The Fall of the Leaf :: :: University of Virginia Library

When clouds dissolve in copious showers of rain,
Or northern winds proclaim a hail-storm nigh,
Then will we sit, enjoying and enjoy'd;
Invite each other to the wholesome taste
Of fruits autumnal; while my Blanche shall smile.
Take the red fruit, and, stealing archly round,
Shew it her mother; then with blushes lean
On the loved lap, and chew the savoury pulp.
—Then we will listen to Orlando's tale;
Traverse the ocean from the Tagus, rich
In many a fruit, with Gama to the Cape;
Thence to the Isle of Ebony, to where
A bark of Europe first touch'd Indian shores.
Or if proud chivalry “delight thee more,”
Then will we read of old Castilian knights,—
The Cid, Amadis, or Prince Arthur, who,
With many a deed, upheld the British name:
Upon whose mount, and in whose secret caves,
So oft we've linger'd out the summer's day,

Hailing old Merlin in his favourite haunts.
Dreaming of witcheries and prophecies we'd see,
In our mind's kingdom, lords and titled dames
Sitting in judgment at a tournament.