee . And I laugh to see them whirl and flee i e a s arm of l en ees L k w go d b ,

en i en the rent in m in - uilt tent Wh I w d y w d b , ill the alm ri ers la es and sea s T c v , k , , e stri s of the sk allen t ro h m e on i Lik p y f h ug h gh ,

Are a e it the m n n each p v d w h oo a d these .

’ in the n s t rone it a rni n zone I b d Su h w h bu g , ’ And the Moon s with a girdle of pea rl ;

ol anoes are dim and the ta rs reel a nd s im The v c , S w ,

n h rlwin s m a nner n rl Whe t e Whi d y b u fu .

a e it a ri e- e s a e From cape to c p , w h b dg h p ,

r a torrent sea Ove ,

- r an li e a roo Sunbeam p oof, I h g k f;

The m ountai ns its colum ns b e .

l ar t ro i m ar The trium pha ch h ugh wh ch I ch , rri a ne ﬁre and sno With hu c , , w ,

rs of the air are aine to m r When the Powe ch d y chai , I s the million- colored b ow ;

- r a o e its s t ol rs o e The Sphere ﬁ e b v of c o w v ,

m is ar was la in el While the o t E th ugh g b ow . 1 394 Poem s of Nature

am the a ter a r nd r I d ugh of E th a Wate , And the nursling of the Sky : I pass through the pores of the ocean and shores; b an e u nnot die . I ch g , t I ca

For a ter the rain en it ne er a stain f , wh w h v Th a ili n of ea en s re e p v o h v i ba , And the winds and sunbeam s with their convex gleam s o o r Build up the blue d m e f ai ,

silentl a m wn en ta I y l ugh at y o c o ph , A o rn of rai n nd ut of the cave s , Li a il rom h om li e a ost rom the om ke ch d f t e w b , k gh f t b ,

ri n un uil it a ain . I a se, a d b d g — P ercy Bysshe S helley [ 1 7 9 2 1 8 2 2]

APRIL RAI N

r n rain for m e IT is not aini g , ’ I t s raini ng daﬂodils; In every dim pled drop I see

Wild ﬂowers on the hills.

The clouds of gray engulf the day And overwhelm the town ; rain to m e I t is not rai ning , ’ n I t s raining roses dow .

r in to m e I t is not raining a , f o er loom But ﬁelds o cl v b , Where any buccaneering b ee r m Can ﬁnd a b ed and oo .

n o the a A hea lth u t h ppy, A ﬁg for him who frets ! rain to m e It is not raining , ’ It s rai ning violets. Robert Loveman [ 1 8 64

° I 396 Poem s oi Nature

And between Shower and Shine ha th birth ’ The rainbow s evanescent glory ; ’ Heaven s light tha t breaks on m ist of ea rth ! rail s m l o r m an s or F y bo of u hu t y, I t o ers t r s o ers ere l m in r ﬂ w h ough h w wh , oo g hoa y,

Th r - l s as it r m ir e ain c oud ﬂ h w h Ap il th,

Like Life on earth . Mathild e Blind [ 1 8 4 1 - 1 8 9 6]

TO THE RAINBOW

’ RI UMPHA ar t a ﬁll St the sk T L ch , h t y W en st rm s re are to a rt h o p p p , I ask not proud Philosophy To teach m e wha t thou art ;

’ eem as to m Chil s i Still s , y dhood S ght , A m idway sta tion given For ha ppy spirits to alight

et ixt the r h and n B w ea t heave .

Can all tha t Op ties tea ch unfold

rm to lea se m e so Thy fo p , As when I dream t of gem s and gold Hid in thy radia nt bow?

’ When Science from Crea tion s fa ce ’ nc antm ent s eil it ra ws E h v w hd , Wha t lovely visions yield their place To cold m aterial la ws !

And et air b ow no a lin ream s y , f , f b g d , B t or s of the ost i h u w d M H g , Have told why ﬁrst thy robe of bea m s

en in the sk Was wov y.

’ en o er the reen n el e e rt Wh g , u d ug d a h ’ ea en s o enant o i st s ine H v c v th u d d h , ’ How cam e the world s gray fa thers forth To watch thy sacred sign! To t he Rainb ow 1 39 7

And when its yellow luster sm iled ’ r m et ntro O e ountains y u d , Ea ch m other held al oft her child l G To b ess the bow of od .

e in s th ilee to ee M th k , y jub k p, The ﬁrst -m ade anthem rang On eart eli ere r m the ee h , d v d f o d p, n And the ﬁrst poet sa g .

’ Nor ever shall the Muse s eye Unraptured greet thy beam ; em e of rim e al ro e Th p v p ph cy, ’ B e still the prophet s them e !

her n n iel s The earth to thee i ce se y d , The la r el om e sin k thy w c gs, W en tterin in the res ene el s h , gli g f h d ﬁ d ,

The snowy m ushroom springs.

l is th ir le a st How g orious y g d , c ’ m o er and town O er ountain , t w , ,

r in th o ea n ast 01 m irro ed e c v , A thousand fa thom s down !

r in n oriz n ar As f esh yo h o d k , A o n th ea ties seem s y u g y b u , As when the eagle from the ark First sported in thy beam :

For ai t f l to its sa re a e , f h u c d p g , Hea ven still reb uilds thy span ;

h r le it a e Nor lets t e type g ow pa w h g , n Tha t ﬁrst spoke peace to m a . — Thomas Campbell [ 1 7 7 7 1 8 44] GREEN THINGS GROWING MY GARDEN

GARDEN is a l esom e t in ! A ov h g , God wot se lot Ro p , rin e l F g d poo , Fem ed grot The veriest school Of peace ; and yet the fool Contends tha t God is not Not God ! in gardens ! when the eve is cool?

a but a e a Si : N y, I h v gn ’ r Tis ve y sure God walks in m ine. Thomas Edward Brown [ 1 8 3 0- 1 8 9 7]

THE GARDEN

How vainly m en them selves am aze

To win the alm the oak or a s p , , b y , And their incessant la bors see

Cro ne rom som e sin le er or tree w d f g h b , Whose Short a nd narrow-verged sha de Does prudently their toils upbraid ; While all the ﬂowers and trees do close To weave the garlands of repose !

air uiet a e o n ee er F Q , h v I f u d th h e, And nno en e th sister r I c c , y dea ? ista en lon so t o M k g, I ugh y uthen I n busy com panies of m en :

o r sa re lants if ere Y u c d p , h below, Only am ong the pla nts will grow; Society is all but rude li o t To this de ci us soli ude. 1 398

Poem s of Nature

ere li e a ir it si s and sin Th , k b d , t gs,

en ets and om s its sil er Win Th wh c b v gs,

And till re ared for lon er , p p g ﬂight , Wa es in its lum es th v p e various light .

Such was tha t happy Garden-sta te While m an there walked wi thout a m ate

ter a la e so re and s eet Af p c pu w , Wha t other help could yet b e m eet ! ’ ’ But twas beyond a m ortal s share To wander solitary there : ’ Two a ra ises t ere in one p d w ,

li e in r i on To v Pa ad se al e .

How well the skilful gardener drew Of ﬂowers and herbs thi s dial new! W ere rom a e the m il r n h , f bov , de su Does through a fragrant zodiac run : And as it or s the in stri , w k , du ous b ee Com t s its tim e as pu e well as we . How could such sweet and wholesom e hours

B re ne b t i er s an e cko d, u w th h b d ﬂowers ! And rew Marvell [ 1 6 2 1 - 1 6 7 8 ]

A GARDEN

WRITTEN AFTER THE CIVIL WARS

SEE how the o ers as at a ra ﬂ w , p de, Under their colors sta nd displayed :

a re im ent in or er ro s E ch g d g w ,

h t of the t li in and r T a u p , p k , ose . But when the vigilant patrol stars alks roun a o t the le Of w d b u po ,

eir lea es t a t to the s al s a re rle Th v , h t k cu d, r n ns rl Seem to thei staves the e sig fu ed . ’ Then in som e ﬂower s beloved hut

a b ee as sentinel is s t E ch , , hu ,

And slee t b ut if on e s irre ps so oo ; c t d, h r n r nor as s the r S e u s youth ough , k wo d. A Garden Song 1 401

t a r and a sle 0 thou, h t dea h ppy I , he orl ere ile The garden of t w d wh , Thou Paradise of the four seas l nt s to l Which Heaven p a ed u p ease,

B t to l e the orl did uar u , exc ud w d, g d With wa tery if not ﬂam ing sword ; What luckless apple did we taste To m ake us m ortal and thee waste! Unhappy ! shall we never m ore at s e m ilit ia res ore Th we t t , n ar ens onl had t eir e Whe g d y h tow rs, And all the garrisons were ﬂowers ; n r ses nl a rm s m i t r Whe o o y gh bea , And m en did rosy garlands wear? And rew Marvell [ 1 6 2 1 - 1 6 7 8]

A GARDEN SONG

ERE in t is se estere l se H , h qu d c o Bloom the hyacinth and rose ; Here beside the m odes t stock Flaunts the ﬂa ring hollyhock ; re i o t a an one se He , w th u p g, es

n s on itions and e r Ra k , c d , d g ees.

All the seasons run their race In this quiet resting- place; and a ri ot and Peach , p c , ﬁg ere ill ri en and r H w p , g ow big ; ere is s re a nd o er lus H to v p , More had not Alcinoiis !

re in alle s l and r He , y coo g een, Far ahead the thrush is seen; Here along the southern wall Keeps the b ee his festival ; All is quiet else— a far o n s toil and r o S u d of tum il are.

Here he shadows large and long; Here b e spaces m eet for song ; 1 402 Poem s of Nature

ran 0 ar en- G t , g d god , that I ,

a t none ro ane is ni Now th p f gh , ow a m o and m m ent l N th t o d o p ease , Find the fair Pierides ! Austin Dobson [ I 8 40

IN GREEN OLD GARDENS

IN reen old ar ens i en a a g g d , h dd w y

rom si t of re el and s n of s ri e F gh v ou d t f ,

W ere the ir m a sin out his s l ere he h b d y g ou die, Nor ea rs for the ni t so he li es his da f gh , v y; W ere the i red alls i are r in ra h h gh w , wh ch g ow g g y Wit t eir li en and m ss em roi eries h h ch o b d , eem sa l and stem l to s out lif S d y y hut e, Beca use it is often as red as they ;

Where even the b ee has tim e to glide ’ (Gathering gayly his honey s store) Right to the heart of the old-world ﬂowers ina-aster and r le st s Ch s pup ock ,

a lia s and ta red ll o s D h ll ho yh ck , La urn m s rainin eir ol en s ers b u g th g d how , C l m ine rim of the ol e ore o u b s p f d d c , “ d lu ins nd la r s rs and on on An p , a k pu , L d pride

ere the eron is aitin am n s the ree s Wh h w g o g t d , rown tam e in the silen e a t r i ns r G c th e g a ound, ro en onl now and t en B k y, h ,

sh oo e er or nois a By y w dp ck y j y, ’ By the far-oﬂ wa tch-dog s m uﬂled b ay; But where never the purposeless laughter of ’ Or the seething city s m urm urous sound

th ri r- e s Will ﬂoa t up over e ve we d .

ere m li a t li e lease H ay I ve wh f I p , rri n ried out of si t Ma ed a d bu gh ,

arr to le s re and rie to ain M ied p a u , bu d p ,

i m n t enes li t ese H dden away a o gs sc ke h , Under the fans of the chestnut trees;

1 404 Poem s o f N ature

The crickets work and chi rrup Through the still aftem Oon ; And the owl calls at twilight h m oo Under t e frosty n.

The Odorous wild grape clam bers er the tum lin all Ov b g w , And through the autum nal quiet

The chestnuts open and fall . ’ rin m re ne and ra ran Sha g ti e s f sh ss f g ce, ’ rt th rt rea t l Pa of e ea h s g sou , ’ Here m an s spirit m ay ripen i o r ne nd To w sd m se e a whole.

Shall we not grow with the asters?

e er rel t nor sad N v uctan , Not un in the st of ein co t g co b g,

r Living to da e and be glad . Shall we not lift with the cri ckets

orus of rea c eer A ch dy h , r n he rost o li ion B avi g t f of b v , Quick to be happy here?

The deep red cones of the sum ach ’ And the woodbine s crim son spra ys Have bannered the com m on roadside

the a e of assin For p g ant p g days . These are the oracles Nature i her ol rea t Fills w th h y b h ,

Givin t em lor of olor g h g y c ,

n e s o f Tra scending th had w o dea th .

Here in the sifted sunlight A spiri t seem s to brood On he ea t and or of ein t b u y w th b g, In an il instin ti e m tr qu , c v ood ; An the eart a ro i n d h , th b w th glad es s

c as the ise ear kno s Su h w th w , Wells with a full thanksgiving For the gifts tha t life bestows : An Autum n Garden

For the ancient and virile nurture

the teem in rim or ial r un Of g p d g o d, For the s len i os el of olor p d d g p c , The rapt revelations of sound ; For the m om ing -blue above us

And the ruste ol of the ern d g d f , ’ For the chickadee s call to valor Bidding the faint- heart turn;

For ﬁre and nnin a er ru g w t , Snowfall and sum m er rain ; For s nsets and iet m ea s u qu dow , The frui t and the standing grain; For the solem n hour of m oonrise

er the res of trees Ov c t , When the m ellow lights are kindled

In the la m s of the ent ri p c u es.

For ose who ro t a ore im e th w ugh f t , Led by the m ystic strain

To stri e for the lar er ree m v g f do , And live for the greater gai n ;

For lent and ea e and la tim e p y p c p y , The om el o s of ea rt h y g od h , And for rare im m aterial treasures Accounted of little worth ;

For art and lea rnin and rien s i g f d h p, W ere b eneﬁcent trut is s rem e h h up , Those everlasting cities Built on the hills of drea m ; For all things growing and goodly

a t oster t is li e and ree Th f h f , b d The im m ortal ﬂower of wisdom

O t of the m or al ee u t s d .

But m ost of all for the spirit Tha t ca n not rest nor bide

In stale and sterile on enien e c v c , or sa e r en and rie N f ty p ov t d, Poem s o f N ature

s ill ins ire nd ri en But t p d a d v , st e at e ter m a b e Mu se k wh b t y , And up from the loveliest garden

m or m Must cli b f a gli pse of sea .

Bliss Carma n 1 8 6 1

UNGUARDED

THE Mistress of the Roses Is a l far a a h p y w y, And through her garden closes at tran in Wh s ge truders stray.

See on its rustic spindles ’ The sundrop s am ber ﬁre ! And the goldenrod enkindles

Th e on its s ir e m bers p e.

’ The dodder s shining ta ngle rom he m ea r o s in F t dow b o k teals , Where in thi s shadowed angle

Th e-m e e pale la c ak rs spin.

’ Here s Bla ck- Eyed Susan weeping nt e o i ai I o x t c r , And Bouncing B et com es creeping

r l rterre Back to he o d pa .

Now in thi s pleasant wea ther So sweetly reconciled

ell ream to et er They dw and d g h ,

The kin of court and wild . Ada Foster Murray [ 1 8

THE DESERTED GARDEN

D in he a s e arte I MI N m e t d y d p d,

How n erneat the sun often u d h , With childish bounds I used to run

r n lo e To a ga de ng d serted .

Poem s of Nature

li tle t a la ro Oh , t thought h t dy p ud , hil o l a her air i e r se A c d w u d w tch f wh t o , W en urie la her iter ro h b d y wh b ws, And silk was changed for shroud !

Nor t u t at ar ener ll o ho ght h g d , (fu of sc rns For m en unleam ed and sim ple phrase ) A child would bring it all its prai se By creeping through the thorns!

o m e u n m low m ss sea T po y o t , Though never a dream the roses sent ’ s ie e or lo e s m im en Of c nc v co pl t ,

m ee I ween they s elt as sw t .

It did not m ove m y grief to see

“ The trace of hum an step departed . e a se the a r en w eserte B c u g d as d d , The blither place for m e !

rien s lam e m e arr w ken F d , b not ! a n o ’ Hath childhood twixt the sun and sward ; e ra he m ra er r W d w t o l aft wa d , he l We feel t g adness then.

And gla ddest hours for m e did glide I n silence at the rose-t ree wall A thrush m ade gla dness m usical

Upon the other side.

’ Nor he nor I did e er incline To peck or pluck the blossom s white ; How should I know but roses m ight L ead lives as glad as m ine?

To m a e m ermi - m e om le e k y h t ho c p t , I brought clear water from the spring

ra se in its own low m urm rin P i d u g, The Deserted Garden

And so m li eness r , I thought , y k g ew (Without the m elancholy tale) “ entle ermit of t e ale To g h h d , An n elina oo d A g t .

For oft I read withi n m y nook Such m instrel stories ; till the breeze a e so n s eti in the rees M d u d po c t , s the o And then I hut bo k .

a i s erein r e t th wh I w it , no m ore the wind athwart

t rees nor eel t a Ghildish ea r Those , f h t h t li el De ghting in d ight .

c il rom m li e is arte My h dhood f y f p d , My footstep from the m oss which drew Its fairy circle round : anew h r T e ga rden is dese ted .

Another thrush m ay there rehearse The m adrigals whi ch sweetest are ; N0 m ore for m e ! m yself a far o er er e D sing a sadd v s .

m e ah m ! en rs la Ah , e wh e t I y ’ I n a h s-nes so reenl r th t c ild t g y w ought , I laughed unto m yself and thought “ The tim e will pass away .

And s ill la e and did not ear t I ugh d , f ’ at ene er was asse a a But th , wh p d w y The il i s tim e som e a ier la ch d h , h pp p y

m r My wo anhood would chee .

ne the tim e o l ass a a I k w w u d p w y ,

And et esi e the rose-t ree all y , b d w , r d how sel om if at all Dea Go , d , , Did I look up to pray ! ‘ 1 4 1 0 Poem s of Nature

The tim e is past ; and now tha t grows The re am on the t ree cyp ss high g s, And I behold white sepulchres ell as the ite rose As w wh ,

en ra er m ee er t o t are i en Wh g v , k h ugh s g v , And a e lea rnt to li m a e I h v ft y f c , ’ Rem inded how earth s greenest place

Th lor ra s rom en e co d w f heav ,

I m e i n sai for ea rt l ain t so th g th h y p , B m re for e enl romi r ut o H av y p se f ee, at who wa o l s rin to be Th I s, w u d h k

That happy child again. — Eli zabeth B arrett Browning [ 1 8 06 1 8 6 1 ]

A FORSAKEN GARDEN

n of he liff et een l lan a d i l IN a coig t c b w ow d n h gh and, ’ At the sea— n s e e et een in ar and lee dow dg b w w dw d , lle ro n it ro s as an inlan islan Wa d u d w h ck d d, f r r nts the a The ghost o a ga den f o se . A girdle of brushwood and thorn encloses h s are slo e of the lossom l b d T e steep , qu p b ess e Where the weeds that grew green from the graves roses

ow N lie dead .

he el s all u ar a r and r T ﬁ d f so thw d, b upt b oken, h low l e e of the lon l ne l To t e ast dg g o and .

e o l so n or a or b e s en If a st p sh u d u d w d pok , ’ Would a ghost not rise at the strange guest s hand?

l n a e he ra are al s lain le So o g h v t g y, b w k guest ss,

ro ran es and riers if a m a n m a e wa Th ugh b ch b k y, ’ H all ﬁn no life but the sea -Win re l e sh d d s, st ess a Night and d y.

ense r a a e is lin and s iﬂe The d , ha d p ss g b d t d That crawls by a track none turn to clim b To the strait waste place tha t the years have riﬂed ll he or s r e Of a but t th n that a e touch d not of Th e.

1 4 1 2 Poem s of Nature

All ar one now a l e at , roses nd overs, n n of h n l an h Not k ow t e clifls a d the fie ds d t e sea . Not a breath of the tim e tha t has been hovers In the air now s i summ r oft w th a e to be . Not a breath shall there sweeten the seasons hereafter the o ers or the l ers t a la now or ee Of fl w ov h t ugh w p , W e e t a are r e now ee i r h n, as th y h t f e of w p ng and laughte ,

We shall sleep .

Here death m ay deal not again forever ; er m m ot t H e change ay co e n ill all change end . r m h ra es e a e m a ll n F o t e g v th y h v de they sha rise up ever, Wh le t li in r o have f na ught v g to avage and rend . a r s nes and rns of the il r n r in E th, to , tho w d g ou d g ow g , h sun and the r n While t e ai live, these shall b e; ’ ill Win s re n lo in T a last d b ath , upo all these b w g ,

Roll the sea .

ill h r n e r ﬂ r m T t e slow sea ise a d th shee cli c u ble, ill rr e nd m he r T te ac a ea dow t deep gulfs d i nk , Till the strength of the waves of the high tides hum ble

The el s t a l en he r t a t r n ﬁ d h t ess , t ocks h Sh i k;

er n w h m er er H e o in is triu ph wh e all things falt , t u h o hi w rea S retched o t on t e sp ils that s o n hand sp d ,

A sel -sla n hi own r n altar s a god f in o s st a ge ,

Death lies dead . — Algernon Charles S winburne [ 1 8 3 7 1 9 09]

GREEN THINGS GROWING

THE n n s r n the r n s r in 0 gree thi g g owi g, g een thi g g ow g, The faint sweet sm ell of the green things growing !

s l li e to li e er m il or r I hou d k ve, wh th I s e g ieve, r win Just to watch the happy life of m y green things g o g .

0 the ﬂuttering and the pattering of those green t hings growing !

How t e t al ea ea en none us are no in h y k ch to ch , wh of k w g ; I n the wonderful white of the weird m oonlight

Or the dim dream y dawn when the cocks are crowing . A Chanted Calendar 1 4 1 3

l e l e hem so— m reen in s r in ! I ov , I ov t y g th g g ow g And in a t e l e m e i alse s in I th k th t h y ov , w thout f how g ; or m a en er e m r m e so m F by any t d touch , th y co fo t uch , m mf r r n hi n s r in With the soft ute co o t of g ee t g g ow g .

And in the rich store of their blossom s glowing ’ Ten. for one I take they re on m e bestowing : ’ s l li e see if s will it m a b e Oh , I hou d k to , God y , an m an a sum m er m r en in s r n M y, y of y g e th g g owi g !

’ But if m s be a ered for the an el so in I u t g th g s w g ,

lee out of i t a ile li e he reen t n s r n S p s gh wh , k t g hi g g owi g, ’ st to s ret rn in I ll s ar el m o Though du du t u , I th k c c y urn, e re n t i ro i If I m ay chang into g e h ngs g w ng . — Dina h Maria Mulock Craih [ 1 8 2 6 1 8 8 7]

A CHANTED CAL ENDAR

“ From Balder

IRST m e th rimr F ca e p ose, On the an i b k h gh , Like a m aiden looking forth From the window of a tower W en the a ttle ro elo h b lls b w, So l ed he ook s , w And sa the storms go by.

Then cam e the wind - ﬂower

In h e le t in t e vall y f beh d ,

A a n e m a i en ale S wou d d d , p

Wit r le strea s woe h pu p k of , When the ba ttle has rolled by n er to and fro Wa d s , S t t tere she o o d ,

Dishevelled in the wind .

am e the aisies Then c d , f M On the ﬁrst o ay, ’ Like a bannered show s advance 1 4 1 4 Poem s o f N ature

h r runs the wa While t e c owd by y, With ten thousand ﬂowers about them they cam e trooping

through the ﬁelds.

a e le m e As happy p op co , am t So c e hey , As a happy people com e

e war has lle a a When th ro d w y, a n e and ta r i e d With d c bo , p p an m li And all ake ho day .

en am e the o sli Th c c w p , an er in the air Like a d c f ,

She s rea her li ttle m a t of reen p d g , nd on i n e h A t da c d s e .

it a lle o n a o t her r W h ﬁ t b u d b u b ow, llet ro n her a ro A ﬁ u d h ppy b w,

l en llet ro n her ro A go d ﬁ u d b w,

And rubies in her hair. S ydney Dobell [ 1 8 24- 1 8 7 4]

FLOWERS

PAKE ll ell in lan a e ain and ol en S fu w , gu g qu t d ne who ellet the astle i ne O dw h by c d Rh , en h alle the o ers so l e and ol en Wh e c d ﬂ w , b u g d , ’

rs at in ear s ﬁrm am ent do s i ne. Sta , th th h

r t are erein we r our i t r Sta s hey , wh ead h s o y , As astrologers and seers of eld ;

t n ra a o t it a m ster Ye ot w pped b u w h wful y y ,

e the rni n sta rs i t e e el . Lik bu g , wh ch h y b h d

n r r t s and m ani ol as on ro s Wo d ous t uh , f d w d u , God ha th written in those sta rs above ; But not less in the bright ﬂowerets under us

Stands the revela tion of his love .

t ori s is t a re ela ion B righ and gl ou h t v t , Writ all over this grea t world of ours; in nt our own rea ti n Mak g evide c o ,

In t ese stars ear ese l en ers. h of th , th go d ﬂow

1 4 1 6 Poem s of N ature

I n the cottage of the rudest peasant ; In an estral om es ose r m lin ers c h , wh c u b g tow , a in the ast unto the resent Spe k g of P P , Tell us of the ancient Gam es of Flowers ;

I n all la es en and in all asons p c , th , se ,

Flo ers e an eir li t and so l-e in s w xp d th gh u w g , ea in us m ost ers asi e reason T ch g , by p u v s, a in t e are to m an thi n How k h y hu gs.

And i hil li e re ulo s aﬂec tion w th c d k , c d u , We behold their tender buds expa nd ;

m lem s of our own rea t res rre ti n E b g u c o ,

m l m s of the ri t and etter l n E b e b gh b a d . Henry Wad sworth Longfellow [ 1 8 0 7- 1 8 8 2]

FLOWERS

WI not ha e the m ad Cl ie I LL v yt , Whose head is turned by the sun; The tuli is a o rtl ean p c u y qu , W om t ere ore ill s n h , h f , I w hu

The o sli is a o ntr enc c w p c u y w h, The violet is a nun

B ut ill woo the aint rose I w d y , Th een of e r on e qu ve y e .

The ea is but a anton i p w w tch, I n too m aste to wed uch h , And clasps her rings on every hand ; The wolfsbane I should dread ; Nor will rear rosem ar e I d y y , Tha t always m ourns the dead ; But ill woo the aint ro I w d y se,

it her ee s ten er W h ch k of d red .

The lil is all in i te li e a sain y wh , k t, And so is no m ate for m e ; ’ And the ais s ee is ti e i a lus d y ch k pp d w th b h , She is of such low degree ; Alm ond Blossom 1 4 1 7

m in is s ee and has m an lo es Jas e w t , y v , ’ And the broom s betrothed to the b ee

But ill li t it the aint rose I w p gh w h d y ,

For airest of all is she f . Thoma-s Hood [ 1 7 9 9 - 1 8 4 5 ]

A CONTEMPLATION UPON FLOWERS

RA E ﬂowers— a o l allan it li e ou B V th t I c u d g t k y , And b e as little vain ! You m e a roa and m a e a armless s o co b d, k h h w,

n t of ear A d o your beds th again. Youare not proud : youknow your birth : o m r i n r m For y ur e b o dered garm e ts a e fro earth .

o e ur m nt s and im es b ut You do b y yo o h t , I Would have it ever Spring : M a te oul no no Winter ne er y f w d k w , v die, r a in No think of such th g . 0 tha t I could m y b ed of earth but view sm ile nd l as eer ll as ou! And , a ook ch fu y y

m e se ea and not ear O teach to e D th to f , But ra ther to take truce !

o en a e seen a t a ier How ft h v I you b , And there look fresh and spruce !

Y ra rant o ers ! t en ea m e r ouf g ﬂ w h t ch , that m y b eath

o m a s e ten and er m m ea Like y urs y w e p fu e y d th . Henry King [ 1 5 9 2- 1 669 ]

ALMOND BLOSSOM

SS M the alm on rees BLO O of d t , ’ ’ i o April s g ft t April s bees,

ir rnam en of B thday o t Spring, ’ Flora s fairest daughterling; Coming when no ﬂowerets dare Trust the cruel outer air; When the royal kingcup bold Dares not don his coat of gold ; Poem s of N ature

An d the sturdy bla ck- thom spray Keeps his silver for the May omin en ﬂ l C g wh no owerets wou d ,

a e th l l si ter S v y ow y s hood , arl iolets l e d te E y v , b u an whi , Dying for their love of light ; lm n l ss m ent o A o d b o o , s t tea ch us

the s rin a will re That p g d ys soon a ch us,

e i lon in er- r e L st , w th g g ov t i d We die as the vio e s ie , l t d d loss m lou in all the tree B o , c d g it th ims i e W h y cr on bro d ry, Long before a leaf of green On the bravest bough is seen ; Ah ! when winter winds are swinging All d e in rin thy re b lls to ging, Wit a b ee in e e h very b ll,

lm om w r t ee ll . A ond blo , e g ee th we Edwin Arnold [ 1 8 3 2- 1 9 04]

WHITE AZALEAS

A! ALEAS - whitest of white ! White as the drifted snow

- of he ni Fresh fallen out t ght, B efore the com ing glow Tinges the m orning light ; t i i e th When the ligh s l k e snow, i t Wh e, And the silence is like the light and silen e and sn Light , c , ow, All— whitel

Whi te ! not a hi nt Of the cream y tint

r se ill l A o w ho d , i st r se in its inm s The wh te o , o t Not a possible blush ; White as an em bodied

1 4 20 Poem s of Nature

rne ram le of the ra e n e m r Sco d b b b k , o c o e ’ b idd st m e b e a Thou boy, ’ ad i the dlan o r To g w th thee woo ds e , In r m d f eedo an in joy . Ebenezer Elliott [ 1 7 8 1 - 1 8 49 ]

THE BRIER

MY r r sm ell dst s ee b ie that e w t , ’ When gentle Spring s ﬁrst b eat Ran through thy quiet veins; out a o l st in re none Th h t c u d ju , B o s e le alone ut w uld t b ft ,

e o leavest m e and na t rem ains. Alon th u , ugh of

’ Wha t ! hath no poet s lyre ’ er s e - rea t in rier O thee, w et b h g b , n ondl ill or ell? Hu g f y, w And et m et in s i t ee y , h k , w th h ’ e s s a A po t ym p thy,

W et er in eal or woe in li e or ea t ell. h h w , f d h , dw

a r sa e t m s ear H d u g bo h u t b ,

F w n o r o ill rear e ha ds y u y uth w , Few bosom s cherish you; Your tender prim e m ust bleed Ere ouare s ee ree y w t ; but, f d

iz r m li e en are r e s riz e are e s . F o f , you th p d ; thu p d po t too — Walter S avage Land or [ 1 7 7 5 1 8 64]

THE BROOM FLOWER

H the ro m the ello ro m O B o , y w B o ,

Th n ien oet s n it e a c t p u g , And dea r it is on sum m er days

r am n i To lie at est o g t .

I know the realm s where people say The ﬂowers have not their fellow ;

r s ine out li e uns I know whe e they h k s ,

The crim son and the yellow . The Sm all Celandine 1 4 2 1

I know where ladies live enchained ’ In l r s sil en etters uxu y k f , And ﬂowers as bright as glittering gem s Are use for rit d w ten letters.

’ ne er was o er so ir as is But ﬂ w fa th , In m odern days or olden ; I t groweth on its nodding stem Li e to a arlan o k g d g lden .

’ And all about m y m other s door

ine its litterin Sh out g g bushes,

And n the len ere l r as dow g , wh c ea

The m untain- a ter o w gushes.

a e all the rest b ut m i T k ; give e th s, And the bird that nestles in it ; l e it for it lo I ov , ves the Broom The reen and g yellow linnet .

Well all the r se the ueen c o q of ﬂowers, And as at of ar n bo t of th Sh o , lilies e to m ar le Of lik b cups, And the golden rod of Aaron

I care not how these ﬂowers m ay b e B eloved of m an and wom an ;

Th r m it i the er for m e B oo s ﬂow e,

That groweth on the comm on.

the ro m the ello r m Oh B o , y w B oo ,

The an ient et s n it c po u g , And dear it is on sum m er days T li t r st am o it o e a e ng . — Mary Howitt [ 1 7 9 9 1 8 8 8]

THE SMALL CELANDINE

E i a lo er the lesser Celan n THER s F w , di e, s rin s like m an m re r m l and rain That h k , y o , f o co d ; he rs m om en t a the sun m a s ine And , t ﬁ t t h t y h , i ’ h un im sel tis out a i B r ght as t e s h f, ga n! 1 4 2 2 Poem s of Nature

h o e s arm on s arm W en hailst nes hav been falling, w w ,

h r h r es is resse Or blasts t e g een ﬁeld and t e t e d t d , rom arm Oft have I seen it m umed up f h ,

- In er li e a hin at res . close self shelt , k t g t

But latel oner u da is l er asse y, o gh y, th F ow I p d d re niz e i n altere orm An cog d t , though a d f ,

w an in r ff r n o th las No st d g fo th an o e i g t e b t ,

And b uﬂeted at will by rain and storm .

o an i -m re oi e I st pped, d sa d with inly utte d v c ,

It ot not lo e the sho er nor see the ol : d h v w , k c d

is neit er is its o ra e nor its oi e Th h c u g , ch c , B n ut its ecessity in being old .

The s ns ine m a no eer it nor the dew u h y t ch , ; I t cannot help itself in its deca y ; ﬂ r i in its m em ers i e e an e of hue . St b , w th d , ch g d

nd in m leen sm e i w s r . A , y sp , I il d that t a g ay

’ a r i al s vor — en o e r To b e P od g Fa ite th , w rs t uth , ’ A Miser s Pensioner— behold our lot !

0 Man t at rom th air and s inin ut , h f y f h g yo h Age m ight b ut take the things Youth needed not ! William Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0 1 8 5 0]

TO THE SMALL CELANDINE

ANSIE S lil es kin u s ais es P , i , gc p , d i , Let them live upon their praises; ’ n as t ere s sun s Lo g h a that ets, Pri m roses will have their glory ;

as t ere a re iolet Long h v s, They will have a place in story : ’ her s a o er t at s all b e m in T e ﬂ w h h e, ’ Tis the little Celandi ne .

Eyes of som e m en travel far For the ﬁnding of a star ; and o n he ea ens o Up d w t h v they g , Men that keep a m ighty rout !

1 4 24 Poem s of Nature

Ill e all the ell b f y ow ﬂowers, Children of the ﬂaring hours ! utter s t a ill B cup , h t w be seen, Whether we will see or no; ers Oth , too , of lofty mien ; e a e one as world Th y h v d i ngs do, a en raise t at shoul T k p h d be thine, l m l Litt e, hu b e Celandine !

r e eli a r P oph t of d g ht nd mi th , Ill-requited upon earth ; eral of a m H d ighty band , Of a s rai n ens in joyou t u g, ’ rvin a m ea r Se g t y h t s com m and, asks a are no as s rene in T th t t k w g, I ill sin as os e e w g , d t b hov , Hym ns in praise of what I love ! Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0- 1 8 5 0]

FOUR- LEAF CLOVER

KN W a la e ere the sun is li e l I O p c wh k go d , And the err lossom s urst i sn ch y b b w th ow , And n n ernea t is the lo elies n dow u d h v t ook , r h o r-l cl rs Whe e t e f u ea f ove grow .

l a is for e and one is for ai One e f hop , f th , And one is for lo e ou n v , y k ow, God ut n t er in for l And p a o h uck ,

If sear will ﬁnd ere t e row you ch , you wh h y g .

B oum us a e o e and oum us a e ut y t h v h p , y t h v faith, m lo e and b e s ron — nd so You ust v t g a ,

ou r if ou ai ou ill ﬁnd the a e If y wo k , y w t , y w pl c

r-lea cl ers r Where the fou f ov g ow . Ella Higginson [ 1 8 6 2

SWEET CLOVER

WrrHIN what weeks the m elilot

or its ra ran e a lad Gave f th f g c , I , , r r ite or Or neve knew o qu f got , ’ e r l Save that twas while the y a is g ad . I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

Now know I tha t in bright July It blossom s ; and the perfum e ﬁne r n s a B i g b ck my boyhood , until I Am s ee m m r as t ped in e o y with wine.

Now n t a h l r l n k ow I h t t e who e yea o g ,

u inter ills or m m er eer Tho gh W ch Su ch s, ri es alon the ee s its son It w t g w k g ,

en as m o s ro m r Ev y y uth sing th ugh y yea s. Wallace Rice [ 1 8 5 9

I WANDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD

I WANDERED lonely as a cloud ’ a a s on i o r n Th t ﬂo t h gh e vales a d hills, W en all a n e saw a r h t o c I c owd , s l n d ﬂ A ho t , of go de a odils ; esi e the a e enea h r B d l k , b th t e t ees,

l t erin and anci in h r z F u t g d ng t e b ee e .

Continuous as the stars that shine And twin le in the m il w k ky ay, They stretched in never-endi ng line Along the m argin of a b ay : Ten ousan saw a t a lan e th d I g c , t eir ea in s ri l Tossing h h ds p ght y dance.

The waves beside them danced ; b ut they Out- did the spa rkling waves in glee : c l not b ut b e a A poet ou d g y, In such a jocund com pany : I gazed— and gaz ed— b ut little thought What wealth the show to m e had brought

F r oft n on m h li o , whe y couc I e In ant or in ensi e m vac p v ood, They ﬂa sh upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude ;

And en m ear it leas re lls th y h t w h p u ﬁ , h ﬂo And dances with t e da dils. — Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0 1 8 5 0] 1 4 2 6 Poem s of Nature

TO DAFFODILS

FAIR D aﬂodils we ee see , w p to Youhaste away so soon; As yet the early- rising sun H n as not attained his oon. a sta St y, y, Until the basting day Has run

But to the even-song ; And a in ra ed e er we , h v g p y tog th , o on Will go with y ual g .

r m a u We have sho t ti e to st y as yo , We have as short a spring; u a ro m e a As q ick g wth to eet d c y, A r n s o a . you , y thing We die

As ur ours and dr yo h do , y

’ Like to the sum m er s rain ; ’ Or as he arl m o s ew t pe s of m ing d , ’ r b e un a ain Ne e to fo d g . Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 6 7 4]

TO A MOUNTAIN DAI SY

ON T RNING ONE D WN WITH THE P U GH I N APRI 1 86 U O LO , L 7

WEE m es r s n- i e o er , od t , c im o t pp d ﬂ w , ’ Thou s m et m e in an evil hour ; For I m aun crush am ang the stoure Thy slender stem s are ee now is ast m er To p th p y pow , m Thoubonny ge .

’ Ala ! t s no n ib or ee s i thy e sw t , The onn ar m ani on m ee b y l k, co p t , ’ en in ee m an the e ee B d g th g d wy w t , ’ s eckle reas Wi p d b t ,

W en u ar -s rin in li e ree h pw d p g g , b th , to g t The purpli ng east !

Poem s of N ature

’ ’ n t m oum st th a is Eve houwho e D y s fate, That fate is thi ne — no distant date ; ’ ern in s l s ar ri es ela e St Ru p ough h e d v , t , ll on loom Fu thy b , ’ Till crushed beneath the furrow s weight

a b h oom Sh ll e t y d . — Robert B urns [ 1 7 5 9 1 7 9 6]

A FIELD FLOWER

HERE a w r a li r T is ﬂo e , ttle ﬂowe Wi sil er res t and ol en e e th v c g d y , a el om es e er an in o r Th t w c v y ch g g h u , And eat ers e er sk w h v y y.

The prouder beauties of the ﬁeld I n gay but quick succession shine ; a e a er ra e t ei r on rs el R c ft c h h o yi d, o ris an They ﬂ u h d decline.

is sm all er a r r But th ﬂow , to N tu e dea ,

W ile m oons a nd s ars t e r o r h t h i c u ses run,

Wrea t es the ole ir le of the ea r h wh c c y , m ni n of th Co pa o e Sun.

sm iles n the la Ma It upo p of y, To s ltr u st S rea s its arm u y A gu p d ch s, i s al e to er on his wa L ght p Oc b y, ’ And ines e m r tw D ce be s arms .

The purple heath and golden broom On m oory m ountains ca tch the gale; ’ O er la ns the lil s e s er m e w y h d p fu , The ole n h vi t i t e vale .

But t is ol ﬂoweret lim he h b d c bs t hill,

i es in the ores aun s the le H d f t , h t g n, la s on the m ar in of the rill P y g ,

’ ' r th o Peeps ound e f x s den. To aisies N ot to ut so o on D , Sh S

’ Within the garden s cultured round ’ It shares the sweet ca rna tion s bed ; And bloom s on consecrated ground I on r n h o of the dead .

The lam bki n crops its crim son gem ; The wild b ee m urm urs on its breast ; The blue- ﬂy bends its pensile stern ’ ’ r Light o er the skyla k s nest .

’ ’ Tis lora s a e — n e er la e F p g , i v y p c ,

I n e er on res and r v y seas , f h fai ;

I o it rennial ra e t pens w h pe g c , And lo m er r b sso s ev ywhe e .

On as e and lan r and lai n w t wood d, ock p , Its hum ble buds unheeded rise ; The Rose has but a sum m er reign ; The Daisy never dies ! James Montgomery [ 1 7 7 1 - 1 8 5 4]

TO DAISIES , NOT TO SHUT SO SOON

SHUT not so soon ; the dull- eyed night Has not as yet begun

To m e a seiz re on the li ak u ght , h un 01 to sea! up t e s .

m ari ol s et lose a re NO g d y c d , NO sha dows great appear ; ’ Nor doth the ea rly shepherd s star n l r Shine like a spa g e he e.

Stay but till m y Julia close

H r - e et tin e e e life b g g y , And let the whole world then dispose or Itself to live die . Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 67 4] 1 430 Poem s of Nature

DAISIES

OVER the shoulders and Slopes of the dune saw h i ai sies o n to h I t e wh te d go d w t e sea , o t in the s ns i ne an a rm in ne A h s u h , y Ju , r The people God sends us to set our hea t free .

The lin s rallie em rom the e bobo k d th up f d ll, The ori oles whistled them out of the wood ; “ ” And all of eir sa in was art t i e ! th y g , E h , i s w ll “ ” An all t eir a in was Li e o o d of h d nc g , f , th u art g od ! [ 1 8 6 1

TO THE DAISY

WITH little here to do or see t in a in the rea rl be Of h gs th t g t wo d , Daisy ! again I talk to thee For thou a rt worthy Thou unassum ing com m on-place at re it hom l Of N u , w h that e y face, And et i s m et in of a ra e y w th o h g g c , Which love m akes for thee !

Oft on the le r t e dapp d tu f a ase,

sit and la wit sim ilies I , p y h ,

se t es of n s ro all e r Loo yp thi g th ugh d g ees, Thought s of thy raising : And m any a fond and idle nam e i e to ee for raise or lam e I g v th , p b , As is the m or of he ame hu t g , h W ile I am gazing .

nun em re lo l r A d u , of w y po t ; ’ 01 s ri n of o c r p ghtly maide l ve s out , In thy sim plicity the sport Of all tem ptations ; A queen in crown of rubies dressed A starveling in a scanty vest ; Are all as seem to sui , t thee best ,

Thy appellations.

1 43 2 Poem s of Nature

t ns i us e are air Or b e b u co c o y f , nd o r lo eliness ul ear A I y u v co d b , But ein air so i o art , b g f w th ut , Ye vex the silted m em ories of m y heart !

As a pale ghost yearning strays it s ere aze W h und d g , ’ Mid corporal presences tha t are To it im palpable— such a b ar

m or is a nt an the m om - Sets you e d t th ing sta r. n er is on ou and am aze Such wo d y , , I look and m arvel if I b e

n ee the an m or are e? I d d ph to , y The light is on your innocence ll m m Which fe fro e . The ﬁelds ye still inha bit whence

- rl a ainte . trea in stra My wo d cqu d d g ys, The country where I did com m ence ; And t o e s ine m e so nea r h ugh y h to ,

0 lose to r ss and isi le sense 8 c g o v b ,

n us lies im assa le r Betwee p b yea on year.

To other tim e and far-off pla ce lon r ea t : silent t s Be gs you b u y hu , to o er na t ell Though th ugh you t , To m e your ranks are rum orous l Of an ancient mi rac e.

ain oes m u our etals ra z V d y to ch y p g e , to not and t o e lossom ere I uch you ; h ugh y b h , r roo s re ast in aliena e a s You t a f t d d y . ’ Y r h re il m r m e there a e anc o d , wh e Ti e s st ea Has swept m e past them : your white ways And infantile delights do seem n n m e li e a a e To look i o k f c ,

ea and s ee om e. a r u r m D d w t, c b ck th o gh d ea ,

it e rs e a use for Old em ra W h t a , b c b ce

I t has no arm s.

ese an s did to Th h d y, il r n it en w s hil Ch d e , w h you , wh I a c d, To the D a ndelio n 1 433

’ And in each other s eyes we sm iled

Not o rs not rs the r - air y u , you g ievous f Apparelling Wi i ouwet mine e es ou ear th wh ch y y ; y w , m e th n f th e Ah , e garm e t o e gra c I wove youwhen I was a boy ; ’ 0 m ine and not the ear s o r n r , y y u stole Sp ing! And sin e e ear it c y w , i e r e H d you swe t selves ! I cannot bear it . For when ye break the cloven earth

Wit r un la ter nd n h you yo g ugh a e dearm ent, ’ No blossom y ca rillon tis of m irth To m e ; I see m y slaughtered joy r i r Bust ng its ce em ent . Francis Thompson [ 1 8 5 9?- 1 9 0 7]

TO THE DANDELION

’ EAR n r t a row st esi e the wa D comm o ﬂowe , h t g b d y,

rin n t roa it ha rm l ss l F gi g the dus y d w h e go d , i t led e of lit es m e Ma F rs p g b h o y, i ildre l and ll of ri e ol Wh ch ch n p uck , , fu p d , uph d, ’ i h- earte a neers o er o ed ha t e H g h d bucc , j y t th y l r o in e rass ha e n An E do ad th g v fou d, ’ Which not the rich earth s am ple round Ma m a in ealt t o art m ore ea r to m e y tch w h , h u d

r r s m m er- m Than all the p oude u blooms ay b e.

’ Gold such as thine ne er drew the Spanish prow s n ia n a Through the prim eval hu h of I d se s, Nor wrinkled the lean brow ’ a e to rob the lo er s ea r of ease Of g , v h t ’ ’ rin lar ess i she s a ers now Tis the Sp g s g , wh ch c tt T r ali e it la is an o rich and poo k , w h v h h d, Though m ost hearts never understand ’ T t s al e ass o take it a God v u , but p by i unre ar The offered wealth w th w ded eye. 1 434 Poem s of Nature

Thou art m y tropics and mine Italy To look at thee unlocks a warm er clim e ; The eyes thou givest m e

r and ee not s a e or im e Are in the hea t, h d p c t Not in mid June the golden-cuirassed b ee Feels a m ore sum m er- like warm ravishm ent ’ r ez en I n the white lily s b e y t t, H aris t an en rs is fragrant Syb , h I , wh ﬁ t th r reen th ello ir les urs From . e da k g y y w c c b t.

o on the rass Then think I of deep shad ws g , m ere in s n the a le raz e Of eadows wh u c tt g , W ere as the reez s ass h , b e p , Th amin r s e lean a san a s e gle g u h s thou d w y ,

lea e a sl m er in a lo m ass Of v s th t u b c udy ,

1 it n in the in of aters l e 0 wh e w d , w b u Tha t from the distance sparkle through

m e o dla n a and of a sk a o e So w o d g p , y b v ,

W ere one i te lo li e a stra la m ot m o h wh c ud k y b d h ve.

’ My Childhood s earli est thoughts are linked wi th ’ Th si t of t ee alls a the ro in s son e gh h c b ck b g, ho rom the ar Old tree W , f d k esi e the r san clearl all da lon B d doo , g y y g, And se re in hildis iet I , cu c h p y, Listened as if I hea rd an angel sing it ne s rom ea en i h W h w f h v , wh ch e could bring Fresh every day to m y untai nted ea rs

en ir s and o ers and r Wh b d ﬂ w I we e happy peers.

lik e a r i al ot nat re s m How p od g d h u ee , en t o for all th ol so om on Wh h u , y g d , c m art ! Thou teachest m e to deem

re sa re l of e er m an eart Mo c d y v y hu h , Since ea ch reﬂects in joy its sca nty gleam

ea en and oul som e on ro s se re S o Of h v , c d w d u c t h w, Did we b ut a the lo e we ow p y v e, ’ And with a child s undoubting wisdom look ’ On all t ese li in a es of Go h v g p g d s book . James Russell Lowell [ 1 8 1 9 - 1

1 436 Po e m s o f N a ture

We ca reless folk the deed forgot ;

ill one da idl al in T y, y w k g, We m a rked upon the selfsam e spot

ro of eterans talkin A c wd v g .

They shook their trem bling hea ds and gray With pride and noiseless la ughter ;

W en ell-a- da ! t e le h , w y h y b w away, ’ And ne er were hea rd of after ! Helen Gray Cone [ 1 8 5 9

10 THE FRINGED GENTIAN

H U lossom ri t it a t m n dew T O b b gh w h u u , ’ And olore i t the ea en s own l c d w h h v b ue, Tha t openest when the quiet lig ht eeds the een and rost ni t Succ k f y gh ,

Thou com est not when violets lean ’ O er an erin roo s and s rin s nseen w d g b k p g u , Or ol m ines in r le resse c u b , pu p d d, ’ ’ od o er the ro n - ir s hi n N g u d b d dde nest .

’ o wai test la te and com st alone Th u ,

W en oo s are are and ir s are own h w d b b d ﬂ , And frost and shortening days portend

a e r is n a r his end The g d yea e .

Then doth thy sweet and quiet eye

ro its rin es to the sk Look th ugh f g y, Blue— blue— as if tha t sky let fall

e ean all A ﬂower from its c rul w .

o l t t us en s all see I w u d tha h , wh I h

t ra nea r to m e The hour of dea h d w ,

ossom in it in m ea rt Hope, bl g w h y h , rt May look to heaven as I depa . William Cullen Bryant [ 1 7 9 4- 1 8 7 8] Goldenrod

GOLDENROD

WHE N the wayside ta ngles blaze

In the low e tem er sun S p b , When the ﬂowers of Sum m er days

r and it er one one D oop w h , by ,

n t ro s an rier Reachi g up h ugh bu h d b ,

m o s ro and eart Of ﬁre Su ptu u b w h ,

la ntin i its in - ro ed l m e F u g h gh w d ck p u , ra i weal t of na ti e l m B ve w th h v b oo , Goldenrod !

e the m ea o la tel s m Wh n d w , y ho , ar e and lan i s oons it ain P ch d gud , w w h p ,

en her li e- loo ni t and m orn Wh f b d, gh ,

rin s in e er t ro in ein Sh k v y h bb g v ,

o n her allen ta rnis e urn R u d f , h d L ea ping watch- ﬁres brighter burn ; ’ ’ o al a r o er t m n s ate R y ch Au u g ,

en in low it l stro s ei t B d g w h u u w gh , Goldenrod

’ In the st re s r e em ra e pa u ud b c , ’ All o errun it ta n le ines w h g d v ,

ere the t is le laim s its la e Wh h t c p c , And the stra lin e e on nes gg g h dg c ﬁ , B earing sti ll the sweet im press

n ettere lo eliness Of u f d v , I n the el and the all ﬁ d by w , in in clas in ro nin ll B d g, p g, c w g a , Goldenrod !

a t re lies is e ele ale N u d h v d , p , With her feverish lips apart

D a da the ulses ail y by y p f , Nea rer to her bounding hea rt ; Yet tha t slackened grasp doth hold tore of re and enuine ol S pu g . g d; 1 4 38 Poem s of Nature

i t om est st ron and ree Quck hou c , g f ,

e of all the eal h to be Typ w t , Goldenrod ! Ela ine Goodale Eastma n [ 1 8 63

LESSONS FROM THE GORSE

UNTAI N orses e er- l en MO g , v go d , Cankered not the whole year long ! D o e tea us to b e stron y ch g, o s e er ri e and ol en H w o v p ck d h d , i e o r t orn loom s a nd so L k y u h y b , ro en on rain and sno T dd by w ,

the ill- si e of t is li e as lea as ere h d h f , b k wh

o ntain lossom s s inin lossom s M u b , h g b , D O ye tea ch us to b e glad

W en no s m m er can b e had h u , Blooming in our inward bosom s?

Ye om God r rve still wh p ese th ,

et as li ts n a ill S gh upo h , Tokens to the wintry ea rth tha t Beauty liveth

o ntain orses do e t a us M u g , y e ch From tha t academ ic chair

Cano ie it az re air p d w h u , Tha t the wisest word m an reaches I s the hum blest he can speak?

Ye who li e on m o n ai n ea , v u t p k ,

lo alon the ro n esi e ra e m live w g g u d, b d g ss s eek !

o ntain orses sin e Linnae s M u g , c u lt si ouon the sod Kne be de y ,

e t t an in God For your b au y h k g ,

F r o r t a hi n e s o l see us o y u e c g, y h u d Bowing in prostra tion new!

n e arisen — if one or two Whe c , n o r ee s— O orl t e are not tears b ut dew D rops b e o u ch k w d , h y . — Elizabeth Barrett Browning [ 1 8 06 1 8 6 1 ]

1 440 Poem s of Nature

’ In the happy spring I ll com e

And e o r silent m d ck y u ho e,

Cree in ilentl ree in e er er p g , s y c p g v ywh e .

ere om e ree in ree in e er w ere H I c c p g , c p g v y h ; My hum ble song Of praise Most joyfully I raise To Him a t whose com m and ea ti the la n I b u fy d ,

r in silen l ree in er C eep g, t y c p g ev ywhere . S arah Roberts Boyle [ 1 8 1 2- 1 8 69 ]

A SONG THE GRASS SINGS

THE iole is m too sh v t uch y, The rose too little so ; ’ I think I ll ask the buttercup b e her If I may bea u .

’ en in s o I ll nod to h r Wh w d g by, e

And she ill nod to m e w , And I will kiss her on the cheek en As g tly as may b e .

And en the m er ts us o n wh ow cu d w , o et er we ill ass T g h w p ,

smilin at the tter I g bu cup, he s n h S m ili g at t e grass.

Cha rles G. Bla nd en [ 1 85 7

THE WILD HONEYSU CKLE

AIR o er t at ost so om el ro F ﬂ w , h d c y g w, H in t is silent ll retre t id h , du a ,

nto ed th onied lossom s lo U uch y h b b w, Unseen thy li ttle branches greet : ro in oot S all r s t ee ere NO v g f h c u h h h , O s a n ro N bu y h d p voke a tear. The Ivy Green 1 44 1

’ re sel in i te arra By Natu s f wh yed ,

he a e t ee s un the l ar e e S b d h h vu g y , And lan e ere the ar ian s a e p t d h gu d h d , And sent soft waters m urm uring by ; s ie l sum m er oes Thu qu t y thy g ,

re Thy days declining to pose.

mi i ose harms that m s e a S t w th th c , u t d c y, I grieve to see your future doom ;

e — nor ere t ose ers m ore a Th y died w h ﬂow g y, The ﬂowers tha t did in Eden bloom ; ’ Unpitying frosts and Autum n s power

f r Shall leave no vestige o this ﬂowe .

From m orning suns and evening dews At ﬁrst thy little being cam e ; not in on e o not in l se If h g c , y u h g o , For when youdie youare the sam e ;

The s a e et een is an our p c b w but h , r The frail duration Of a ﬂowe . Philip Freneau 2- 1 8 3 2]

THE IVY GREEN

OH a aint la n is the reen , d y p t Ivy g , ’ That creepeth o er m ins old ! ri oice o are his m eals een Of ght ch f od I w , I n his ll ol ce so lone and c d .

The all m st b e rum le the s on e a e w u c b d , t e d c y d , To pleasure his dainty whim ; And the m ouldering dust tha t years have m ade I s m err m e l f r him a y a o . Cree in ere no li e is seen p g wh f ,

r ol r A ra e d plant is the Ivy g een.

as he s ealet on o h ears no in F t t h , th ugh e w w gs,

A ta O d eart nd a s unch l h ha s he.

How losel he twineth how i he lin c y , t ght c gs To his friend the huge Oak Tree ! 1 44 2 Poem s of Nature

And slil he traileth al n the r n y o g g ou d ,

And his lea es he en l a es v g t y w v , As he joyously hugs and crawleth round ’ The ri m o of r ch uld dea d m en s g aves.

Cree in ere rim ea t has p g wh g d h been, r old lant is th r A ar e p e Ivy g een.

W le a es a e ﬂed and t eir or s ho g h v h w k decayed, And na tions have sca ttered been ;

But the sto t old s all ne er a e u Ivy h v f d ,

rom its al and eart r n F h e h y g ee . The ra e Old lant in its lonel a s b v p , y d y , Shall fatten upon the past : For the sta teliest building man can raise ’ t t Is the Ivy s food a las .

Cree in on ere im e ha een p g , wh t s b , old is th A rare plant e Ivy green . Cha rles Dickens [ 1 8 1 2- 1 8 7 0]

YELLOW JESSAMINE

IN n r t s in cl tere leami n s ars ta gled w ea h , us d g g t , In oa in c rlin s ra s ﬂ t g, u g p y , The golden ﬂower com es Shining through the woods These February days;

r o r all an s rom out the o n Fo th g all hea ts , h d , f t w ,

To rin her a l in b g g y y ,

hi s il ee rin ess of far lori a T w d , sw t P c F d e amin The yellow j ss e .

The live-oaks sm ile to see her lovely face

th i e sh Peep from e th ck ts ; y, She hides behind the leaves her golden buds

ill l er ro n on i T , bo d g w , h gh

h r a n ril ro s a s ra en ﬂin s S e culs te d , th w p y, th g

el alo t in lee Hers f f g , And rstin into t o san l ss m s s in s , bu g h u d b o o , w g In reat ro re ree w hs f m t e to t .

1 44 4 Poem s of N ature

H num ers no servant rien e b ob f ds, He s t no il is oo hes ch d h woes, na ure n rt r him and e Yet t u ues , t nds As duly as the rose ; th les se d w He drinks e b d e of heaven, The in is in his ears w d , TO guard his growth the planets seven in in t eir air s e es Sw g h y ph r .

The spirits of the ﬁelds and woods Throb in his sturdy veins :

He rin s the se ret s ealin oo s d k c , t g ﬂ d , And swills the volleying rains : ’ And when the bird s note showers and breaks ’ Th s reen r ithin e wood g hea t w , He stirs his plum y brow and wakes To th unli draw e s ght in .

Mute sheep tha t pull the grasses soft Cr lo and ass him op c se p by, n il he s an s al one alo t U t t d , f , In t surly majes y .

No so een no b ee so l ﬂy k , bo d, To pierce tha t knotted zone; He ro ns as t he ar e l f w hough gu d d go d, t r And ye he gam e s none.

d so n m n in l a e An whe autu w ds b ow l t , And irl the hill a e wh c y w v ,

e ore the om m on a e He bows b f c f t , o r And dr ps beside his g ave . None ever owed him thanks or said “ ” A gift of gracious heaven . Down in the mire he droops his head ;

or ot en not or i en . F g t , f g v

m ile on ra e ee ! let n ne in uire S , b v w d o q What m a de or bade thee rise : Toss thy tough ﬁngers high and higher

To ﬂout the drenching ski es. M oly

’ o t e Let others t il for o h rs good , And miss or m ar their own ; Thouhast brave heal th and fortitude To live and die alone ! Arthur Christopher Benson [ 1 8 62

MOLY

The root is ha rd to loose ’ From hold of earth by mortals; but God s power ’ Can all things do. Tis black, but bears a flower

— ’ Chapman s Homer

RA E ER l a s em m l T V L , p uck t of o y, ’ If o t h a t Cir e s isle th u ouc c , ’ rm es m ol r in s lel He y, g ow g o y ’ To undo encha nter s wile ! n sh roﬂer ee h r al Whe e p s th e ch ice, Wine and s i es m i e i m ali e p c x d w th c , W en she sm i es t ee it her staﬂ h t h w h ,

trans orm t e do la ! To f h e, thou ugh Safe thou art if thou but hear o The least leaf f m oly rare. Cl se it r s esi e her r al o g ow b d po t , rin in rom a sto im m or al Sp g g f ck t , Yes ! and Often has the Witch Sought to tea r it from its niche; But to thwart her cruel will

The r e s i s i wise God en w t t ll. o it ro s in soil er er e Th ugh g w p v s , ea en a th een its eal n r H v h b j ous use, And a ﬂower of snowy m ark Springs from root and shea thing dark ; i n l sa e ar onl er K g y f gu d , y h b Tha t can brutish passion curb ! Som e do think its nam e should b e

iel - eart W i e n e rit Sh d H , h t I t g y .

ra eler l a stem of m ol T v , p uck y, ’ o to a t Cir e s isle If th u uch c , ’ m ol r in s lel Herm es y, g ow g o y ’ To undo enchanter s wile ! it Ed h M . Thomas [ 1 8 5 4 1 44 6 Poem s of N ature

THE MORNING— GLORY

WAS it worth while to paint so fair — Thy every lea f to vein with faultless art a h al a in the onli an E c pet , t k g bo ght d air Of sum m er so to heart ?

To rin th ea n o er e o er b g y b uty u t p f ct ﬂ w , en lik e a assin ra ran e or a smil Th , p g f g c e, ’ a a a e on re o e r V nish w y, b y d c v ry s powe

as it rail l m o t ? W , f b oo , w r h while

Thy silence answers : Life was mine !

And who ass it ou re re or rie I , p w h t g t g f, a e a re the m re m a m m om n H v c d o to ke y e t ﬁne,

Because it was so brief .

In its ﬁrst radiance I ha ve seen The sun l— why ta rry then till com es the night?

o m wa ont nt t a een I g y y, c e h t I have b Part of the m orning light ! Florence Earle Coates [ 1 8 5 0

’ THE MOUNTAI N HEART S- EASE

Y re r an r a r s i tin B scatte d ocks d tu bid w te s h f g ,

rro e a e and e By fu w d gl d d ll,

To e eri m en th alm s ee e li in f v sh y c , w t fac up ft g, Thou stayest them to tell

t anno ﬁnd e ression The delicate thought tha c t xp ,

For r er s ee air ud p ch too f , at li e etals trem l in ssessi n Th , k thy p , b es po o ,

d r n e ai r An sca tte s o th .

The m iner auses in his r e la or p ugg d b , And leani n on his s a e , g p d , Laughing] y calls unto his com rade-neighbor

To see thy charms displayed .

Po e m s of Na ture

TO PRIMROSES FILLED WI TH MORNING DEW

WH Y do e ee s eet a es? Can ears y w p , w b b t

ea ri in ou Sp k g ef y , Who were but born Just as the m odest m om Teem ed her refreshing dew? Alas ou a e not no n at s er , y h v k w th how at m ars a o er Th ﬂ w , Nor felt the unkind re t of a lastin in B a h b g w d,

or are e orn i rs N y w w th yea ,

Or a r e as we w p d , , Who think it strange to see

rett o ers li e to or a Such p y ﬂ w , k ph ns young, To s ea ears re e a e n p k by t , befo y h v a to gue.

ea im erin o n li n s and ma e n n Sp k , wh p g y u g g , k k ow The reason why Ye droop and weep ;

I s it or ant of slee f w p, 01 childish lullaby? Or that ye have not seen as yet The violet ? Or brought a kiss

rom t at eet - ea rt to s? F h Sw h , thi — NO no is sorro s o n , , th w h w o r tears s e By y u h d ,

l is e t re re Wou d have th l c u ad ,

t i of rea tes so of m eanest r That h ngs g t , wo th , on ei e i r e are and it tear r u or C c v d w th g i f , w h s b o ght f th . Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 6 7 4]

TO AN EARLY PRIMROSE

MILD offspri ng of a dark and sullen sire ! ose m est orm so eli atel ﬁne Wh od f , d c y , Was nursed in whirling storm s And cradled in the winds; The R ho d o ra 1 4 4 9

’ ee en oun rin rst estione Winter s s a Th , wh y g Sp g ﬁ qu d w y, And ared the st r l sterer to the t d u dy b u ﬁgh , Thee on this ba nk he threw 0 m a r his tor T k vic y .

I n t is low ale the romise of the ear h v , p y , erene t o o enest to the ni in S , h u p pp g gale, nnoti e and alon U c d e, en Thy t der elegance .

ir e loom s ro ht or So V tu b , b ug f th amid the storms Of chill adversity ; in som e lone walk life she rears her Of hea d, Obscure and unobserved ;

While every bleaching breeze that on her blows C as ens her s tless ri re h t po pu ty of b ast , And hardens her to bea r erene th of e S e ills lif . Henry Kirke White [ 1 7 8 5 - 1 806]

THE RHODORA

ON BEING ASKED WHE NCE IS THE FLOWER

IN Ma en sea - in s ier e our solit es y, wh w d p c d ud , o h r ra in he I f und t e f esh Rhodo t woods,

readi n i s lea loom in a am noo Sp g t ﬂess b s d p k , r To please the desert and the sluggish b ook . The r le etals allen in the ol pu p p , f po , Made the bla ck water with their beauty gay;

r re - r om e his l m es to ool He e m ight the d bi d c p u c , en his arr And court the ﬂower that cheap s ay . Rhodora ! if the sages ask thee why

rm on he ea rt and Sk This cha is wasted t h y, em ear f e es ere m a e for seein Tell th , d , that i y w d g, Then Bea uty is its own excuse for being : h o r ere 0 ri al the rose ! W y th uwe t th , v of n er o o k ne er ne : I ev th ught t as , I v k w m sim le ran e s se But , in y p igno c , uppo

- The self sam e Power that brought m e there brought you. Ralph Waldo Em erson [ 1 8 03- 1 8 8 2] 1 4 50 Poem s of Nature

R SE as air as e er saw the or A O , f v N th , Grew in a little garden all alone ; ’ r r d ur n r ort A sweete ﬂowe di Nat e e e put f h, Nor fairer garden yet was never known : The t m om nd noon m aidens danced about i a , And learned bards of it their ditties m a de ; The nim ble fairies by the pale- faced m oon

her rett s Watered the root and kissed p y hade . — But well-a-day! the gardener careless grew ; The m and airie ot ere e t a a aids f s b h w k p w y, And in a drought the caterpillars threw

em l n he nd er r Th se ves upo t bud a ev y sp ay .

s ie the st c ! e en sen no s lies God h ld o k If h av d upp ,

T r r n he fai est blossom Of the ga de dies. — Willi am Browne [ 1 5 9 1 1 643]

WILD ROSES

ON l n serene mi sum m er a s o g, d d y ri e ruit and ello rain Of p ning f y w g , How dim oodlan a s sweetly, by w d w y , In an e e e or lea lane t gl d h dg fy ,

air il - rose t i ets ou n ol F w d h ck , y u f d Those pale pink stars with hearts of gold !

Your sleek patrician sisters dwell ’ On lawns where gleam s the shrub s t rim

I n terra e ar ens ten e ell c d g d , d d w ,

Near pebbled walk and quaint kiosk . I n costliest urns thei r colors rest ; ’ They beam on beauty s fragrant breast !

But ouin l l alm a i e y ow y c b d , Scarce heeded save by breeze or b ee ; You n w a s len or m and ri e k ow h t p d , po p p d Full oft your brilliant sisters see ;

W a s rro too and itter ears h t o w , b f ; m r ll n r What ad fa ewe s a d hopeless tea s .

Poem s of Nature

The Rose of May its pride displayed Along the old stone balustrade ; And an ient la ies aintl i t c d , qu y d gh , I n its pink blossom s took delight ; And on the steps would m ake a stand — To s ent its ra ran e fan in an c f g c h d .

L ong have been dead those ladies gay; Their very heirs have passed away ;

And t eir Old ortraits rim an tall h p , p d , Are m ouldering in the m ouldering hall The terrace and the balustra de Lie ro en e n a e a d e e . b k , w dy d c y d

But blithe and tall the Rose of May Shoots upward through the rui n gray ; Wit s ente o er and lea ale r n h c d ﬂ w , f p g ee , rose as it at ne er een Such h h v b , L e t li e a no le ee to r f , k b d d , g ace

The m em r an an ien ra o y of c t ce . Mary Howitl [ 1 7 9 9- 1

A ROSE

WN in the m rnin t o s alt a e ere n n. BLO o g, h u h f d oo What boots a life which in such haste forsakes thee? ’ Thourt on r s roli ein to die SO s on w d ou f c , b g o , An assin ro a lit l lor m a d p g p ud t e co kes thee.

t ee th rittle ea t so e ei es If h y b b u y d c v , Know then the thing tha t swells thee is thy bane; For the sam e ea t ot in l lea es b u y d h , b oody v ,

T en e of h e rl o he sent c t y a y death c ntain . ’ m o n s oarse lun s ill i on h r So e cl w c g w po s t y sweet ﬂowe , If by the ca reless plough thou shalt b e torn ; And m any Herods lie in wait each hour To m urder thee as soon as thou art b om or e th to lo — t eir t ran re t Nay, f c y bud b w h y t b a h in li asten eat ! Anticipat g fe, to h d h Richa rd Fanshawe [ 1 608 1 666] Trailing Arbutus I 4 53

THE SHAMROCK

WHEN April rains m ake ﬂowers bloom

And nn - m - u s om e to l Joh y ju p p c ig ht, And clouds of color a nd perfum e

loa frOm the r ar s in an F t o ch d p k d white, see m s am r in th rain I y h ock e , An em r l ra ain ro s e a d sp y with r d p set , ’ L e e on rin s orone ik j wels Sp g c t ,

SO air and et it rea t es of n f , y b h pai .

The sham rock on an Older shore

' Sprang from a rich a nd sacred soil

er i a er li e of re Wh e sa nt nd h o v d yo , And where their sons in sorrow toil

An ere rans lante it to m e d h , t p d, Seem s weeping for the soil it left The diam onds that all others see

r ra r m A e tears d wn f o its heart bereft .

W en ril rain m akes ers r h Ap flow g ow, And sparkles on their tiny buds That in June nights will over-blow r it s en And fill the wo ld w h c ted floods, The lonely sham rock in our land So fine am ong the clover leaves For the Old s rin im e o ten r e es p gt f g i v , r on m an I feel its tea s up y h d . Maurice Francis Egan [ 1 8 5 2

TRAIL ING ARBUTUS

DARLINGs of the forest ! alone Blossoming , ’ When Earth s grief is sores t For her jewels gone

- re the la st sn drif m elts r en er u s a e l n. E ow t , you t d b d h v b ow 1 454 Poem s of Nature

in e i h l r in l T g d w t co o fa t y, i e the m rnin sk L k o g y, 01 m re al e and sain l , o p t y, Wrapped in leaves ye lie ’ en as il ren slee in i Ev ch d p fa th s sim plicity.

ere the il - r in Th w d wood ob , m ns r s lit Hy you o ude, And the rain com es sobbing

ro the in Th ugh budd g wood ,

While the low s t in si s b ut are not r ou h w d gh , d b e m Oe rude .

Were your pure lips fashioned

Out Of air an d ew d , ta rli t uni m assioned S gh p , ’ a n s m ost ten er hue D w d , And scented by the woods that gathered sweets for you?

airest and m s lonel F o t y, From the world apart ; a e for ea t onl M d b u y y, ’ Veiled from Na ture s heart With such unconscious grace as m akes the dream of Art !

Were not m ortal sorrow An im m ortal s a e h d , Then would I to-m orrow

a o er b m Such ﬂ w e ade, li e in the ear s ere m los hild oo la v d wood wh y t c h d p yed . Rose Terry Cooke [ 1 8 2 7 - 1 8 9 2]

TRAILING ARBUTUS

I N spring when branches of woodbine

n lea ess o er the ro s Hu g ﬂ v ck , And ﬂeecy snow in the hollows

La in uns e e e o s y h ph rd d ﬂ ck ,

t r r s By he oad whe e dead leaves rutled, Or am l m atte the ro n d p y d g u d , While over m e lifted the robin His one ed ssion s n h y pa of ou d,

1 45 6 Poem s of Nature

She vir ins m n has g a y, Fresh and fair ; Yet you are or n M e sweet than a y.

’ re the m ai en sies You d po , And so ra , g ced , T0 b e placed

r Fore dam ask oses.

Yet t u s res ec e , ho gh thu p t d, By and by Y i e do l e,

irl n Poor g s, eglected . Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 67 4]

THE VIOLET

PAINT eli i s s rin - im e iole ! O , d c ou , p g t v t

ine o or li e a ke Th d , k y, ’ Turns noiselessly in m em ory s wards to let f rro re A thought o so w f e.

The breath of distant ﬁelds upon m y brow Blows through tha t open door

n of in - h m e ells m ore s ee and low The sou d w d o b , w t ,

And sadder than of yore.

m es a r rom a t elo e la e I t co fa , f th b v d p c , t elo e o r And tha b v d h u , ’ ri enin in lo e s ol en ra e When life hung p g v g d g c ,

er Like grapes above a bow .

A spring goes singing through its reedy grass ; ’ in er m ea The la rk S gs o y h d , — the k O ass e isions ass ! D rowned in s y , p , y v , p I would that I were dead

o ene t a t or i en r Why hast thou p d h f b dd doo , From which I ever ﬂee?

o ! 0 Lo e t a t art no m re O vanished Jy v , h o , Let m y vexed spirit b e ! To a Wind - Fl ower 1 4 57

O violet ! thy odor through m y brain a sear e and s un to H th ch d , t g grief s s nn da as if a di Thi u y y, curse d sta in el et l Thy v v eaf . — William Wetm ore S tory [ 1 8 1 9 1 8 9 5 ]

TO A WOOD- VI OLET

IN is se e th clud d Shrine, mi ra le of r O c g ace , No m ortal eye b ut m ine a l e n H th ook d upo thy face.

NO Shadow b ut mine own Ha th screened thee from the sight ea en ose lo Of H v , wh ve alone a led m e to th H th y light .

Whereof— as Shade to shade I s wedded in the sun ’ A m om ent s glance ha th m ade

' O l r r n ur sous fo eve o e. John Banister Tabb [ 1 8 4 5 - 1 9 09]

THE VIOLET AND THE ROSE

’ THE iolet in the oo t a t s s eet to- da v w d , h w y, I s longer sweet than roses of red June ; Set m e s eet iol ts alon m wa w v e g y y,

An b d the red rose o er b ut not too soon. d i ﬂ w ,

iolet ah rose not the two? Ah v , , why Why bloom not all fair ﬂowers the whole year through? Wh not the two o n iolet ri e rose? y , y u g v , p Why dies one sweetness when another blows? — Augusta Webster [ 1 8 3 7 1 8 9 4]

TO A WIND- FL OWER

he re of th lo eliness TEACH m e t sec t y v ,

in m a e ise m a as ire to b e That , be g d w , I y p As ea uti l in t t and SO e ress b fu hough , xp ’ Im m orta l truths to earth s m ortality ; 14 5 8 Poem s of Nature

Though to my soul ability b e less ’ ee anem Than tis to thee, 0 sw t one.

r inn en e Tea ch m e the sec et of thy oc c , ha in sim lici m a r ise T t p ty I y g ow w , Asking from Art no other recom pense Tha n the approval Of her own just eyes ;

0 m ri to m e air emi nen e 8 ay I se so f c ,

le n t in ousin the s ies . Though ss tha h e, O c of k

m e s t r ose i n le e Teach these thing , h ough wh h gh k ow dg , I n r n t ro m eins Whe Dea th ha th pou ed oblivio h ugh y v , ro m om e a are ro t to lie And b ught e h , s all b ugh , In a t as ouse m m on r s and a nes th v t h , co to se f th ,

all not die s all not l I sh , I h utter y die, t r — For bea uy bo n of beauty that rem ains. — Madison Cawein [1 865 1 9 1 4]

TO BLOSSOMS

FAIR led e of a p g s fruitful tree, Why do ye fall so fas t? Your date is not so past But youm ay stay yet here a while To lus and entl b h g y smile, And go at last .

What ! were ye born to be ’ An o r or al s eli h u h f d ght , And so to b id good-night? ’ Twas pity Nature brought you Merely to show your worth And lose ou t y qui e .

But ouare lo el lea w y v y ves, where e May read how soon things have ’ eir end t o Th , h ugh ne er so brave : And after they have shown their pride i e oua ile t L k y wh , hey glide n o the r I t g ave. Robert Herrick [ 1 5 9 1 - 1 674]

1 460 Poem s of Nature

h re are the ers the fair o n er t a W e ﬂow , y u g ﬂow s, h t lately sprang and stood

n ri ter li and s er ir ea r I b gh ght oft a s, a b uteous Siste hood? as ! t e all are in eir ra es e r Al h y th g v , th gentle ace of ﬂowers

Are l in in t eir l l e s it the air and r y g h ow y b d , w h f good of ou s.

The rain is allin ere e lie b ut the ol o em er f g wh th y , c d N v b ram

Calls not r m out the l m ear th f o g oo y th e lovely ones again .

The in - ﬂower and the viole e eris e lon a o w d t, th y p h d g g , And the brier-rose and the orchis died amid the sum m er glow ;

on the ill the ol en- rod and the as er in the But h g d , t wood ,

And the ello sun-ﬂower the roo in aut m n ea y w by b k , u b uty too s d , e h r s r m the lea r l a n all the Till f ll t e f o t f o c co d he ve , as f s

la e on m en p gu ,

And the ri tness eir smile was ne rom lan b gh of th go , f up d,

la e and len. g d , g

And now en m es the alm mil da as s ill s a s , wh co c d y, t uch d y ill om e w c , To call the squi rrel and the b ee from out their winter hom e ; th n Of ro in n ts is ear t o all the When e sou d d pp g u h d , h ugh t trees are s ill,

i h sm o li t the a ers of the rill And twinkle n t e ky gh w t , The south wind searches for the ﬂowers whose fragrance

he ore lat e b , And sighs to ﬁnd them in the wood and by the stream no

m ore.

n t in one who in her ful ea t ie And the I h k of youth b u y d d ,

om t at re a nd a e m si e The fair m eek bloss h g w up f d d by y d .

o t ar we lai her en the res ast the I n the cold m is e th d , wh fo t c

lea f, And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so bri ef : Yet not unm eet it was that one like that young friend of

o rs u ,

ea ti l s oul eri it the o ers. So gentle and so b u fu , h d p sh w h ﬂ w William Cullen Bryant [ 1 7 9 4- 1 8 7 8 ] GOD ’ S CREATU RES

ONCE ON A TIME

ONCE on a tim e I used to dream r o e a o t m wa Strange spi its m v d b u y y,

' a ran leam And I might catch a v g t g , A glint of pixy or of fay ; it m own Their lives were mi ngled w h y , So far e r am e so near e re th y o d, th y d w ; n r m a il had r n And whe I f o ch d g ow , — I woke and found m y dream was true.

For o la in oa fur ne is c d c t of , And one is decked with fea thers gay; n r i r ill re er A othe , w se , w p f A sober suit of Quaker gray ’ r s r an rom r This one s you e v t f his bi th , a rin ess oum leas And that P c y ust p e, lo es to a e o r m ir And this one v w k y u th , r And that one likes to sha e your ease.

ra us rea res tin s uls ! O g cio c tu , y o Youseem so near so far a a , w y, Ye ile the lo lan ro n r lls t wh c ud d u d us o ,

o etter e er d We l ve you b v y ay. Margaret Benson [ 1 8

TO A MOUSE

ON TU RNING UP HER NEST WITH THE P W N EMB ER 1 8 LO , OV , 7 5

’ ’ ’ EE sleeki cow rin tim r us e i W , t , , o b ast e, ’ 0 at a ani s in th re , wh p c y b astie ! ’ unee na star awa sae Tho d t hasty, ’ Wi bickering brattle ! ’ w d b e lai to rin an as I a th ch e thee, ’ ’ Wi m urd ring pa ttle ! 146 1 Poem s of N ature

’ ’ I m truly sorry m an s dominion ’ H ro n a re s s ial uni n as b ke N tu oc o , ’ An us iﬁes a ill inion j t th t Op , Which m akes thee startle

m e r ear -b om om o At , thy poo , th c pani n, ’ An fellow-m ortal!

o na iles but oum a ie I d ubt , wh , th y th ve ; at t en? r eastie t um a n e Wh h poo b , ho u liv ! A daim en icker in a thrave ’ ’ S a sm a request ; ’ ’ ’ I ll e a l n wi th lai g t b essi e ve, ’ And never miss t !

wee b it usie in ruin ! Thy ho , too , ’ ’ ’ Its silly wa s the win s are strewin ! ’ An nae in now to bi a n w ane th g, , g e , ’ O foggage green ! ’ ’ ’ l e m er win n An b ea k D ce b s ds e suin , ’ Baith snell an keen !

’ ousaw the el s lai are an as e Th ﬁ d d b w t , ’ ’ An ear in er om in ast w y w t c f , ’ An zie er eneat the last co h e, b h b , o t o t to ell Th u h ugh dw ,

ras ! the ruel lter asse Till, c h c cou p d t t r ell Ou h ough thy c .

’ ’ That wee bit heap 0 leaves an stibble Has cost thee m ony a wea ry nibble ! ’ ’ ow o s t rne out for a tr u le N th u u d , thy o b , But se or al hou h d , ’ To t ol the inter s sleet ri l h e w y d bb e, ’ An cranreuch cauld !

o sie t art no th lane But , M u , hou y , I n proving foresight m ay b e vain ’ ’ -lai s em es 0 m i e an m en The best d ch c ,

n aft a - le Ga g g y, ’ ’ ’ a us na u b ut ri a An le e ght g ef n pain, For promised joy !

1 4 64 Poem s of Nature

ol u us and ise it al (V upt o w w h , Epicurean anim al !) a e it th s m m er eas S t d w h y u f t , ’ r Thouretir st to endless est . — A e Anacreon b Abra ham Cowle 1 6 1 8 1 6 6 ft r , y y [ 7]

ON THE GRASSHOPPER AND CRICKET

THE poetry of earth is never dead : n h ir ar aint it the hot sun Whe all t e b ds e f w h , An i in oolin trees a oi e ill run d h de c g , v c w From hedge to hedge about the new- m own m ead : ’ Tha t is the Grasshopper s— he takes the lead

I n s m m er lu ur — he has ne er one u x y, v d hi li ts for en tire out wit fun With s de gh , wh d h , H n m n e rests at ease be ea th so e pleasa t weed . The poetry of earth is ceasing never :

On a on inter eni n en the rost l e w ev g, wh f

Has ro t a ilen rom the sto e t ere s rills w ugh s ce, f v h h ’ The Cri s arm in reasin e r cket song, in w th c g ve ,

And seem s to ne in r siness al - lost o d ow h f , ’ r r ill The G asshopper s am ong the g assy h s. John K eats [ 1 7 9 5 - 1 8 2 1 ]

TO THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE CRICKET

GRE EN li tl a l r in the s nn rass t e v u te u y g , Ca tching your heart up a t the feel of June ; ’ ole oi e t a s ear am i st the laz noon S v c h t h d d y , When even the bees lag a t the sum m oning brass ;

And ou arm little o se ee er who lass y , w h u k p , c

Wit t ose who in th ndl om to oon h h th k e ca es c e o s ,

Lo in the ﬁre and it o r tri som e t n v g , w h y u ck u e Nick the glad silent m om ents as they pa ss ; 0 ee and in o sins t elon sw t t y c u , tha b g

One to the elds the er to the ear ﬁ , oth h th , The Cricket 1 4 65

o r unshine o ou sm all are ron Both have y u s ; b th , th gh , st g At your clear hearts ; and both seem given to ea rth To sing in thoughtful ea rs their na tural song

- u n ir I nd t summ er a d in er t . n doors a o , w t , M h Leigh Hunt [ 1 7 8 4- 1 8 5 9]

THE CRICKET

ITT E inm a te ll of m ir L L , fu th, ir in on m it en ear Ch p g y k ch h th, ’ Wheresoe er b e thine abode

l a r in er of oo A w ys ha b g g d, Pay m e for thy warm retreat With a song m ore soft and sweet ; In return thou shalt receive

a s r in n Such t a as I ca give .

s th raise s all b e ex r Thu y p h p essed, Inoﬂensive el om e , w c guest !

W ile the ra t is on the s o h c ut , And the m o se i t rio s sno u w h cu u ut, With wha t verm in else infest

er is and s oil the Ev y d h , p best; ris in t s e ore the ﬁr F k g hu b f e, ’ o as all ear Th u h t thy h t s desire.

Though in voice and Shape they b e orm e as if a in t e F d k to he ,

ousur assest a ier far Th p , h pp , Happiest grasshoppers that are; ’ eirs is b ut a summ er s s n Th o g, ine en res e in lon Th du th w ter g, nim aire and s rill and lear U p d , h , c , elo ro t th M dy th ughou e year .

Neither night nor dawn of day Puts a period to thy play Sing then- and extend thy span Far beyond the date of m an; Poem s of Nature

Wre e m an e r tch d , whos years a e spent I n re ini n is nten p g d co t, Li es not a e h v , g d though e b e, al a s n m re wi H f pa , co pa d th thee . From the Latin o Vincent Bou f rne, — by William Cowper [ 1 7 3 1 1 800]

TO A CRICKET

ICE sum m er een and s rill VO of , k h , C ir in roun m inter fire h p g d y w , th son ne er ire Of y g I v t , ear ers as e ill W y oth th y w , ’ For thy song with sum m er s filled ille it s ns ine filled i F d w h u h , w th June; Firelight echo of tha t noon Heard in fields when all is stilled I n the l en li t Ma go d gh of y,

rin in s ents of new- m o n ha B g g c w y, and ir s and o ers a a B ees, b d , ﬂ w w y, ri ee a nt m resi e still P th , h u y ﬁ d ,

i e summ er een and s ri ll. Vo c of , k h William Cox B ennett [ 1 8 20- 1 8 9 5 ]

TO AN INSECT

E ear thi ne ea rnes i e I LOV to h t vo c , r r t o rt hid Whe eve h ua ,

s lit le o m a is Thou te ty t d g t t, Thoupretty Ka tydid !

o m in est m e en le ol s Th u d of g t f k ,

n le o ar e Old ge t f lks e th y, ’ Thousay st an undisputed thing m n wa In such a sole y.

art a em ale a i ! Thou f , K tyd d I know it by the trill r th ier in n s That quivers th ough y p c g ote , So petulant and shrill ;

1 4 68 Poem s o f Nature

TO r or lea or rui or all g ass, f, f t, w , The nail ti s lose nor ea rs to s s ck c , f fall, s re t er se and l A if he g w h e, hou a l Together:

it in a t ouse se ure he i es W h th h c h d , n er im min n e i es When da g e t b t d , rm or t er arm esi es Of sto , o h h b d r Of wea the .

his rns th sl h es Give b ut ho e ig t t touch, His - lle in er is s self co ct g pow uch , He shrinks into his house with m uch is l re D p easu .

’ her er he ells he ells al n W e dw , dw o e, e im sel has a els n ne Exc pt h f, ch tt o , Well sa tisﬁed to b e his own

Whole treasure.

us ermit-like his li e he lea s Th , h , f d , or r ner of his an ue needs N pa t b q t , n h meets one nl ee s A d if e , o y f d Th r e faste .

Who seeks him m ust be worse than blind He and his o se are so om in ( h u c b ed) , f ﬁn in it he ails ﬁnd I , d g , f to I m r ts aste . From the Latin o Vincent Bou f rne, by Willia m Cowper [ 1 73 1 - 1 800]

THE HOUSEKEEPER

E r al snail i re a s of re TH f ug , w th fo c t pose, ’ Ca rries his house with him where er he goes ; - ee s out and if ere m es a s er rain P p th co how of , n Retrea ts to his sm all domicile am ai . The H um b le—Bee 1 4 69

’ o b ut a ti of him a hom — tis ell T uch p , , w , r He curls up in his sanctua y shell. ’ H his own lan or his own tenan e s dl d , t ; stay

on as he ill he rea s no arter D L g w , d d Qu ay. Him self he boards and lodges; both invites ’ And ea sts im sel slee s i t im sel 0 ni f h f ; p w h h f ghts. He spares the upholsterer trouble to procure

C a ttels him sel is his own rni t re h ; f fu u , ’ h le ri Whereso r And is so es. e he roam ch , ’ no en ill — he s s re to t K ck wh you w , u b e a hom e.

From the Latin o incent Bo ne f V ur , by Charles La mb [ 1 7 7 5 - 1 8 34]

THE HUMBLE— BEE

UR zin um le- b ee B LY, do g h b , W ere uart is lim e for h tho c m e. Let t em sail for ort i u h P o R q e, Far- Oﬂ hea ts through seas to seek ; ill ll ee alone I w fo ow th , Thouanim a ted torrid-zone !

i za steerer esert eer r Z g g , d ch e , L et m e chase thy waving lines ; ee m e nearer m e earer K p , thy h , in o r r s and S ging ve sh ub vines.

nse lo er the sun I ct v of , Joy of thy dominion ! Sai lor of the a tm osphere ; Swim m er through the waves of arr ; Voyager of light and noon; Epicurean of June ; Wait ri ee ill om e , I p th , t I c Wi hi n ars of th hum t e hot y , is m art r om All without y d .

When the s in in Ma ! a s outh w d , y d y , With a net of shining haze the orizon all Silvers h w , And i s ness ou in all w th oft t ch g , Poem s of Nature

Tints the hum an countena nce

i a olor of rom an W th c ce, And inf sin s le ea u g ubt h ts, urns the sod to violets T , o in s nn s li Th u , u y o tudes ,

o er the n er ds R v of u d woo , The green silence dost displace

i m ello r z ass . W th thy w, b ee y b

’ Ho mi s m m er s e r t d u p tted c one, Sweet to m e thy drowsy tone

ells of n les s nn o T cou t s u y h urs, n a s and s li o ers Lo g d y , o d banks of ﬂ w ; Of g ulfs of sweetnes s without bound I n Indian wild em esses found ; ria n ea e im m or l r Of Sy p c , tal eisue, irm est eer and ir li l re F ch , b d ke p easu .

Aught unsavory or unclean Hath m y insect never seen; B t iolets and il err u v b b y bells,

a le-sa and daﬂodel M p p s, Grass with green ﬂag half-m ast or m a t the sk Succ y to ch y,

Col m ine it orn of one u b w h h h y, ente ern and a rim n Sc d f , g o y, ’ Clo er ca tchﬂ a er s n e v , y, dd to gu

And rier- roses elt am n b , dw o g ;

Al i e was n a t l bes d unknow w s e, i All was p cture as he passed .

Wiser far an m an seer th hu , Yellow-breeched philosopher ! nl at is air Seen o y wh f ,

i in onl a t is s ee S pp g y wh w t,

st m t a n Thoudo ock a f te a d care,

ea e chaﬂ and a e the ea . L ve th , t k wh t When the ﬁerce northwestern blast

C d n so far and as ools sea an la d f t, Thou already slum b erest deep ; Woe and want thoucanst outsleep ;

1 4 7 2 Poem s of Nature

o in e l ss m li era Th u w g d b o o , b ted thing ,

W at se re tie in s t ee to ot er e h c t b d h h ﬂow rs, ’ Still held within the garden s fostering?

Will t e too s ar it the om lete r h y o w h c p d hou s, a e i t and b e li e T k ﬂ gh , ke th e

rre o a l ree I v c b y f , ’ Hovering at will o er their parental bowers?

Or is th l ster ra n rom ea enl e y u d w f h v y hu s,

s m tuous ri tin ra m ent of the Sk A u p d f g f g y, Caught when the sunset its last glance irnb ues

i s n s len or and th tr - o W th udde p d , e ee t ps high

Gras t at s i t lazonr p h w f b y,

en len t ose tints to t ee Th d h h , On o oa a few s or o rs a d d ? thee t ﬂ t h t h u , n ie

ir s a t eir nes s t e rea r eir ea er o n B d h ve h t ; h y th g y u g, And ﬂit on errands all the livelong day; Each ﬁeldm ouse keeps the hom estead whence it sprung ; ’ Bu o ar a re s reem an — ree to s ra t th u t N tu f , f t y n re ro the U fette d th ugh wood , e n t ne air oo S eki g hi y f d ,

s e on e er loss m e s ra The sweetness pic d v y b o d p y .

ar one i e an et s rea s for ee The g den w d b qu p d th , O daintiest reveller of the joyous earth ! One drop of honey gives sa tiety ; r ee a m r A second draught would d ug th p st all i th . Thy feast no orgy shows ;

m s ne er lose Thy cal eye v c , u i r Thou soberest sprite to which the s n g ves bi th .

And yet the soul of m an upon thy wings Forever soars in aspiration ; thou His em blem of the new career that springs ’ h r b ow When death s arrest bids all is spi it . He seeks his hope in thee

m m or t Of i tali y .

of e m e it s ai en o ! Sym bol lif , w h uch f th d w Thomas Wentworth Higgi nson [ 1 8 23- 1 9 1 1 ] The Blood H orse 1 4 73

THE BLOOD HORSE

ai n s eed GAMARRA is a d ty t ,

o a and of a no le ree Str ng, bl ck, b b d, ﬁre and ll of one Full of , fu b , With all hi s line of fa thers known ;

n s nose his nostrils in Fi e hi , th , But blown abroad by the pride withi n ! H r er o in is m ane is like a iv ﬂ w g, And his eyes like em bers glowing

I n r of the ni t the da kness gh , li And his pace as swift as ght .

— how ro his strainin r a Look , und g th o t Grace and shifting beauty ﬂoa t !

ine s r n is in his reins S wy t e gth , And the red blood gallops through hi s veins;

ic er re er ne er ran R h , dd , v r r o m Th ough the boasting hea t f an . He can trace his lineage higher

an the o r on are as ire Th B u b d p , o las uzm an or the el D ug , G , Gu ph, ’ ’ Or O Brien s blood itself!

He wh a n eer was r , o h th o p , bo n, ere a re ar m r H , upon d M ch o n; But hi s fam ous fathers dead Were ra all and ra re A bs , A b b d , And the last of that great line Trod like one of a race divine !

And t — h w s b ut r n o one ye , e a f ie d t

Who fed him h of sun at t e set , By som e lone fountain fringed with green

Wit him a rovin e ouin h , g B d ,

He li e none else oul he o e v d , ( w d b y r a l th hot ra ian da Th ough l e A b y) , And died untam ed upon the sands h ert an Where Balkh am idst t e des st ds. — Bryan Waller P rocter [ 1 7 8 7 1 8 7 4] 1 4 74 Poem s of Nature

BIRDS

IRDS are sin in r un m in B g g o d y w dow, n s the s eetes e er r Tu e w t v hea d, An n m a e ere d I ha g y c g th daily, r r But I neve catch a bi d .

O wi u s m rain is e S th tho ght y b peopl d , And they sing there all day long : But they will not fold their pinions In the little cage of Song ! Richard Henry S toddard [ 1 8 25 - 1 9 03 ]

SEA- BIRDS

O LONES OME sea ﬂoating far ’ er the ea s ic as e Ov oc n y w t , m ess and e th an erin r Ai l wid y w d gs a e, Forever vainly seeking rest

W ere is m ate and ere th n ? h thy , wh y est

’ i t intr and in r k Tw x w y sea w t y s y, Clea in th een air it r v g e k w h thy b east , o sail o l m nl Th u est sl w y, sole y; No fetter on thy wing is pressed : W ere is th m a e and ere th nes ? h y t , wh y t

res less om eless um an soul O t , h h ,

ollowin for a e nam ele es F g y thy ss qu t , The lls oat and the llo r l gu ﬂ , bi ws o l;

o watche t s ill a nd ue io Th u s t , q st nest

W ere is th m ate and ere th nest ? h y , wh y El izabeth Akers [ 1 8 3 2- 1 9 1 1 ]

THE LITTLE BEACH- BIRD

TH U li le ir t o eller the sea O tt b d, h u dw by , e m a o oi e Why tak st thou its el nch ly v c , And with that boding cry ’ Why o er the waves dost ﬂy? 0 rat er ir it m e , h , b d , w h Through the fair land rejoice!

Poem s of N ature

And m urmurin mill-ra e nd th g c , a e wheel that ﬂings I ts lin r h — bubb g f es nes s while the Blackbird sings.

The very dial on the village church ’ Seems as twere dreaming in a dozy res t ; The scribbled benches underneath the porch Bask in the kindly welcom e of the West ; But the broa d easem ents of the old Three Kings laze li e a rn e— ile the la ir i B k fu ac wh B ckb d s ng s.

And there beneath the M em orial elm r os r rs n a l it Th ee r y evelle rou d a t b e s , d t r ra l ds e la o he ealm An h ough g y c ou giv ws unt t r , rse and r a rs i eir own wit Cu good g e t , but wo h p th , A roar ts and ai rs and in nd of ﬁgh , f , junket gs, om l s and urs— the ile h l ir C , co t , c wh t e B ackb d sings.

e re her om e in her a us om e B fo h , cc t d sea t , The tidy Grandam spins beneath the Shade h o d o a h r Of t e l h neysuckle, t e feet Th ream and urr e d ing pug, p ing tabby laid ; To her low air a little m ai e clin ch d n gs, A d ells silen e— il h n sp in c wh e t e Blackbird sings.

Som etim es the shadow of a lazy cloud ’ reat es o er the amle it its ar r B h h t w h g dens g een, While the far ﬁelds with sunlight overﬂowed Like golden shores of Fai ryland are seen ; ain the sunshine on the s a r Ag , h dow sp ings ,

A d res the i e ere the r n ﬁ th ck t wh Blackbi d sings.

The s the lawn the ea ed or wood , , p k Man house,

Wit i s ea - o ere alls and r o h t p ch c v d w , ookery l ud , rim uain ar e alle r The t , q t g d n ys, sc eened with boughs,

The lion- ea e a es so rim and rou h d d g t , g p d , Th m ss unt ain i its m rm urin e o y fo w th u gs, — rm s ns ine ile h r Lie in wa u h wh t e Blackbi d sings.

r er oi es and h The ing of silv v c , t e sheen — Of festal garm ents and m y Lady stream s With her gay court a cross the garden green ; om e la and an e s m e is er eir l e- ream s S ugh , d c , o wh p th ov d ; The Blackbird 1 4 7 7

And one calls for a little pa ge ; he strings H r h — th r e lute beside er while e Blackbi d sings.

li le — d lo ! he a rm e r A tt while an t ch is h a d , out li e h een all um m r s A y h, whose f as b S e , teals or rom th o aro ar F th f e n isy guests und the bo d , Creeps by her softly ; at her footstool kneels; And en he a se m urm rs en er in , wh s p u s, u t d th gs n o her — h l r I t fond ear while t e B ackbi d sings.

The sm e- reat s r m h c im e rl er ok w h f o t e h n ys cu up high , And dizz y things of eve begin to ﬂoat Upon the light ; the breeze begins to tire ; Half way to sunset with a drowsy note The ancient clock from out the valley swings ; Th Gra o — h r e ndam n ds and still t e Blackbi d sings.

Far s ou and la er rom the rm s a h ts ught f fa te d peal , Where the great stack is piling in the sun ; ’ ro n rro ate o erlad en a n reel Th ugh a w g s w go s , And barking curs into the tum ult run ;

W ile h n on tan in ears oﬂ and rin h t e i c s t w d b , b gs m r — l The e ry tem pest and the B ackbird sings .

On the high wold the last look of the sun m s li e a ea n er ale and s ream Bu , k b co , ov d t ; The s u a e ease the a er and he fun ho ts h v c d , l ught t ; r h r The G andam sleeps, and peaceful b e er d eam ; Only a hamm er on an anvil rings ; da — h in The y is dying still t e Blackbird s gs .

Now the good Vicar passes from his gate r on t air Se ene, with l g whi e h ; and in his eye r he cl r ir a at n r Bu ns t ea sp it th t h h co que ed Fate, And felt the wings of im m ort ality ; H ar ron i reat im a inin s is he t is th ged w th g g g ,

r — e the r And tende m ercies whil Blackbi d sings.

h r h en s his s e and Down by t e b ook e b d t ps, through A lowly wicket ; and at last he stands Awful beside the b ed of one who grew r m o i him — i li e an s F o boyh od w th who, w th ft d h d 1 4 7 8 Po em s o f Nature

And e es seem s lis enin to far el om in s y , t g w c g , An s er m usi an h l r d weet c th t e B ackbi d sings.

Two l en stars li e ens r m the les go d , k tok f o B t , Strike on his dim Orbs from the setting sun ; His sinking hands seem pointing to the West ; — “ He smiles as though he said Thy will b e done His e es t e see not o m y , h y th se illu inings; His cars t e ear not a h a , h y h wh t t e Bl ckbird sings. Fred erick Tennyson [ 1 80 7- 1 8 9 8]

THE BLACKBIRD

WHE N sm oke stood up from Ludlow And m i le oﬂ rom T st b w f om e, And blithe aﬁeld to ploughing Agai nst the m orni ng beam

stro e esi e m t am I d b d y e ,

The blackbird in the coppice e out to see m e ri e Look d st d , And hearkened as I whistled The tram lin team esi e p g b d , And ﬂuted and replied :

L o n lie o n o n m ie d w , d w , y u g yeo an; What use to ri se a nd ri se ? Rise m an a thousand m ornings

Y o at last he lies et d wn , h m i is And then t e an s w e.

h e he san m e I hea rd t e tun g , And spied his yellow bill ; I picked a stone and aim ed it And threw it with a will :

ir was Then the b d still .

Then m y soul within m e ’ h la ir r Took up t e b ckb d s st ain, And still beside the horses Along the dewy lane It sang the song again

Poem s of Nature

Var when m y work is a! a -done ’ ore the zetten o the zun Av , ’ Then blushén Jian da wa k along The ed e to m it m e in the r n h g d o g, ’ ’ An stay till al is dim an dark h t ’ Bezides t e ashen ree s white bark. ’ ’ An al b ezides the blackbird s shill ’ ’ n nné vem -wh A ru n e en issle s still.

How in m y b uoyhood I did rove ’ Wi r én e es alon the ro e p y y g d v , ’ Var blackbirds nestes in the quick ’ ’ Set e es hi an reen an t i h dg gh , g , h ck ; ’ ’ Ar lim a! wi clin én nees c up , g k , ’ Var crows nestes in swayen trees While frightened blackbirds down below ’ Did tt t r ll- cha er o he we knowed foe.

’ An we da hear the bla ckbirds zing er s ee est i tties in the s rin Th w t d p g , ’ When nippen win s na m uore da blow ’ Vrom narthern S ies wi sleet a r sno k w, But drove light doust along between ’ The cluose leane- e es i an r en h dg , th ck g e ; ’ An zoo the blackbird down along

The e e d zin th st zon h dg a g e gaye g . Willia m Barnes [ 1 8 0 1

ROBERT OF LINCOLN

ERRI swrn rn on rier and ee M LY g g b w d , ar to the nest of his lit le am e Ne t d ,

r he m o ntain- si e or m ea Ove t u d d, Robert of Lincoln is telling his nam e ’ ’ Bob -o —lin b ob -o - link k , , ink s a n s in Sp , p k , p k ;

n and sa e is t n st o S ug f ha t e of urs,

n n r Hidde am o g the sum m e ﬂowers .

C ee ee h , ch , chee. Rob ert of Lincol n 1 4 8 1

o ert Of Lin oln is a l resse R b c g y y d d , Wearing a bright black wedding- coa t ;

White are his s o l e n i h u d rs a d wh te his crest . Hear him call in his m erry note : ’ ’ Bob -o -lin b ob -O -lin k , k,

in s an s ink Sp k , p k, p ;

L o at a ni e new oa t i mine o k , wh c c s , ure t ere was n er a ir so ﬁn S h ev b d e . C ee ee h , ch , chee.

’ o ert of in ln a er i e R b L co s Qu k w f , rett and iet it lain ro n in s P y qu , w h p b w w g , assin a t om e a a tient li e P g h p f , B roods in the grass while her husband sings ’ ’ Bob -o -lin b ob -o -lin k , k , in s ank s in Sp k , p , p k ;

r kin rea t re ounee no r B ood , d c u ; y d t fea

ie es and r ers il r Th v obb wh e I am he e.

C ee ee h , ch , chee .

Modest and Shy as a nun is she ;

One a i r s o we k ch p i her nly note .

ra art and rin e ra ar s is he B gg p c of b gg t , Pouring boasts f rom his little throat ’ ’ Bob -o - link b ob -o -lin , k , in an s in Sp k , sp k , p k ; Never was I afraid of m an ; Ca m e ar l na es if o can tch , cow d y k v , y u ! C ee ee e h , ch , che .

ix hi te e on a b ed of ha S w ggs y, le e i r le a re t si t ! F ck d w th pu p , p t y gh ere a e m t er si all da Th s th o h ts y, Robert is singi ng with all his m ight ’ ’ -o -lin b ob —o -lin Bob k , k, in s an s in Sp k , p k , p k ; t a t never es Nice good wife, h go out, r t Keeping house while I f olic abou . C e hee he , c , chee. 1 4 8 2 Poem s of Nature

n as the lit le ones i the s ell Soo t ch p h , Six wide m ouths are open for food ; r in oln es irs him ell Robe t of L c b t w , for the r Ga thering seeds hungry b ood . ’ ’ -o —lin —o -lin Bob k , bob k , in s an s in Sp k, p k, p k This new life is likely to b e or n llo Hard f a gay you g fe w like m e. C ee ee h , ch , chee.

Robert of Lincoln at length is m ade

i or and sil n r Sober w th w k , e t with ca e ;

ﬂ h olid arm en la O is is h ay g t id , Half forgotten tha t m erry air ’ ’ -o - lin b ob -o -lin Bob k, k, in s an s in Sp k , p k , p k ; Nobody knows b ut m y ma te and I

er o nest nd our li Wh e ur a nestlings e.

C ee ee h , chee, ch .

Summ er wanes ; the children are grown ; Fun and frolic no m ore he knows; ’ Robert of Lincoln s a hum drum crone ;

Oﬂ he ﬂi es a nd we sin as he es : , g go ’ ’ Bob -o - lin b ob -o -lin k, k,

in s an s in Sp k , p k , p k ;

en ouca n i e t a m err Ol s r in Wh y p p h t y d t a , f Lin oln om in er O e a a a . Rob t c , c b ck g

C ee ee ee. h , ch , ch — Willi am Cullen Bryant [ 1 7 9 4 1 8 7 8]

THE O ’LINCON FAMILY

A 11m of m erry singing- birds were sporting in the grove ;

om e ere ar lin eeril and s m e ere m a in o S w w b g ch y, o w k g l ve :

ere ere Bobolincon Wadolincon Winterseeble Con Th w , , , uedle q ,

li elier set was ne er led a or i e or ﬁddle A v v by t b , p p , , “ Cr in e s e Wadoli ncon see see Bob olincon y g, Ph w, h w , , , , , n am n the tickleto s i in in the u er s! Dow o g p , h d g b tt cup

Poem s of Nature

B righter plum es m ay greet the sun By the banks of Am azon; Sweeter tones m ay weave the spell Of enchanting Philom el;

But the trO ic ir l ail p b d wou d f ,

And the n lis ni tin ale E g h gh g , If we should com pare their worth Wit ine en less s in m t h th d , gu h g ir h .

W en the i es Ma are a t h d of y p s , ne and m m er nearin ast Ju Su g f , While from depths of blue above Com e h m i rea of lo e s t e ghty b th v , Calling out ea ch bud and ﬂower

Wit resis less se re o er h t , c t p w ,

Wa in e and on esire k g hop f d d ,

in l n th roti ﬁre K d i g e e c , ’ ’ Filling youths and m aidens dream s Wit m sterio s leasin em es h y u , p g th ;

en m i the s nli lear Th , a d u ght c loa ra ran air F ting in the f g t , Thoudost ﬁll each heart wi th pleasure ta r By thy glad ecs tic m easue.

sin le n e so s ee and low A g ot , w t , ’ Li e eart s o er o k a full h v ﬂ w, Form s the prelude; but the strain o ne a ain Gives n such to g , For the wild and saucy song th m on Leaps and skips e notes a g, i rti e la With such qu ck and spo v p y, ’ m a er m errier la . Ne er was dd , y

Gayest songster of the Spring ! Thy m elodies before m e bring -b uﬂt lan Visions of som e dream d, W ere onstan ze rs anne h , by c t phy f d, th li elon da I might walk e v g y, M Em bosom ed in perpetual ay. Nor care nor fea r thy bosom knows; For thee a tem pest never blows ; My Catbird 1 4 8 5

’ ’ o r nort ern m m er s o er But when u h Su , ’ ’ By Delaware s or Schuylkill s shore

ri e li ts its air ea The wild c f y h d , r And royal feasts for thee are sp ead . the Winter t rea tens t ere And when h h ,

Thy tireless wi ngs yet own no fear . e to m ore so t ern asts But bea r the u h co ,

th r of r Far beyond e each f osts .

Bobolink ! still m ay thy gladness Take from m e all tai nt of sa dness; Fill m y soul with trust unsha ken I n tha t Being who ha s taken

re for e er li in t in Ca v y v g h g,

I m m er Winter ll a nd rin . n Su , , Fa , Sp g Thomas Hill [ 1 8 1

MY CATBIRD

A CAPRICCI O

IGHTINGA E ne er ear N L I v h d , ’ r lar e r No Sky k, po t s bi d ; But there is an tether- winger

s r asses e er sin er So u p v y g , o un n n to l ri am e (Th ugh k ow y c f ,) a at m rnin or at n nin Th t o g , oo g,

en ear his i e a - t in Wh I h p p un g , o n in ea elle W r D w I ﬂ g K ts, Sh y, ordswo th , What are all their song s of birds worth? All their soaring ’ Souls outpouring?

W en m im s Carolinen s h y M u si , ’ at s La in nam e (Th his t ,) When m y warbler wild comm ences ’ on s r o r a s S g hila i us h p ody, Just to please him self and m e ! Prim o Cantante ! Scherzo ! Andante !

o ianissim o ! Pian , p

r restissim ol P esto , p 1 4 86 Poem s of Nature

Hark ! are there nine birds or ninety and nine? And now a mi raculous gurgling gushes ’ L r l i n ttle ike nectar f om Hebe s O ym p a bo , The laughter of tune from a rapturous t hrottle ! ’ Such m elody m ust b e a hermit -thmhh s! Bu t a o er roler nearer t h t th ca , , Outrivaling rivalry with clearer Sweetness incredibly ﬁne ! Is it oriole red ir or l ir , b d , b ueb d ,

r som e tr n e un- Audubo new r ? O s a g , ned bi d

All one sir ot t is ir and t at r , , b h h b d h bi d , The whole ﬂight are all the sam e catbird ! The whole visible and invisible choir yousee

On on on r n r e lithe twig of y g ee t ee . littin eat er on ! F g , f h y Bl del Listen to his rondel! To his lay rom antical! To his sa cred canticle ! ear him iltin H l g, See him tilting His sa ea and t ail an ucy h d , d ﬂuttering While uttering All the diﬂi cult operas under the sun Just for fun ; Or n i s r lr i t p y eve y,

Or at love e ilr d v y, Or is ainin his i ine ift and ar , d d g d v g t , Like an inim itable poet ’ Who captivates the world s hea rt ’ And on t o d kn w it . Hear him lilt ! See him tilt !

en s enl he s s Th udd y top , eers a ut rts o s P bo , ﬂi , h p , As if looking where he might gather up The wasted ecstasy just spilt From the quivering cup

h lis overr Of is b s un.

en as in m o er of all Th , ck y ’ The tuneful spells that e er did fall

Poem s of Nature

— Aﬂoa t on lazy air cry on! Send down Thy trum pet note — it seem s

The oi e o e and a ntles s v c of h p d u will, d h s ell An breaks t e p of d ream s .

THE CROW

’ liv s of the arm r Ob iou f e s gun , Upon the naked ash-tree top Th r b a e C ow Sits sking in the sun.

o un dl ro u w An ld go y g e, I ot ! For er ed in la a a inst h , p ch b ck g t e blue, H ea ers tom it ea a nd is f th , w h b k shot , t ts of r r Le woeful glin Ap il th ough .

’ The ear s new rass and l en- e y g , , go d ey d, The aisies s ar le erneat d p k und h , And chestnut-t rees on either side er Have opened ev y ruddy shea th .

o still of r s a d o But d ubtful f o t n sn w, The ash alone stan s star and ar d k b e, And on its topm ost twig the Crow ’ a es he la m ornin s sun and ai r T k t g d g . Willia m Canton [ 1 8 45

TO THE CUCKOO

AI eaueo s s ran er of the r e ! H L , b t u t g g ov Thou m essenger of Spring !

en re airs th r ral sea Now Heav p y u t , th el om e rin And woods y w c g .

he ais e s the r What tim e t d y d ck g een, Thy certain voice we hear : a r to ui e th Hast thou a st g d y path, 01 m ark the rolling yea r? The Cuckoo 1 4 8 9

Delightful visitant ! with thee the im e o ers I hail t of ﬂ w , And hea r the sound of m usic sweet r From birds am ong the bowe s.

The s — an er n t r u h chool boy, w d i g h o gh t e wood ll the rim rose a To pu p g y, a r s the new i e rin to ear St t , vo c of Sp g h , And imi a es la t t thy y.

hat m e the ea s on th l m W ti p put e b oo , ’ st al ale Thou ﬂi thy voc v , t in o er an An annual gues th l ds, r Anothe Spring to hail .

r ! th r r r Sweet bi d y bowe is eve g een, Thy sky is ever clear ; ast no sorr n th n Thou h ow i y so g, N0 Winter in thy year !

’ 0 l it ee ! cou d I ﬂy , I d ﬂy w h th ’ We d m a e it o f l in k , w h j y u w g, ’ r annua isit o er the e Ou l v glob , h rin Com panions of t e Sp g. John Logan [ 1 7 48- 1 7 8 8]

THE CUCKOO

E ear it allin lear and low W h d c g , c , That tender April m orn ; we stood An l tene in the uiet oo d is d q w d ,

r it a lon ears a o. We hea d , y, g y g

d it a stran e s eet cr It cam e, an w h g , w y,

ri n b ut rom a fa r-oﬂ la n A f e d, f d ; and listene an in an We stood d , h d h d,

r o ea rt m o e and . And hea t t h , y L v I

n we o n our o In dream land the f u d j y, ’ And so it seem ed as twere the Bird That Helen in old tim es had hea rd

At noon benea th the oaks of Troy . Poem s of N ature

0 im r off and e n a r ! t e fa , y t so e m to her us ed rov It ca e in that h h g e, It ar le ile the in ro e w b d wh woo g th v , h o r It sang the song S e loved t hea .

And now ear its i a ain I h vo ce g , d ill its m essa is An st ge of peace,

' It sings of love that will not cease r r Fo m e it neve sings in vain . Frederick Locker-Lampson [ 1 8 2 1 - 1 8 9 5 ]

TO TIE CUCKOO

B ITHE New- m er! a e eard O L co I h v h , ear ee and re i e I h th jo c . Cu ! s all ee ir O ckoo h I call th B d, Or b ut a wandering Voice?

While I am lying on the grass Thy twofold shout I hear ; r m ill it F o hill to h seem s to pass, n far off an r At o ce , d nea .

Though babbling only to the Vale suns ine and ers Of h of ﬂow , Thou bringest unto m e a tale isi nar o Of v o y h urs.

ri e el m e arlin of Th c w co , d g the Spring ! Even yet thou art to m e ir b ut an in isi l thin No b d , v b e g, i e a m st r A vo c , y e y ;

The sam e whom in m y school-boy days I listened to ; that Cry W i m a e m e l a usan a s h ch d ook tho d w y , In us and tre k b h , e, and s y .

To seek thee did I often rove Through woods and on the green; And t u ert s ill a e a lo e ho w t hop , v ; till l n e for ne r n S o g d , ve see .

1 4 9 2 Poem s of Nature

’ A dandelion s ghost m ight so

a m ea o s low Ami d Elysi n d w b , Becom e m ore fragile and m ore ﬁne r B reathing the atm osphe e divine .

Charles G. D . Roberts [ 1 8 60

THE HERON

’ ME ANCH ir a in er s da O L OLY B d , w t y stan es the m ar in of the ol Thou d t by g po ,

And ta t God ost th le ein , ugh by , d y who b g school a tien e all e il ll To P c , which v can a ay . God has appointed thee the Fish thy prey; And given thyself a lesson to the F001 n ri t to s m t to m ora rule U th f y, ub i l , And his n n i o rse e to u thi k ng c u by th e weigh . ’ ere nee no s ools nor e ro essor air Th d t ch , th P f s ch , t ese be tru w m to Though h good , e isdo im part ;

He who h s e o fo r , a not n ugh r these to spa e im e or l m a et am en his eart Of t , go d , y y d h , And tea his soul r o and ri ers ir ch , by b o ks v fa :

ur al a s ise in e r rt Nat e is w y w ve y pa . Edward Hovell- Thurlow [ 1 7 8 1 - 1 8 2 9 ]

THE JACKDAW

HERE is a ir his oa T b d , who by c t,

And he oarseness of his note by t h , Might b e supposed a crow ;

r re uenter of the r A g eat f q chu ch , Where bishop- like he ﬁnds a perch

A rmi or too nd do t y .

o e le s ines a la e Ab ve the ste p h p t ,

a s nd rns in i ate Th t turn a tu , to d c From what point blows the weather; — o r rains e in to s im Look up y u b b g w , ’ h lo s— a leas him Tis in t e c ud th t p es , h r He chooses it t e rathe . The Green Linnet 1 493

n of the s e ula i e ei Fo d p c t v h ght , . it er he in s his air i Th h w g y ﬂ ght , And thence securely sees

The hustle and the ra ree-sh ow, a t o m an in Th ccupy k d below , r an a h Secu e d t is case.

Yout no o t h si a d m hink , d ub , e ts n uses

n t re ro e n s an r i O fu u b k n bo e d b u ses, h If e should chance to fall. No : not a single thought like tha t

m l s his il s hi a E p oy ph o op c p te,

r r O t oubles it at all .

H s at t is reat r n a e see th h g ou d bout , The orl it ll its m e le r t w d , w h a d y ou ,

r arm h sio law Chu ch , y, p y , , I stom s a d its sinesses ts cu , n bu IS no on ern at all of his c c , And says— wha t says he?

Thrice happy bird ! I too have seen Much of the vanities of m en ; ’ And Si of a in seen em , ck h v g , Would cheerfully these lim bs resign

For s a air o n s as t ine uch p f wi g h , ’ m And such a head between e .

the t ent B urne From La in of Vi nc o , — by Willi am Cowper [ 1 7 3 1 1

THE GREEN LINNET

B ENEATH these fruit - t ree boughs that shed

r n - it lossom s on m ea Thei s ow wh e b y h d , With brightest sunshine round m e spread ’ rin s n o e ea t er Of Sp g u cl ud d w h , In this sequestered nook how sweet To sit upon m y orchard -sea t !

r o m ore to r And ﬂowers and bi ds nce g eet , ’ o et er My last year s friends t g h . 1 494 Poem s of Nature

n a e m ar e the a i O e h v I k d , h pp est In all this covert of the blest :

ee ar a he res Hail to Th , f bove t t In joy of voice and pinion!

! in th een arra Thou , Linnet y gr y Presiding Spirit here tod ay

os lea the re els the Ma D t d v of y, And is is th mini n th y do o .

While ir s and t er ies and b d , bu t ﬂ , ﬂowers

a e all one an aram o rs M k b d of p u ,

o ran in and o n the o er Th u , g g up d w b w s, Art sole in thy em ploym ent ;

i e a resen e like the air A L f , P c , a erin la ness it o t Sc tt g thy g d w h u care, Too les it an one to air b t w h y p , l th own en Thyse f y joym ent .

mi on u azel rees A d y t ft of h t ,

a in le to the us reez e Th t tw k g ty b ,

e l him er e in e s a ies B ho d p ch d c t s , Yet seem ing still to hover ; There ! where the ﬂutter of his wings Upon his back and body ﬂi ngs a o s and s nn lim m rin Sh d w u y g e gs, a er him l o Th t cov al ver.

My daz zled sight he oft deceives A B rother of the dancing leaves ;

en ﬂi ts and rom th - Th , f e cottage eaves

ours ort his son in s es P f h g gu h , As if by that exulting strain He m ocked and treated with disdain The voiceless Form he chose to feign eri n in he While ﬂutt g t bushes. Willi am Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0- 1 8 5 0]

TO THE MAN—OF—WAR— BIRD

TH U who as sle all ni n the s orm O h t pt ght upo t , a in rene ed on r i io s ini n W k g w thy p od g u p o s,

1 4 96 Poem s of Nature

You r e i a leasan nam e p oph t w th p t , out of ar -lan ou am If M y d y c e, You know the way that thither goes ’ Where Mary s lovely garden grows: Fl s i tl a to her r y w f y b ck , I p ay, And tr to all her n is w y, c dow th ay, — Witchery Mtchery— witchery I

ell her to lea e h r o le- T v e c ck shells, And all her little silver bells

a lossom into m elo Th t b dy,

And all her m ai s le r h d ss fai t an she.

She es n nee r do ot d these p etty things, For e r ere she m she s ve ywh co es, bring ” Witchery— M lchery— Mlchery I

The s are r enin erhea wood g e g ov d, And ﬂowers adorn each m ossy bed ; The waters babble as they run One in is la in onl on th g ck g , y e

ar ere ere -da If M y w but h to y, l elie e o r arm in la I wou d b v y u ch g y, — — Wik ka r witchery ﬂ vitchery 1

Along the shady road I look ’ Who s com ing now across the brook? n m ro e in i e A woodla d aid , all b d wh t

r h r i li The leaves dance ound e w th de ght , The st ream laughs out beneath her feet ’ n m err ir the arm s m le e Si g , y b d , ch co p t , — ” Witckery— witckery witchery 1 Henry Van Dyke [ 1 8 5 2

0 NIGHTINGALE ! THOU SURELY ART

0 NIGHTI NGALE ! thou surely art A creature of a ﬁery heart — These notes of thine they pierce and pierce ; Tum ultuous harm ony and ﬁerce l Philom el 1 497

’ Thou sing st as if the God of wine Had helped thee to a Valentine ; A song in m ockery and despite

es a nd e s and silen ni Of shad , d w , t ght ;

An stea liss and all the lo es d dy b , v

l ro s Now sleeping in these pea cefu g ve .

I hea rd a Stock-dove sing or say

His om el tale t is er da h y , h v y y; H oi e wa rie am n ree is v c s bu d o g t s, Yet to b e com e at by the breeze :

He did not ease b ut ooe — and ooe c , c d c d ; And som ewhat pensively he wooed :

H of lo e it iet en e sang v , w h qu bl ding ,

lo to e in and ne er en in S w b g , v d g ; serious ai and in r lee Of f th , wa d g ; That was the Song— the Song for m e ! — Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0 1 8 5 0]

PHILOMEL

As it fell upon a day In he m err m ont of Ma t y h y, Sitting in a pleasant shade

W i a ro e m r les m a e h ch g v of y t d ,

easts did lea and ir d B p b ds di sing, Trees did grow and plants did spring; Everything did banish m oan Save the Nightingale alone :

She r ir as a orlor , poo b d , ll f n

eane her reas u - till a orn L d b t p th , ’ And t ere s n the dolcinl st i t h u g d t y, ha to ar i w s rea it T t he t a g t p y . Fie e e ! now o l she cr , ﬁ , ﬁ w u d y; Tereu Tarm I and , by by; That to hear her so com plain Scarce I could from tears refrain ; For her griefs so lively shown a e m e hin n m o M d t k upo ine wn. 1 49 8 Poem s of Nature

’ Ah h u r l t o ght I, thoum oun st in vain, None takes pity on thy pain: less r ea r h Sense t ees they cannot h t ee, Ruthless beasts they will not cheer thee Kin andi n he is ead g P o d , All thy friends a re lapped in lead ; All thy fellow birds do sing Careless of thy sorrowing : en so r ir lik Ev , poo b d, e thee, n i m No e alive will p ty e. — Richard Bam ﬁdd [ 1 5 7 4 1 6 2 7]

PHILOMELA

IIARK h ni n ! ah, t e ghti gale The tawny-throated l a r m r H k, fro that m oonlit cedar wha t a bust ! — What tﬁM phl hark l what pain !

0 an er r rom r i r w d e f a G ec an sho e, till a ter m an r in i t lan S , f y yea s, d s ant ds, Still nourishing in thy bewildered brai n

a il n e - un en old- orl Th t w d , u quench d, deep s k , w d Sa ill i n er eal? y, w t ev h And can this fragrant lawn i its ol tre and n W th co es, ight, And the ee ran uil m sw t , t q Tha es, And m ns ine and the dew oo h , , To thy racked heart and brain Aﬂord no balm ?

o o - ni e ol D st th uto ght b h d, ere r the m nli on t is n lis rass H , th ough oo ght h E g h g , The unfriendly palace in the Thracian wild? Dost thouagain peruse With hot cheeks and seared eyes ’ o r web and h m The t o clea , t y du b sister s sham e? Dost thouonce m ore assay i and eel om e er ee Thy ﬂ ght, f c ov th ,

1 500 Poem s of Nature

one ose rie e en rea of t o ranscen If wh g f v ch h ught t ds , ’ Who ne er not in a ream did taste eli , d , d ght , Ma t ee im r une li e are reten s y h po t who k c p d , ’ And seem s to o in woe in oe s es ite j y , w d p ; e m e so m a t u ort ne m il er tr T ll ( y ho f u d y, And l n lon sin for at o t s om l n o g, g g) wh th u hu c p ai s, in e ter n the un a l k S c , win go e, s in d pp ed s y

Now sm iles on m ea o s m n ains s and lai ? d w , ou t , wood , p ns The ir as if m esti ns did her m b d , y qu o ove, “ Wit trem lin in s s e ort lo ! o h b g w g obb d f h , I ve I l ve ! — Willi am Drummond [ 1 5 8 5 1 64 9 ]

THE NI GHTINGALE

To-Nrcn'r re ire the een ea t d, qu of h ven With young Endymion stays ; And now to Hesper it is given

ile to rule the a ant sk Awh v c y, Till she shall to her lam p supply

A stream of brighter rays.

ro i io s sen ol en ra P p t u d thy g d y, Thou purest light above : Let no false ﬂam e seduce to stray Where gulf or steep lie hid for ha rm ; ’ But lead where m usic s healing charm t e aﬂ icted l May soo h ove.

m m an a ra e l s n To the , by y g t fu o g r ns e In happie seaso vow d , ’ la ns l m ia s aun el These w , O y p h t, b ong n sil er s ream we l ed Oft by yo v t wa k , ile ilom ela al e Or ﬁxed , wh Ph t k d,

Beneath yon copses stood .

l om ere the ee en u s Nor se d , wh b ch bo gh to er in a e Tha t rooﬂess w v d ,

e a m e hile her enc antin use W c , w h g M The radiant m oon above us held :

ill a lam or s owl om elled T , by c ou c p , h She ﬂed the solemn s ade. The Nightingale 1 5 0 1

But hark ! I hea r her liquid tone !

Now es er i e m ee , H p , gu d y f t ’ o n the red m arl it m oss o er rown D w w h g ,

ro on Wil i e ne t the lain Th ugh y d th ck t x p , Whose ha wthorns choke the windi ng lane

i h lea s o h r r Wh c d t e etrea t .

See the green space : on either hand Enlarged it spreads around :

See in the m i st she ta es her stan , d k d, Where one old oak his awful shade ’ en s o er al the le el m ea Ext d h f v d, lose in oods ro o Enc d w p f und .

Hark ! how through m any a m elting note She now prolongs her lays : How sweetly down the void they ﬂoat ! The breeze their m agic path a ttends ; The sta rs shine out ; the forest bends;

Th e i r z e wak ful he fe s ga e .

’ Whoe er thou a rt whom chance m ay bring To t i s se estere s o h qu d p t, t en the lainti e iren sin If h p v S g, O softly tread benea th her bower ’ And thin of ea en s is sin er k H v d po g pow , ’ m r l t Of an s unce tain o .

’ 0 in o er all t i s or al t th k , h m t s age Wha t m oum ful scenes arise : Wha t rui n waits on kingly rage ; How often virtue dwells with woe ; How m any griefs from knowledge ﬂow ; How swiftly pleas ure ﬂies!

re ir ! let m e at eve O sac d b d , an erin all alone Thus w d g ,

en er o nsel oft re ei e Thy t d c u c v ,

ear itness to ensi e airs B w thy p v , ’ And it a re s omm on ares p y N tu c c ,

r Till I fo get m y own . Mark Akenside [ 1 7 2 1 - 1 7 7 0] 1 502 Poem s of Nature

TO THE NIGHTINGALE

O NI GHTINGALE tha t on yon bloom y spray Warblest a t eve en all the ds are s ill , wh woo t , ’ it resh e the l er s ear st ﬁll Thou w h f hop ov h t do , W ile the ll ours lea on r iti s M h jo y h d p op ou ay . Th li i n es a lose the e e of da y qu d ot th t c y y, ’ irst ear e re the s allo s i F h d b fo h w cuckoo b ll, ’

r en s ess in l e . 0 Po t d ucc ov , if Jove s will

a e link ed a t am orous er to so t la H v th pow thy f y, Now im el sin ere th r f t y g, e ude bird o ha te oretell m o eless m in s m r e ni F y h p doo , o e g ov gh ; As thou from year to year hast sung too la te F r m r lie o e et a s no reason . y f, y h d t why W et er the use or L e all t ee his m a e h h M ov c h t , ot t em ser e and eir rain am B h h I v , of th t I . — John Milton [ 1 60 8 1 6 74]

PHILOMELA

THE i tin ale s n ril rin e N gh g , as oo as Ap b g th

nto her reste ense a er e t a in U d s p f c w k g ,

W ile la te- are art ro of new lot in s rin e h b E h , p ud c h g , p g th,

in s out her oes a t orn her son - m a in S g w , h g book k g ;

And m o rn ll e aili n u fu y b w g, Her throa t in tunes exp resseth

W a rie her reast o re se h t g f b pp s th , ’ F r r t wil re ilin o Te eus force on her chas e l p va g.

0 P hilomela air 0 take some lad ness f , g That here i s j uster cause of plaintful sadness ! Th arth now s ri s mine adeth i ne e p ng , f

Th thorn without m thorn m heart i nvadeth. y , y y

Alas ! she ha th no other cause of anguish ’ ere s lo e on her s ron an r en But T u v , by t g h d w ok ; erein she s f erin all her s iri s lan ui s Wh u f g , p t g h , her ill was ro en F ull wom anlike, com plains w b k ,

1 504 Poem s of N ature

r a es a few sad las ra airs Whe e palsy sh k , , t g y h ,

ere o h r s ale and s e erin and dies Wh y ut g ow p , p ct th , ; Where b ut to think is to b e full of sorrow And leaden-eyed despairs ; r nno h r s r s e es Whe e Beauty ca t keep e lu t ou y ,

- rr Or new Love pine a t them beyond to m o ow.

! a a for will ee Away w y ! I ﬂy to th ,

ot ari te a s nd his ar s N ch o d by B cchu a p d ,

on the ie less in s of es But v w w g Po y, Though the dull brain perplexes and retards

lrea i e en er is the ni A dy w th th e ! t d ght,

And a l he een-a is on her t rone h p y t Qu h , Clustered around by all her starry Fays ; B t er t ere is no li u h e h ght , Save wha t from heaven is with the breezes blown

r er ur us loom s and indi n m ss a s Th ough v d o g w g o y w y .

anno see a o ers are at m ee I c t wh t ﬂ w y f t, or a s in ense an s u n the o N wh t oft c h g po b ughs,

But in em alm e ar ness ess ea s eet , b d d k , gu ch w Wherewith the seasonable m onth endows

The ras the t i et and the rui - re il g s, h ck , f t t e w d ;

Whi te a rn and the as oral e lantin h wtho , p t g e; Fast-fading violets covered up in leaves ; ’ And m id - a s el es il M y d t ch d,

The om in m us -rose ll of e wine c g k , fu d wy ,

The m rm r us a n of ﬂi n s u u o h u t es o umm er eves.

r lin lis en and for m a n Da k g I t ; , y a tim e

a e een al in lo e it ease l t I h v b h f v w h fu Dea h ,

Calle him so nam es in m an a m se r m e d ft y u d hy , To take into the air m y quiet brea th ;

Now m ore an e er seem s it ri to di th v ch e,

To ease n the m i ni it no ain c upo d ght w h p , While thou art pouring forth thy soul abroad I n such an ecstasy !

till o l st o sin and S w u d th u g , I have ea rs in vain To th i re iem e m e y h gh qu b co a sod . S o ng 1 505

o as not rn for ea t or l ir Th u w t bo d h , im m ta B d! No hungry generations trea d thee down ; The voice I hear thi s passing night was heard In ancient days by em peror and clown Perhaps the self-sam e song that found a path

ro the sad ear of n i for Th ug h h t Ruth, whe , s ck hom e, She stood in tears amid the alien corn ; The sam e tha t oft- tim es ha th

C arm e m a i asem en s o enin n the h d g c c t , p g o foam o r n Of peril us seas, in fae y la ds forlorn.

Forlorn ! the very word is like a bell To toll m e back from thee to m y sole self! Adieu ! the fancy cannot chea t so well As h i am o do ecei n s e s f ed t , d vi g elf . Adieu ! adi eu ! thy plaintive anthem fades

as the near m ea s er the s ill s ream P t dow , ov t t , ’ Up the hill-side ; and now tis buried deep I n the next valley-glad es : Was it a isi n or a a in ream ? v o , w k g d — Fled is that m usic Do I wake or sleep? — John Keats [ 1 79 5 1 8 2 1 ] SONG

! ‘ I s w r the m err lar l s eet to hea y k, Tha t bids a blithe good-m orrow ; But s ee er a r in the win lin ar w t to h k, t k g d k, o n son of s rr To the s othi g g o ow . Oh nightingale ! What doth she ail? And is she sad or jolly? ’ For ne er on earth was sound of mirth n l So like to m ela cho y.

Th m lar he s ars on e erry k, o high , ’ No worldly thought o ertak es him ; H in s al to the lear l e sk e s g oud c b u y, li a a a And the day ght th t w kes him . A s ee a la as l as a s w t y, oud, g y, The nightingale is trilling;

it eelin liss no less t an W h f g b , h his, r Her little heart is th illing. 1 506 Poem s of Nature

nd non a si Yet ever a a , gh Peers through her lavish m irth ; ’ r l n is of the sk For the la k s bo d so g y,

And hers is of the earth . i and da she unes her la By n ght y, t y, To drive away all sorrow ;

F r liss alas ! -ni m s ass o b , to ght u t p ,

m -m rr And woe m ay co e to o ow . [ 1 7 9 6- 1 8 40]

BIRD SONG

in n s ill - THE rob si g of w ow buds, Of snowﬂakes on the green ;

Th l e ir sin a ﬂow e b u b d gs of M y ers, The cra ckli ng leaves between; The veery has a thousand tales To tell to girl and boy ;

ut th ori le the ri le B e o , o o , “ ” in s ! ! ! S g , Joy joy joy

Th ee alls his li le m a e e pew c tt t ,

ee oe e ne as ra Sw t Ph b , go t y, “ Th ar er sin t fun ha e w bl gs, Wha , w t To tilt upon the spray !

The has no s n l s cuckoo o g, but c uck , Like any wooden toy; But the ori le the ri le o , o o , “ ” in s o ! ! o ! S g , Jy joy j y

’ The os ea sin s the r se s ir h gr b k g o b t , And paints her on hi s breast ;

The s arro sin s of s e le e s p w g p ck d gg ,

r th Soft b ooded in e nest .

The oo - t rus sin s of ea e e ea e w d h h g p c , Sw et p c , ” eet e e it Sw p ac , w hout alloy;

the oriole the oriole But , , “ ” Sings Joy! joy ! joy!

Laura E . Richards [ 1 8 5 0

1 508 Poem s of Nature

Ah n h n ! , ot ing, othing Comm onest things ou a lim a s un a r A t ch , g pse, o d, b ea th I t is a song the oriole sings And th r el n s all e est b o g to death .

ri le m oriole But o o , y , Were som e bright seraph sent from bliss With songs of heaven to win m y soul r m sim le m em ories s h as is F o p uc th ,

What could he tell to tem pt my ea r r m ou? W a i in l ere F o y h t h gh th g cou d th b e, So tenderly and sweetly dear As my lost boyhood is to m e? William Dean Howells [ 1 8 3 7

TO AN ORIOLE

Ho ri le u as om e to w falls it , o o , tho h t c ﬂy In tropic splendor through our Northern sky?

’ At som e glad m om ent was it nature s choice To dower a scrap of sunset with a voice?

or wi Or did som e ange tulip, ﬂaked th black , I s m e r en ar en a es ac n o fo gott g d , g b k,

earnin ar ea en until its is was ear Y g tow d H v w h h d , Desire unspeakably to be a bird? Edgar Fawcett [ 1 8 4 7- 1 9 04]

THE OWL

IN the oll ree in the old ra o er h ow t , g y t w , The spectral Owl doth dwell; ll a s ise in the s ns ine ur Du , h ted , de p d , u h ho , ’ But at dusk he s abroad and well ! Song : The Owl 1 509

’ Not a bird of the forest e er m ates with him ; All m h ri da ock im out ght , by y;

But a ni en he s r s ill and dim t ght , wh t wood g ow t , The boldest will shrink away ! 0 when the ni ht alls and roasts the owl , g f , f , T then is the rei n o the Hornéd Owl I hen, , g f

And he Owl at a ri e is n and ol t h h b d , who fo d b d, ’ And loveth the wood s deep gloom ; And it e es li e the s ine of the m oons one l , w h y k h t co d, She a waiteth her ghastly groom ;

Not a ea t er she m o es not a ar l sh sin f h v , c o e gs, As she waits in her tree so still; But en her ar earet a in in s wh he t h h his ﬂ pp g w g , She hoots out her welcom e shrill!

0 when the m oon shi nes and do s do howl , , g , Then then s the o o the Hornéd wl ! , , i j y f O

o m not for the wl nor h s l m i ! M u O , i g oo y pl ght The Owl hath his share of good : a ris ner he b in the r If p o e b oad daylight , He is lord in the dark greenwood !

Nor lonel he ir nor hi stl m a e y t b d, s gha y t , They are each unto each a pride ;

ri e on er er a sin e a stran e ar ate Th c f d , p h ps, c g , d k f Hath rent them from all beside !

S o when the ni ht alls and do s do howl , g f , g , S in ha I or the rei n o the Hornéd Ow g, f g f l ! We know not alway

Who are ki n s b da g y y, But the King of the night i s the bold brown Owl I Bryan Waller P rocter [ 1 7 8 7 - 1 8 7 4]

SONG : THE OWL

WHE N ats run om e and li t is om e c h gh c , And dew is ol on the ro n c d up g u d ,

And the fa r- off stream is m du b ,

And the w irrin sail oes ro nd h g g u , And the whirring sail goes round ; 1 5 1 0 Poem s of N ature

l ne and arm his ﬁve i s A o w ing w t , w h The white o l in t e belfry sits.

en m rr m il m ai s li the lat Wh e y k d c ck ch ,

And rarel sm ells the new-m o n ha y w y, And the cock hath sung beneath the tha tch

i e or t ri e hi r n ela Tw c h c s ou d y, N ice or thrice his roundelay;

l ne and a rmin hi ﬁve A o w g s wits,

The it owl in the el r wh e b f y sits. Alfred Tennyson [ 1 8 09

SWEET SUFFOLK OWL

WEET Suﬂolk owl so trim l i S , y d ght Wit eat ers li e a a r h f h , k l dy b ight ; ’ sin st alone sittin Thou g , g by night , “ ” Te whit ! Te whoo !

Thy note that forth so freely rolls With shrill com m and the m ouse controls ; And sin s a ir e for in g d g dy g souls. “ ” Te whit ! Te whoo !

Thomas a nt ﬂ V or [ . 1 6 1 6]

THE PEWEE

THE listening Dryads hushed the woods ;

The s ere t i and t in a nd f w bough w h ck , h e The golden ribbons ﬂuttering through ;

eir sun—em roi ere lea oo Th b d d , fy h ds The lindens lifted to the blue : Only a little forest - brook The farthest hem of silence shook W en in the ollo s a es ear h h w h d I h d ,

s it a s irit or a r ? Wa p , bi d

r st ra e rom en esola e O , y d f Ed , d t , m e eri allin to her m a So P c g te, Whom neverm ore her m a te would cheer? “ ” Pe-ri ! pe-ri ! peer !

1 5 1 2 Poem s of Nature

uit the sear and sat m e n I q ch , dow esi e the r irresol te B d b ook, u , And watched a little bird in suit so er oli e s t and ro n Of b v , of b w ,

er he in the m a le- ran es m P c d p b ch , ute i reenis ol its est was r n ed W th g h g d v f i g ,

Its in ca was e n-tin e t y p bo g d , Wit i r ale its in s ere arre h vo y p w g w b d ,

And it a r e es er en er- rr s d k y w e t d sta ed . “ “ ear ir said at i th nam e? D b d , I , wh s y And ri the m o rn ul an r th ce u f swe cam e, o aint and far and et so near S f , y , Pe-wee ! p e-wee ! peer !

For so o n m res ir I f u d y fo t b d,

The e ee of he loneliest p w t woods, le sin er in t ese solit e So g h ud s, ’ W i ne er ro in s istle stirr h ch v b wh ed , ’ er ne er l e ir s l m Wh e v b u b d p u e intrudes.

i artin t ro the e m rn Qu ck d g h ugh d wy o , The re start trille his t itterin rn d d w g ho ,

And anis e in t i s : n v h d h ck bough at eve ,

Li e li ui ea rls res s o ere rom ea n k q d p f h h w d f h ve , The high notes of the lone wood-thrush ’ Fall on the forest s holy hush :

But t o all da com lainest ere h u y p h , Pe-wee ! pe-wee ! peer !

as t too in little reas H t hou , , thy b t , tran e lon in s for a a ier o S g g g h pp l t , ’ For lo e for li e t o know s n a v , f , h u t ot wh t , A earnin and a a nr y g, v gue u est , For som ething still which thou hast not? Thou soul of som e benighted child

at eris e r in in the il Th p h d , c y g w d ! Or lost orlorn and an erin m ai , f , w d g d , lo e all red lo e etra By v u , by v b yed, Whose spirit with her latest sigh r s a little win éd cr A o e, g y, Above her chill and m ossy b ier ! Dear m e! dear m e ! dea r ! ’ Rob in s Com e 1 5 1 3

no s ier in s rrow m ars Ah , uch p c g o ’ The pewee s life of cheerful case !

He sin s or lea es his son to s ize g , v g e An insect sporting in the bars

m il ri t li t t at h r Of d b gh gh h gild t e t ees. A very poet he ! For him All pleasant pla ces still and dim :

His eart a s ar ea enl ﬁre h , p k of h v y ,

rns it un in s ee esire : Bu w h dy g , w t d And so he sin s and so hi s son g ; g,

o ar not the rr in r n Th ugh he d by hu y g th o g, Is solace to the pensive ear : Pewee ! pewee ! peer ! John Townsend Trowbrid ge [ 1 8 2 7

ROBIN ’S COME!

’ R M the elm - tree s o m st F O t p o bough, ’ Hark ! the Robin s early song ! . Telling one and all that now Merry spring-tim e hastes along; e om e tidi n s o r W lc g dost th u b ing, Little harbinger of spring : ’ Robin s com e !

he in er we are ea r Of t w t w y, Weary of the frost and snow ;

n for the s nshi ne c r Longi g u hee y, ’ And the brooklet s gurgling ﬂow; Gladly then we hea r thee sing The reveille of spring : ’ Robin s com e !

’ i o er ill and lain Ring t out h p , ’ h ar en s lon l er Through t e g d e y bow s,

h re lea es an e a ai n Till t e g en v d c g , Till the air is sweet with ﬂowers! h the rill Wake t e cowslips by , Wake the yellow daﬂodil; ’ Rob in s com e ! 1 5 1 4 Poem s of N ature

en as er n ore Th , thou w t wo t of y ,

uil n r r B d thy est and ea thy young,

Cl se esi e our o r o b d c ttage doo , In the woodbine leaves am ong ; ’ ur or arm n st no r H t h thou eed t fea , Nothing rude shall venture near : ’ Robin s com e !

’ Swinging still o er yonder lane Robin answers m errily;

a is e the s r r n R v h d by weet ef ai , li e la s her le A c c p hands in g e, Callin rom the en r g f Op doo , ’ ’ Wi her s t i e r th of vo c , o er and o e , ’ Robin s com e ! William Warner Caldwell

ROBIN ’S SECRET

” ‘ I m the lit es nni es ea er for ir o i r a r b h t , bo t w th a b d t ﬂ t feathe ,

For a ir to rill and ar l s w r r - b d t w b e, all hi ee ed b east a swell. ’ a r m I ve sec et . You ay li sten till your blue eyes dance and li en g st , ’ it l m ai n I r r e e ll ne e e n r ne r . L t d , but v , n ve , eve , ve tell

’ ll ﬁnd no m ore ar i r ill h s ra rr e wax You w y p pe , t t e t wbe i s riper In Decem ber than in June— aha ! all up and down the

ell d ,

W ere m nest is set for r ain i a in nd s ow h y , ce t , w th p k a n y curtain ’ s r b ut I r n r n r r a t o est hi ll ne e e e e n l. E w , w ch v , v , ve , eve tel

Youm a ri m e it a t istle if oue er ear m e is l y p ck w h h , y v h wh t e How m r din m ate se eariness m arols s eet y b oo g , who w y c w is el d p ,

h er a - loss m s roo n All between t e clouds and clov , pple b o d pi g

o er v ,

r w m s ne er ne er ne er ne er ell. Twitte s lo that I u t v , v , v , v t

Poem s of Nature

now are silen Our thrushes t,

r all s o n a a Ou sw ow ﬂ w w y, ’ But in s ere in oat r n Rob h c of b ow , - no And scarlet breast k t gay. in in e reas Rob , Rob R db t, 0 Robin dea r ! Robin sings so sweetly

a n of In the f lli g the year.

ri t ello red and oran e B gh y w, , g , The leaves com e down in hosts;

T trees are n ia n rin e he I d p c s, ’ But soon they ll turn to ghosts; The scanty pea rs and apples Hang russet on the bough ; ’ It s uum n m n t la e A t , Autu , Au umn t , ’ ill n b e Winter n w Tw soo o . in in e reas Rob , Rob R db t, 0 Robin dear ! And wha t will this poor Robin do?

For in in a p ch g d ys are near.

h ﬁresi e for the ri T e d c cket,

The ea t-s a for th wh t ck e m ouse, When trem bling night-winds whistle r And m oan all ound the house.

The rost a s li e ir n f y w y k o , The ran es l m e i b ch p u d w th snow, las ! in Winter ea and ar A d d d k, Where can poor Robin go? in o in e reas Rob , R b R db t, 0 Rob in dear ! And a r m r f r in c u b of b ea d o Rob , His little heart to cheer ! — William Allingha m [ 1 8 24 1 8 8 9 ]

THE SANDPIPER

CR SS the narro ea we ﬂit A O w b ch , t le san i r One li t dp pe and I,

n ast a t er bit it A d f I g h , by b ,

he attere ri t lea e and dr T sc d d f wood b ch d y. The Sea- Mew 1 5 1 7

The il a es rea t eir an s f r t w d w v ch h h d o i , The il in ra es the ti s i w d w d v , de run h gh , A and o n the ea w ﬂi s up d w b ch e t,

e li tl i On t e sandp per and I .

Above our heads the sullen clouds Scud black and swift across the sky; Like silent ghosts in m isty shrouds

a o t th ite li t o St nd u e wh gh h uses high . Alm ost as far as eye can rea ch

see the l se- ree e essels I c o f d v ﬂy, As ast we ﬂit al n the ea f o g b ch, ne lit le sand i er and O t p p I .

h he s im s al n I watch im as k o g,

rin hi s ee a nd m Utte g sw t oum ful cry. tarts not a m fitful s n He s t y o g, tterin ra r Or flash of flu g d pe y . He has no thought of a ny wrong ; He scans m e with a fearless eye n rien s are we ell rie nd s r n Stau ch f d , w t d a t o g,

The little sandpiper and I .

r e ere il t o b e -ni Com ad , wh w t h u to ght When the loosed storm breaks furiously? My driftwood ﬁre will burn so bright ! To wha t warm shelter canst thouﬂy? not ear for ee t r t I do f th , hough w o h

' The tem pest rushes through the sky ’ r a re we n il ren t Fo ot God s ch d bo h , T o li n i er and ? h u , ttle sa dp p , I Celia Thaxter [ 1 8 3 5 - 1 8 9 4]

THE SEA— MEW

How joyously the young sea-m ew

La ream in on the a ters l e y d g w b u , Whereon our little bark had thrown li l a e the onl one A tt e sh d , y , er m r But shadows ev an pu sue. 1 5 1 8 Poem s of Nature

Fam iliar wit h the waves and free hite am ere he As if their own w fo w , His heart upon the heart of ocean nin ll its m sti m tion Lay lear g a y c o , r in se And throbbing to the th obb g a .

And a ri tness in his e e such b gh y , As if the ocean and the sky Within him had lit up and nursed A soul God gave him not a t ﬁrst

r n t eir m a est To com p ehe d h j y .

e re not r el et did sun er W we c u , y d

His i te in rom the l e a es n er wh w g f b u w v u d , And o n it ile his ea rless e es b u d , wh f y

one to rs in alm s r rise Sh up ou c u p , As deem ing us som e ocean wonder !

We bore our ocean bird unto

rass la e ere he m i t ie A g y p c , wh gh v w he ers t a t rt t th T ﬂow h cu sey o e bees, The a in of the ta ll reen tr w v g g ees,

Th allin of the sil er d w e f g v e .

But ﬂowers of earth were pale to him Who had seen the rainbow ﬁshes swim ; ’ And when earth s dew around him lay ’ He t t of ean s win éd s r hough oc g p ay, And his e e waxéd sa d d y an dim .

The green trees round hi m only m ade A prison with their darksom e sha de ;

And ro e his in and m o éd h d pp d w g , urn e For his own boundless glittering sea

Al ei he ne not t e b t k w h y could fade.

en One her la som e a e did rin Th g d f c b g, ’ Her entle i e s m rm urin g vo c u g, ’ In ocean s stead his heart to m ove And teach him what was hum an love :

He t u t it a stran e m oum f ho gh g , ul thi ng.

1 5 20 Poem s of Nature

i m a e onten e ill l n I , w th y f t c t d , w p od o , ’ And e for i er ra t res en li e s da hop h gh p u , wh f y is done . — William Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0 1 8 5 0]

TO A SKYLARK

ETHEREAL m instrel! pilgrim of the sky! Dost thoudespise the ea rth where ca res abound? Or ile the in s as ire are r , wh w g p , hea t and eye Both with thy nest upon the dewy ground? nes i t o ans ro int a t ill Thy t wh ch h u c t d p o w , se ui erin in s m se t Tho q v g w g co po d, hat m usic still !

the las in ision and e n To t po t of v , b yo d,

arin ar ler ! -t a l e- r Mount, d g w b h t ov p ompted strain — ’ ' Twixt thee and thine a never-failing bond Thrills not the less the bosom of the plain ’ t o seem r ri Yet m igh st th u , p oud p vilege ! to sing the ea All independent of l fy spring .

Lea ve to the nightingale her shady wood ; lorio s li t is t ine A privacy of g u gh h , Whence thoudost pour upon the world a ﬂood n it instin t m re i ine : Of harm o y, w h c o d v soar b ne er Type of the wise, who , ut v roam True to the kindred points of Hea ven a nd Hom e! — William Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0 1 8 5 0]

THE SKYLARK

RD f th il erness BI o e w d ,

m e nd m erless Blitheso a cu b , ’ Sweet b e thy m a tin o er m oorland m f a iness Em ble o h pp , Blest is thy dwelling-place O to ab ide in the desert with thee !

and lo Wild is thy lay ud, n lou Far in the dow y c d, The Skylark 1 5 2 1

e i es it ener l e a it irth Lov g v gy, ov g ve b . W ere on th e in h , y d wy w g , Where art thou journeying? la is in ea en th lo e is on earth Thy y h v , y v .

’ O er fell and fountai n sheen; ’ O er m r and m ai n reen oo ount g , ’ O er the red stream er tha t heralds the r the l l t dim Ove c oud e , ’ er the rain s rim Ov bow , si al er s ar sin in a a ! Mu c ch ub , o , g g, w y

en en the l am in m es Th , wh g o g co , Low in the hea ther bloom s Sweet will thy welcom e and b ed of love b e ! m blem a iness E of h pp , Blest is thy dwelling-place O to abide in the desert with thee ! James Hogg [ 1 7 70- 1 8 35]

THE SKYLARK

How the blithe L ark runs up the golden sta ir That leans through cloudy ga tes from Heaven And all alone in the em pyreal air Fills it with jubilant sweet songs of m irth ; How far he seem s far , how

Wi he li n his in th t ght upo w gs,

Is it a ir or sta r b d , a s ines and sin s? Th t h , g

W at m r if the a s r and r r h atte d y b e da k f o e, Tha t sunbeam tells of other days to b e And singing in the light tha t ﬂoods him 0 er In joy he overtakes Futurity ; Under cloud- arches vast

H ee s a nd sees e in e p p , b h d Grea t Sum m er com ing fast Adown the wind ! 1 5 2 2 Poem s of Nature

’ now h in a rain s ri And e dives to bow vers, In s ream s l and ur le he is dro ne t of go d p p w d, rill the rr s his s n he shi e Sh y a ow of o g v rs, As though the storm y drops were turned to sound ; n n w he iss es t r A d o u h ough, He l u er scales a c o dy tow , ain l li e allin dew F t y, k f g , H n is fast otes shower.

t e er in be e a m ear Le v y w d hush d , th t I ay h Th on r t in he ells the r l e w d ous h gs t Wo ld be ow, w r m he i t n r Things tha t e d ea of s wa ching ea , Hopes tha t we never dream ed he would bestow; Alas ! the storm ha th rolled th n Back e gold ga tes agai , Or surely he ha d told All Hea ven to m en!

the i t ri us e sin s al ne So v c o o Po t g o , And lls it li t his li r m ﬁ w h gh so ta y ho e, And t ro a l r sees new rlds res n h ugh th t g o y wo fo how , And ears i n s d r h h gh so g , an t ium phs yet to com e ; He waves the air of Tim e Wit l h thrills of go den chords, And m akes the world to clim b n O linkéd words .

at if his ai r b e ra his es he dim Wh h g y, ey , ealt rsa e him and if rien h If w h fo k , f ds e cold, Won er n ars her t o san a es him d u b h u d g t to , r t ne er ails nor ea a es old T u h v f , B uty w x ; More than he tells his eyes e l hi s s iri ea r B ho d , p t h s, rie and and s Of g f, joy, ighs ’ i t o and Tw x j y tears.

Blest is the m an who with the sound of song Can arm a a the ear a e and ch w y h t ch , forget The rost of en r and the s in s Wr n f P u y, t g of o g, And drown the fa tal whisper of Regret !

1 5 24 Poem s of N ature

Keen as are the arrows il er s ere Of that s v ph , Whose intense lam p narrows n lear I n the white daw c ,

n il we ardl see we eel t a it is ere. U t h y , f h t th

All the ea rth and air i th oi e is lo W th y v c ud, en ni t is are As, wh g h b , From one lonely cloud

m o rains her eam s and ea en is overﬂowed . The on out b , h v

What thouart we know not ; Wha t is m ost like thee? From rainbow clouds there ﬂow not D rops so bright to see h r n s As from t y p ese ce howers a rain of m elody .

Like a poet hidden I the li t of t t n gh hough , Singing hym ns unbidden Till the world is wrought To sym pa thy with hopes and fears it heeded not

Like a high- bom m aiden I a ala e o r n p c t we , Soothing her love-laden Soul in secret hour m i as lo e i o r With us c sweet v , wh ch ve ﬂows her bower :

Like a glow-worm golden I a ell dew n d of , Scattering unbeholden

I ts aerial hue

m n the o ers and rass i s reen it r m the ie : A o g ﬂ w g , wh ch c f o v w

Like a rose em bowered

In s own reen l a it g e ves , arm inds e o ered By w w d ﬂ w , Till the scent it gives Makes faint with too m uch sweet heavy- wingéd thieves To a Skylark 1 5 2 5

Sound of vernal showers On the inklin rass tw g g , - ers Rain awakened ﬂow , All that ever was an ear and r Joyous, d cl , f esh, thy music doth surpass.

e s ri e or ir T ach us, p t b d , What sweet thoughts are thine I have never heard Praise of love or wine a n r a of ra re o That p ted fo th ﬂood ptu s divine.

C r m eneal ho us hy , r rium al haun O t ph c t, Matched with thine would ‘ b e ' all But an em pty vaunt in erein we eel there is s m e i en A th g wh f o h dd want .

What objects are the fountains Of thy happy strain? l or a s or m What ﬁe ds, w ve , ountains? What shapes of sky or plain? What love of thine own kind? what ignorance of pain?

With thy clear keen joyance Languor cannot be : Shadow of annoyance Never cam e near thee : ’ ’ o but ne er ne lo e s Thoul vest ; k w v sad satiety.

r aslee Waki ng o p, Thouof death m ust deem Things more true and deep w m ort ream Than e als d , Or how could thy notes ﬂow in such a crystal stream ?

re and a er We look befo ft , And pine fb r what is not Our sincerest laughter With som e pai n is fraught ; Our s ee es s n s are se a ell sa es w t t o g tho th t t of dd t thought . 1 5 2 6 Poem s of Nature

Yet if we could scorn ate an ri e and r H , d p d , fea ; If we were things born e a ea r Not to sh d t , n not we e er s ul m e near I k ow how thy joy v ho d co .

Better than all m easures eli l s un Of d ghtfu o d , Better than all t reasures ha in s are n T t book fou d , s ill ere t us rner f he r und ! Thy k to poet w , ho co o t g o

Teach m e half the gladness ra m n That thy b in ust k ow , Such harm onious m adness r m li F om y ps would ﬂow,

rl s oul lis en then as am lis enin now. wo d h d t , I t g — P ercy Bysshe S helley {1 7 9 2 1 8 2 2}

THE STORMY PETREL

TH SAND m iles r m lan are we A OU f o d , ssin a u on he r a rin sea To g bo t t o g , r m illo un in illo as F o b w to bo d g b w c t , ﬂ h rm Like eecy snow on t e sto y blast . The sails are scattered abroad like weeds ; The strong m asts shake like quivering reeds ; Th h a ir n ains e mig ty c bles and o ch ,

he u hi a eart l s ren isdains T h ll, w ch ll h y t gth d , They strain and they crack ; and hea rts like stone

eir na ural ar r u s ren t is n . Th t , h d , p o d t g h d ow

Up and down — up and down ! ’ r From the base of the wave to the billow s c own, And am idst the ﬂashing and feathery foam he rm re n s a om e T sto y pet l ﬁ d h , m if su a la e m a b e A ho e, ch p c y For her li es on the i e i e sea who v w d , w d , n he r ce in the r zen O t c aggy i , f o air, And only seeketh her rocky lair

Poem s of Nature

u m r Tho too ust est . ’ m m lit le ir l st t bu But uch , y t b d , cou d hou t tell, ’ ’ I d give to know why here thou lik st so well n To build thy es t .

For thouhast passed fair places in thy ﬂight ; A world lay all beneath thee where to light ;

And s ran e as e , t g thy t t ,

all the va ri e s enes t at m et t i ne e e Of d c h h y , ’ all the s ots for ildin nea t the sk Of p bu g h y, To choose this wast e !

Did fort une try thee ?— was thy little purse er an e run low and t o a rai of orse P ch c , h u , f d w , Felt here secure? ’ no ! t o nee st not ol t o a on Ah , h u d g d , h u h ppy e ! ’ ’

o know st it not . all s rea t res m Th u Of God c u , an on i or Al e s po .

W at w s it thenP— s m e m sti t rn t o t h a , o y c u of h ugh , Ca t n e erm an ea es and it er ro t ugh u d r G v , h h b ugh , Marring thine eye ’ For the orl s o eliness till o a rt r n w d l v , th u g ow

r a ost m o e and m oa n A sobe thi ng th t d but p , Not knowing why?

Na if th min he s un nee not ask y, y d o d, I d , Since here I see thee worki ng at thy task

With wing and beak .

ll-lai sc em e ot t at sm all ea on a A we d h d h h h d c t in, ’ hi t o work st ra e ir it m i an At w ch h u , b v b d , w h ght d ’ r m re eed e No o n st se k .

r ra er a e it t o as ot In t uth, I th t k h u h t g

instin t ise m sense a t th lot By c w uch bou y , And hast sm all ca re Whether an Eden or a desert b e ’ om so t o rem ain st ali e and ree Thy h e, h u v , f im h ir To sk t e a .

r ir ! Ma th sm all n God speed thee, p etty b d y y es t im e b e les With litt le ones all in good t b t . Chim ney Swall ows I 5 29

I love thee m uch ; For ell t o m ana est t a life of hin w h u g h t t e, ile I— oh ask not a t do wit m ine Wh , wh I h ! Would I were such ! Jone Welsh Carlyle [ 1 8 0 1 - 1 8 66]

CHIMNEY SWALLOWS

I SLEPT in an old hom estead by the sea : And in t eir im ne nest h ch y ,

A i t the s allo s tol m e- re m e t n gh w w d ho lo to , ri n e As to a f e dly gu st .

li i itter low conﬁdin la A qu d tw , , g , g d ,

rom m an loss t roats F y g y h , Was all the voice ; and yet its accents had m ’ A poe s golden notes.

aint le en s of the resi e and he s re Qu g d ﬁ d t ho ,

An s n s f estal heer d ou d o f c , ’ And tones of t ose ose tas s lo e are o er h wh k of v , Were breathed into m ine ear ;

And on ro s l ri s elt b ut n r w d u y c , f eve sung , ’ The heart s m elodious bloom ;

An is ories ose er m n d h t , wh p fu es lo g have clung

a h llo r m About e c ha wed oo .

ear the re of lo ers s e o n I h d d am v , a th y f u d

A st t eir our liss t la h h of b , And fear and pain and long suspense were drowned r - I n one hea t healing kiss.

ear the l lla of a es a re I h d u by b b , th t g w To sons and daughters fai r ; ’ an ls sin in as t e ﬂ w And childhood s ge , g g h y e , r r r And sobs of sec et p aye .

I heard the voyagers who seem ed to sail

he i r sk Into t sapph e y,

eir oi es in the a um n ale And sad , w d v c ut g , As the swift ships went by; Poem s of Nature

And sighs suppressed and converse soft and low ’ b h s ﬂ rer s b ed A out t e u e , And what is uttered when the stricken know That the dear one is dead ;

d e of o the Sa at li An st ps th se who , in bb h ght , Muse with transﬁg ured face ; d li s ressin t ro the l n ar ni An hot p p g, h ugh o g , d k ght , ’ The pillow s em pty place ;

An ervent reetin s old rien s se a h d f g g of f d , who p t In o had ne a art y uth go p , ’ B o r ro rm ut to each the b ught life s afte ath, i rro art W th unco ded he .

Th m usi the s ns to e th strain e c of easo uch d e ,

ir - o and la h r B d j y ug of ﬂowe s, ’ he r ar s nt nd h r n T o ch d bou y a t e yellow g ai , Snow storm and sunny showers;

And secrets of the soul that doubts and yearns And r es in re ions dim g op g , ill m eetin C ris it ra tur is erns T , g h t w h p ed eye, d c li in Its perfect fe Him .

8 0 in i the as er and his rs , th k ng of M t tea , And how the ir s are e t b d k p , san in arm s t at ol e m e rom ears I k h f d d f f , An li e an in an sle t d k f t , p . — Horatio Nelson P owers [ 1 8 26 1 89 0]

ITYLUS

SWA W m sis er 0 sis er s allo LLO , y t , t w w, How can thine heart b e full of the spring?

t r a r o er A housand summ e s e v and dea d . What hast thou found in the spring to follow? What hast thoufound in thi ne hea rt to sing? What wilt thou do when the sum m er is shed?

1 53 2 Poem s of Nature

0 s ee s ra sis er 0 s i in s all w t t y t , h ft g w ow, ’ The r s i isi n i i e hea t d v o d v d th us. Thy hea rt is light as a leaf of a tree ; But m ine goes forth am ong sea -gulfs hollow the l c the sla in To p a e of y g of Itylus, The eas D aulis the r a f t of , Th aci n sea .

0 s all sister 0 ra i s all w ow, , p d w ow, s a t I pray thee ing not lit le space. Are not the roofs and the lintels wet?

en w b t a t was lain The wov e h p to follow, e m all slain the ﬂower-li e a Th s body, k f ce, Can I rem em ber if thouforget?

er sis er th ﬁrst - e en! O sist , t , y b gott h an a lin and the ee a oll T e h ds th t c g f t th t f ow , ’ Th i of the il l r in et e vo ce ch d s b ood c y g y , Who hath remembered me who hath forgotten as r otten 0 s m m er s all w Thou h t fo g , u w o , s But the world hall end when I forget . — Algernon Charles Swinburne [ 1 8 3 7 1 9 09 ]

THE THROSTLE

“ MMER is omin s m m er is omin SU c g, u c g,

it no it no it . I know , I k w , I k w n lea a ain li e a ain l e a ai n Light agai , f g , f g , ov g ,

s m il little e . Ye , y w d Po t

n r th u Sing the new year in u de e bl e. n i as l l Last year yousa g t g ad y . ” n w new new! I s it t en so new New, e , , h Tha t youshould carol so m adly?

a in s n a ain nes a ain un a ain Love ga , o g g , t g , yo g g , Never a prophet so crazy ! a is as et li le rien And hardly a d y y , tt f d,

ere is ar l a ais . See, th h d y d y Joy- M onth 1 533

” ere a ain ere ere ere a r ! H g , h , h , h , h ppy yea

0 ar le n i en n i en! w b u ch dd , u b dd

m m er is om in is om in m e r Su c g, c g , y d a , An all the inters a re i en d w h dd . Alfred Tennyson {1 8 09 - 1 8 9 2]

OVERFLOW HU SH With sudden gush

As rom a o nta in sin s in on r f f u , g y de bush Th rmi e He t Thrush .

Hark ! Did ever Lark With swifter scintilla tions ﬂing the spark Tha t ﬁres the dark?

ain Ag , Like April rain

m ist and s ns ine m in le m h Of u h g d , oves t e strai n ’ er hill and a O pl in .

Strong

As lo e 0 on v , S g,

In am e or torrent s ee t rou i e alon ﬂ w p h gh L f g, ’ O er rie an n g f d wro g . — John Banister Ta bb [ 1 8 4 5 1 9 09]

JOY—MONTH

H a r to the rown t rus ! r h w O , h k b h h hea o he sings ! How he pours the dear pain of his gladness ! What a gush ! and from out wha t golden springs ! Wha t a rage of how sweet m adness !

And ol en the t er loom s the wa g d bu t cup b by y, A song of the joyous g round ; While the m elody rained from yonder spray l m l un Is a b osso in ﬁe ds of so d . 1 534 Po em s of Nature

How glisten the eyes of the happy leaves ! “ How is ers ea la e am lest ! wh p ch b d , I b

os ea en his li s o er ear iv R y H v p to ﬂ w ed th g es,

it t t i i r W h he cos l est bl ss of his b east .

r o r of the ine of th eart 0 a r ! Pou , p u w y h , N tu e s el and f sk By cup of ﬁ d o y, By the brimm ing soul of every creature

- o m ad ear ot er am . Jy , d M h , I

on es ton es for m o for m ! m re T gu , gu y j y, y joy o tongues t an s to the t r s on the tree Oh , h k h u h , ’ To the sk and to ll eart s l m s an ! y , a h b oo d songs

tt r th r They u e e hea t in m e . David Atwood Wasson [ 1 8 23- 1 8 8 7 ]

MY THRUSH

ALL ro the s ltr r th ugh u y hou s of June, rom m ornin lit e to ol en n n F g b h g d oo , And till the star of evening clim bs

The ra - l e ast a orl too soon g y b u E , w d ,

er sin s a r s ami e Th e g Th uh d th lim es.

’ o s et hid in olia e reen G d po , f g g ,

in s en less son s hi m sel seen S g d g , f un ;

i sel om m e his silent tim R ght d co es.

in er e s m m er o rs serene ! L g , y u h u

in on ear hr i S g , d T ush , am d the lim es !

Nor rom t ese on nes an er out f h c ﬁ w d ,

re the old un oli lo Whe g , b uc c ut, Com m its all day hi s m urderous crim es : o erries ri e are -s ee no o Th ugh ch p w t , d ubt,

r son am i th lim Sweete thy g d e es.

Ma not ream God sen s t ee ere y I d d h th ,

o m ello an el of the air Th u w g , Even to rebuke m y earthlier rhym es ’ h sic s so l all raise and ra e ? Wit m u u , p p y r Is tha t thy lesson in the lim es?

1 536 Poem s of N ature

ar rem ote a s iri no e Ap t , , p t t

a t an es m eltin l a oa Th d c g y ﬂ t, low aintl t r s ! B f y , h u h And build the green-hid waterfall or its ea and a I ha ted f b uty , ll

Th nl e ernal ra t re and s e u ov d v p u ﬂu h , The old or otten lonel tim e f g y , D elica te thrush ! ’ ’ rin s a t the r m e the or s in him Sp g p i , w ld c e, And m y love is listeni ng nea rly ;

0 li htl lo the a n ient woe g y b w c ,

l te of the oo lo learl ! F u w d, b w c y

lo she is ere and the orl all ea r B w , h , w d d , eltin te of the s M g ﬂu hu h ,

Old s rrow estran e enri e sea - an e o g d , ch d , ch g d , e it eer t r s ! Brea th , v y h u h Joseph Russell Taylor [ 1 8 68

TO A WATERFOWL

HI THER m i s allin dew W , d t f g ,

W ile lo the ea ens it the last ste s of da h g w h v w h p y , Fa r t ro t eir ros e t s ost o , h ugh h y d p h , d th u pursue Thy solita ry way?

’ Vainly the fowler s eye i t m ar th di stant ﬂi t to d the r n M gh k y gh o e w o g,

As a r l ainte on the rim son sk , d k y p d c y, r a t l n Thy ﬁgue ﬂo s a o g .

’ Seek st thou the plashy brink

e la e or m ar e of ri er i e Of we dy k , g v w d , Or where the rocking billows rise a nd sink On the cha fed ocean-side?

There is a Power whose ca re

s th wa alon t a a t less as Tea che y y g h t p h co t,

ert and illim ita le air Thc des b ,

ne n in no o Lo wa der g, but t l st. ' The Wood- Dove s Note

All day thy wings have fanned

t tha t far ei t the ol t in atm os ere A h gh , c d , h ph , et stoo o ear to the el m e lan Y p n t , w y, w co d,

Though the dark night is nea r.

And soon tha t toil shall end ;

n s alt t o ﬁnd a s m m er om e an r Soo h h u u h , d est, And scream am on th ello s ree s s all en g y f w ; d h b d, ’

oon o er th s el ere nes . S , y h t d t

’ o rt one the a ss of ea en Th u g , by h v

a s all e orm et on m e H th w ow d up thy f ; y , y h art

ee l a s n the lesson t a st i en D p y h th u k hou h g v , h ll n t n e And s a o soo d part .

H who rom z n to zone e , f o e ,

i es t ro the n less sk r n Gu d h ugh bou d y thy ce tai ﬂight ,

In the lon wa t a t m st trea alone g y h I u d ,

l l m ste ri Wi l ead y ps a ght . Willia m Cullen B rya nt [ 1 7 9 4- 1 8 7 8]

’ THE WOOD- DOVE S NOTE

EAD WS ith ello o sli s all a lo M O w y w c w p g w , Gl r ns i he re o y of su h ne on t uplands ba ,

And ain and fa r it eet el si e ﬂow f t , w h sw u v , ’ The W -d o e lainti e all ood v s p v c , “ 0 where ! where ! where !

Straight with old Om ar in the alm ond grove From whitening boughs I brea the the odors ra re And hear the princess m ourning for her love it n earie lain W h sad u w d p t , 0 where ! where ! where !

New m adrigals in ea ch soft pulsing throa t New life upleaping to the brooding air

ill he rt ans er o t t e in n e St t hea w s t ha qu st g ot , “ S oul o the vanished ears f y , 0 where ! where ! where ! — Emily Huntington Miller [ 1 833 1 9 1 3] THE SEA

FOR ALL AL SONG SEAS , L SHIPS

O DA a ru e rie re ita ti e T Y d b f c v , s i s sailin the seas ea i its ﬂ Of h p g , ch w th special ag or ship si l gna , — Of unna m ed heroes in the ships of waves sprea ding and s rea in far as the e e can rea p d g y ch , as in s ra and the in s i in and l win Of d h g p y, w d p p g b o g,

And out ese a an for the sailors all na ion of th ch t of t s,

itful li a s r e. F , ke ug

sea - a ains un or old and th m a es an Of c pt yo g , e t , d of all in tre i rs pid sa lo , the ew er c oi e ta i rn m Of f , v y h c , c tu , who fa te can never r rise nor ea ism a su p d th d y,

i e s arin l i out noise t ee old o e n o P ck d p g y w th by h , c a , ch sen by ee th ,

o sea a ickest and cullest the ra e in i e and ni Th u th t p c t m , u t i ns est nat o ,

le t ee old us n rse em in ee Suck d by h , h ky u , body g th ,

nta m e as ee . Indomitable, u d th

er the er es on a er or on lan nes or s a ea r (Ev h o w t d , by o two pp

ing , he reserve and ne er l s u r re n Ever t stock p d v o t, tho gh a , e ough

for seed preserved .)

n 0 sea ur se ara e a s nati ns! Fla u t out , , yo p t ﬂ g of o Flaunt out visible as ever the various ship -signals ! But do youreserve especially for yourself and for the soul of ﬂa a l the res m an one g bove al t , r na i ns em lem of m an A spiritual woven signal fo all t o , b ela te t above dea h,

1 540 Poem s of Nature

This en raim en ni s and a s wov t of ght d y , oﬂ n n o n rom m e Were it once cast a d u w u d f , d o al in th a s Naked an glad w uld I w k y w y , Alive and aware of thy waves and thee ;

Clear of the ole orl i en at m e wh w d, h dd ho , l t i th r n and ro ned it the am C o hed w th e g ee , c w w h fo ,

ls of the li e of th s raits and a s A pu e f y t b y ,

A vein in the heart of the streams of the Sea .

air m er fed i the li es of m en F oth , w th v ,

art le and r el of ea r m en sa Thou subt c u h t , y ; a en and s al not ren er a ain Thouhast t k , h t d g ;

art ll th ea and l as e . Thou fu of y d d, co d th y But dea th is the worst tha t com es of thee ;

o art fed i our ea 0 o er 0 Sea Th u w th d d, M th , , But when hast thou fed on our hearts? or when

a in i en us lo e as a en a a ? H v g g v v , h t thou t k w y

n er- ea r e 0 er e l r 0 te d h t d , p f ct ove ,

li ar i er and s e in ea r . Thy ps e b tt , we t th e h t

The o e a t r and the reams at o er h p s th hu t d th h v , Shall they not vani sh awa y and apart?

B t o t o art s re art ol er an eart ut h u , h u u , thou d th h ; Thou art strong for dea th and fruitful of birth ; Thy depths conceal and thy gulfs discover ;

r h r F om t e ﬁrst thou we t ; in the end thou art . Algernon Charles S winburne [ 1 8 3 7 - 1 9 09 ]

THE SEA

’ From Childe Harold s Pilg rimag e

E i l re in th e THER s a p easu e pa thl ss woods, a re on the lon r There is raptu ely sho e, There is society where none intrudes he ee Sea and m si in i r By t d p , u c ts oar l not Man the less a r m I ove , but N tu e ore, rom ese our in ervi e s in hi c s eal F th t w , w h I t rom all m a b e or a e een r F I y , h v b befo e, T m in l i the ni er d o g e w th U v se, an feel ’ W a can ne er e ress et can not all n eal h t I xp , y co c . The S ea 1 54 1

oll on ou ee and ar l e r ll! R , th d p d k b u Ocean, o Ten thousand ﬂeets sweep over thee in vain ; Man m ar the ea r wi hi ks th th ruin , s control Stops with the shore ; upon the wa tery plain Th re s ar all ee nor rem ain e w ck e thy d d, doth ’ a o o m s ra a e sa e his own A sh d w f an v g , v , n f r a m m en li e a ro of rain Whe , o o t, k d p , H n e h i r n e S inks i to thy d pt s w th bubbling g oa , Wit o t a ra e un nelle uncoﬂi ned and un n n h u g v , k d, , k ow .

His e s a re n t u n th a t s el st p o po y p h , thy ﬁ ds Ar not a s il or him — t o os e po f , h u d t arise

And Sha ke him from . thee ; the vile strength he wields ’ For eart s i n t o o t l es h destruct o h u d s a l d pise, rnin him r m osom to the s ies Spu g f o thy b k , ’ And nd s him s i erin in th la ra se t , h v g y p yful sp y And o lin his s ere a l lies h w g, to God , wh h p y

His et o in m e near r or b a p ty h pe so po t y, d da h t hi ai n r z— An s es m ag to ea th there let him lay.

The arm am ents which thunderstrike the walls ro - il ies i in na io Of ck bu t cit , b dd g t ns quake

And m onar s trem le in t eir a i ch b h c p tals, Th n e oak leviatha s, whose huge ri bs m ake Their clay creator the vain title ta ke

lor of nd ar i r of war Of d thee a b te ,

se are s and as the sn The thy toy , , owy ﬂake, e m el in eas of a e hi Th y t to thy y t w v s, w ch m ar ’ h ri e or ils Alike t e Arm ada s p d spo of Trafalgar .

s res ar em ires an ed Thy ho e p , ch g in all save thee

ss ria Gr om e Car a e ? A y , eece, R , th g , wha t are they

a ers as e t em o er il r r Thy w t w h d h p w wh e they we e f ee, And m any a tyrant since ; their shores obey

Th stran er sl e or sa a e e g , av , v g ; their decay — Has dried up realm s to deserts not so thou; ’ n a n ea le sa e to il a es la U ch g b v thy w d w v p y , Tim e writes no wrinkle on thine azure brow ; ’ u as rea i n s a n e el urollest now S ch c t o d w b h d, tho . 1 54 2 Poem s of Nature

’ r ere the lm i s orm Thou glorious mirro , wh A ghty f

i l in em sts in all tim e Glasses tse f t pe ; , n — in reeze or ale or storm Calm or co vulsed , b , g , ,

in the le or in the torri clirne Ic g po , d — - n n less n less and s lim e Dark heavi g ; bou d , e d , ub ,

im a e of terni — the t r ne The g E ty , h o Of the Invisible ; even from out thy slim e The m onsters of the deep are m ade ; each zone

e oes rt rea a omless alone. Obeys the ; thou g t fo h, d d , f th ,

a e lo e ! and m o And I h v v d thee, Ocean y j y Of youthful sports was on thy breast to b e

rne like th les on ar . rom a Bo , y bubb , w d F boy antone i t th rea ers — t e to m e I w d w h y b k , h y Were a delight ; and if the freshening sea ’ Ma e t em a terror t s a leasin ear d h , wa p g f ;

For was as it ere a il of t ee I w ch d h , And tr ste to th illo s far a nd near u d y b w , — i m n n th m ne as do ere. And la d y ha d upo y a , I h George Gordon Byron [ 1 7 8 8 - 1 8 2 4]

ON THE SEA

I T keeps eternal whisperings around esolate s ores and it its m i s ell D h , w h ghty w

l t i e ten t o sa n a erns till th s ell G uts w c h u d c v , e p

e t ir ld w n Of Heca te leaves th m he o shado y sou d . ’ ten tis in s entle tem er o n Of uch g p f u d , That scarcely will the very sm allest Shell

B o e for a s rom en e it som etim e ell e m v d d y f wh c f ,

n r n When last the winds of heave we e unbou d .

! wh a e our e e- alls e ed and tire Oh ye o h v y y b v x d, Feast them upon the wideness of the Sea ; e ! ose ears are inne it roar r e Oh y wh d d w h up ud ,

Or fed too m it lo in m elo uch w h c y g dy, ’ it e nea r som e old a ern s m o t and roo S y c v u h , b d

if the a-n m s ire ! Until ye start, as se y ph qu d John Keats [ 1 7 9 5 - 1 8 2 1 ]

1 54 4 Po em s o f Nature

0 sea 0 s n 0 in , u , w d and stars, (0 hungry hea rt that longs !)

ee m s a r e li s it li i lo e F d y t v d p w h fe, w th v , And touch m y tongue with songs ! Fred eric La wrence Knowles [ 1 8 69 - 1 9 0 5 ]

A SEA LYRIC

THE RE is no m usic tha t m an has hea rd Li i e th ke the vo c of e minstrel Sea , Whose m ajor and m inor chords are fraught With inﬁnite m ystery

or the ea is a ar and f F S h p , the winds o God la er his r t m i reas P y ov hy h c b t , And bear on the sweep of their m ighty wings Th n e so g of a vast unrest .

ere is no assion a m an has s n Th p th t u g, Li e the l e of the ee -s ule Sea k ov d p o d , ’ Whose tide responds to the Moon s soft light With m arvelous m elody For the Sea is a ar and the in s God h p , w d of la er his r t m i r a P y ov hy h c b e st , And bear on the sweep of their m ighty wings Th n e so g of a vast unrest .

ere is no sorro t at m an has n n Th w h k ow , Li e h ri of th r in k t e g ef e wo dless Ma , Whose Titan bosom forever throbs With an untransla ted pain

or the Sea is a a r and the in s of God F h p , w d

la o er his r m i r t P y v hyth c b eas , And b ear on the sweep of their m ighty wings

T nr he song of a vague u est . Willia m Hamilton Hayne [ 1 8 5 6

WIND AND SEA

THE sea is a ial om ra e jov c d , He laughs wherever he goes; His m errim ent Shines in the dimpling lines That wrinkle his hale repose ; The Pines and the S ea 1 54 5

H la s im el the ee the Sun e y h s f down at f t of ,

A es all o er wit lee nd shak v h g ,

- ill ain on the s re And the broad ba cked b ows fall f t ho , I n the mirth of the mighty Sea !

B d and res les s ut the Wind is sa t , And cursed with an inward pain ;

Yo m a ar as ou ill alle or ill u y h k y w , by v y h , l in But youhear him still com p a . H a ils on the arren m o ntains e w b u , And shrieks on the wintry sea ; He s in the e ar and m oans in the ine sob c d , p ,

And shudders all over the aspen tree .

l om are t eir oi es We c e both h v c , An n not ic is es d I k ow wh h b t, ’ Th ter a sli s rom the s li e laugh th t p f Ocean ps, l ’ Or the comfort ess Wind s unrest . ’ re a an in all re oi in The s p g j c g , in ea r in A joy the h t of pa , And the Win a t sa ens the e ha la ens d th dd , S a t t g dd , Are singing the selfsam e strain ! Bayard Taylor [ 1 8 25 - 1 8 7 8]

THE PINES AND THE SEA

EYOND the low m ars -m ea o s and he a B h d w t be ch, een ro the oar run s in ines S th ugh h y t k of w dy p , Th on l e l e of th o e n shi nes e l g b u ev l e c a .

The is a n s r i oarse m lainin s ee d t t u f, w th h , co p g p ch , Out from its sandy barrier seem s to reach ; And ile th sun ehin the lines wh e b d woods dec , The m oanin sea i Si in m ines g w th g h g boughs co b , And d in m ns r a es an es a e a e ea to ea . w v p k w , ch ch

0 m elan l s l om far and near cho y ou , wh ,

In li e ai the am d n r ne f , f th, hope, s e sa u de to Pursues from thought to thought ! thou needs m ust hear An old re rain m lon in own f , too uch , too g th e : ’ Tis thy m ortality infects thine ea r ; The m r wa in l oum ful st ain s thyself a one . Christopher P earse Cranch [ 1 8 1 3- 1 8 9 2] 1 54 6 Poem s o f Nature

A WET SHEET AND A FLOWING SEA

WET s eet and a in sea A h flow g , in a oll ws as A w d th t f o f t , And fill the i te and r s s wh u tling sail , And bends the gallant m ast ; And en s the allant m as m b d g t , y boys, le li e the a e r Whi , k e gl f ee, a the oo s i i s Aw y g d h p fl e , and leaves d n lan on th Ol E g d e lee .

O for a soft and gentle wind ! I heard a fair one cry; But give to m e the snoring breeze And whi te waves heaving high ; And ite a es eavin i m wh w v h g h gh, y The good Ship tight and free

The orl a ers is our m e w d of w t ho , And m err m en r y a e we.

’ ere s em es in on hornéd m n Th t p t y oo , And lightning in yon cloud ;

And ar the m si m arin r h k u c , e s ! The wind is piping loud ; The in is i in lo m o s w d p p g ud , y b y , The lightning ﬂashes free

While the ollo oak our ala i h w p ce s, r eri a e the sea Ou h t g . Allan Cunningham [ 1 7 8 4- 1 8 4 2]

THE SEA

THE sea ! the sea ! the open sea !

The l e the res the e er ree ! b u , f h , v f Wit o t a m ar i t a o n h u k , w hout b u d, ’ I t runneth the earth s wide regions round ; It plays with the clouds ; it m ocks the skies ;

Or li e a r dle rea re lies k c a d c tu .

’ ’ I m on the sea ! I m on the sea ! I am where I would ever b e ;

Poem s of Nature

’ And unseen m erm ai ds pearly song

m s lin the ee s am n . Co e bubb g up , w d o g li r th sail di the oar F ng b oad e , p deep ; ’ sea to sea ! the alm o r To , c is e .

sea sea ! our i e- in e ar To , to w d w g d b k lea e its n Shall billowy c v sun y way, A d it ts s a eet a ar n w h i h dow , ﬂ nd d k , ’ r ritons az r B eak the ca ved T u e day, Like m ighty ea gle soaring light ’ l n i O er antelopes on A pi e he ght . The an r ea es the s i s in s ree cho h v , h p w g f ,

h sails s ell ll. sea to sea ! T e w fu To , Thomas Lovell Beddoes [ 1 8 03 - 1 8 49 ]

A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE

IFE on the ean a e A L oc w v , om e on the rollin A h g deep, ere the s attere r r Wh c d wate s ave, And the winds their revels keep ! i e an ea le a e in L k g c g d , I p e n is ull n an O th d , u ch ging shore ! i e m e the as i rin Oh g v ﬂ h ng b e, ’ The spray and the tem pest s roar !

Once m ore on the deck I stand Of m y own swift -gliding craft Set sail! farewell to the land !

The ale ollo s ir g f w fa abaft . We shoot through the sparkling foam Like an ocean-bird set free

i e th o ean- ir L k e c b d, our hom e ’ e ll ﬁnd far o W out n the sea .

The lan is no lon er in ie d g v w, The clouds have begun to frown; But it a s o t essel and re w h t u v c w, ’ e ll sa Let he W y, t storm com e down ! ° Ta cking Ship o f} Shore 1 54 9

And the son of our earts s all b e g h h ,

W ile the in s and the a ters ra h w d w ve, A hom e on the rolli ng sea ! A life on the ocean wave ! Epes S argent [ 1 8 1 3- 1 8 8 0]

TACKING SHIP OFF SHORE

’ IHE a er- lee the sa il s i er we th ch of top h v s,

The lines S rain and the lee- s ro s sla n bow t , h ud cke , The ra es are ta the lit e m ui ers b c ut , h boo q v ,

And the a es it the m in s uall- lo w v w h co g q c ud blacken.

n on int on the ea her- Ope e po w t bow ,

I the li o tall on ire slan s ghth use F I d Head . ’ ’ ere s a s a e of o t on the a tain s r Th h d d ub c p b ow, And the ilot a t es the ea in lea p w ch h v g d .

n a t the eel and i t ea er e I sta d wh , w h g ye

To sea and to sk and to s ore aze y h I g , ” Till the m uttered order of Full an d by ! I s suddenly cha nged for Full for stays!

hi en s lo er e ore the reeze The s p b d w b f b , As her broadside fair to the blas t she lays; And he i ter s rin s the risi s sw f p g to ng seas, “ ” As the ilot alls tan f ! p c , S d by or stays

is silen e all as ea h in hi la e It c , c s p c ,

Wit the a t ere oil in his a r ene an h g h d c h d d h ds, ta and line sheet and ra By ck bow , by b ce, the a t or im a tien Waiting w chw d p t s tands .

And the li on ire slan ea ra s near ght F I d H d d w , ’ As tr m etin e the ilot s t , u p w g d , p S hou ! rom his ost on the o s rit s eel ear F p b w p h I h , With the welcom e call of Ready ! About !

No tim e to spa re ! I t is touch and go ; “ ” And he a tain ro ls o n lm ! r t c p g w , D w he ha d down !

As m ei on the irlin s es ro y w ght wh g pok I th w , ’ W ile ea en ro s la it the s orm - l r h h v g w b ck w h t c oud s f own. 1 550 Poem s Of Nature

’ - he r High o er the knight hea ds ﬂies t sp ay, As we m eet the shock of the plunging sea ;

d m s r stiﬂ to th eel la An y houlde e wh I y, “ As an A a ir ! Ha -a -rd - ! I swer, y, y, s a lee

With the swerving lea p of a startled steed The i i as in the e e of the win Sh p ﬂ es f t y d, The an er s oals on the ee re e e d g ous h l c d ,

And the headland white we have left behind .

The o s ils er the i s c lla se t p a ﬂutt , j b o p , And belly and tug at the groaning clea ts ; The s an er l s and the m ainsail a p k s at , ﬂ ps ; “ ” And t n e the r er s an ee hu d rs o d , Tack d sh ts !

Mid the ra ttle of lo s and the ram the re b ck t p of c w, Hisses the rain of the rushing squall : The sails re a a rom le le a b ck f c w to c w, “ And now the m om en for ainsail l ! is t M , hau

’ nd the ea ar s li a a s A h vy y d , ke b by toy, By ﬁfty strong arm s are swiftly swung

he ol s her wa and l o i o S h d y, I o k w th j y ’ For the rs ite s ra o er the l ar ﬁ t wh p y bu w ks ﬂung .

’ Let o and a l! Tis the as omm an g , h u l t c d , And the head- sails ﬁll to the blast once m ore :

Astem and t lee ar lies the l n o w d a d , r i n With its b eakers wh te on the shi gly shore.

Wha m a ers the ree or the rain or the s all? t tt f, , qu I stea dy the helm for the open sea ; “ The rs m a e lam ors ela t ere all ! ﬁ t t c , B y, h , ’ And n re t n m r the captai s b a h o ce o e com es free.

And so off shore let the good ship ﬂy ; Little are the s s m a lo c I how gu t y b w, ’ I n m fo castle n in a a e dr y bu k , j ck t y.

i t ells a e str and m a t is el . E gh b h v uck , y w ch b ow Walter Mitchell [ 1 8 2 6- 1 9 08]

1 5 5 2 Poem s of Nature

I heard our good chapla in palaver one day u so ls ea en m er and s Abo t u , h v , cy , uch ; ’ And m tim ers ! a lin o he d oil n , y b wh t g c a d bela y; ’ Wh as st all as one as i t y, tw ju H gh Du ch ’ For he sai a s a rro a n o n er e se d how p w c t f u d , d y e, Without orders tha t com e down below ; And a m any ﬁne things tha t proved clea rly to m e Tha t Providence takes us in tow : ” “ ’ For sa he do oum in m e let s orm er , ys , y d , t s e so th o ils of ai ors a Take e t psa s l back , ’ ere s a s eet lit le er a si s lo Th w t ch ub th t t up a ft, ” To keep watch for the life of poor Jack !

’ sai our ll — for d e see she l cr I d to Po , , y , wou d y,

W n l w ei e an or for a he ast e w gh d ch se , Wha t arguﬁes sniveling and piping your eye? a t a lam e ool oum s b e ! Why, wh b d f y u t ’ ’ ’ Can ou see the rl s i e and t r t y , wo d w d , he e s room for us

all, Both for seam en and lubbers ashore? And if old a s o l o rien oll to D vy I h u d g , f d P ,

Y n r ill r of m m r ou eve w hea e o e . ’ ’ W a t t en? All s a azar : om e on t b e so s h h h d c , d oft : Perhaps I m ay laughing com e back ; ’ ’ For d e see t ere s a er Sits sm ilin alo , y , h ch ub g ft, ' ” To keep wa tch for the life of poor Jack !

’ D e mi n m e a sailor s o l b e e er in y d , h u d v y ch All as one as a ie e of the s i p c h p , And it her ra e the orl wit o t o ferin in w h b v w d , h u f g to ﬂ ch ’ r m m o n he n or a - tri F o the m e t t a ch s p .

AS for m e m all ea t ers all tim es Si es and en s w h , , d , d , Na t S a tro le rom t a t s rin ugh ub f du y th p gs, ’ ’ ’ For m eart is m oll s and m r ino s m rien s y h y P , y h y f d , ’ ’

And as for m ill tis the in s. y w , k g ’ en en m tim e om es ne er elie e m e so so Ev wh y c , b v ft As for grief to b e taken aback ; For the sam e little cherub tha t sits up aloft Will look out a good berth for poor Jack !

Charles Dibdi n [ 1 7 45 - 1 8 1 4] Outward 1 5 53

ROCKED IN THE CRADLE OF THE DEEP

ROCKED in the cradle of the deep I lay m e down in peace to sleep ;

e ure res n the a e S c I t upo w v ,

For o r ! as er Th u, O Lo d h t pow to save.

no o wilt not sli t m I k w Th u gh y call, ’ For Thou dost m ark the sparrow s fall;

And alm and ea e l s all slee c p c fu h I p, o e i the ra le R ck d n c d of the deep .

When in the dead of night I lie And aze n the rac less k g upo t k s y,

The s ares an le ea nl r t b p g d h ve y sc oll,

The n less a ter a e r ll bou d w s s th y o , I feel Thy wondrous power to sa ve From perils of the storm y wave :

o e in the radle of th ee R ck d c e d p,

r nd n l e I calmly est a sou d y sle p .

And s h the rus ha s ill ere mine uc t t t t t w , ’ e o er he rine Though storm y winds sw pt t b , ’ Or though the tem pest s ﬁery breath

Roused m e from sleep to wreck and dea th .

In ean a e still sa e it ee oc c v , f w h Th The germ of im m ortality !

And a lm an ea e S all lee c d p c ful h I s p,

Rocked in the cradle of the deep . Emma Hart Willard [ 1 7 8 7- 1 8 7 0]

OUTWARD

R a a ailor ! sa ? WHI THE w y, 0 S y n er the da Under the night , u d y, Yearning sail and ﬂying spray h la k into the l e Out of t e b c b u , Where a re the grea t Winds hearing you?

Never port shall lift for m e th k out the sea ! Into e s y, of Poem s of Nature

n the lue or in the la I to b to b ck , n ar u ar ne er a ! O w d , o tw d , v b ck Som ething m ighty a nd weird and dim Calls m e under the ocean rim !

ail r un er un an m n S o d s d oo , ’ ’ Tis h a r t e ocean s f tal une. Under yon far rim of sky i e te n r Tw c n thousa d othe s lie. e is s ee and m e is a r Lov w t ho f i , d m r r An your othe calls you the e.

n ar u ar m us o O w d , o tw d I t g er h m i urren s Wh e t e ghty c t ﬂow . Hom e is anywhere for m e

n t is r leen e O h pu p t t d sea . ar and Win and un m r e St d S y b oth rs, ean one m an m er Oc of y oth s. Onward under sun and star Where the weird ad ventures are ! Never port shall lift for m e I am Wind and Sky and Sea !

John G. Neihardt [ 1 8 8 1

A PASSER-BY

HER s len s i i e sails r WHI T , O p did h p , thy wh t c owding, ni ro he som the ur en Wes Lea ng ac ss t bo of g t t ,

a ear nor sea risi n nor sk lo in Th t f est g, y c ud g ,

W it er a a air r er and a th u s ? h h w y, f ov , wh t y q e t Ah ! soon en Winter has all our ales resse , wh v opp d , W en S ies are ol and m ist and ail is rlin h k c d y, h hu g, Wil t o li e on the l e a ci or res t h u g d b u P ﬁc , t

m m r l i i In a su e haven as eep, thy wh te sa ls furling .

t ere e ore t ee in the un r a ell u n I h b f h , co t y th t w tho k owest , lrea arri e am in alin the r us air : A dy v d, h g Odo o at e enter nerrin l ere I w ch th e u g y wh thou goest , And an r een th tran e i in ere cho qu of e s g sh pp g th ,

1 5 5 6 Poem s of N ature

ill o on e on the i You w g b y d t de,

ro rim min lains Th ugh b g p of olive sedge, r aler s a o s li and e Th ough p h d w ght wid , The ra i s ile on e p d p d al g the l dge.

At evening oﬁ som e reedy b ay You ill s in slo l on o r ain w w g w y y u ch , And a t the s ent of e ha c ch c d wy y, lo rom h l Soft b wing f t e p easant plain . Duncan Campbell S cott [ 1 8 6 2

CHRISTMAS AT SEA

THE s ee s ere rozen ar a nd e he n h t w f h d , th y cut t aked hand ; The e s ere li e a Sli e er eam a n r d ck w k d , wh e a s sca ce could stand ; ’ The in was a nor - ester lo in s all oﬂ he w d w , b w g qu y t sea ;

And cliﬂs and s tin rea ers ere the onl in s -le pou g b k w y th g a e .

They heard the surf a - roari ng before the break of d ay; ’ .But t as onl it the ee of li we saw how ill we la w y w h p p ght y . We t m le e er an on e insta nter it a S o t u b d v y h d d ck , w h h u , ’ An we e her the m nd o o a d gav aintop s l, a stood by t g bout .

All day we ta cked and ta cked between the South Head and the North ;

All a we a le the rozen S eets and ot no rt er d y h u d f h , g fu h forth ;

All da s ol a ri in er ain and rea y a c d as ch ty, bitt p d d ,

For very life and nature we tacked from hea d to head .

We a a er er for ere the ti e- ra e g ve the South wid b th , th d c roared ; But every tack we m ade brought the North Head close a board ; ’ So s we saw the cliﬂs and uses and the rea ers r nnin ho , b k u g i h gh , An h r r i his lass a ains d t e coastgua d in his ga den, w th g g t

his eye . Christ m as at S ea I 5 5 7

The frost was on the village roofs as white a s ocea n foa m ; ’ The good red ﬁres were bum ing bright in every longshore hom e ;

o r l ea r and the c im ne olle e The wind ws spa k ed cl , h ys v y d out ; And we sniffe the i uals as the essel en a o I vow d v ct v w t b ut .

The bells upon the church were rung with a mighty jovial cheer ; ’ For it s just that I should tell youhow (of all days in the yea r)

is da our ersit was lesse C ris m as m orn Th y of adv y b d h t , ’ And the house a bove the coastguard s was the house where w I as born .

0 ell saw the leasan r m the le n e r w I p t oo , p asa t fac s the e, ’ ’ m ot er il er s e a les m er l r r My h s s v p ct c , y fath s si ve hai ;

And ell saw the ﬁreli h li e a of o l l w I g t , k ﬂight h m e y e ves, Go dancing round the china-plates that stand upon the

shelves.

And ell ne the al e ha d he l w of m e w I k w t k th y , t ta k that as , Of the shadow on the household and the son that went to sea ;

And 0 the ic e ool seem e in e er in of wa w k d f I d , v y k d y, To b e here and hauling frozen ropes on blesséd Christm as

Day.

h i - n h r e li t e sea li t a t e e n ll . Th y t h gh gh , d da k b ga t o fa “ ” All an s to loose to allan sails e r h h d pg t , I h a d t e captain

’ ” the r s e ll ne er sta n it our rs m e By Lo d , h v d , ﬁ t at , Ja ck

son rie . , c d ’ I he one w or he o r Mr t s t a t t e . a son he re lie y h , J ck , p d .

She s a re to her ea ri n e r new t gge d b gs, but th sails we e and o g od , And the s i sm el to in r u h p t up w dwa d , j st as though she r unde stood . ’ As the in er s da was en in in the entr of the ni t w t y d g, y gh , W r r lan e lea e he ea ea an o he li . c d t w y h d d , d passed bel w t ght 1 5 5 8 Poem s of Nature

And e a mi ht rea e r th y heaved g y b th, ve y soul on board b ut

m e,

As they saw her nose agai n pointing handsom e out. to sea ; But all a ul in in the a r ness and the th t I co d th k of, d k cold , Was just tha t I was leaving hom e a nd m y folks were grow

ing old . Robert Louis Stevenson [ 1 8 5 0- 1 8 9 4]

THE PORT O ’ HEART’S DESIRE

WN a r un the ua e lie the s i s a sail to DO o d q y th y , h p th t

sea , On shore the brown-checked sailorm en they pass the jest m wit h e, But soon their ships will sail away with winds tha t never

tire, ’ ’ ’ And there s one that will b e sailing to the Port 0 Hea rt s ir Des e.

’ ’ ’ The r 0 ea r s esire and it s a rt for m e Po t H t D , , oh , th t po , ’ And that s the ship that I love best of all that sail the sea ; o lle it m em ories its ro n I ts h ld is ﬁ d w h , p w it poi ts away ’ ’ h r 0 r s esire er r e To t e Po t Hea t D , wh e I oam d a boy a t

play .

hi s sail for l ere b e and s l f S p that go d th , hips that sa i or am e f , And som e were ﬁlled with jewels bright when from Cathay m e they ca , ’ But give m e still yon white sail in the sunset s m ystic ﬁre ’ That the running tides will ca rry to the Port 0 Heart 3 r Desi e.

’ ou m a a e the ol a nd am e and all he e It s y y h v g d f , t j wels,

too, ’ And all the s i s if t e ere m ine la l e to ou h p , h y w , I d g d y giv y , ’ em all ri la l i t e r ol I d give th ght g d y, w th h i g d and fam e r enti e, ’ ’ ul set m e n wi in the r 0 ear r If you wo d dow th Po t H t s Desi e.

1 560 Poem s of Nature

’ An the ships do m ake m e think the m ost ’ ’ ’ (Of rea din in books tis little I d boast)

h s i s t e arries m e l n lon a s But t e h p , h y c o g , g w y , ’ r f r ar An d aws a pla ces ne .

he hin s t at a sailor rin s I sees t t g h b g ,

r h e h I hea s t e stori s e tells. ’ Ti s rel a on er l orl in ee s u y w d fu w d , d d ! ’ ’ Tis m ore n the peoples ca n ever need ! ’ An I praises the Lord— to m yself I Sings

r h or w Fo t e w ld in which I d ells .

’ An I loves the ships m ore every day

o r w r m Th ugh I neve as one to oa . ’ ! the s i s is com for in si s o e Oh h p t ght t se , ’ An t hey m ea ns a lot when they says to m e ’ Al a s som e o oin a a w y b dy g w y, t ’ Som ebody ge tin hom e . John Joy B ell [ 1 8 7 1

THE FORGING OF THE ANCHOR

’ ’ COME see the Dolphin s anchor forged ! tis a t a white hea t

The ello s ease the am es e rease t o on the b w c d , ﬂ d c d ; h ugh , ’ or e s ro f g b w ,

The little a m es still fitfull la t ro h l m n fl y p y h ugh t e sab e ou d , And fitfully youstill m ay see the grim sm iths ranking round ;

All la in lea t ern ano l t eir roa a n s on a re c d h p p y , h b d h d ly b ,

om e rest on t eir sle es ere som e or the Win lass S up h dg h , w k d

there .

The Windlass strains the tackle- chains— the black m old heaves below ;

d red an e r in r r An d e a n e e s st o a t e er t oe . d p , hu d d v bu ut v y h

I t rises roa rs ren s all o tri t— O V l an a t a lo ! , , d u gh u c , wh g w ’ ’ Tis lin in ite tis lastin r t— the i sun s ine b d g wh , b g b igh h gh h s

not so !

The i sun sees not on the eart s er ear ul S ! h gh , h , uch ﬁ y f f how The roo -ri s s a rt the an ent eart the r luri f b w h , c d h h , uddy d The Forging o f the Anch or 1 5 6 1

t a stan n r e an li e m en e re th Of sm iths h t d , a a d nt b d, k b fo e

As ui erin ro hi s ee e am e the sailin m ns er , q v g th ugh fl c of fl , g o t slow in s on the an il— all a the a es er ro S k v bout , f c fi y g w ” “ ” rra ! the s lea out lea out ! an han ! Hu h y hout , p , p b g, g the sledges go ; Hurrah ! the jetted lightnings are hissing high and low ; A ha iling fount of fire is struck a t every squashing blow ; The lea thern m ail rebounds the hail the ra ttling cinders strow The ground around ; a t every bound the sweltering fountains flow;

And t i and lo the s in in ro a t e er stro e , h ck ud, w k g c wd v y k ” pant ho !

L ea out lea m m as ers ! lea out and la on loa ! p , p out , y t p , y d ’ L et s forge a goodly a nchor— a bower thick and broad ;

F r eart oak is a n in on e er low e o a h of h g g v y b , I bod ;

And see the oo s i ri in all in a erilo s roa I g d h p d g, p u d , The low reef roaring on her lee ; the roll of ocean poured

m st m o stem sea a ter s a the m inm a h Fro e t , f e ; a st by t e board ; The bulwarks down ; the rudder gone ; the boa ts stove a t the chains ;

But oura e s ill ra e m ariners— the o er e r m ai n c g t , b v b w y t e s ! — And not an inch to ﬂinch he deigns save when ye pitch sky high ;

en m o es his ea as t he sai ea n in Th v h d, hough d , F r oth g ” here am I !

Swing in your strokes in order ; let foot a nd ha nd keep tim e ; ’ o r lo s m a e m si s ee er far t an an st l Y u b w k u c w t h y eep e s chim e.

But ile e s in o r sle es Sin a nd let th wh y w g y u dg , g , e burthen b e

The an hor is the an il in and ro al ra t m c v k g , y c f s en we !

tri e in stri e in — the s ar s e in to ll i S k , k p k b g du the r rustling red ; — Our ham m ers ring with sharper din o ur work will soon b e sped ; 1 562 Poem s of Nature

Our anchor soon m ust change his b ed of ﬁery rich array For a a mm at the r arin or z h ock o g bows, an oo y couch of d ay; Our anchor soon m ust change the lay of m erry craftsm en here

For the eo- ea e-o and the ea e-a a and the i in y h v , h v w y, S g h g ’ sea m en s cheer

W en ei in slo a t eve t e o far far ro h , w gh g w, h y g , , f m love and hom e ; ’ And s in s eet earts in r w il obb g w h , a o , wa o er the ocea n

I n li i and o ra te loom he a r ens n at las v d bdu g , d k dow t ; ’ s a el one he is and stron as e er rom ca t a A h p y , g, f w s ca st .

tr ste and tr st ort a r ! if tho a st lif e li e m e O u d u w hy gu d u h d k , Wha t plea sure would thy toils reward benea th the deep green sea !

0 ee a - i er m i t en e l s d p se d v , who ght h b ho d uch sights as thou ’ — ’ The hoary m onster s palaces l Methinks wha t joy twere now

l m - lun in n ami the assem l To go p u b p g g dow , d b y of the ales wh , And feel the churned sea round m e boil benea th their scourg ing tails !

en ee in ta n le- s to t the er e sea - ni rn Th d p g wood figh fi c u co , And s n him oile and in a for l e d f d bellow g b ck , al his ivory horn ; To leave the subtle sworder-fish of bony blade forlorn ;

And for th astl - rinnin s ar to la his e gh y g g h k , ugh jaws to scorn : ’ ’ To lea on the ra en s a ere mid r e i p down k k b ck , wh No w g an

isles

He lies a r an ra e for s en s allo e m iles , lubbe cho g udd h w d

ill snort n i e n n er- sea ol ano oﬂ he rolls T , i g l k a u d v c , ;

ean in a -b uﬂetin the far ast nis e s als M while to sw g , g o h d ho

- o ean- al es or a l in a e Of his back browsing c c v ; , h p y , cov ’ ell- tro n a nd onse ra te of old to som e ndine s l e Sh s w , c c U ov ,

- r m erm ai ens or har ic n s To ﬁnd the long hai ed d ; , d by y la d ,

- res le it the sea ser en n erulean san s. To w t w h p t , upo c d

Po em s of Nature

inlets and t e r r t l Blue h i c ys a creeks, ere i r cks ro Wh h gh o th w, ro ee s el Th ugh d p b ow, li a ted ol en l A dup c g d g ow.

Far a ue and dim , v g , , The m ounta ins swim ; ’ il on Ves i s m ist Wh e uv u y brim , Wit o tstret e an h u ch d h ds, The gray sm oke stands ’ n ni O erlooki g the volca c lands.

’ O er liquid m iles ; And n er l es t th yo d , b u of e isles , Calm Ca ri ai ts p w , Her sapphire gates ilin t her r Begu g o b ight estates.

ee ot if I h d n , My rippling skifl Floa t swift or slow from clifi to clifi With dream ful eyes My spirit lies

n er the alls of U d w Paradise.

Under the walls Where swells and falls ’ The a s ee reas at B y d p b t intervals, ea e lie At p c I , lo n so tl B w f y by, l u n t is li i A c o d upo h qu d sky.

The da so m il y, d, ’ Is ea en s own hil H v c d, Wi th Earth and Ocean reconciled ; The airs I feel Around m e steal Are m urm uring to the m urm uring Drifting

Over the rail My hand I trail Wi in the s a o of th th h d w e sail, o intense A j y , The cooling sense li es o n m ro s in l n G d d w y d w y do e ce.

With dream ful eyes My spirit lies

W ere m m er sin s and ne er di e h Su g v s, ’ O erveiled with vines She glows and shines on her re oil Am g futu and wines.

Her l r n b id chi d e , The cliﬂs am i d , Are gam boling with the gam boling Or o n the alls d w w , Wit ti s alls h p y c , on the r s li Laugh ock ke waterfalls.

’ The ﬁsher s il ch d , Wit tresses il h w d,

n o the sm ri t san e iled U t ooth , b gh d b gu ,

in s as she s i s S g k p ,

h f -off Or gazes a t t e ar ships.

Yon deep bark goes W ere tr ﬂi c lo s h a b w , From lands of sun to lands of snows hi ier one T s happ ,

Its course is run

m l n s sn to lan s sun Fro a d of ow d of .

a shi 0 h ppy p ,

To rise and dip , Wi th the blue crystal a t your lip ! a re 0 h ppy c w, My hea rt with you

s and sails and sin s ane ! Sail , , g w Poem s o f Nature

m ore no m re No , o The worldly shore Upbraids m e with its loud uproar ! With dream ful eyes My spirit lies Under the walls of Paradise ! Thom as Bucha nan Read [ 1 8 2 2- 1

HOW’S MY BOY?

HO sail r of the sea ! , o ’ How s m y boy— m y boy? “ ’ ’ t s our o s nam e o i e Wha y b y , go d w f , ” And in wha t good ship sailed b e?

My boy John He that went to sea t a re for the s i sailor? Wha c I h p , ’ b o to My boy s m y y m e.

Youcom e back from sea And not know m y John? I m ight as well have asked som e landsm an h Yonder down in t e town . ’ There s not an ass in all the pa rish m n But he knows y Joh .

’ How s m y boy— m y boy? n nl ss o let m e no A d u e y u k w, ’ I ll s ear oua re no sail r w y o , l a et or no B ue j ck , r ss uton or no sail r B a b t . o , Anchor and crown or no !

hi s i was th ll ri o Sure s h p e Jo y B t n. ” w m an low! Sp ea k lo . wo . sp eak

n s oul s ea low sail r A d why h d I p k , o , About m y own b oy John? If I was loud as I am proud ’ ’ I d sing him o er the town !

Poem s of N ature

A e l n in lis ane y o g g to t w, a e and in m m Aw k y drea , But ne er a Son she san likh v g g this, e in her l S w g ong white seam .

air all the li hts e ar F f g , th h bor lights, a t r t m e in to Th b ough thee , And peace drop down on tha t low roof For the si t t at did se gh h I e,

And the i e m ear t a n ear vo c , y d , h t ra g so cl All for the lo f m ve o e .

For 0 for i t r s en low , O, w h b ow b t ’ the an le s ﬂi erin By c d ck g glea m ,

Her ed in - o n it was she r w d g g w w ought, e in the lon ite S w g g wh seam . — Jean I ngelow [ 1 8 20 1 8 9 7 ]

STORM SONG

THE clouds are scudding a cross the m oon ; A m isty light is on the sea ; Th in in the s ro s has a in r une e w d h ud w t y t , in And the foam is ﬂy g free.

ro ers a ni t of error and l m B th , gh t g oo Speaks in the cloud a nd gathering roar ;

an God He has i en us roa sea-r om Th k , g v b d o ,

m iles rom A thousand f shore.

Down with the b a tches on those who Sleep ! The wild and whistling deck have we ; ’ a t m rot ers to-ni e ll ee Good w ch , y b h , ght w k p , While the tem pest is on the sea !

e in his terri le ri Though the rigging shri k b g p ,

rs e sna e a a And the naked spa b pp d w y, ’ La e the elm e ll ri e our s i sh d to h , w d v h p In the teeth of the whelming spray ! ’ The M ariner s Dream 1 5 69

’ Hark ! how the surges o erleap the deck ! Hark ! how the pitiless tem pest raves !

a li ill l n m an wr Ah , d y g ht w ook upo y a eck r n r r D ifti g ove the des e t waves .

Yet oura e r t ers ! we rus the a e , c g , b o h t t w v , Wi a e us our in ar . th God bov , guid g ch t

e er to ar r or ean- r e So , wh th h bo oc g av , Be it still with a cheery hea rt ! Bayard Taylor [ 1 8 2 5 - 1 8 7 8]

THE MARINER’S DREAM

IN slum bers of m idnight the sailor-boy lay ; His ham m ock swung loose a t the sport of the wind ;

-wom and ear his ares ﬂew a But wa tch w y , c aw y, ’ i ions a iness ance o r h m And v s of h pp d d e is ind .

He r m e of hi s om e his ear na i e o d ea d h , of d t v b wers, ’ And pleasures tha t waited on life s m erry m orn ; W ile em r s oo si e a s al o ere i o ers h M o y t d d w y , h f c v d w th ﬂ w , r er ro se re e i And resto ed ev y se, but c t d ts thorn.

n an her m a i al inions s rea i e The F cy g c p p d w d , And bade the young drea m er in ecstasy rise ;

Now far far e in him the reen a ers li , b h d g w t g de, he cot of hi ore a t And t s f f hers blesses his eyes.

’ The essamine clambers in o ers o er the atc j ﬂ w th h , And the swallow Sings sweet from her nest in the wall;

All trem lin wit tr n rt he raises the la b g h a spo tch ,

i es nes re l to his ll And the vo c of loved o p y ca .

’ A fa ther bends o er him with looks of delight ; ’ His cheek is im pea rled with a m other s warm tear ; And the lips of the boy in a love-ki ss uni te

Wi the li s th m ai w om his som ol s ar th p of e d h bo h d de .

The hea rt of the sleeper bea ts high in his breast ; ’ o i ns his lses his a r s i s seem o er Jy qu cke pu , h d h p ;

And a m rm r a iness steals t ro his rest u u of h pp h ugh , “ lesse m e — I ask for n m 0 God ! thou hast b d , o ore . 1 5 70 Poem s of N ature

Ah ! whence is tha t ﬂam e whi ch now b irrsts on his eye ? Ah ! wha t is tha t sound whi ch now larum s his ear? ’ ’ Tis the li tni n s red la re ain in ell on h sk ! g h g g , p t g h t e y ’ Tis the ras of the th n er the r an o c h u d , g o f the sphere !

He s rin s r m his am m o he ies to the e p g f o h ck , ﬂ d ck ; Am azem ent confronts him wi th im ages di re ; Wild winds and m ad waves drive the vessel a wreck ;

The m asts in s linters the shro s ar n ﬁr ﬂy p ; ud e o e.

Like m ountains the billows trem endously swell; In va in the lost wretch calls on m ercy to save ; nseen a n s of s irits a re rin in his nell U h d p g g k , ’ And t he dea th -angel ﬂaps his broad wing o er the wa ve !

0 sailor- bo woe rea m eli t ! y, to thy d of d gh

In a r ness issol es t he a rost - or of d k d v g y f w k bliss.

W ere now is the i ure t a t an to e ri h p ct h F cy uch d b g ht , ’ ’ arents on ress re and l Thy p f d p u , ove s honeyed kiss?

0 sailor- boy ! sailor- boy ! never again

all om e l e or indre th is r Sh h , ov , k d y w hes epay; n lesse a nd un onore wn ee m the mai n U b d h d , do d p , n a a t om th ram Full m a y f h , y f e shall deca y .

’ tom shall e er lea to rem em ran e for No b p d b c thee, Or redeem form or fam e from the m erciless surge ;

the ite oam of a es s all th win i n - s ee b e But wh f w v h y d g h t , And in s in the m i ni in er ir ! w d , d ght of w t , thy d ge

n b ed reen sea -ﬂowers th lim s all b O a of g y bs h e laid, Around thy whi te bones the red coral shall grow ;

th air ello lo s rea s of am r m a e Of y f y w ck th d be b e d ,

nd e er ar ui o m ans n A v y p t s t t thy io below.

a s m on s ea rs and a e s all ir le a a D y , th , y , g s h c c w y, And still the vast wa ters above thee Shall roll ;

art loses th a tern ore er and a e E h y p t f v y , O sailor-boy ! sailor-boy ! peace to thy soul! William Dimond [ I 7 SOP- 1 8 3 7 P]

1 5 7 2 Poem s of Nature

The a t is l ere the a m en row bo ow d , bo t , And to the Inchcape Rock they go ; ir al n o er rom the a t S R ph be t v f bo , m h And cut the Bell fro the Inc cape ﬂoa t.

Down sank the Bell with a gurgling sound ;

Th r and rs ar n . e bubbles ose, bu t ou d “ ot Sir Ral The ne who om es th R Qu h ph, xt c to e ock ” Will not bles s the Abbot of Ab erb rothok.

ir the o er sail a S Ralph , R v , ed aw y, He scoured the seas for m a ny a day; And now r wn ri it l , g o ch w h p undered store, ’ r He steers his course fo Scotland s shore.

’ So thi ck a ha ze o ersp reads the sky They cannot see the Sun on high ; The wind ha th blown a gale all day; a t i e a At evening it h h d d way.

On the deck the Rover ta kes his stand i t no lan So dark it s hey see d . “ t Sir al I t ill b e li t r on Quo h R ph , w gh e so , For t r n h n he e is the daw of t e rising Moo .

Cans ea r sai one the rea ers roar? t h , d , b k

For on er m ethin s s o l the s ore . y d , k , h u d b e h

Now ere we are anno ell wh I c t t , But wis w l ear th I n I h e cou d h e chcape Bell .

They hea r no sound ; the swell is strong ;

o the in ath allen t e ri alon Th ugh w d h f , h y d ft g,

ill the essel stri es it i erin o T v k w h a sh v g sh ck, “ C ris ! t In ca O h t i is the ch pe Rock .

Sir al the er ore h R ph , Rov , t is hair ; He rse im in h cu d h self is despair. The waves rush in on every side ; The s i is sin in n h p k g be ea th the tide. The Sands of D ec I 5 73

n in hi n r But , eve s dyi g fea , One readf l so n he seem e r d u u d d to hea , A s un as if it the Inchca e ell o d , w h p B , Th elo was rin in his nell e Devil b w g g k . Robert S outhey [ 1 7 7 4- 1 8 43]

THE SEA

THR U GH the ni t t ro the O gh , h ugh I he a est unres n t s dd t , ra e in a in i e W pp d white, ll wh t ,

her a e n her reas With b b o b t ,

he m ot er so ale Walks t h p ,

r n ou n he ale Sta i g t o t g , Through the night !

ro the ni r the ni t Th ugh ght , th ough gh ,

ere the ts the re Wh sea lif w ck ,

La n in s t lose in si d igh , c ght ,

On he s r -ﬂooded e t u f d ck,

an he a r so ra e St ds t f the b v , D riving on to his grave Through the night ! Richard Henry S toddard [ 1 8 2 5

THE SANDS OF DEE

AR o and all the a le om e O M Y, g c c tt h , An he a ttle om e d call t c h , And call the ca ttle hom e ” Across the sa nds of D ee ! The western wind was wild and dank with

And all alone went she .

The western tide crept up along the ’ ’ A er and o er the san nd o d , And ro n and r n the san u d ou d d ,

r oul As fa as eye c d see. The rolli ng m ist cam e down and hid the land r m am e h And neve ho e c s e. 1 5 74 Poem s of Nature

! is it eed or ﬁsh or oa tin h Oh w , , ﬂ g ai r A l tres s of go den hair, ’ A drownéd m aiden s hair Above the nets at sea? Was never salmon yet that shone so fair ” Among the sta kes on D ee .

he r e h in a ross e r llin oam T y ow d er c th o g f , The r el ra in oam c u c wl g f , The r el n r oam c u hu g y f , To her grave beside the sea : But still the boa tm en hea r her call th e ca ttle hom e Across the sands of Dec ! — Cha rles Kingsley [ 1 8 1 9 1 8 7 5 ]

THE THREE FISHERS

HRE E s ers en sailin a a he t T ﬁ h w t g w y to t Wes , Away to the West as the sun went down ; a t o t on the m an who lo e him he es E ch h ugh wo v d t b t , And the children stood watching them out of the town ; For m en m s r an om en m s ee u t wo k , d w u t w p , ’ And t ere s little to rn and m an o ee h ea , y t k p , h e r b ar b T ough th ha bor e m oaning .

Three wives sa t up in the lig hthouse tower And they trim m ed the lam ps as the sun went down ;

e loo e at the s all and t e loo e a t the s er Th y k d qu , h y k d how ,

And the ni t- ra a m e ro ra e an r w gh ck c lling up gg d d b o n. But m en m rk an om en m ee ust wo , d w ust w p ,

o storm s b e s en and a ter e Th ugh udd , w s d ep ,

And he r r b r b e m oan t ha bo a ing .

Three corpses lay out on the shining sands In he m orni l am as the ti e ent o n t ng g e d w d w , And the wom en are weeping and wringing their hands For those who will never com e hom e to the town ;

For m en m st or and om en m st ee u w k , w u w p , ’ And the s ner i s o er the s ner to slee oo t v , oo p ;

- m oa n And good by to the b ar and its ni g . — Cha rles Ki ngsley [ 1 8 1 9 1 8 7 5 ]

1 5 7 6 Poem s of Nature

But all I hear I s the n rt in drea r o h w d , r h a And all I see a e t e w ves.

The Northern Star I s set afar ! Set in the Baltic Sea And the waves have spread The sandy b ed m r m That holds y Love f om e. Unknown

THE FISHER ’S WIDOW

Tm : boats go out and the boats com e in Under the wintry sky; And the rain and am are ite in the ind fo wh w , ite cr And the wh gulls y.

She sees the sea when the wind is wild Swept by a windy rain ; ’ And her heart s a -wea ry of sea and land

A e o ane s th l ng days w .

h orn il h She sees t e t sa s ﬂy in t e foam , B road on the sky-line gray ;

And he oats out and the s om e t b go boat c in, ’ ere on a a But th s e w y . Arthur S ymons [ 1 8 65

CAL LER HERRIN’

’ ’ Who ll buy my caller herrin ? ’ ’ They re bonny fish and hal ekorne farin ; ’ ’ c er herr Who ll buy my all i n , ’ New drawn free the Forth 3

’ en e ere ee in on r ill Wh y w sl p you p ows, ’ ream e e a t 0 our ir ell s D d y ugh pu f ow , o ’ Caller H errin 1 5 7 7

ar lin as e a e the ill D k g th y f c d b ows, ’ A to ﬁll the woven willows? ’ Bu m caller herrin y y , New drawn frae the Forth I

’ ’ Wha ll buy m y caller herrin ? ’ They re no brought here without brave ’ m aller errin Buy y c h ,

a le t ro in and ra H u d h ugh w d in . ’ ’ Wha ll bu m caller herri n y y , New drawn frae the F orth l’

’ ’ Wha ll buy m y caller herrin ? ’ ’ e m a ca t em l ar r Oh , y y h vu g fa in ’ Wi es and m it ers m aist d a r v h , esp i in , ’ ’ a em li e 0 m n C th v s e . ’ ’ ho ll bu m caller herr n W y y i , New drawn frae the Forth

’ ’ en the reel o errin asse Wh c h p s, L a ies la in sil s and la es d , c d k c , Gat er in t eir ra elisses h h b w p ,

Cast t eir ea s nd s re t eir h h d , a c w h ’ ’ ha ll bu m caller herrln W y y , ’ New drawn frae the Forth 3

’ Caller herrin s no got lightly ’ Ye ca n trip the spring fu tightlie ’ ’ ’ tauntin ﬁauntin ﬁi n in Spite o , , g ’ ’ Gow has set youa a - singin “ ’ ’ ler h Wha ll buy my cal erri n , ’ ” New drawn frae the Forth l

’ Neebor wives ! now tent m y tellin ’ ’ h e re sellin When the b on y ﬁs y , ’ ’ as or b e in e re d ealin ! At w d , y ’ ’ ’ rut ill stan en a in s failin ! T h w d , wh th g ’ ’ l herr n Wha l buy my caller i , New drawn frae the Forth — Carolina Nairne [ 1 7 66 1 8 4 5 ] 1 5 7 8 Poem s of Nature

HANNAH BINDING SHOES

OR l ne anna PO o H h , n t he in in in s oe : Sitti g a t w dow , b d g h s a e rin le F d d , w k d , i in it in in a m oum ful m se S tt g , st ch g , u .

ri -e e ea n e was she B ght y d b uty o c , When the bloom was on the tree ; rin and in er Sp g w t , ’ at the in o in in s Hannah s w d w, b d g hoes.

Not a neighbor assin nod or ans er ill re se P g, w w fu To her is er wh p , I s there from the ﬁshers any news? ’ her ear s a ri i one Oh , h t d ft w th On an endless voyage gone i and m ornin N ght g , ’ anna s at the in in in oes H h w dow , b d g sh .

air oun na F y g Han h ,

Ben the s n rnt s er ail wooes , u bu ﬁ h , g y ; and le er Hale c v ,

r a rt and he es Fo a willing he hand su .

Ma -d a s ies are all a y y k glow, And the waves are laughing so ! For her wedding

anna lea es her in o a d her H h v w d w n shoes.

May is passing ; ’ Mid the apple- boughs a pigeon cooes

anna s ers H h hudd ,

For the m il so t - e ter d u h w s m ischi ef brews.

n the ro s of r l ea Rou d ck Ma b eh d, a r o n a Outw d b u d , schooner sped ; ilen lonesom S t , e, ’ anna s at the in i H h w dow , b nding shoes .

’ Tis Novem ber

Now no ear her aste ee e e t w d ch k b d ws, From Newfoundland Not a sail ret rnin ill she l se u g w o ,

Poem s of Nature

And let m ea ra ee y h d , I p y th , With handkerchiefs b e bound ; ’ ere ta e m l e s l an er i Th , k y ov go d h dk ch ef, An r d tie it tightly ound .

Now rin th ar he ole l ar b g e ch t , t d fu ch t ; See ere t ese m ntains m ee , wh h ou t The lo re t i aro n ir c uds a h ck u d the head, The m ists around their feet ’ Cast anchor here ; tis deep and safe Within the rocky cleft ; The lit le an r on he r t cho t ight , Th r n n h e g eat o e o t e left .

And now o t ee a ain t h , O c pt , os earnestl ra M t y I p y, That they m ay never bury m e In church or Cloister gray

But on h sea - ea t e windy b ch , A h in o he lan t t e end g f t d ,

r - a All on the su fy sea be ch , in he n Deep down to t sa d .

r r ll om e th sailo Fo the e wi c e rs, eir oi es s all ear Th v c I h h , And a t casting of the anchor The yo- ho loud and clear ; And at hauling of the anchor

The o-ho and the eer y ch ,

are ell m l e for b a F w , y ov , to thy y I never m ore m ay steer ! William Alli ngha m [ 1 8 24- 1 8 8 9 ]

THE BURIAL OF THE DANE

U E l all aroun us BL gu f d , Blue sky overhea d h ar er Muster all on t e qu t , We m ust bury the dead ! The Burial of the Dane

I iS ' bu a ani sa r t t D sh ilo , Rugged of front and form ; mm n n of the or l A co o so f ecast e, i su a d s Grizzled w th n n torm .

nam e and the s ran he aile r m His , t d h d f o ’ no and t ere s not in m ore We k w , h h g ! But perhaps his m other is waiting l n l l o r In the o e y Is and of F h .

as he la ere in Still, y th dy g ,

on ri tin a re Reas d f g w ck ,

’ ' ” T m at he o m r is y w ch , w uld utte , “ ” I m ust go upon deck !

A e on e the orem ast ! y , d ck , by f But watch and lookout are done ; ’ he nion a lai o er him T U J ck d , How quiet he lies in the sun !

he n ero s en ine Slow t po d u g , Stay the hurrying shaft ; Let the roll of the ocean Cradle our giant cra ft ; Ga t er aro n the ratin h u d g g, Carry your m es sm ate aft !

an in or er a li en St d d , nd st To the holiest page of prayer !

Let e er oot b e iet v y f qu , Every hea d b e bare The soft tra de- wind is lifting

r lo s of r A hund ed ck hai .

Our a tain rea s the ser i e c p d v c , (A little spray on his cheeks) The ran ol or ri l g d d w ds of bu a , And the trust a true heart seeks We therefore com m it his body ” the ee — an as he s a To d p d , pe ks, Poem s of N ature

e r m he ea er r Launch d f o t w th aili ng, wi as the e e can m ar S ft y k , The ast o e m m gh ly, sh tt d ha ock n es a a rom he r Plu g , w y f t sha k, o n a t san a om D w , hou d f th s, Down into the da rk !

A thousand sum m ers and winters The storm y Gulf shall roll ’ High o er his ca nvas comu;

Bu silen e o o a t , c t d ubt nd dole ’ There s a quiet harbor som ewhere For h oor a r t e p wea y soul .

r he e ere en in F ee t f tt d g e,

ee the tireless s a Sp d h ft , ’ se o allan and o Loo t g t t psail, The breeze is fair abaft !

l e sea a ll aro n us B u u d , ’ Blue sky bright o erhead er m an to his Ev y duty , We have buried our dead ! Henry Howard Brownell {1 8 20- 1 8 7 2}

TOM BOWLING

ERE a s r l l es or T m H , hee hu k , i po o Bowling, The darli ng of our crew ; ’ No m ore e ll ear the tem es o l h h p t h w ing ,

For eat has roa e h m to d h b ch d i . His orm was of the m anliest ea t f b u y, His heart was kind and soft ;

it l el he did his t Fa hfu , b ow , du y ; ’ now he on o But s g e al ft .

Tom ne er rom his o e ar v f w rd d p ted , His virtues were so ra re ;

His rien s ere m an and true- f d w y hea rted , His Poll was kind and fair :

1 8 5 4 Poem s of Nature

’ If t rou all the l ne a a he s a- ee in h gh o w tch th t k p g there,

d he on o ni a a - r er An t l g , c ld ght th t l gs a c eeping th e, The voices of the sailor- m en shall com fort him r When the g ea t ships go by . Henry Newbolt [ 1 8 62

THE LAST BUCCANEER

’ H n lan is a leasa n la e for em a s ri and i h O , E g d p t p c th th t ch h g , But England is a cruel place for such poor folks as I ; ’ And such a port for m ariners I ne er shall see again h ea n sle es esi e the anis m ain As t e pl sa t I of Av , b d Sp h .

ere er r cra in is a ere s i d s Th w e fo ty ft Av th t w both w ft an tout , All furnished well with sm all arm s and cannons round about ; And a thousand m en in Aves m a de laws so fair and free

Thence we sailed against the Spaniard with his hoards of l e n p at a d gold, Which he wrung with cruel tortures from Indian folk of old ; Li e ise the m er an a ains i ear s as ar as s one k w ch t c pt , w th h t h d t , h an l em W o ﬂog m en d keelhau th , and starve them to the

bone.

the alm s re i in es and rui s Oh, p g w h gh Av , f t that shone like

And the colibris and parrots they were gorgeous to behold; And the ne r m aids to es rom n a e as di ﬂ g o Av f bo d g f t d ee,

To el m e allan sailors a - swee in in m w co g t , p g fro sea .

s ee it was in es to ear the lan war reeze Oh, w t Av h d d b , A-s in i to a c in a net e een the trees w g w th good b c o b tw , r lass to fan ou ile o lis n With a neg o y , wh y u te ed to the roar on e ree si e Of the breakers th f out d , tha t never touched the

B t ri ure sai a n en in to all ﬁne in m u Sc pt th, d g th gs ust b e ; ’ So the in s s i s saile on es and ui e ut n ere K g h p d Av , q t p dow w

we. The Last Buccaneer 1 5 8 5

All da w t li e ll o s but t e rs the oom s a y e fough k bu d g , h y bu t b t night ;

And ﬂed in a ira a s re o n e rom the . I p gu , o w u d d, f ﬁght

ine a s oa e s a rvin and a ne ro lass esi e N d y I ﬂ t d t g, g b d , ill for ll trie to eer her the o r o n in she ie T a I d ch , p o y u g th g d d ;

as la a - as in a ristol sail am e But I y g p g, B c by, And ro m e om e to n lan ere to b e ntil die b ught h E g d h , g u I .

’ ’ ’ And now I m old and going— I m sure I ca n t tell where ; ’ ’ One om or is t is orl s so ar an b e orse off c f t , h w d h d, I c t w there : ’ m i t b ut b e a sea - o e a ross the m ain If I gh d v , I d ﬂy c ,

To the lea e of es to loo a t it on e a ain. p sant Isl Av , k c g Cha rles Kingsley [ 1 8 1 9 - 1 8 7 5 ]

THE LAST BUCCANEER

THE re llin the a es ere s ellin winds we ye g , w v w w g ,

Th wa la nd rear e sky s b ck a d , When the crew with eyes of ﬂam e brought the ship without a nam e

r Alongside the last Buccanee .

l sa il e ore so er e a ale Whence ﬂies your sloop ful b f ﬁ c g , When all others drive ba re on the seas?

a m e e rom the s ore of the ol al a or S y , co y f h h y S v d , Or the gulf of the rich Caribbees?

r t o n rom a ul no line can From a shore no sea ch ha h f u d, f g f

soun d , Without rudder or needle we steer ;

o e elo our ar ies the sea - o l and the s ar Ab v , b w b k d f w h k, r As we ﬂy by the last Buccanee .

To-night there shall b e heard on the rocks of Cape de Verde A loud crash and a louder roar ; And to- m orrow shall the deep with a heavy m oaning sweep ” se nd re the s ore The corp s a w ck to h . 1 5 8 6 Poem s of N ature

The sta tely ship of Clyde securely now may ride I n the brea th of the citron shades; ’ r l now And Severn s towering mast secu e y hies fast, r Through the seas of the balmy T ades.

’ ’ H h s r rom . s ealt or rom avanna o al r F St Jago w hy p t , f y fo t , The seam an goes forth without fear ; For since tha t storm y night not a m ortal ha th had sight

Of the ﬂa g of the last Buccaneer . Thomas Babington Maca ulay [ 1 8 00- 1 8 5 9 ]

THE LEADSMAN ’S SONG

on n an en wit a orin F E gl d , wh h f v g gale, r allan s i u C annel steere Ou g t h p p h d , And in n er eas il scudd g, u d y sa ,

The l e es ern lan s a ared high b u w t d ppe , ea e the lea the sea m an s r To h v d p ang, nd to the o e r sa n A pil t ch e ly g , — ” By the deep Nine.

And b eari to ain the r ng up g po t ,

om e ell- no n o e e in ie S w k w bj ct k pt v w, An a be to er a r ine or b y w , u d f t, A bea con to the vessel true ; m While oft the lead the sea an ﬂung, And to the ilo eerl s n p t ch y u g, — ” By the m ark Seven .

d a the - e r w n a An s m uch lov d sho e e e r, With tra nsport we behold the roof

ere elt rien a r n r ar Wh dw a f d or p t e de ,

Of faith and love and m a tchless proof.

Th lea on m or th m n n e d ce e e sea a ﬂu g, A t n to th h ilo d e watc ful p t sung, ’ ar r l — Qu te ess Five.

ow to h r rt N e be h the ship draws nigh, i n h th i W th slacke ed sail s e feels e t de,

THE SIMPLE LIFE

THE LAKE ISLE OF INNISFREE

WIL L a rise and o now and o to I nnisfree I g , g , And a sm all a in il t ere of la and at les m a c b bu d h , c y w t de ; ine ea n r s ill a e ere a i e for the one b ee N b ow w I h v th , h v h y , i one in the b ee-lo l And l ve al ud g ade .

And shall a e s m e ea e ere for ea e om es ro in I h v o p c th , p c c d pp g slo w, Dropping from the veils of the m orning to where the cricket sings ; ’ ere mi ni s all a lim m er and n n a r l l Th d ght g , oo pu p e g ow , ’ n f he linn And eve ing full o t et s wings.

ill arise and o now for al a s ni and da I w g , w y , ght y, I hea r lake-wa ter lapping with low sounds by the shore ; W ile s an on the roa a or on the a em ents ra h I t d dw y, p v g y , ’ r i t the ee eart s r I hea in d p h co e . William Butler Yeats [ 1 8 65

A WISH

MINE b e a cot beside the hill; ’ A b ee- hi ve s hum shall soothe m y ear ;

illo rook at rns a m ill A w wy b th tu , n ll n n With m a y a fall sha li ger ear.

The s allo oft enea m t a w w, , b th y h tch Shall twitter from her clay- built nest; all the il rim li t the lat h Oft sh p g f c ,

r m m eal a el m e And sha e y , w co guest.

Around m y ivied porch shall spring Each fragra nt ﬂower tha t drinks the dew; L at her eel s all sin And ucy, wh , h g

- n ron l I n russet gown a d ap b ue. 15 88 Thrice H appy H e 1 5 8 9

The e- r am on the r e villag chuch g t e s,

W ere rs our m arria e- o s ere i en h ﬁ t g v w w g v , With m erry peals shall swell the breeze er ire to n And point with tap sp Heave . S amuel Rogers [ 1 7 63- 1 8 5 5]

ODE ON SOLITUDE

APP the m an ose is and are H Y , wh w h c few a ernal a res o n A p t c b u d, Content to breathe his na tive air

In hi own r s g ound .

W ose er s it mil ose el s i rea h h d w h k , wh fi d w th b d, Whose flocks supply him with a t tire ; in sum m er el hi s Whose trees yi d m hade, I n in r fir w te , e.

les can unconcem edl ﬁnd B t, who y rs a s and ears sli e s a a Hou , d y , y , d oft w y ea e of m ind In heal th of body, p c , Quiet by day;

Sound sleep by night ; study and ease

mi s ee re rea ion Together xed , w t c t , d en e i m os oes lease An innoc c , wh ch t d p , i m edi W th tation.

m e li e nseen un no n Thus let v , u , k w ; Thus unlam ented let m e die ;

eal r m the orl and not a st ne St f o w d, o ere Tell wh I lie . Alexand er P ope 1 68 8 - 1 7 44]

THRI CE HAPPY HE

HRICE a he som e s a r e T h ppy , who by h dy g ov , orl li e his own Far from the clam orous w d , doth v ;

who is not alone Though solitary, , l But doth converse with that eterna love. 1 590 Poem s of Nature

’ m or is r s arm nio s m oan 0 how e sweet bi d h o u ,

r th in s of th i o e o e O e soft sobb g e w d w d d v , ’ an ose sm t is erin s nea r a rin e s rone Th th oo h wh p g p c th ,

i m a e o t l do the e il a r e ! Wh ch good k d ub fu , v pp ov ’ r how m ore s ee is e r s olesom e rea t O w t Z phy wh b h ,

And si s er um e i the o ers n ol gh p f d wh ch do ﬂ w u f d , Than that applause vain honor doth bequea th ! How sweet a re stream s to poison drunk in gold !

The orl is ull of orrors alse s sli ts w d f h , f hood , gh ; ’ s silent sha es nl tr e eli Wood d have o y u d ghts . Willia m Drummond [ 1 5 8 5 - 1 649 ]

UNDER THE GREENWOOD TREE

From As YouLike It

NDER the reen ree U g wood t , o lo es to lie it m e Wh v w h , And turn his m erry note ’ n o the s eet ir s t ro U t w b d h at , om e it r m e i r C h he , co h the , com e hither : Here shall he see No enem y

ut inter and ro r B w ugh wea the .

Who ot am it ion n d h b shu , ’ And lo es to li e i the un v v s ,

ee in the he ea s S k g food t ,

And lease it a h p d w h wh t e gets,

C m e i er om e i er m r o h th , c h th , co e hithe Here shall he see No enem y But inter and ro w ugh weather. Willi am S hakespeare [ 1 5 64 1 6 1 6]

CORIDON S SONG

In The Com plete Ang ler

OK he , t sweet contentm ent

The o n r m an o c u t y d th ﬁnd . i h t rolollie lollie H g loe, i trololli e H gh e le ,

1 592 Poem s of Nature

The cuckoo and the nightingale ll m erril sin Fu y do g ,

i trolollie lollie o H gh l e, i tro ollie H g h l lee , And with their pleasant roundelays Bid welcom e to the spring :

This is not half the happi ness The countrym an enjoys ; trolollie lollie loe High , i t rolollie lee H gh , Though others think they have as Yet he that says so lies :

Then com e awa turn y, ountr a n w th C ym i me. 6 John Chalkhill [ﬂ. 1 4 8]

THE OLD SQUIRE

I LIKE the hunting of the b are Better than that of the fox ;

li e the o o s m ornin air I k j y u g , And h r h t e c owing of t e cocks.

li e the alm of the earl el s I k c y ﬁ d , The l the lak e ducks as eep by , The quiet hour which nature yields

e ore m an in is awa e B f k d k .

I like the pheasants and feeding things Of the unsuspicious m om ; ’ I like the ﬂap of the wood - pigeon s wings A ri e rom the rn s she s s f co .

’ li e he la ir s s riek and his r s I k t b ckb d h , u h

rom he rni s as ass F t tu p I p by, r And the part ridge hiding he hea d in a bush,

For her young ones cannot ﬂy .

li e t e t in s and li e to ri e I k h se h g , I k d ,

W en l he orl i in b ed h al t w d s ,

o h hi h k ro s i e T t e top of the ll where t e s y g w w d , And ere the sun r s r wh g ow ed. The Old Squire

The beagles at my horse-heels trot In silence after m e ; ’ ere s er iam n Th Ruby, Rog , D o d , Dot , r r Old Slut and Ma ge y,

A s r of nam es ell use and ear co e w d , d , The nam es m y childhood knew ; The b orn it i ro se t eir heer w h wh ch I u h c , I h orn m at er le s t e h y f h b w .

I like the hunting of the b are Better than that of the fox ; The new world still is all less fa ir n the ol rl it m Tha d wo d ocks.

I covet not a wider range Than these dea r m anors give ; a e m leas res it o t an e I t k y p u w h u ch g , And as li e li e I v d I v .

I leave m y neighbors to their thought ; c oi e it is and ri e My h c , p d , On m own la n s to ﬁnd m r y d y spo t , In m own el s to ri e y ﬁ d d .

The hare herself no better loves

The el ere he w r ﬁ d wh s as b ed , an the a i of t ese ro es Th I h b t h g v , own r My inhe ited .

no m arries e er on I k w y qu v y e, The m euse where she sits low; The road she chose to- day was run n re ears a o A hu d d y g .

The la s the ills the res g , g , fo t ways, The e ero s one and h dg w all ,

ese are the in om s of m Th k gd y chase, And bounded by m y wall; Poem s of Nature

Nor has the orl a e er t in w d b tt h g, one s o l sea r it r Though h u d ch ound, ’ T an us li e one s own s le h th to v o king, ’ n n wn e r un Upo o e s o sol g o d .

I like the hunting of the b are ; It rin s m e da da b g , y by y,

The m em or of old a s as air y d y f , a m en a With de d p ssed away .

o ese om e ar s ill l T th , as h w d t I p y And ass the r ar ate p chu chy d g , Where all are laid as I m ust lie sto and raise m hat I p y .

I like the hunting of ' the ha re ; New s r s ol in s orn po t I h d c . li e to b e as m a ers ere I k y f th w , In h re was t e days e I born . Wilfred S cawen Blunt [ 1 8 40

INSCRIPTION IN A HERMITAGE

E NEATH is s on r re line B th t y oof c d , I soothe to peace m y pensive mind ; And hile o s a e m lo l a e w , t h d y w y c v , Em bowering elm s their um b rage wave ; And while the m a ple dish is m ine The ee en n a ne i h ine b ch cup , u st i d w t w I s orn the a li en i s ro c g y c t ou c wd, r k h No heed the toys that dec t e proud .

i in m lim its lone and still W th y , , The blackbird pipes in artless t rill; ast m o n enial est F by y c uch , co g gu , The wren has wove her m ossy nest ;

r enes and ri er s ies F om busy sc b ght k ,

r wi inno en e she ies To lu k th c c , ﬂ ,

r o n sa e r ose to ell He e h pes i f ep dw , h an ell Nor aught suspects t e sylv c .

1 5 96 Poem s of Nature

How cleanly do we feed and lie ! Lord ! what good hours do we keep ! How quietly we sleep ! h e e at nanim it ! W at p ac , wh u y How innocent from the lewd fashion r siness all our re rea i n ! Is all ou bu , c t o

’ how a ere s our leis re ! 0, h ppy h u h w inno en our leas re ! 0, o c t p u O ye valleys ! O ye m ountains! e r es and r stal ountains ! O y g ov , c y f How l e at li ert I ov , b y , By turns to com e and visit ye ! ’ r li e the s ul s es rien Dea so tud , o b t f d , im That m an acquainted with h self dost m ake, ’ hi a er s ond ers to at en And all s M k w t d, Wi ee ere on erse at ill th th I h c v w , d o l b e la to do so still An w u d g d , ’ For it is thoualone that keep st the soul awake.

How calm and quiet a delight

s it alone I , ,

rea and m e itate and ri e To d d w t ,

none oﬂended and oﬂendin n ne ! By , g o ’ To alk ri e sit or slee at one s own ease w , d , , p ; ’ d leasin a m an s sel n ne o er o is l An , p g f, o th t d p ease.

m elo e n m air e O y b v d y ph , f Dov , rin ess of ri ers how lo e P c v , I v on h r o lie Up t y ﬂowe y banks t , ie th sil er stream And v w y v , ’ When gilded by a Sum m er s beam ! And in it all thy wanton fry l at li ert P aying b y, And i m an le n em , w th y g , upo th The all of treachery I ever learned industrious!y to

’ u s ream s om e s ello i er ann s S ch t R y w T b c ot how, The erian a or i rian Ib T gus, L gu Po ; The Retirem ent 1 59 7

The aese the an e and the ine M , D ub , Rh ,

Are leater all om are it t ine pudd w , , c p d w h h ; ’ And Loire s pure strea m s yet too polluted are Wit t ine m rer o om are h h , uch pu , t c p ; The rapid Garonne and the winding Seine

Are t m ean bo h too , elo e o e i t ee B v d D v , w th h To vie priority ;

Na am e and sis en on oine m y, T I , wh c j d, sub it, And la t eir tro ies a sil er ee y h ph t thy v f t .

0 m elo e r s a rise y b v d ock , th t To awe the ea rth and brave the skies ! ’ From som e as piring m ountain s crown

How earl do l e d y I ov , Giddy with pleasure to look down ; And from the vales to view the noble heights above; ’ 0 m elo e a es ! rom do -s ar s ea y b v d c v f g t h t , And all an ieties m sa e ret reat x , y f ;

W at sa e ri a r eli h f ty , p v cy, what t ue d ght , In the artiﬁcial light

o r loom ent rails m ak e Y u g y , Ha e ta en do ta e ! v I k , I k How oft en rie has m a e m e , wh g f d ﬂy, To hide m e from society ’ E en of m eares rien s a e y d t f d , h v I , ’ I n o r re esse rien l e y u c s f d y sha d , All m s rro s en la i y o w Op d, And m y m ost secret woes intrusted to your privacy!

Lor ! o l m en let m e alone d w u d , Wha t an over-happy one Should I think m yself to b e i t in t is eser la e M gh I h d t p c , (Which m ost m en in discourse disgrace) Live b ut undisturbed and free ! ere in t is es ise re ess H , h d p d c , ’ oul m a re Winter s ol W d I , ug c d , ’ And the m m er s ors e ess Su w t xc , Try to live out to sixty full years old ; 1 59 8 Poem s of Nature

And all the ile , wh , Without an envious eye ’ On an t rivin un er rt ne s sm ile y h g d Fo u , Conten e li e and t en n e e t d v , h co t nt d die . Chark s Cotton [ 1 63 0- 1 6 8 7 ]

OF SOLITUDE

AI old a ri ian rees so rea and o ! H L, p t c t , g t g od ail e le i n n er ! H , y p b a u d wood W ere the e i ir s re i h po t c b d jo ce, And for their quiet nests and plenteous food Pa it h ir r y w h t e g ateful voice.

’ ail the o r m r e m H , p o use s ich st anor seat !

Ye o n r o ses and retrea c u t y h u t , W i all the a s so lo h ch h ppy god ve, Tha t for youoft they quit their bright and grea t r Met opolis above.

ere na t re es a use f r m e ere t H u do ho o c , a t re the ise ar i e t N u w ch t c , Who those fond artists does despise

t can the air and livin rees ne e Tha f g t gl ct , Y h tim r r et t e dead be p ize.

er m e r n H e let ca eless a d unthoughtful lying,

ear the t in s a e in H sof w d bov m e ﬂy g ,

Wit all eir an n s is te h th w to bough d pu , d the m ore t ne l ir s to re l An u fu b d both p ying, m oo m te Nor be yself t u .

il er s rea m s all roll his a ers near A s v t h w t ,

t it s n eam s ere and ere Gil w h u b h th , ’ os enam ele an I ll al On wh e d b k w k ,

w ret til e sm ile and ear And see ho p y th y , h

How prettily they talk .

r t e and s li ar he Ah w e ch d, too o t y , Who loves not his own com pany ! ’ ’ He ll feel the weight of t m any a day Unless he call in sin or vanity ’ el to ear t a a To h p b w y .

1 600 Poem s of Nature

In crystal currents and foam ing tides

i l m inous i t red si es. All round ts u , p c u d Old Tim e enam eled and em bossed

This ancient cup a t a n inﬁnite cost . I ts fram e he wrought of m etal tha t run

Red from the furnace of the sun . Ages on ages slowly rolled

h lo in m ass was ol B efore t e g w g c d, d t l h oil a t the anti e m ol An s il e t ed qu d, in his as ionin a n Turning it fast f h g h d,

r in ir le la er and an T ac g c c , y , b d ,

i r aint and stran e Ca rv ng ﬁgu es qu g , rs i ro m an a on ro s an Pu u ng, th ugh y w d u ch ge,

The sym m etry of a plan divine . r the l s ro s in At last b e pou ed u t u w e,

Cro ne h the ra ian a e i t l w d igh d t w v w h ight, And l the o le ri t held a oft g b t b gh ,

al in sha o and rea t e in m H f d w , w h d ist

r le am er and am e st . Of pup , b , thy

This is the goblet from whose brink All crea tures that have life m ust drink :

oem en and lo ers a t lor F v , h ugh y d,

And sall e ar it i s a rr ow b gg w h l p bho ed .

The new- rn in an ere it ain bo f t, g ’ The m ot er s reast i ine m rai h b , th s w ust d n.

The oak wit its s tle ui e is fed h ub j c ,

The ros ' rin s ill her ee s a re red e d k t ch k ,

And the im le aint iolet si d p d , d y v ps

The lim i strea m it lo in li s p d w h v g p .

I t ol s the lo d of sun a nd sta r h d b o , And all pure essences tha t are :

No ruit so hi on the ea enl ine f gh h v y v , Whose golden hanging clusters shine

On the far-oﬂ sha o m i ni ills d wy d ght h , But som e sweet inﬂuence it distils

at sli t o n the il r Th de h d w s ve y rills.

ere Wis om ro ned her an erous H d d w d g thought , The early gods their secrets brought ; A Strip of Blue 1 60 1

ea in i erin lines of li B uty. qu v g ght, Ripples before the ravished sight ; And the unseen m ystic spheres com bine d r To charm the cup an d ug the wine.

All da rin of the ine and ee y I d k w , d p In its stainless wa ves m y senses steep ; All night m y peaceful soul lies drowned In hollows of the cup profound ; Again each m orn I clam ber up The m eral ra ter the e d c of cup , On m assive knobs of jasper stand And view the azure ring expand : I wa tch the foam - wrea ths toss a nd swim ’ In the wine tha t o erruns the jeweled rim :

e of hr solite em er e Edg s c y g ,

a n- tinte rom the m ist s r e : D w d , f y u g

rille un o ere ront la e My th d, c v d f I v ,

r senses iss the a e My eage k w v ,

ra n it its ie less ra the l re And d i , w h v w d ught , o ’ the osom s se re ore Tha t kindles b c t c , ’ And the ﬁre tha t m addens the poet s brain i With wild sweet ardor and heavenly pa n. John Townsend Trowbridge [ 1 8 2 7

A STRI P OF BLUE

wn an in of lan I DO not o ch d ,

t all see is mine Bu I ,

th m o in -ﬁelds The orchards and e w g ,

The lawns and gardens ﬁne.

- o e ors a re The winds m y tax c ll ct ,

rin m e tit es i ine They b g h d v , n nd s le essen es Wild sce ts a ubt c , A tribute rare and free ;

And m ore m a ni ent t an all , g ﬁc h , My window keeps for m e l e im m ensit A glim pse of b u y, tl stri of sea A lit e p . 1 602 Poem s of Nature

Richer am I than he who owns Grea t ﬂeets and argosies; I have a share in every ship Won by the inland breeze To loiter on youairy roa d

l - tr Above the app e ees . I freight them with m y untold dream s; Ea ch bea rs m y own picked crew ; And nobler cargoes wait for them an e r n ia ne Th ve I d k w , My ships tha t sail into the -East tl t l Across tha t ou e b ue.

m e im es e seem li e li in s a es So t th y k v g h p ,

The l of the sk peop e y, Guests in whi te raim ent com ing down

rom ea en i is lose F H v , wh ch c by ; all em m iliar na m es I c th by fa , As one one ra s ni by d w gh ,

ite so li so s irit-li e So wh , ght , p k , From violet mists they bloom ! The a ching wastes of the unknown Are al r im e rom l m h f ecla d f g oo , ’ Since on life s hospita ble sea

ilin - r All souls ﬁnd sa g oom .

The ocean grows a weariness With nothing else in sight ; I eas and es its nort and so ts t w t, h uth, Spread out from m orn to night ;

We miss the arm aressin s or w , c g h e,

di n a I ts broo g sh de a nd light . A part is grea ter than the whole ;

r m r By hints a e yste ies told . Th rin es of e erni e f g t ty, ’ G s s ee in arm en - ol od w p g g t f d ,

I n t a ri t s re of litterin sea h t b gh h d g g , rea h for and ol I c out , h d .

The sails li e a es r sea r , k ﬂ k of o te pea l, Float in upon the mist ;

1 604 Poem s of N ature

More of m y days ’ I will not spend to gain an idiot s praise ; Or to m ake sport For s m e li o s ght Puisne of the Inns of Court. en or Staﬂord sa Th , w thy , y, How shall we spend the day? With wha t delights Shorten the nights?

W en rom is m l we are ot se r h f th tu u t g cu e, W ere m ir i h all her ree m h th w t f do goes , Yet shall no ﬁnger lose ; W ere e er or is u and h v y w d tho ght, every thought is pure ?

There from the tree ’ We ll erries l and i the tra ch p uck , p ck s wberry ; And every day see the les m e o n r irls m a ha Go who o c u t y g ke y, Whose brown ha th lovelier grace Than any painted face Tha t I do know Hyde Park can show Where I had ra ther gain a kiss tha n m eet (Though som e of them in greater sta te Might court m y love with pla te)

ea ties of the C ea and wi es Lom ar tr b u h p, v of b d S eet .

But think upon m : r So e other pleasures these to m e a e none. Why do I pra te om en a are in s a ains m a e ! Of w , th t th g g t y f t I never m ean to wed That torture to m y b ed My Muse is she all My love sh b e . Let clowns get weal th and heirs : when I am And t a rea ear risl ea t h t g t bugb , g y D h ,

all a e hi s l rea t Sh t k t id e b h ,

em lea e ha em m son I a po v , t t po is y .

Of this no m ore ! ’ ’ h ri n r We ll rather taste t e b ght Pomo a s sto e. An Ode to M aster Anthony Stafford 1 605

’ No fruit shall scape Our alates r m the am son to the ra e p , f o d g p . ’ en ull e ll see a s a e Th , f , w k h d , ’ And hea r wha t m usic s m ade ; How Philom el Her ale ot t ll t d h e , And how the other birds do ﬁll the choir ; The thr s and la ir len t eir roa s u h b ckb d d h th t , Warbling m elodious notes ;

ill all s rt n o i ot er i w po s e j y wh ch h s b ut des re .

rs is the sk Ou y, Where a t wha t fowl we please our hawk shall ﬂy : Nor will we spa re To hunt the crafty fox or tim orous hare; But let our hounds run loose ’ In any ground they ll choose ;

The s all all buck h f ,

Th sta ll e nd a . g, a

r leas res m r m eir own arrants b e Ou p u ust f o th w ,

For to m se if not to m e y Mu , , ’ I m sure all gam e is free :

ea en eart a re all a r s of her rea t ro al t . H v , h , but p t g y y

And when we m ean ’ To a ste of a i now and t en t B cchus bless ngs h , And drink by stealth ’ c r w le s ealt A up o t o to noble Bark y h h , ’ I ll ta ke m y pipe and try The Phrygian m elody ;

Whi he t a t ea rs ch h h , L ets through his cars A m adness to distem per all the bra in : Then I another pipe will take

And ori m si m a e D c u c k ,

i iz c vil e with gra ver notes our wits again. Thomas Rand olph [ 1 60 5 - 1 63 5] Poem s of Nature

THE MIDGES DANCE AB OON THE BURN

THE midges dance aboon the burn ; ’ The dews begin to fa ; The paitricks doun the rushy holm ’ ’ e r enin Set up th i c g ca . ’ Now loud and clear the blackbird s sang

s ro the rier s a Ring th ugh b y h w,

While i tin a the s all s la , ﬂ t g g y, w ow p y ’ Around the castle wa .

’ Benea th the golden gloam in sky The m avis m ends her lay ; The redbreast pours his sweetest strains To charm the lingering day ; While weary yeldrins seem to wail eir little nestlin s torn Th g ,

The m err ren rae den to d n y w , f e ,

Gaes inkin t ro the j g h ugh thorn.

Th ro e a l t eir i en l e s s f u d h s lk eaves, The foxglove shuts its bell; The honeysuckle a nd the birk

r r n e ro h Spread f ag a c th ugh t e dell. Let others crowd the giddy court

m ir and re elr Of th v y, The sim ple joys that Nature yields

r r r m A e dea e far to e. Robert Tannahill [ 1 7 74- 1 8 1 0]

THE PLOW

AB OVE yon som ber swell of land ’ a n ra or n hu Thou seest the d w s g ve a ge e,

a s r a i e ello san With one p le t e k l k y w d ,

e f l And over tha t a v in o b ue .

The a ir is cold above the woods ;

n i h ea r a nd sk All sile t s t e th y, Except with his own lonely m oods r The blackbi d holds a colloquy.

1 60 8 Poem s of Nature

’ m r a en i ear s n en Who is o e h ppy, wh , w th h t co t t , Fatigued he sinks into som e pleasant lair rass and rea ds a e nair Of wavy g , d bo And gentle tale of love and languishm ent?

m e a t e eni it an ear Returning ho v ng , w h ilom el — a nd e Catching the notes of Ph , ye ’ l let r r Watching the sailing c oud s bright ca ee ,

He m ourns that day so soon has glided by, ’ ’ E en like the passage of an angel s tear r r r That falls th ough the clea ethe silently . John Keats [ 1 7 9 5 - 1 8 2

THE QUIET LIFE

WHAT pleasure have grea t princes More dainty to their choice

han r sm en il areles s T he d w d, who c ui re oi e In q et life j c , ’ And fortune s fate not fearing Sing sweet in sum m er m orning ?

r ai n Thei dealings pl n a d rightful, Are void of all deceit ; They never know how spiteful I t is to kneel and wait On a rite resum f vo , p ptuous, ri e Whose p d is vain and sum ptuous.

All day their ﬂocks ea ch tendeth ; ni t e a e t eir r At ght , h y t k h est ; More quiet than who sendeth

is s i nto he a H h p u t E st ,

“ Where gold and pearl are plenty; e in er ain But g tt g , v y d ty.

For la ers and t eir leadin wy h p g, ’ They steem it not a straw ; They think t ha t honest m eaning I s of itself a law: W en e ons ien e e lainl h c c c c judg th p y, e n Th y spe d no m oney vainly. The Wish I 609

0 happy who thus liveth ! Not ca ring m uch for gold ; With clothing which suﬂi ceth

o ee him rom th T k p f e cold . Though poor and plain his diet

Yet m err it i and iet y s, qu . — Willi am Byrd [ 1 5 38 ? 1 6 2 3]

THE WISH

WE en now do lainl see LL th , I p y ’ This busy world and I shall ne er agree ; The very honey of all earthly joy of all m ea s the s nes l Does, t , oo t c oy ; And t e m e in s eser e m i h y , th k , d v y p ty ho for it can en re the s in W du t gs,

The ro and zz and m rm c wd , bu , u urings

rea i e th Of this g t h v , e city !

et ere es en he r Ah , y , I d c d to t g ave, May I a sm all house and large garden have ; And a few rien s and m an o f d , y bo ks , both true, o ise an t eli t l too ! B th w , d bo h d gh fu ’ An n e e n er rom m ﬂ d si c Lov e will f e ee, A m is ress m o era el air t d t y f , And good a s gua rdian- angels a re . , nl lo e and lo n m e O y be v d , vi g !

O fount ains ! when in you shall I Myself eased of unpeaceful thoughts espy?

el s ! 0 s ! en en ll b e m O ﬁ d wood wh , wh sha I ade The happy tenant of your shade? ’ ’ Here s the spring-head of pleasure s ﬂood ! ’ ’ ere s ealt at re s treasur H w hy N u y, r all the ri es lie a he Whe e ch , th t s e n m r Has coin d a d sta ped fo good .

Pride and am bition here Only in far-fetched m etaphors appear ; e na t in s ca n r ul m urm urs s a er H re ugh but w d hu tf c tt , ﬂ r And naught but echo atte . 1 6 1 0 Poem s of Nature

The s en t e n e r god , wh h y desce d d , hithe From heaven did always choose their way; And therefore we m ay boldly say ’ th wa That tis e y too thither.

How happy here should I And one ear he li e an d S v , d em bracing die ! She is all the rl and can e lu e who wo d, xc d In r o e dese ts s litud . I should have then this only fea r : es m en en e m le ure L t , wh th y y p as s see, ul it er t r n to li e li m Sho d h h h o g v ke e, d i er An so make a c ty h e. Abraha m Cawky [ 1 6 1 8- 1 66 7]

HY illiam on tha old r W , W , t g ay stone, for the len t of al a da Thus g h h f y, h William sit t s al W y, , you hu one, And dream your tim e away?

— Where are your bookS P that light bequeathed ein s else rlorn and lin ! To b g fo .b d Up ! up ! and drink the spirit breathed m n o ir in From dea d e t the k d .

r n on o r r Youlook ou d y u Mothe Earth, As if she for no purpose bore you; As if ere her ﬁrst - rn ir you w bo b th, ” And none had lived before you!

rn n t s Esthwai One m o i g hu , by te lake,

was s ee ne .n When life w t , I k w ot why, m rien a e To m e y good f d M tth w spake, And thus I m ade reply

— The eye it cannot choose but see; We cannot b id the ear b e still; ’ e eel ere er Our bodi s f , wh they be, ur Against or with o will .

Poem s of Nature

he has a rl rea ealt S wo d of dy w h, Our mi nds and hearts to bless

n ane s i m reat e Spo t ou w sdo b h d by health , a e eer n Truth bre th d by ch ful ess.

One im pulse from a vernal wood M ea m or of man ay t ch you e , m oral evil an of Of d good,

a n a the n Th ll sages ca .

Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; Our m eddling intellect Misshapes the beauteous form s of things: e m r r o W u de t dissect .

Enough of Science and of Art ; Close up those ba rren leaves; Com e ort and rin i a r f h , b g w th you hea t a nd re ei That w tches a c ves. Willia m Wordsworth [ 1 7 7 0- 1 8 5 0]

SIMPLE NATURE

h r BE. it not mine to steal t e cultured ﬂowe

r m an r en of the ri and rea F o y ga d ch g t ,

r e i are ro m an a e r ur No se k w th c , th ugh y w a y ho , rm n r r Som e novel fo of wo de to c eate. for m e the lea s r e Enough fy wood to ov , n er im le of m ornin dew A d gath s p cups g ,

r in the el s and m ea o s t at lo e O , ﬁ d d w h I v , in ir r h Find beauty the bells of eve y ue. ro n m a e a s a ra rant air Thus u d y cott g ﬂo t f g ,

o he rusti lo um l ai And th ugh t c p t b e h b y l d, Yet li e the lilies la l r in ere , k g d y g ow g th , a e not oile a e a has m a e I h v t d , but t k wh t God d . r m i ion asse and smile in s or My Lo d A b t p d , d c n ; lu r se and ! i had no t rn I p cked a o , , 10 t ho .

h Ro — George Jo n manes [ 1 8 48 1 8 9 4] “ ” A - H unting W e Will G o 1 6 1 3

HUNTING— SONG

From King Art hur

H who o l s a in oor in oor O , w u d t y d , d , When the horn is on the hill? (Bugle: Tarantara !

h ris air stin in and the n sm en sin n With t e c p g g , hu t gi g, And a ten- tined buck to kill!

h u oes o n es own Before t e s n g d w , go d , We shall slay the buck of ten; (Bugle: Taranta ra ! ’ An the r est s all sa eni n and we s all ha e enison d p i h y b so , h v , h e m om i W en w co e h e aga n.

L et him t at lo es his ease his ease h v , , Keep close and house him fair ; (Bugle: Tarantara ! ’ He ll still b e a stranger to the m erry thrill of danger

he o he o en air And t j y of t p .

But he a l es the ills he i l th t ov h , t h l s, L et him com e out to-d ay! (Bugle: Tarantara ! For the orses are nei hin and the un s are ha in h g g, ho d y g , ’ And the un and a a ! h t s up, w y Ri chard Hovey [ 1 8 64- 1 900]

A- HUNTING WE WILL GO

From Don ! uixote in England

THE s ni ri es own th sk du ky ght d d e y, And ushers in the m om ; The oun s all oin in lorio s r h d j g u c y, The ntsm an n s his r hu wi d ho n.

a— in ill And hunt g we w go .

The wife around her husband throws Her arm s to m ake him stay ; ear it rains it a ils it lo My d , , h , b ws; ” annot -d a Youc hunt to y.

Yet a - ntin hu g we will go . 1 61 4 Poem s of Nature

’ a e s a e the r u Aw y th y ﬂy to c p o t , Their steeds they soundly switch ; m e are r n in and s m e r n out So th ow , o th ow , An m r n in the d so e th ow di tch . Yet a- un in we o h t g will g .

e nar now li e l i Sly R y d k ightning ﬂ es , And sweeps across the vale ; en the o n s too near he s ies And wh h u d p , He r s his s t ail d op bu hy .

en a - untin we Th h g will go .

n o em s to li e the rt Fo d Ech se k spo , And join the jovial cry ;

Th s the ills the s u re r e wood , h , o nd to t, An m usi lls the sk d c ﬁ y,

e a - Wh n hunting we do go .

h r to At last is st ength faintness worn, Poor Reynard ceases ﬂight ; n un r om e ar we r turn The h g y, h w d e , a t a a the ni To fe s w y ght .

And a- drinking we do go .

ial unters in the Ye jov h , m om Prepare then for the chase; Rise at the sounding of the horn d eal it s ort em r An h th w h p b ace,

W en a - nti we o h hu ng d go . Henry Fielding [ 1 7 0 7 - 1 7 5 4]

HUNTING SONG

AKEN lor s and la i e a W , d d s g y, On the m ountain dawns the day; All the oll C ase is ere j y h h , With hawk and horse and hunting-spear ! r t eir o elli Hounds a e in h c uples y ng, a s are is lin o are nellin H wk wh t g, h rns k g , erril m erril m in le t e M y, y, g h y, “ a en l r s and la ies a W k , o d d g y.

1 6 1 6 Poem s of N ature

’ en en the dew alls om e ar e Th , wh f , h w d w ll speed

To our own lo e alls o n on the m ea v d w d w d , ere the ri t eart Th , by b gh h h , oldi n our ni t m irt H g gh h , ’ We ll drin to s ee rien s i in nee and in k w t f d h p d deed . — Thomas Tod S toddart [ 1 8 1 0 1 8 8 0]

THE ANGLER ’S WISH

From The Complete Ang ler

t o er m ea s o l b e I IN hese ﬂ w y d w u d , These crystal stream s should solace m e ; To whose harm onious bubbling noise it m an le o l re oi e I , w h y g , w u d j c ,

Sit ere and see the t rtle- o e h , u d v Court his chaste m ate to acts of love ;

Or on t at an eel the es - in , h b k , f w t w d reat e ealt and len lease m m in B h h h p ty ; p y, d , To ee s eet e ro s iss t ese o ers s w d wd p k h ﬂ w , And then washed off by April showers ;

ere ear m Kenna sin a son H , h y g g ere see a lac ir ee her un Th , b kb d f d yo g ,

Or a laverock build her nest ;

ere i e m ea r s irits res H , g v y w y p t , And raise m y low-pitched thoughts above art or at oor m ortals lo e : E h , wh p v

s ree rom la s its and the noise Thu , f f w u , ’ rin es ourts l re i e Of p c c , I wou d jo c ;

Or it m r an and a oo , w h y B y b k , Loiter long days near Shawford brook ;

re sit him and ea t m m eat The by , y ; There see the sun both rise and set ; There bid good m orning to next day; There m editate m y tim e away ; And angle on ; and b eg to have

r A quiet p assage to a welcom e g ave . I saac Walton [ 1 5 9 3- 1 6 8 3 ] The Angler

THE ANGLER

’ THE n ﬁsher s li e 0 galla t f , It is the bes t of any ! ’ T le s re oi of ri e is full of p a u , v d st f , ’ And tis beloved by m any; Other joys Are but toys ;

Lawful is; For our skill

re n ill B eds o ,

But content and pleasure.

In m rnin u we rise a o g , p , ’ Ere Aurora s peeping ; a cu to as our e e Drink p w h y s, Leave the sluggard sleeping ; Then we go

fro To and , With our knacks our a At b cks, To such stream s

the am es As Th , h r If we have t e leisu e .

When we please to walk abroad For ur re rea tion o c , l i o r a o e In the ﬁe ds s u b d , of ele ta tion Full d c ,

re a roo Whe , in b k , a With hook , e Or a lak , Fish we take ; w There e sit ,

For a bit , n e Till we ﬁsh enta gl . Poem s of Nature

en l in a rn We have g t es ho , We have paste and worms too ; We can a h n and mom w tch bot ight , Suffer rain and storms too; None do here

Oaths do fray

e sit s ill W t , Watch our quill m n wr n Fishers ust ot a gle.

’ If the sun s excessive heat e r Make our bodies sw lte , an er w To osi hedge e get , For a friendly shelter ; W ere in a di e h , k , r or i Pe ch p ke, o or R ach dace, do We chase, l r B eak o gudgeon, Without grudging ; r We a e still contented .

Or we som etim es pass an hour n er a reen illo U d g w w , t ro r Tha defends us f m a showe , Making ea rth our pillow ; Where we m ay in n r Th k a d p ay, B efore death Stops our breath ; Other joys Are bu t toys, And b e lam n to e ted .

Poem s of N ature

I am gone into the ﬁelds To take what this sweet hour yields

Reﬂection ouma om e to- m orro , y y c w,

Sit by the ﬁres ide with Sorrow . ou i the n ai ill es air Y w th u p d b , D p ,

ou ires m e erse-re iter are Y t o v c , C , ill a ouin the ra e I w p y y g v , ea ill list o o r D th w en t y u stave . e ta ion too b e oﬂ Exp c t , Hope in pity m ock not woe

it smiles nor ollo ere o W h , f w wh I g ; on ha in li e on th s eet L g v g v d y w food , ’ At length I ﬁnd one m om ent s good r lon ain— it all our Afte g p w h y love, ” n r This you eve told m e of.

Ra diant Sister of the D ay Awake ! arise ! and com e away ! To th il s an the lains e w d wood d p , To the pools where winter rains

a all eir roo of ea es Im ge th f l v , Where the pine its garland weaves sa less reen and iv dun Of p g , y ,

o n stem s t at ne er kiss the sun R u d h v ,

W ere the la ns and astures b e h w p , And the sandhills of the sea Where the m elting b oar- frost wets

The ais - star t at ne r sets d y h ve ,

An in -ﬂowers and l s d w d , vio e t ,

i et oin not s ent to h Wh ch y j c ue, Crown the pale year weak and new; When the night is left behind

In th ee eas dim an lin e d p t , d b d , And h l e n n is o er us t e b u oo v , And the m ultitudi nous illo m rm ur at our B ws u feet ,

W ere the ear and ean m ee h th oc t , And all things seem only one

In h r s t e unive sal un . P ercy Bysshe S helley [ 1 7 9 2- 1 8 2 2] “ ” Afar i n the D esert 1 62 1

MY HEART ’S IN THE HIGHLANDS

’ Y art n the i lan m a r n M he s i H gh ds, y he t is ot here ; ’ My heart s in the Highlands a - chasing the deer ;

A- asin the il eer and ollo in the roe ch g w d d , f w g , ’ M eart s in the i hlan s ere er o y h H g d wh v I g .

ar ell to the i lan s are ll to he r F ew H gh d , f we t No th,

Th rt l e of alor the o ntr o r e bi hp ac v , c u y f wo th ;

ere er an er ere er r e Wh v I w d , wh v I ov ,

The ills of the i lan s for e er lo h H gh d v I ve .

Farewell to the m ountains high covered with snow ; Farewell to the straths and green valleys below ; Farewell to the forests a nd Wild -hanging woods ;

re ell to th torren and lo - o rin Fa w e ts ud p u g ﬂoods.

’ ear s in he i lan s m ear i n r My h t t H gh d , y h t s ot he e ; ’ eart s in the i lan s a - asin the eer My h H gh d ch g d ,

A- asin the il eer and ollo in the ro ch g w d d , f w g e, ’ r in h i l re er My hea t s t e H gh ands whe v I go . Robert Burns [ 1 7 5 9 - 1 7 9 6]

AFAR IN THE DESERT

m th eser lo e to ri e AFAR e d t I v d ,

h ile t s - al ne m With t e s n Buh boy o by y side. ’ W en the sorro s of li e the s l o erc h w f ou as t ,

And si of the resent lin to the t , ck p , I c g pas ;

W en the e e is suflused it re ret l te r h y w h g fu a s, From the fond recollections of form er yea rs ; And shadows of things that have long since fled li o er the rain li e the o t s of he F t v b , k gh s t dead Bright visions of glory that vanished too soon ; ’ D ay- dream s that departed ere m anhood s noon; Atta chm ents by fate or falsehood reft ; Com panions of early days lost or left And m y native land— whose m agical nam e Thrills to the heart like electric flam e ; 1 62 2 Poem s of Nature

The hom e of m y childhood ; the haunts of m y prime ; All the passions and scenes of that rapturous tim e W en the eelin s ere n and the rl w new h f g w you g , wo d as ,

' Like the fresh bowers of Eden unfolding to View ; — — — All all now forsaken forgotten foregone ! — And I a lone exile rem em bered of none M i aim s a an one — m o y h gh b d d , y g od acts undone Aweary of all that is under the sun Wit a sa ness eart i no s ran er m h th t d of h wh ch t g ay scan, r r r m I ﬂy to the dese t afa f o m an.

r h r lo o ri e Afa in t e dese t I ve t d ,

it en - alone m i e W h the sil t Bush boy by y s d , When the il urm il of t is eari s m e li e w d t o h w o f , it enes o ression orr ion and s ri e W h its sc of pp , c upt , t f ’ ’ Th r m rown nd he m s ear e p oud an s f , a t base an f ’ ’ The r l and the uﬂerer r scom e s augh , s s tea d m e and m eanness and al and ll An alic , , f sehood , fo y, Dispose m e to m using and dark m elancholy; e m m is ll and m th s are i Wh n y boso fu , y ought h gh , ’ And m y soul is sick with the bondm an s sigh r i ree om and o and ri e Oh ! then the e s f d , j y, p d , Afar in the desert alone to ride ! l on he There is rapture to vau t t cham ping steed , ’ i the ea e eed And to bound away w th gl s sp , With the death-fraught ﬁrelock in m y hand The only law of the Des ert Land !

r l e to ri e Afar in the dese t I ov d ,

- o With the silent Bush b oy al ne by m y side. — h ellin s of m en Away away from t e dw g , ’ ’ aunt the b uﬂalo s len By the wild deer s h , by g ; re the ori i la s By valleys rem ote whe b p y , h u the azelle and the a r e ees raz e Where t e gn , g , h t b t g , And the kuduand eland unhunted recline ’ By the skirts of gray forest o erhung with wild vine ro ses at ea e in his Where the elephant b w p c wood ,

r- e am ls ns are in the And the rive hors g bo u c d ﬂood , And the m ighty rhinoceros wallows at will h r n his ﬁll In t e fen where the wild ass is d inki g .

1 6 2 oem s of ature 4. P N

As it a a rt the eser stone I s p by d t , ’ i e E11 ah at B ot ch s a e alone L k j c v , , still sm all oi e om es t ro th A v c c h ugh e wild, i e a a t er onsolin his ret l il L k f h c g f fu ch d ,

i anis es it erness rat and ear Wh ch b h b t , w h , f , a n — Man is istan b ut God is near ! S yi g d t , Thomas P ri ngle [ 1 7 8 9 - 1 8 3 4]

SPRING SONG IN THE CITY

I1 rem ains in n on W 0 Lo d , I n the st reets it m e w h , Now that Spring is blowing Warm winds from the sea ; Now that trees grow green and

ow. the sun s ines m ello N h w , And with m oist prim roses all English lanes a re yellow?

ittle are oot m ai e L b f d n, ellin iolets l e S g v b u , Hast thou ever pictured Where the sweetlings grew? the arm il o Oh , w w d wo dland ways, ee in e rasses D p d wy g ,

ere the in - lo n s a r Wh w d b w h dow st ays, Scented as it passes !

e dler rea t in ee l P d b h g d p y,

oilin into to n T g w , With the dusty highway Youare dusky brown ;

ast t seen ai i H hou by d s ed leas, And ri ers in by v ﬂow g , Lilac- ringlets which the breeze Loosens lightly blowing?

Out of yonder wagon

leasant ha - s en s o P y c t ﬂ at , He who drives it ca rries A daisy in his coat Spring Song in the City 1 62 5

the n lis m ea s ai r Oh , E g h dow , f Far beyond all praises ! Freckled orchids everywhere Mid the snow of daisies !

Now in busy silence roo s he ni tin ale B d t gh g , ’ Choosing his love s dwelling I n a dim pled dale ; Round the lea fy bower they raise Rose- trees wild are springing ;

n erneat t ro the reen U d h , h ugh g haz e, o n h r let B u ds t e b ook singing .

And his love is silent

As a ir can b e b d , For the red buds only Fill the red rose - tree ; Just as buds and blossom s blow ’ e ll e n his t ne H b gi u , When all is green and roses glow n ernea the m oon U d th .

Nowhere in the valleys ill th in b e t W e w d s ill, er t in is a in Ev y h g w v g, Wagging at his will : ’ Blows the m ilkm aid s kirtle clean With her hand pressed on it ; ’ Lightly o er the hedge so green ’ o Blows the plowb y s bonnet .

to b e a -roam in Oh , g I n an English dell!

er n o is ealt Ev y o k w hy, A rl oo s ell ll the wo d l k w , ea ens lo Tinted soft the H v g w ,

er art and ean Ov E h Oc ,

ters ﬂow reezes lo Wa , b b w, All is light and m otion ! Robert B uchanan [ 1 8 4 1 - 1 9 0 1 ] 1 626 Poem s of Nature

IN CITY STREETS

’ NDER in the ea er ere s a b ed for slee in YO h th th p g, r k for one t irst ri la erries to ea t D i n a h , pe b ckb ;

un h m err ares o lea in Yonder in the s t e y h g p g ,

- ri And the pool is clear for travel wea ed feet .

rel ro m eet a - ram in n on i a s So y th b y f , t p g Lo d h ghw y , (Ah ! the springy m oss upon a northern m oor !) r the endless streets the l m s ares and Th ough , g oo y qu by a w ys, om el he Cit r am on the r ! H es s in t y, poo g poo

— o r ar ol ah i e m e lea es a - lin in L ndon st eets e g d , g v v g t g ’ Midst gray dykes and hedges in the autum n sun! ’ r ine red out for all nstintin London wate s w , pou u g God ! For the li ttle brooks that tum ble as they run !

r i ain to ear the s t in lo in Oh , my hea t s f h of w d b w g , Soughing through the ﬁr-tops up on northern fells ! ’ Oh m y eye s an ache to see the brown burns ﬂowing

il an in l n ea t er- ell Through the peaty so d t k i g h h b s. Ada S mith [ 1 8

THE VAGAB OND

(To an Air of Schubert )

I E to m e the li e l e G V f I ov , Let the la m e ve go by , Give the jolly heaven above And the a m e byw y nigh . Bed in the s it s ars to see bu h w h t , B rea d I dip in the river ’ re s the li e f r a m an li e m The f o k e, ’ r h li for e r The e s t e fe ve .

he lo all s n or la e Let t b w f oo t , ’ Let what will b e o er m e; Give the face of ea rth around

the roa or m And d bef e e.

1 62 8 Poem s of N ature

And en e en dies the m illion- in wh v , t ted , And the ni h om ght as c e, and planets glinted , Lo the alle oll , v y h ow La m p- bestarred

to ream 0 o n r O d , t awake a d wande

ere and wit eli a e an r r Th , h d ght to t k d ende , rou the tr n e f i Th gh a c o s lence , Quiet breath !

Lo ! for t ere am on the o ers an r s h , g ﬂ w d g asse , Only the m ightier m ovem ent sounds and passes ; nl in s and ri er O y w d v s,

Life and Death . Robert Louis S tevenson [ 1 8 5 0- 1 8 9 4]

THE SONG MY PADDLE SINGS

EST in o rom o r ra rie nes W w d , bl w f y u p i t ,

lo rom the m o ntains l rom the es . B w f u , b ow f w t Th il is i h or t e sa dle, t e sail oo ; 0 in of the est we ait for ou! w d w , w y lo lo ! B w, b w

a e ooe ouso I h v w d y , Bu r r t neve a favo youbestow . Youro o r ra ck y u c dle the hills between,

Bu o m i e la n t sc rn to notice y wh t tee .

I stow the sail and unship the m ast ’ ooe oulon b ut m ooin s t I w d y g , y w g pas ; My paddle will lull youinto rest : n of th ro s es 0 drowsy wi d e d w y w t ,

lee sl e S p, e p !

our m oun ains s By y t teep , r w r r O do n whe e the prairie g asses sweep,

Now ol in slum er o r la ar in s f d b y u gg d w g , For s n m a le oft is the so g y p dd sing s.

Be stron 0 a le ! b e ra e an e ! g, p dd b v , c o The re les m ck s waves you ust plunge into. The Gipsy Trail 1 62 9

eel r l R , ee , On our trem lin eel y b g k , r m r ll But never a fea y c aft wi feel.

’ ’ We ve raced the rapids ; we re far ahead

r n ed The river slips th ough its sile t b . a a Sw y, sw y, AS the bubbles spray n n s a And fall in tinkli g tu e aw y .

on h ills ains e s And up t e h ag t th ky, A ﬁr tree rocking its lulla by in in Sw gs, sw gs, I s em era l in s t d w g ,

Swelling the song that m y pa ddle sings .

P a 1 2- 1 E . uline Johnson [ 86 1 9 3]

THE GIPSY TRAIL

' DI E i e m o to the l sin ine wh t th c o g v , Th b ee to the o n lo er e pe c v , And the gipsy blood to the gipsy blood i e Ever the w d world over.

er the i e worl er lass Ev w d d ov , , er the rail el tr e Ev t h d u ,

er the orl and un er the orl Ov w d d w d, he o And back at t last t you .

of the ar of the r io cam Out d k go g p, Out of the grim e and the gray

ornin ai s at the end the or (M g w t of w ld) , i om e a G psy, c way !

The il ar to the sun- rie s am w d bo d d w p , The red rane to her reed c , And the Rom any lass to the Rom any lad th ie a ro in By e t of v g breed . 1 630 Poem s of Nature

Morning waits a t the end of the world

‘ W ere in ltere h w ds unha d play, Ni in the an s of eir lun in ra pp g ﬂ k th p g g nks, ill th - or n T e white sea h ses eigh .

The ie o the rif p d snake t ted rock, The to the ston i buck y pla n, And the oman lass to the oman R y R y lad, nd h A both to t e roa d again.

to thé roa a ain a ain! Both d g , g Out of a clea n sea - track Follow the cross of the gipsy trail Over the world and ba ck !

Follow the Rom any pa tteran ort ere the l e er s sail N h wh b u b g , And the s are ra i the r zen bow g y w th f o spray, th a a s m And e m sts re hod with ail .

Follow the Rom any patteran eer the stral i Sh to Au L ght, W ere the es m of God is the il es in h b o w d w t w d, ee the sea -ﬂoor e Sw ping s whit .

Follow the Rom any pa tteran West he sin in s to t k g un, ill the un -sails li t t r the ouseless ri T j k f h ough h d ft, And th d the e east an west are one.

Follow the Rom any patteran East where the silence broods By a purple wave on an opal beach n h f he a im I t e hush o t M h woods.

The il a to the in -s e sk w d h wk w d w pt y, The eer the oles m e l d to wh o wo d, And the ear of a m an to the eart of a m aid h t h , h a As it was in t e d ys of old .

1 63 2 Poem s of Nature

e re untr l ers tr s This stil , whe co y ov y t, m n Where m any a an a d maid have kissed , ee l and the Invites us sw t y , wood h r lit Beckons us to e so ude.

m n and l m erin ai ns e in Lea ve e u b g w b h d, oa s all la n and lin And dusty r d , b k b d ; om ea on el e and on sil C e tr d v v t k,

am as e it aisies ite as mil . D k d w h d , wh k

the a som e Those dryads of wood , th t Call the il a in s now are c m e w d hy c th , o , And hold their revels in a night

m an -l Of e erald ﬂecked with c dle ight.

Th e founta ins of the m eadows play, ’ This is the wild bee s holiday ; When sum m er-snows have sweetly dres sed

The t re lik e a e in - es pas u w dd g gu t,

By ﬁelds of bea ns that shall eclipse ’ The one on the r se s li h y o p s, ' ’ i w ﬂ n n w W th ood ru a d the e hay s brea th,

d t m e w test n he dea t An wild hy s ee i r h ,

’ irtin he ri m n s n and all Sk g t ch a law h , T he footpa th way is free to all; For us his pinks and roses blow : Fling him thanksgiving ere we go !

or ar s et in ros eils By ch d y y v , i en nests of ni tin ales By h dd gh g , Through lonesom e valleys where all day The ra i e le s rr and bb t p op cu y play,

The at sets her n footp h te der lure . This is the country for the poor ; The high- roa d seeks the crowded sea ;

Com e a e the o a t wa it m ! , t k fo tp h y w h e Katheri ne Tynan [ 1 8 6 1 A M aine Trail 1 633

A MAINE TRAIL

COME f ll ear u n r slee e o ow, h t po you v , The rail a - ea in t , t s g by,

s eled and res -m o n Past ta s corn f h w hay,

rim and arm - use sh T barns f ho y, ll s d i ell-s ee Past ho yhock an wh te w w p, r u astures are and il Th o gh p b w d, ’ ’ m ear - - h ~ Oh co e, let s fare to the h t o t e wood li With the faith of a ttle child .

Stri ke in by the gnarled way through the swam p er a th laurel s ne Wh e l te e ho , An intim a te close where youm eet yourself m nt our wn And co e u o y o , By bouldered brook to the hidden spring Where brea th of ferns blows sweet And swift birds brea k the silence as ross r Their shadows c you feet .

Stout-hearted thrust through gold-green copse arner the lan lee To g wood d g , T ea a arm en of arm eli o w ve g t w d ght, Of sunspun ecstasy ; ’ ill s i el all in er rom r s Tw h d you w t f f o ty eyes, ’ Twill shield your heart from cold ; Such greens — how the Lord Him self loves green ! Such sun — howHe loves the gold !

Then on till ﬂam ing ﬁreweed Is quenched in forest deep ; Tread soft ! The sum ptuous paven m oss ’ Is spread for Dryads sleep ; And list ten thousand thousand spruce Lift up their voice to God a little un ers an We can d t d ,

- m d Born of the self sa e so .

the el m in rees lea n Oh com e, w co g t d o , Their guests are we to-day ;

sm ile r ran es o Shy violets , p oud b ch b w, Gay m ushrooms m ark the way; P oem s of Nature

e is r es Th silence a cou t y, The well-bred calm of kings; Com e haste ! the hour sets its face r a Unto g e t Happenings. Gertrude Huntington MeGiﬂert [ 1 8

AFOOT

C MES the l re of reen t in s r in O u g h g g ow g , Com es the call of waters ﬂowing And the wayfarer desire d a e d Moves an w k s an would be going .

Hark the mig rant hosts of June Marching nea rer noon by noon! Hark the gossip of the grasses Bivouacked benea th the m oon !

Long the quest and far the ending When m y wayfarer is wending W esire n e a t hen d is o c foo , Doom behind and dream a ttending !

In his ears the phantom chim e in om m ni a le r m e Of c u c b hy , He shall chase the ﬂeeting cam p-ﬁres o Of the Bed uins of Tim e.

arer un arte a s F by ch d w y , m as ea t to lain or raise Du b d h p t p , nreturnin he s all ourne U g h j y, Fellow to the nights and days ;

Till upon the outer b ar l he m ni Stil ed t oa ng currents are,

ill the am e a the z T ﬂ chieves enith, ill the m ot attains the star T h ,

Till through la ughter and through tears air the nal ea e a ears F ﬁ p c pp , And about the watered pastures Sink to sleep the nom ad yea rs ! D Charles G. . Roberts [ 1 8 60

I 636 Poem s of Nature

Yet footfall or bugle-call un er as e ill Or th d y w , Upon the road to Rom any The birds are calling still! Wallace I rwin [ 1 8 7 5

THE TOIL OF THE TRAIL

WHAT have I gained by the toil of the trail? n I know a d know well. I have found once again the lore I had lost ’ th lo ll In e ud city s he .

a e roa ene m an the in and the a xe I h v b d d y h d to c ch , I have laid m y ﬂesh to the rain ; I was hunter and trailer and guide ;

e m rim i i e il n I have touched th ost p t v w d ess again.

a e rea e the il i the s eal the eer I h v th d d w d w th t th of d , No eagle is freer than I ; o m o ntain can art m e no rren a all N u thw , to t pp , h I defy t e stern sky .

So lon as li e ese o ill rem ain g I v th j ys w ,

e to the m ost rimi i e il n a a in I hav uched p t v w d ess g . Hamli n Garla nd [ 1 8 60

DO YOU FEAR THE WIND?

o r the or e of the in D O y ufea f c w d, The slash of the rain?

e t em and t hem Go fac h ﬁgh t ,

B e savage again . n o i e the ol Go hungry a d c ld l k w f, Go wade like the crane : r an ill t i en The palm s of you h ds w h ck ,

r ee ill tan The skin of you ch k w , ’ r an r and s ar You ll grow agg ed d wea y w thy , ’ But you ll walk like a m an ! Hamlin Garland [ 1 8 60 ’ The King s H ighway 637

THE KING ’ S HIGHWAY

El Cam ino Real

AL L in the l en eat er r let us ri e t - go d w h , fo th d o day, ’ Youand to et er on the in s i a I g h , K g H ghw y,

The l e s ies a e us and elo h b u k bov , b w t e shining sea ; ’ ’ ere s m an a r a ra el it h r r m Th y o d to t v , but s t is oad fo e.

’ I t s a lon r a and s nn and th in e or g o d u y, e fairest th w ld There are peaks that rise above it in their snowy m antles

rle cu d, And it leads from the m ountains through a hedge of chap

arral, n to the a ers r the Dow w t whe e sea gulls call .

’ ’ I t s a l n roa and sunn it s a lo r a d old o g d y, ng o d an , And the brown padres m ade it for the ﬂocks of the fold ; They m ade it for the sandals of the sinner-folk tha t trod

r m the el s in the n h s r- F o ﬁ d ope to t e helte house of God .

They m ade it for the sandals of the sinner- folk of old ; Now the ﬂocks they are sca ttered and dea th keeps the fold ;

But ouand t et er we ill a e the r a to- da y I og h w t k o d y, ’ i r n st n th n i W h the ea in our rils o e i s a . t b th o , K g H ghw y

’ We will ta ke the road together through the m orning s golden lo g w, ’ And we ll dream of those who trod it in the m ellowed long ago;

We ill sto at h issions er in a res la w p t e M wh e the sleep g p d y, ’ ’ And we ll bend a knee above them for their souls sake to

ra p y .

’ ’ We ll ride through the valleys where the blossom s on the ree t , Through the orcha rds and the m eadows with the bird and

the bee, ’ A e anzanitas r nd we ll take the rising hills wher the m g ow, l s l Past the gray tails of waterfalls where blue vio et b ow. 1 638 Poem s of Nature

C n rown ries s and all Old o quista dores, O b p t , Give us your ghosts for com pany when night begins to fall ; ’ ’ ere s m an a r a ra el but it s is r a to—da Th y o d to t v , th o d y , ’ a t us on the i n i h a With the breath of God bou K g s H g w y .

ohn Mc oa t 1 8 6 2 J S . Gr r y [

THE FORBIDDEN LUR E

LEAVE all and follow— follow ! re of th a t a Lu e sun d wn,

re a in - a e oll Lu of w d p c d h ow, Lure of the sta rs withdrawn; Lure of the brave old singing Brave perished m instrels knew; Of dream s like sea - fog clinging To boughs the night srfts through

Leave all and follow— follow ! The sun goes up the day; li erin in of s all F ck g w g w ow, l ss m s t a t l a B o o h b ow way, W a oul ou lurin lurin h t w d y , g , g, When I m ust bide at hom e? My heart will break her m ooring And die in reef- ﬂung foam !

m ust ne er listen Oh , I v , Call not o si e m ut d y door. reen lea e o m G v s, y u ust not glisten i e a ter an m or L k w , y e. ea t an erin t Oh , B u y, w d g B ea uy,

ass s ea not . For s P by ; p k ee, By b ed and board stands Duty To snatch m y dream s from m e !

THE WANDER- LOVERS

DOWN the world with Mam a ! ’ That s the life for m e ! Wan erin i the an erin ind d g w th w d g w , Vagabond and unconﬁned !

Poem s of Nature

’ Mam a with the trees life In her veins a-stir ! Mam a of the aspen heart Where the sudden quivers start !

ui - res nsi e s tle il ! Q ck po v , ub , w d r less as an artles s A t child , Spite of all her rea ch of a rt ! ro m ith h r Oh, to a w e !

’ am a ith the in s ill M w w d w , Daughter of the sea ! am of he ui is i M a t q ck d da n, Starting at the dream of stain ! a sm ile it lo e a At w h v glow , A a r n a statu w t f ow ed oe,

' Standing pinnacled in pain Till a kiss sets free !

own th orl D e w d with Mam a , Daughter of the ﬁre ! m th t Ma a of e dea hless hope, Still alert to win new scope Where the wings of life m ay spread For a ﬂight unhazarded ! Drea m ing of the speech to cope ’ With the heart s desire !

Mam a of the far quest After the divine ! Striving ever for som e goal ’ Past the blunder- god s control! D rea m ing of potential yea rs When no day shall dawn in fears ! ’ he am a of m s ul That s t M y o , Wander-bride of m ine ! Richard Hooey [ 1 8 64- 1 9 00] THE SEA GIPSY

re i the sunse I AM feve d w th t , it the b a I am fretful w h y, For the wander- thirst is on m e a And m y soul is in Cath y . Spring Song 1 64 1

’ re s a sc n r in the omn The hoo e g , it h r o ail s o it ﬁre W h e t ps s h t w h , And m y hea rt has gone aboard her F r h l r o t e Is ands of Desi e .

I m ust forth again to-m orrow ! With the sunset I m ust b e Hull down on the trail of rapture In th on r o he S e w de f t ea . Richard Hovey [ 1 8 64- 1 9 00]

A VAGAB OND SONG

THERE is som ething in the autum n that is native to m y blood ou of m anner hin m T ch , t of ood ; And m heart is lik r m e y e a hy , With the yellow and the purple and the crim son keeping im t e .

The scarlet of the m aples can shake m e like a cry les oin Of bug g g by . And m y lonely spirit thrills To see the r s asters lik a m o n h f o ty e s ke upo t e hills.

There is som ething in October sets the gipsy blood astir ; We m st rise and ollo her u f w , When from every hill of ﬂam e She alls and ll ea c ca s ch vagabond by nam e . Bliss Carme n [ 1 8 6 1

SPRING SONG

AKE m e er ot er ri l M ov , M h Ap , When the sap beings to stir ! When thy ﬂowery hand delivers

All he m n in- r n r rs t ou ta p iso ed ive , And thy great heart beats and quivers To re i e the a s t at ere v v d y h w , a e m e er t er r M k ov , Mo h Ap il, When the sap begins to stir ! Poem s of Nature

a e m and all m rea T k y dust y d ming,

un m ear - eats on one Co t y h t b e by , Send them where the winters perish ; Then som e golden noon recherish An res or t m in h un d t e he t e s , l er and s ent and ust and r F ow c d d eaming , With their heart - bea ts every one !

Set m e in the urge and tide-drift Of the strea ming hosts a -wing ! reas s a rle t r of ell B t of c t , h oa t y ow , a us allen e in s m ell R uco ch g , woo g ow er m i ran is m ello Ev y g t y f w , a in nort r it the s r M k g hwa d w h p i ng . Set m e in the urge and tide-drift Of the streaming hosts a -wing !

rillin i or ﬂutin is le Sh g p pe g wh t , In the valleys com e again;

i e r and all of tree- oa F f of f og c t d ,

All m r ers ﬁve or t ree- y b oth , h toed , eir re no m or With th vel e vetoed, Making m usic in the rain ; in i e or ﬂutin i t Shrill g p p g wh s le, h m a In t e valleys co e gain.

a e m e of see - m rr M k thy d to o ow, When the sap begins to stir !

awn li - ot slee r in T y ght fo , py b u ,

- e es in the or ar ruin Bright y ch d , h Gnarl t e good life goes askew in,

iske - a or ana er Wh y j ck , t g ,

a e m e an in to- m rr M k yth g o ow , When the sap begins to stir !

Make m e even (How do I know?) Like m y friend the gargoyle there ; It m ay b e the heart within him Swells that doltish hands should pin

i r r in m id - a F xed fo eve ir. a e m e e en s ort for s allo s M k v p w w , Like t he soaring gargoyle there!

Poem s of Nature

o and o and o ore er Jy j y j y f v , Till the sap forgets to climb !

Make m e over in the m orning From the rag - b ag of the world ! ra s of ream and s of arin Sc p d dud d g ,

m e- rou t stuﬂ r m far sea - arin Ho b gh f o f g , a e olors on e so ﬂa rin F d d c c g , Shreds of banners long since furled ! es ash and lints of lor Hu of g g y , I n the rag -b ag of the world !

Let m e taste the old im m ortal Indolence of life once m ore ; re allin nor oreseein Not c g f g, Let the great slow joys of being Well m y heart through as of yore ! Let m e taste the old im m ortal Indolence of li fe once m ore !

i e m e the old ri n for ra ur G v d k pt e, The elirium to rain d d , All m y fellows drank in plenty At the Three Score Inns and Twenty From the m ountains to the m ain ! i e m e the old rin for ra tur G v d k p e, The deli ri um to drai n !

nl m a e m e o er ril O y k v , Ap , When the sap begins to stir ! a e m e m an or m a e m e om M k k w an, a e m e oaf or a e or m an M k p hu , Cup of ﬂower or cone of ﬁr; Make m e anything b ut neuter When the sap begins t o stir !

THE MENDI CANTS

WE a re as m endicants who wait lon the roa si e h A g d d in t e sun . Tatters of yesterday and shreds

m orr lot e us Of ow c h every one. The M endicants

And m are otar s who eli so e d d , b eve And glory in the days of old : m e are drea m ers ar i While so , h p ng still nown of ol Upon an unk age g d .

eless or itless ! Not one eeds Hop w h , As lavish Tim e com es down the way And tosses in the suppliant hat

n r new-min e ol - O e g eat t d g d To day.

r l ear and r n Ung atefu h t g udgi g thanks, ’ His beggar s wisdom only sees Housing and bread and beer enough ;

r He knows no othe things than these.

0 nes u o r a re ! foolish o , p t by y u c W ere an s are m an o s are w h w t y, j y fe ; And at the Wil i n s rin s of ea d g p g p ce, s an o en o se for o God keep p h u y u.

’ But that som e Fortunatus gift n ere it in his an Is lyi g th w h h d , r ostl an a ot Of earls Mo e c y th p p , no n e His dullness does t u d rstand .

And so his creature heart is ﬁlled;

His shrunken self goes starved away .

- new arm en s L et him wear brand g ts till,

h rea are so l sa . Who as a th db u , I y

er b e rs a ier few But th e othe , h pp ,

a n is sons of God The vag bo d h ,

Who n the b - a s and the ers k ow y w y ﬂow , re not how the orl m a And ca w d y plod .

l n the trafﬁ lan s They id e dow c d , And loiter through the woods with spri ng; To them the glory of the earth r l ir si Is but to hea a b ueb d ng . ! Poem s o f Nature

They too receive ea ch one his D ay ; But their wise heart knows m any things

e n the sa in esire B yo d t g of d , h n of Above t e dig ity kings.

One rem em er e h n I b k pt is coi , And laughing ﬂipped it in the air; But when two strolling pipe- players Cam e he to h r by, ssed it to t e pai .

en ri o his hildis r Sp dth ft of j y, c h hea t Danced to their wild outlandi sh bars ; Then supperless he laid him down

a n and sle en t e ars . Th t ight , pt b ea h th st Bliss Germa n [ 1 8 6 1

THE JOYS OF THE ROAD

Now the joys of the road are chieﬂy these A crim son touch on the hard -wood trees;

’ r i e n l e A vag ant s m orning w d a d b u , In earl all en the in al s too y f , wh w d w k , ;

A shadowy highway cool and brown Alluring up and enticing down

r r am From ippled wate to dappled sw p , From purple glory to sca rlet pom p ;

Th r e e the ui e ill e outwa d y , q t w , And the striding heart from hill to hill;

The tem pter apple over the fence ; The cobweb bloom on the yellow quince ;

The palish asters along the wood A lyric touch of the solitude;

n an an eas s oe An ope h d , y h , e he da r u And a hope to m ak t y go th o gh ,