THE SAILOR's MOTHER.

One morning (raw it was and wet,

A foggy day in winter time)

A Woman in the road I met,

Not old, though something past her prime : Majestic in her person, tall and straight; And like a Roman matron's was her mien and gait.

The ancient Spirit is not dead;

Old times, thought I, are breathing there;
Proud was I that my country bred

Such strength, a dignity so fair:

She begg'd an alms, like one in poor estate; I look'd at her again, nor did my pride abate.

When from these lofty thoughts I woke,
With the first word I had to spare

I said to her,

66 Beneath your Cloak
What's that which on your arm you bear?"

She answer'd soon as she the question heard, "A simple burthen, Sir, a little Singing-bird.”

And, thus continuing, she said,
"I had a Son, who many a day

Sail'd on the seas; but he is dead;

In Denmark he was cast away;

And I have been as far as Hull, to see

What clothes he might have left, or other property.

The Bird and Cage they both were his;
"Twas my Son's Bird; and neat and trim
He kept it: many voyages

This Singing-bird hath gone with him;

When last he sail'd he left the Bird behind;

As it might be, perhaps, from bodings of his mind.

He to a Fellow-lodger's care
Had left it, to be watch'd and fed,
Till he came back again; and there

I found it when my Son was dead;

And now, God help me for

my

little wit!

I trail it with me, Sir! he took so much delight

in it."

TO THE SMALL CELANDINE*.

Pansies, Lilies, Kingcups, Daisies,
Let them live upon their praises;
Long as there's a sun that sets
Primroses will have their glory;

Long as there are Violets,

They will have a place in story:

There's a flower that shall be mine,

'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,
Men that keep a mighty rout!
I'm as great as they, I trow,
Since the day I found thee out,
Little flower!—I'll make a stir

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
Fifty greetings in a day.

may,