 | Lyra Pastoralis |  |
98
On the View of Farringford
(THE POET LAUREATE'S HOME)
FROM THE DOWN ABOVE FRESHWATER, ISLE OF WIGHT
From that high down I gained the goodly viewSo long desired—those sheltering groves of pine
Which round a Poet's home their shades entwine,
Intrusive eyes forbidding to peer through.
Only the curling smoke ascended blue
Against the dark green umbrage, to define
The local source of melodies divine,
As ever bard from classic fountains drew.
Much longed I to behold the favoured place,
O'er which that azure banner beckoning hung;
Those sylvan bowers and garden walks to trace,
Where many a year our Nightingale had sung;
But then, methought, that Songster claims the right
To warble forth his music out of sight!
| Lyra Pastoralis | |