 | Measured Steps |  |
3
[Haply, reader, waxing cold]
Haply, reader, waxing cold,
Thou an idle thing dost hold
All that Fancy whilom told?
Thou an idle thing dost hold
All that Fancy whilom told?
Nathless, reader, is it best,
Or in earnest, or in jest,
Vagrant fancies to arrest.
Or in earnest, or in jest,
Vagrant fancies to arrest.
Yea, in wordy net would I
Snare each thought that hasteth by,
As a boy a butterfly.
Snare each thought that hasteth by,
As a boy a butterfly.
4
Poor butterfly! Poor painted thing!
Borne hither upon aëry wing:—
So ends thine idle wandering?
Borne hither upon aëry wing:—
So ends thine idle wandering?
Poor child of Fancy! Thou wert fair
Erst when upon the vernal air
Thou cam'st to apprehension near.
Erst when upon the vernal air
Thou cam'st to apprehension near.
But lo! the careful net is thrown;
Now, soft! What treasure may we own?
Haply, reader—it is flown!
Now, soft! What treasure may we own?
Haply, reader—it is flown!
| Measured Steps | |