Nugae Canorae | ||
249
SONNET III. TO THE RIVER EMONT.
1795.
Sweet, simple stream, the shallow waves that glide
In peaceful murmurs o'er thy rocky bed;
Sweet, simple stream, the gleams of eventide
That on thy banks their mellowing lustre shed;
Befit the temper of my restless mind!—
For, while I hear thy waves, and see the gleam,
Of latest eve, afar from human kind,
To linger here unknown, I fondly dream.
I snatch my flute, and breathe a softened lay;
Then melting, view it as an only friend;
And oft I wonder much, that while so gay,
And all unthinking, others onward wend,
I here should sadly linger, and rejoice
To hear a lone stream, or the flute's soft voice!—
Nugae Canorae | ||