O happy Garden! whose seclusion deep V. STANZAS WRITTEN IN MY POCKET-COPY OF THOMSON'S WITHIN our happy Castle there dwelt One As doth a fly upon a summer brook; But go to-morrow-or belike to-day Seek for him, he is fled; and whither none can say. Thus often would he leave our peaceful home And find elsewhere his business or delight; Out of our Valley's limits did he roam : Full many a time, upon a stormy night, His voice came to us from the neighbouring height: ! Oft did we see him driving full in view At mid-day when the sun was shining bright; A mighty wonder bred among our quiet crew. Ah! piteous sight it was to see this man When he came back to us, a withered flower,— Down would he sit; and without strength or power And oftentimes, how long I fear to say, Where apple-trees in blossom made a bower, And, like a naked Indian, slept himself away. Great wonder to our gentle Tribe it was Some thought far worse of him, and judged him wrong: But Verse was what he had been wedded to; And his own mind did like a tempest strong Come to him thus, and drove the weary Wight along. With him there often walked in friendly guise Deprest by weight of musing Phantasy; Profound his forehead was, though not severe; Yet some did think that he had little business here: Sweet heaven forefend! his was a lawful right; His limbs would toss about him with delight Like branches when strong winds the trees annoy. Nor lacked his calmer hours device or toy He would have taught you how you might employ And, certes, not in vain; he had inventions rare. Expedients, too, of simplest sort he tried: Long blades of grass, plucked round him as he lay, Made to his ear attentively applied A Pipe on which the wind would deftly play; A mailed angel on a battle day; And cups of flowers, and herbage green and gold; And all the gorgeous sights which fairies do behold. He would entice that other Man to hear And, sooth, these two did love each other dear, There did they dwell-from earthly labour free, If but a bird, to keep them company, Or butterfly sate down, they were, I ween, As pleased as if the same had been a Maiden Queen. |