ODE ON INDOLENCE. "They toil not, neither do they spin.” I. ONE morn before me were three figures seen, In placid sandals, and in white robes grac'd; 2. How is it, Shadows! that I knew ye not? To steal away, and leave without a task My idle days? Ripe was the drowsy hour; Benumb'd my eyes; my pulse grew less and less; Pain had no sting, and pleasure's wreath no flower : Unhaunted quite of all but nothingness? 3. A third time pass'd they by, and, passing, turn'd Then faded, and to follow them I burn'd And ach'd for wings, because I knew the three; 5 ΙΟ 15 20 The first was a fair maid, and Love her name; I knew to be my demon Poesy. 25 30 4. They faded, and, forsooth! I wanted wings: O folly! What is Love? and where is it? And for that poor Ambition ! it springs From a man's little heart's short fever-fit; For Poesy! no, At least for me, she has not a joy, — so sweet as drowsy noons, And evenings steep'd in honeyed indolence; Oh, for an age so shelter'd from annoy, That I may never know how change the moons, 5. And once more came they by; -alas! wherefore? 35 40 With flowers, and stirring shades, and baffled beams: The morn was clouded, but no shower fell, 45 Tho' in her lids hung the sweet tears of May; Let in the budding warmth and throstles' lay; 6. So, ye three Ghosts, adieu ! Ye cannot raise My head cool-bedded in the flowery grass; 50 For I would not be dieted with praise, A pet-lamb in a sentimental farce! SONG. I. 55 60 HUSH, hush! tread softly! hush, hush, my dear! 5 2. No leaf doth tremble, no ripple is there On the river, all's still, and the night's sleepy eye Closes up, and forgets all its Lethean care, Charm'd to death by the drone of the humming May-fly; Was fled to her bower, well knowing I want IO 15 3. it the latch! ah gently! ah tenderly sweet! We are dead if that latchet gives one little clink! Well done- now those lips, and a flowery seat The old man may sleep, and the planets may wink; The shut rose shall dream of our loves, and awake Full blown, and such warmth for the morning's take, The stock-dove shall hatch her soft brace and shall coo, While I kiss to the melody, aching all through! 20 4. "I met a lady in the meads, Full beautiful-a faery's child; Her hair was long, her foot was light, And her eyes were wild. 5. "I made a garland for her head, And bracelets too, and fragrant zone; She look'd at me as she did love, And made sweet moan. 6. "I set her on my pacing steed, ee . 8. She took me to her elfin grot, And there she gaz'd and sighed deep, And there I shut her wild wild eyes, So kiss'd to sleep. 9. "And there we slumber'd on the moss, And there I dream'd ah! woe betide ! The latest dream I ever dream'd On the cold hill's side.' 35 |