JOHN GILPIN. So, turning to his horse, he said, "I am in haste to dine; 'Twas for your pleasure you came here, You shall go back for mine." Ah, luckless speech, and bootless boast! Whereat his horse did snort, as he And galloped off with all his might, Away went Gilpin, and away Now Mistress Gilpin, when she saw She pulled out half-a-crown; And thus unto the youth she said The youth did ride, and soon did meet John coming back amain! Whom in a trice he tried to stop, 57 But not performing what he meant Away went Gilpin, and away The post-boy's horse right glad to miss Six gentlemen upon the road With post-boy scampering in the rear, "Stop thief! stop thief!-a highwayman!" And now the turnpike-gates again And so he did; and won it too; Nor stopped till where he had got up Now let us sing, long live the king, And when he next doth ride abroad, COWPER. THE SKYLARK. 50. THE SKYLARK. BIRD of the wilderness, Sweet be thy matin o'er moorland and lea! Blest is thy dwelling-place Oh to abide in the desert with thee! Wild is thy lay, and loud, Where art thou journeying? Thy lay is in heaven, thy love is on earth. O'er moor and mountain green, Over the rainbow's rim, Then, when the gloaming comes, Low in the heather blooms Sweet will thy welcome and bed of love be! Blest is thy dwelling-place Oh to abide in the desert with thee! 51. MUTABILITY. CLOUD and sunshine, wind and weather, HOGG. MONTGOMERY. 59 60 SPEAK GENTLY. 52. SPEAK GENTLY. SPEAK gently! it is better far Speak gently! Love doth whisper low Speak gently to the little child! Speak gently to the young, for they Will have enough to bear: Pass through this life as best they may; 'Tis full of anxious care. Speak gently to the aged one, Grieve not the care-worn heart; Speak gently, kindly, to the poor, THE COTTAGER TO HER INFANT. Speak gently to the erring: know Speak gently! He who gave his life Speak gently!-'tis a little thing, BATES. 53. THE COTTAGER TO HER INFANT. THE days are cold, the nights are long, The kitten sleeps upon the hearth, Nay, start not at that sparkling light, And wake when it is day. 61 WORDSWORTH. G |