But could youth last, and love still breed, SIR WALTER RALEIGH, 1552-1618. Pisc. Well sung, good woman; I thank you. I'll give you another dish of fish one of these days, and then beg another song of you. IZAAK WALTON, 1598-1683. THE SOLITARY REAPER. Behold her single in the field, Yon solitary Highland lass! Alone she cuts and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain; Is overflowing with the sound. No nightingale did ever chaunt No sweeter voice was ever heard Will no one tell me what she sings? Or is it some more humble lay, Whate'er the theme, the maiden sang I listened-motionless and still, W. WORDSWORTH. THE HUSBANDMAN. Earth of man the bounteous mother, Many a power within her bosom, Noiseless, hidden, works beneath; Hence are seed, and leaf, and blossom, Golden ear and cluster'd wreath. These to swell with strength and beauty Bud and harvest, bloom and vintage- Barn and mill, and wine-vat's treasures, What the dream, but vain rebelling, Wind and frost, and hour and season, Sow thy seed, and reap in gladness! JOHN STERLING, 1844. X. The Garden. A THE GARDEN. FROM THE HERBAL." MONG the manifold creatures of God that have in all ages diversely entertained many excellent wits, and drawne them to the contemplation of the Divine Wisdome, none have provoked men's studies more, or satisfied their desires so much, as plants have done, and that upon just and worthy causes; for what greater delight is there than to behold the earth appareled with plants as with a robe of embroidered worke, set with orient pearles, and garnished with great diversity of rare and costly jewels. But the principal delighte is in the minde, singularly enriched with the knowledge of these visible things, setting forth to us the invisible wisdome and admirable workmanship of Almighty God! JOHN GERARDE, 1545-1607. OF GARDENS. The earth is the garden of nature, and each fruitful country a Paradise. The Turks, who pass their days in gardens here, will have gardens also hereafter, and delighting in flowers on earth, must have lilies and roses in heaven. The delightful world comes after death, and Par adise succeeds the grave. The verdant state of things is the symbol of the resurrection; and to flourish in the state of glory, we must first be sown in corruption. SIR THOMAS BROWNE, 1605-1682. A GARDEN. Where does the Wisdom and the Power Divine Of the Creator's real Poetry, Than when we with attention look Upon the third day's volume of the Book? Even in a bush the radiant Deity. But we despise these, His inferior ways The stars of earth no wonder in us raise. ABRAHAM COWLEY, 1618-1667. THE GARDEN OF ALCINOUS. FROM HOMER. Close to the gates a spacious garden lies, The balmy spirit of the western gale The same mild season gives the blooms to blow, Here ordered vines in equal ranks appear, |