Or of the church-clock and the chimes "No check, no stay, this Streamlet fears; The lark above the hill, Let loose their carols when they please, Are quiet when they will. With Nature never do they wage A foolish strife; they see 40 Of hazels, and the green and mossy bower, WORDSWORTH. 50 55 THE TWO APRIL MORNINGS. WE walk'd along, while bright and red And Matthew stopp'd, he look'd, and said, A village schoolmaster was he, 5 We travell'd merrily, to pass A day among the hills. "Our work," said I, "was well begun; Then, from thy breast what thought, So sad a sigh has brought ?" 15 A second time did Matthew stop Upon the eastern mountain-top "Yon cloud with that long purple cleft A day like this which I have left And just above yon slope of corn And, turning from her grave, I met, Beside the churchyard yew, A blooming Girl, whose hair was wet A basket on her head she bare; 45 A happy youth, and their old age But we are press'd by heavy laws; We wear a face of joy, because 45 We have been glad of yore. If there be one who need bemoan His kindred laid in earth, 50 The household hearts that were his own; It is the man of mirth. My days, my Friend, are almost gone, My life has been approved, And many love me; but by none 55 Am I enough beloved." "Now both himself and me he wrongs, The man who thus complains! I live and sing my idle songs Upon these happy plains; 60 And, Matthew, for thy children dead I'll be a son to thee!" At this he grasp'd my hand, and said, "Alas! that cannot be." We rose up from the fountain-side; 65 Of the green sheep-track did we glide; And, ere we came to Leonard's rock, About the crazy old church-clock, WORDSWORTH 70 " LAODAMIA. "WITH sacrifice before the rising morn 5 Restore him to my sight-great Jove, restore!" Her countenance brightens-and her eye expands; 10 O terror! what hath she perceived ?—O joy! 15 Mild Hermes spake—and touch'd her with his wand That calms all fear; "Such grace hath crown'd thy Laodamía! that at Jove's command Thy Husband walks the paths of upper [prayer, 20 air: He comes to tarry with thee three hours' space; Accept the gift, behold him face to face!" Forth sprang the impassion'd Queen her Lord to clasp ; Again that consummation she essay'd; 26 As often as that eager grasp was made. The Phantom parts-but parts to re-unite, 30 |