But now '' no war nor battle's sound'' Invades this peaceful battleground But waves of Concord murmuring by flowing with gentle harmony. 5 Yet since we sailed, some things have failed And many a dream gone down the stream Here then an aged shepherd dwellt Who to his flock his substance dealt And ruled them with a vigorous crook 10 According to the sacred Book. But he the pierless bridge passed o'er And solitary left the shore Anon a youthful pastor came Whose crook was not unknown to fame 15 His lambs he viewed with gentle glance Spread oer the country's wide expanse And fed with '' mosses from the manse'' ''" Yonder the rocky seat where late With soothed and patient ear we sat 20 Beside our Hawthorne in the dale And listened to his Twice told Tale.''" Of yonder river's tide? And may I ever think That thou art at my side? What bird wilt thou employ To bring me word of thee? For it would give them joy, 'Twould give them liberty, To serve their former lord With wing and minstrelsy. A sadder strain has mixed with their song, They've slowlier built their nests, Since thou art gone Their lively labor rests. Where is the finch''"the thrush, I used to hear? Ah! they could well abide The dying year. Now they no more return, I hear them not; They have remained to mourn, Or else forgot. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SCHOOL BOY, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE SONNET: 8. WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS INTENDED TO THE CITY by JOHN MILTON THE FORESTERS: NATIONAL SONG by ALFRED TENNYSON THE END OF IT by FRANCIS THOMPSON PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 7. AL-MAUMIN by EDWIN ARNOLD |