He to a Fellow-lodger's care Had left it, to be watch'd and fed, little wit! I trail it with me, Sir! he took so much delight in it." TO THE SMALL CELANDINE*. Pansies, Lilies, Kingcups, Daisies, Long as there are Violets, They will have a place in story: 'Tis the little Celandine. * Common Pilewort. Eyes of some men travel far For the finding of a star; Up and down the heavens they go, Since the day I found thee out, Like a great Astronomer. Modest, yet withal an Elf Bold, and lavish of thyself, Since we needs must first have met I have seen thee, high and low, Thirty years or more, and yet 'Twas a face I did not know; Thou hast now, go where I may, Fifty greetings in a day. Ere a leaf is on a bush, In the time before the Thrush Has a thought about it's nest, Telling tales about the sun, When we've little warmth, or none. Poets, vain men in their mood! Travel with the multitude; Never heed them; I aver That they all are wanton Wooers; But the thrifty Cottager, Who stirs little out of doors, Joys to spy thee near her home, Spring is coming, Thou art come Comfort have thou of thy merit, Kindly, unassuming Spirit! Thou dost shew thy pleasant face But 'tis good enough for thee. Ill befal the yellow Flowers, Others, too, of lofty mien ; They have done as worldlings do, Taken praise that should be thine, Little, humble Celandine! VOL. I. |