All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

ALL LV A GARDEN FAIR. 155
patieuce. 'there is notliing in the world like
poetry ; there is nothing else worth trying for.
Oh I
you must read Keats. Listen.' He opened
the volume at hazard almost, and read :
Lo ! I miist tell a tale of chivalry ;
For large white plumes are dancing in mine eye :
Not like the formal crest of later days,
But bending in a thousand graceful ways.
' You see, Claire, he cannot help writing
poetry ; he sees it all plain before him. And
this:
He was a poet, sure a lover, too,
Who stood on Latmos' top, what time there blew
Soft breezL'S from the myrtle vale below.
And brought in faintness, solemn, sweet, and slow,
A hymn from Dian's temple.
Isn't it splendid ? Or listen to this :
Full on the casement shone the wintry moon,
And threw warm gules on Madeline's fair bi*east,
As down she knelt for heaven's grace and boon ;
liose bloom fell on her hands, together prest,
And on her silver cross soft amethyst.
And on her hair a glory, like a siiint.
Oh, Claire, it takes away your breath only
to rend it ! What
iiui-t it have been to liave