27 September 2016

Refresh.

Constable, Ploughing Scene, 1825


INSCRIPTION for a FOUNTAIN on a HEATH

This Sycamore, oft musical with bees,— 
Such tents the Patriarchs loved! O long unharmed 
May all its agèd boughs o'er-canopy 
The small round basin, which this jutting stone 
Keeps pure from falling leaves! Long may the Spring, 
Quietly as a sleeping infant's breath, 
Send up cold waters to the traveller 
With soft and even pulse! Nor ever cease 
Yon tiny cone of sand its soundless dance, 
Which at the bottom, like a Fairy's Page, 
As merry and no taller, dances still, 
Nor wrinkles the smooth surface of the Fount. 
Here Twilight is and Coolness: here is moss, 
A soft seat, and a deep and ample shade. 
Thou may'st toil far and find no second tree. 
Drink, Pilgrim, here; Here rest! and if thy heart 
Be innocent, here too shalt thou refresh 
Thy spirit, listening to some gentle sound, 
Or passing gale or hum of murmuring bees!

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

No comments:

Post a Comment