And with sweet tears and gentle words infusing -But hark, the din of arms! no time for sorrow. Breathless a horse without his rider stands! But hush! a shout from the victorious bands! And oh the smiles and tears, a sire restored! While She best-loved, till then forsaken never, What time the king-fisher sits perched below, And far and wide, over the vicar's pale, Black hoods and scarlet crossing hill and dale, All, all abroad, and music in the gale: : A Wedding-dance-a dance into the night On the barn-floor, when maiden-feet are light; (Who would be rich while One was wanting bread?) When all are emulous to bring relief, And tears are falling fast-but not for grief:- Graver things Come in their turn. Morning, and Evening, brings That over wood and wild and mountain-dell |