I see from my hospital window A cherished and beautiful lawn. The birds in its clustering tree-tops With jubilance welcome the dawn. Beyond it the courteous meadows Make offerings all the day long, The golden green of the sunlight, The elm-trees laden with song. Soft-framing the exquisite picture, A circle of forested hills Lifts lightly the vision to heaven, Away from earth's challenging ills. Ah, lovely the scene of enchantment! And yet, had I magical might, I'd change the whole for an alley, A gloomy and pitiful sight, If only through wretchedest windows (O dream of imperial wealth!) I could look on that pitiful alley With the conquering eyes of health! |