Robin Hood a fragment (1847) |
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WRITTEN IN THE FLY-LEAF OF MY FATHER'S OLD COPY OF IZAAK WALTON'S COMPLETE ANGLER. |
 | Robin Hood |  |
237
WRITTEN IN THE FLY-LEAF OF MY FATHER'S OLD COPY OF IZAAK WALTON'S COMPLETE ANGLER.
As fondly these discoloured leaves I turn,Outsteal, methinks, sweet breathings of the May;
Of flower-embroidered fields, and new-mown hay,
And sound of oaten pipe, and “trotting burn,”
And lark and milkmaid's song. Among the fern
And blue bells once again I seem to lie,
A happy child; my father angling nigh,
Intent, as 'twere our daily bread to earn,
On his mute pastime. In that quiet nook
Nestling, o'ershadowed by a pollard beach,
And poring dear old Izaak! on thy book,
Lessons I learnt the schools can never teach,—
Lessons that time can ne'er efface, nor age
Nor worldly teachings, from the heart's warm page.
| Robin Hood | |