"F GOLD FISH. ISH, fish, are ye in your duty ?" 6 Flashing there, and flashing here, In this basin cool and clear; Where an artificial fountain, From a graceful centre mounting, Leaps high above the topmost grade Then seen with hues and forms uncertain, Ye lose the shape of living creatures, And fly asunder, very meteors; With rainbow atoms tossed and scattered, And diamond spray-dust zephyr-shattered. Now by mechanic sleight of hand Calmed is the bubbling undulation That overflowed the smooth-lipped basin; By the broad-leafed water-lilies. What though ye have no lofty feelings, may have a plenteous measure Will answer undisguisedly. Gorgeous, and yet innocent, 1843. THE PEACOCK. ADDRESSED TO A CHILD. HE peacock is a glorious bird; THE And you may safely take my word That homage to him has been done From ancient times down to our own. A stately dance they moved so grave in, A finer than our peacock Don. All night, whilst angry winds did roar, He roosted in the sycamore; And there to leeward or to windward Turn'd his feathers, nothing hindered; Nay, once I saw the hoar night-frost The splendour of his hundred eyes. Perched on the sunniest of the terrace urns : But man is in his noblest dress When he is clothed with humbleness. 1845. |