And now, ascending, after one dark hour She looks as if at them but they Regard not her: - oh better wrong and strife, (By nature transient) than such torpid life; Life which the very stars reprove As on their silent tasks they move! Yet, witness all that stirs in heaven or earth! In scorn I speak not; they are what their birth And breeding suffers them to be; XXII. BEGGARS, BEFORE me as the Wanderer stood, No bonnet screened her from the heat; Depending with a graceful flow; Only she wore a cap pure as unsullied snow. Her skin was of Egyptian brown ; Its own light to a distance thrown, fit person for a Queen, To head those ancient Amazonian files; Or ruling Bandit's wife among the Grecian Isles. Her suit no faltering scruples checked; Forth did she pour, in current free, Tales that could challenge no respect But from a blind credulity; And yet a boon I gave her; for the Creature Was beautiful to see a weed of glorious feature! I left her, and pursued my way; Chasing a crimson butterfly; The Taller followed with his hat in hand, Wreathed round with yellow flowers the gayest of the land. The Other wore a rimless crown In their fraternal features I could trace Yet they, so blithe of heart, seemed fit For finest tasks of earth or air: Wings let them have, and they might flit Precursors of Aurora's Car, Scattering fresh flowers; though happier far, I ween, To hunt their fluttering game o'er rock and level green. They dart across my path—but lo, Each ready with a plaintive whine! Said I, "not half an hour ago Your Mother has had alms of mine." "That cannot be," one answered -"she is dead:" I looked reproof-they saw-but neither hung his head. "She has been dead, Sir, many a day.” - And, in the twinkling of an eye, "Come! come!" cried one, and without more ado, Off to some other play the joyous Vagrants flew ! XXIII. SEQUEL TO THE FOREGOING, COMPOSED MANY YEARS AFTER. WHERE are they now, those wanton Boys? For whose free range the dædal earth And implements of frolic mirth; With tools for ready wit to guide; And ornaments of seemlier pride, More fresh, more bright, than Princes wear; For what one moment flung aside, Another could repair; What good or evil have they seen Since I their pastime witnessed here, Their daring wiles, their sportive cheer? Spirits of beauty and of grace! |