O happy Garden! whose seclusion deep VI. STANZAS WRITTEN IN MY POCKET-COPY OF THOMSON'S CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. WITHIN Our happy Castle there dwelt One 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, 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 Ah! piteous sight it was to see this Man Down would he sit; and without strength or power Great wonder to our gentle Tribe it was Some thought far worse of him, and judged him wrong: And his own mind did like a tempest strong With him there often walked in friendly guise, 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 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, A Pipe on which the wind would deftly play; A mailed angel on a battle day; The mysteries that cups of flowers enfold, And all the gorgeous sights which fairies do behold. He would entice that other Man to hear His music, and to view his imagery: And, sooth, these two did love each other dear, As far as love in such a place could be; There did they dwell from earthly labour free, As happy spirits as were ever seen; 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. VII. LOUISA. I MET Louisa in the shade; And, having seen that lovely Maid, That she is ruddy, fleet, and strong; And she hath smiles to earth unknown; She loves her fire, her Cottage-home; And, when against the wind she strains, Take all that's mine "beneath the moon," If I with her but half a noon May sit beneath the walls Of some old cave, or mossy nook, When up she winds along the brook VIII. STRANGE fits of passion have I known: But in the Lover's ear alone, What once to me befel. When she I loved was strong and gay, And like a rose in June, I to her cottage bent my way, Upon the Moon I fixed my eye, All over the wide lea; My Horse trudged on and we drew nigh Those paths so dear to me. And now we reached the orchard plot; Towards the roof of Lucy's cot The Moon descended still. In one of those sweet dreams I slept, Kind Nature's gentlest boon! And all the while my eyes I kept My Horse moved on; hoof after hoof |