It seems a day
One of those heavenly days which cannot die
When forth I sallied from our cottage-door
And with a wallet o'er my shoulder slung
A nutting crook in hand, I turn'd my steps
Towards the distant woods, a Figure quaint
Trick'd out in proud disguise of Beggar's weeds
Put on for the occasion, by advice
And exhortation of my frugal Dame

Motley accoutrements! of power to smile
At thorns, and brakes, and brambles, and, in truth
More ragged than need was. Among the woods
And o'er the pathless rocks, I forc'd my way
Until, at length, I came to one dear nook
Unvisited, where not a broken bough
Droop'd with its wither'd leaves, ungracious sign
Of devastation, but the hazels rose
Tall and erect, with milk-white clusters hung
A virgin scene!--A little while I stood
Breathing with such suppression of the heart
As joy delights in; and with wise restraint
Voluptuous, fearless of a rival, eyed
The banquet, or beneath the trees I sate
Among the flowers, and with the flowers I play'd;
A temper known to those, who, after long
And weary expectation, have been bless'd
With sudden happiness beyond all hope.--
--Perhaps it was a bower beneath whose leaves
The violets of five seasons re-appear
And fade, unseen by any human eye
Where fairy water-breaks do murmur on
For ever, and I saw the sparkling foam
And with my cheek on one of those green stones
That, fleec'd with moss, beneath the shady trees
Lay round me scatter'd like a flock of sheep
I heard the murmur and the murmuring sound
In that sweet mood when pleasure loves to pay
Tribute to ease, and, of its joy secure
The heart luxuriates with indifferent things
Wasting its kindliness on stocks and stones
And on the vacant air. Then up I rose
And dragg'd to earth both branch and bough, with crash
And merciless ravage; and the shady nook
Of hazels, and the green and mossy bower
Deform'd and sullied, patiently gave up
Their quiet being: and unless I now
Confound my present feelings with the past
Even then, when, from the bower I turn'd away
Exulting, rich beyond the wealth of kings
I felt a sense of pain when I beheld
The silent trees and the intruding sky.--

Then, dearest Maiden! move along these shades
In gentleness of heart with gentle hand
Touch,--for there is a Spirit in the woods

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