You are preparing as before To deck your slender shape; And yet, just three years back-no more— You had a strange escape. Down from yon Cliff a fragment broke, This pond'rous block was caught by me, "Tis hanging to this day. The Thing had better been asleep, Whatever thing it were, Or Breeze, or Bird, or fleece of Sheep, That first did plant you there. For you and your green twigs decoy To come and slumber in your bower; And trust me, on some sultry noon, Both you and he, Heaven knows how soon ! Will perish in one hour. From me this friendly warning take" -The Broom began to doze, And thus to keep herself awake Did gently interpose. "" My thanks for your discourse are due ; Disasters, do the best we can, Who is not wise at all. For me, why should I wish to roam ? This spot is my paternal home, It is my pleasant Heritage; My Father many a happy year Even such as his may be my lot. My heart with terrors? Am I not The Spring for me a garland weaves The butterfly, all green and gold, To me hath often flown, Here in my Blossoms to behold' Wings lovely as his own. When grass is chill with rain or dew, Her voice was blithe, her heart was light; The Broom might have pursued Her speech, until the stars of night Their journey had renew'd. But in the branches of the Oak Two Ravens now began to croak One night the Wind came from the North And blew a furious blast, At break of day I ventur'd forth And near the Cliff I pass'd. The storm had fall'n upon the Oak And struck him with a mighty stroke, And whirl'd and whirl'd him far away; And in one hospitable Cleft The little careless Broom was left To live for many a day. LUCY GRAY. Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray, I chanc'd to see at break of day The solitary Child. No Mate, no comrade Lucy knew; She dwelt on a wild Moor, The sweetest Thing that ever grew Beside a human door! You yet may spy the Fawn at play, The Hare upon the Green; But the sweet face of Lucy Gray Will never more be seen. |