 | Ballads and other verses |  |
117
A SUMMER RETREAT.
I know a cottage by the sounding main
Where Life and Happiness together dwell.
The village bells behind, in front the surging waves
Commingle notes that lull the soul to rest.
Circling round, the green old forests populous
With birds join the great anthem, both at morn
And eve. High on an ancient crag, the roof
Looks heavenward, asking only quiet days
And thoughts serene for those who nestle there.
Descend into the summer vale below
Perfumed with orchards and the breath of ferns,
Rustling with squirrels,—blithe inhabitants
That unmolested roam, and run at random
Where they list, like gamesome children up, and down
The rocky pathways, deep in dewy moss.
'T is a wild pleasure to be breathing there—
Far from the turbulent city, clanging loud
With care, its burning pavement scorching
Weary feet, its blistering dome on fire;—
To watch the clouds that cool yon sandy shores;
To see the day, slow mounting, light the world;
To hear, sea-fanned at noon, the sweet south-wind
In music blowing from the fragrant deep;
To hail the moon emerging from her caves,
And track her starry followers up the skies.
Where Life and Happiness together dwell.
The village bells behind, in front the surging waves
Commingle notes that lull the soul to rest.
Circling round, the green old forests populous
With birds join the great anthem, both at morn
And eve. High on an ancient crag, the roof
Looks heavenward, asking only quiet days
And thoughts serene for those who nestle there.
Descend into the summer vale below
Perfumed with orchards and the breath of ferns,
Rustling with squirrels,—blithe inhabitants
That unmolested roam, and run at random
Where they list, like gamesome children up, and down
The rocky pathways, deep in dewy moss.
'T is a wild pleasure to be breathing there—
Far from the turbulent city, clanging loud
With care, its burning pavement scorching
118
To watch the clouds that cool yon sandy shores;
To see the day, slow mounting, light the world;
To hear, sea-fanned at noon, the sweet south-wind
In music blowing from the fragrant deep;
To hail the moon emerging from her caves,
And track her starry followers up the skies.
O Universal Father! mould our hearts
In harmony with all these sinless shapes,
These sounds, so vocal of thyself, eternal
Witnesses of Power and all-embracing Love.
In harmony with all these sinless shapes,
These sounds, so vocal of thyself, eternal
Witnesses of Power and all-embracing Love.
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