 | Weeping-Cross and Other Rimes by A. H. Bullen |  |
22
THE BEECH
Menalcas from the Dogstar's rage
'Neath shady beech sought cool retreat
And, envying nor king nor sage,
Piped blithe at Amaryllis' feet—
Once in the happy Pastoral Age.
'Neath shady beech sought cool retreat
And, envying nor king nor sage,
Piped blithe at Amaryllis' feet—
Once in the happy Pastoral Age.
No warlike drum was then to hear!
With beechen cup and beechen platter
Shepherd and nymph made simple cheer;
They'd tell old tales and gaily chatter,—
He knew no guile, she knew no fear.
With beechen cup and beechen platter
Shepherd and nymph made simple cheer;
They'd tell old tales and gaily chatter,—
He knew no guile, she knew no fear.
In hollow beech-bole bees would hive,
While dormouse on his garner'd heap
Of nutty kernels well did thrive,
And squirrel 'mid beech-branches leap:—
Great Pan, 'twas good to be alive!
While dormouse on his garner'd heap
Of nutty kernels well did thrive,
And squirrel 'mid beech-branches leap:—
Great Pan, 'twas good to be alive!
| Weeping-Cross and Other Rimes by A. H. Bullen | |