Prev | Current Page 539 | Next

Ingelow, Jean, 1820-1897

"Fated to Be Free"


I saw her somewhat towzled hair
Reflected in the brook--
I might have seen her often there,
Only--I didn't look.
G.C.
* * * * *
SONG OF THE BASEMENT STORY.
Her mean abode was but a cell;
'Twas lonely, chill, and drear.
Her work was all her wealth, but well
She wrought with hope and cheer.
She, envious not of great or gay,
Slept, with unbolted doors;
Then woke, and as we Yankees say,
"Flew round" and did her chores.
All day she worked; no lover lent
His aid; and yet with glee
At dusk she sought her home, content,
That beauteous Bumble Bee.
A cell it was, nor more nor less.
But O! all's one to me
Whether you write it with an S,
Dear girl, or with a C.
April 1st.
N.B. The motto for this ought to be, "For she was a water-rat."

CHAPTER XXVIII.
MELCOMBE.

"In the pleasant orchard closes
'God bless all our gains,' say we,
But, 'May God bless all our losses,'
Better suits with our degree"
E.


Pages:
527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551