 | Alfred |  |
After patient toil,
They reach the door and enter. O'er the fire,
That gave its cheerful blaze, the aged pair
Sat musing, and, 'mid many a lengthen'd pause,
Made grave remark, often in idleness,
To soothe or to beguile the lingering day,
Perchance of season fair, of lowering sky,
Spring backward, or the fruits of autumn drench'd
By rains untimely. Thus the hours pass'd on,
With simple converse, such as innocence
And rest might furnish. On his board there lay
Pages of that best book vouchsafed to man;
From their originals—transferred by him
Now entering in disguise, the glimpse of which
Yielded a zest munificent of joy,
Above all price!
They reach the door and enter. O'er the fire,
That gave its cheerful blaze, the aged pair
Sat musing, and, 'mid many a lengthen'd pause,
Made grave remark, often in idleness,
To soothe or to beguile the lingering day,
Perchance of season fair, of lowering sky,
Spring backward, or the fruits of autumn drench'd
By rains untimely. Thus the hours pass'd on,
With simple converse, such as innocence
And rest might furnish. On his board there lay
Pages of that best book vouchsafed to man;
From their originals—transferred by him
Now entering in disguise, the glimpse of which
Yielded a zest munificent of joy,
Above all price!
| Alfred | |