University of Virginia Library

To teach the young, and walk at shining morn,
Mid the pure air, and Nature's harmonies
Of bird on stream, unto the work that gives
The light of knowledge to the grateful mind,
And, at the close of day, to homeward turn
For the sweet rest that diligence deserves,
And self-approval cheers, is less a toil
Than privilege.
But the intenser care
That hath no interval, of him who shares
His roof-tree with his pupils, and beholds,
Both at uprising and retiring hours,
At board and fireside, their observant glance
Ever upon him, needeth full supplies
Of grace divine. Yea, almost might he ask
An angel's wisdom, lest infirmity
Or inadvertence, in those household hours
When men unbend, should mar authority.—
Still, if in tenderness of heart he strives
To view them as his children, and to bear
With martyr's patience, and to extirpate
As conscience prompts, and to hope on when hope
Seems dead, yet not for lucre's sake alone
But “ever in the Great Taskmaster's eye,”—
Doubtless he'll reap a harvest, either here
Or in the better land.
Let such be praised,
And held in honour. For they do the work
Deputed to the parent, unsutained
By that rich filial love, whose sweetness makes
All burdens light. And I have seen such care
Crowned with enduring gratitude, though oft
The boy, unskilled to read the motive right
That curbs a wayward impulse, doth mistake
Justice for tyranny, and so revolt,
Darkening the promise of his early years.

Yet many a germ of tenderness hath birth
From this familiar intercourse, that bears
In young and generous natures blessed fruit
Of friendship for the Teacher, such as time
And hoary hairs impair not.
Once I saw
A nursery for the mind, 'mid rural shades
Pleasantly wrapped, remote from tempting snares,
Or interrupting sounds of city life.
Within its walls a spacious garden spread,
Where each a little space might call his own,
And stock as best he pleased, with fruit or flower,
Berry or salad. From an orchard near
The ripening apples told of luscious treat
At lengthened eve, which all should freely share.
Forest and dale around gave fitting room
For summer ramble, and the icy pool
Responsive rang beneath the skater's heel.
These were for hours of sport, but 'neath the roof
Study and discipline, with earnest sway
Enforced their claims.
One morn, a fair-haired lad
Brought to the master's desk a folded note,
Of neat chirography, in ardent phrase
Asking a holiday.
The wintry storm
Had long been raging, smiting, night and day,
The moaning evergreens; but now the sun
Cast o'er the clear cold vault of sparkling blue
A compensating smile. Thus inly cheered
And strengthened by the coming of a guest
Honoured by all, who to the master paid
Brief visit, they adventured their request,
Unamimously signed.
The teacher's heart
Yearned to indulge them. But with features grave
And policy of pausing speech, he asked
Each how his lessons fared, intent to make,
If possible, the favour a reward;
Or else demurring conscience satisfy
With promises of better things to come,
Which many a young and fervent lip pronounced
Right heartily. So, with paternal smile
The boon he granted.
Who the joy can tell,
Unless the boyish nature he partake,
That with electric flash, from heart to heart
Thrilled at that lauded word.
With buoyant step
The glad group gathered. Some their rout disclosed
To a bold mount, whose palisaded head
Mixed in dim distance with a silvery cloud,
Intent to glean its crystals, and enrich
Their cabinets with fossils.
Some, alas!
With gun or belted quiver, told too plain
Their hostile purpose 'gainst the sylvan spoil.
To them the observant dog delighted hung,
And at each summons frisked with wilder zeal.
Some to the saddle sprang, while others sped
The rolling wheel to reach the neighbouring town,
And make the heart of friend or parent leap
At their bright, brief “good-morrow.”
Here and there
Amid the brisk pedestrian throng were seen
The osier basket, ominous of good,
Well by the matron's liberal kindness stored;
While ruddy fruit, from pocket peeping forth,
Bespoke wise forethought for the coming meal.
Even humbler creatures seemed to share the joy,
And quick from perch to perch the imprisoned bird
Flitted with outspread wing, while shriller tones
Gave vent to its impassioned melody.

Then, at the chosen leader's bugle call,
The exploring troop set forth, as full of glee
As sport, and the elastic play of limbs,
And the free spirit of the woods could make
The healthful heart. Would that the pensive eye
Of many a distant mother now might glance
Upon her graceful and glad-hearted boy
For whom so oft it gusheth in the prayer
That hath no words.
Oh teacher! it is well
To mingle sunbeams with the seed that sows
The immortal mind. Damp sorrow's moody mist
Doth quell the aspiring thought, and steal away
Childhood's young wealth of happiness, that God
Gave as its birthright. Strive to blend the glow
Of gladness with thy discipline, and urge
Duty by love. Remember how the blood
Coursed through thine own quick veins, when life was new,
Nor make the isthmus 'tween the boy and man
A bridge of sighs.