My little Boy, which like you more,” I said, and took him by the arm "Our home by Kilve's delightful shore, "Or here at Liswyn farm?” "And tell me, had you rather be," I said, and held him by the arm, "At Kilve's smooth shore by the green séa, "Or here at Liswyn farm?”. In careless mood he looked at me, And said, “At Kilve I'd rather be "Now, little Edward, say why so; My little Edward, tell me why "I cannot tell, I do not know." Why this is strange," said I. "For, here are woods, and green-hills warm : "There surely must some reason be Why you would change sweet Liswyn farm "For Kilve by the green sea." At this, my Boy hung down his head, His head he raised-there was in sight, Then did the Boy his tongue unlock; Oh dearest, dearest Boy! my heart For better lore would seldom yearn, Could I but teach the hundredth part Of what from thee I learn. LINES Written at a small distance from my House, and sent by my little boy to the person to whom they are addressed. It is the first mild day of March :` The Red-breast sings from the tall Larch There is a blessing in the air, Which seems a sense of joy to yield To the bare trees, and mountains bare, in the green field. And grass My Sister! ('tis a wish of mine) Now that our morning meal is done, Make haste, your morning task resign; Edward will come with you; and pray, Put on with speed your woodland dress; And bring no book: for this one day No joyless forms shall regulate Our living Calendar : We from to-day, my Friend, will date The opening of the year. Love, now an universal birth, From heart to heart is stealing, From earth to man, from man to earth : -It is the hour of feeling. One moment now may give us more Than fifty years of reason: Our minds shall drink at every pore The spirit of the season. |