I. My heart leaps up when I behold A Rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a Man'; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is Father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. II. TO A BUTTERFLY. STAY near me do not take thy flight! A little longer stay in sight! Much converse do I find in Thee, Historian of my Infancy! Float near me; do not yet depart! Dead times revive in thee: Thou bring'st, gay Creature as thou art! A solemn image to my heart, My Father's Family! Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, Together chased the Butterfly! Upon the prey:-with leaps and springs But She, God love her! feared to brush The dust from off its wings. III. FORESIGHT, Or the Charge of a Child to his younger Companion. THAT is work of waste and ruin Do as Charles and I are doing! Small and low, though fair as any: Do not touch it! summers two I am older, Anne, than you. Pull the Primrose, Sister Anne! Pull as many as you can. -Here are Daisies, take your fill; Pansies, and the Cuckow-flower: Of the lofty Daffodil Make your bed, and make your bower; Primroses, the Spring may love them— Summer knows but little of them: Violets, a barren kind, Withered on the ground must lię; Daisies leave no fruit behind When the pretty flowerets die; God has given a kindlier power And for that promise spare the flower! 961 |