Rue, Thyme, and Myrtle; A Collection of Poems and Songs (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876. Excerpt: ... RUTH. A SKETCH FROM LIFE. 'A beautiful and happy girl, With step as light as cummer air, Eyes glad with smiles, and brow of pearl, Shadow'd by many a careless curl Of unconfined and flowing hair; A seeming child in everything, Save thoughtful brow and ripening charms, As Nature wears the smile of Spring When sinking into Summer's arms." Whittier. O Child with eyes so full of glee, And face unmark'd by sin or care, Of all the world, I'd turn to thee, For thou art pure and passing fair; And in my heart thou wak'st a joy, A rapture that is all divine, Till, once again, I am a boy And childhood's thoughtless bliss is mine 'Twas early May; the sun had low declined; The trees, just putting on their leafy growth, Cast shadows long upon the tender grass; 'Twas near the hour when laborers seek repose. A little village, nestled on a hill, That held in prospect, smiling with the May, The distant woods, all white with dogwood flowers, The sloping upland, green with springing wheat, And many a field, just new prepared for corn, Seem'd peaceful as the placid eventide. Still on the village street, with lusty shouts, The school-boys linger'd on their way from school; Some by the little church, in thoughtless glee, To stone the swallows on the belfry-eaves; Others (near home) to taunt with names uncouth The tyrant of the playground, daily fear'd. A little westward down the village street--The last small dwelling--stood, in humble guise, A cottage with a flowery garden-plot. The cottage was o'erhung with climbing vines; And, in the grassy yard before the door, Full many a rosebush, with artistic care, Was pruned and twined upon the lattice-frames, Presaging roses sweet in sunny June. The beautiful surroundings spake of peace; And e'en the smoke, that hung in lazy wreath...