VIII. Now, whether it were by peculiar grace, A leading from above, a something given, Yet it befell that, in this lonely place, When I with these untoward thoughts had striven, Beside a pool bare to the eye of heaven I saw a Man before me unawares : The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs. IX. As a huge stone is sometimes seen to lie Couched on the bald top of an eminence; Wonder to all who do the same espy, By what means it could thither come, and whence; So that it seems a thing endued with sense: Like a sea-beast crawled forth, that on a shelf Of rock or sand reposeth, there to sun itself; X. Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead, A more than human weight upon his frame had cast. XI. Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face, That heareth not the loud winds when they call: XII. At length, himself unsettling, he the pond 66 This morning gives us promise of a glorious day." XIII. A gentle answer did the old Man make, In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew : And him with further words I thus bespake, "What occupation do you there pursue? This is a lonesome place for one like you." Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise Broke from the sable orbs of his yet vivid eyes. XIV. His words came feebly, from a feeble chest, Choice word and measured phrase, above the reach Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use, Religious men, who give to God and man their dues. XV. He told, that to these waters he had come Employment hazardous and wearisome! From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor: Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance ; And in this way he gained an honest maintenance. XVI. The old Man still stood talking by my side; To give me human strength, by apt admonishment. XVII. My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills; My question eagerly did I renew, "How is it that you live, and what is it you do?" XVIII. He with a smile did then his words repeat; XIX. While he was talking thus, the lonely place, While I these thoughts within myself pursued, XX. And soon with this he other matter blended, I TO A BUTTERFLY. 'VE watch'd you now a full half-hour, And, little Butterfly! indeed I know not if you sleep or feed. This plot of orchard-ground is ours; Come often to us, fear no wrong; Sit near us on the bough! We'll talk of sunshine and of song, A FAREWELL. AREWELL, thou little Nook of mountain-ground, Of that magnificent temple which doth bound The loveliest spot that man hath ever found, Farewell!-we leave thee to Heaven's peaceful care, Thee, and the Cottage which thou dost surround. Our boat is safely anchored by the shore, And there will safely ride when we are gone: The flowering shrubs that deck our humble door Will prosper, though untended and alone : Fields, goods, and far-off chattels we have none : These narrow bounds contain our private store Of things earth makes, and sun doth shine upon; Here are they in our sight-we have no more. |