VIII

  Who fancied what a pretty sight
  This Rock would be if edged around
  With living Snowdrops? circlet bright!
  How glorious to this Orchard ground!
  Who loved the little Rock, and set
  Upon its Head this Coronet?



  Was it the humour of a Child?
  Or rather of some love-sick Maid,
  Whose brows, the day that she was styled
  The Shepherd Queen, were thus arrayed?
  Of Man mature, or Matron sage?
  Or old Man toying with his age?
  I ask'd--'twas whisper'd, The device
  To each or all might well belong.
  It is the Spirit of Paradise
  That prompts such work, a Spirit strong,
  That gives to all the self-same bent
  Where life is wise and innocent.