And transient feignings with plain truth That those fond Idlers most are pleased XXXI. 1832. THE KITTEN AND FALLING LEAVES. THAT way look, my Infant, lo! See the Kitten on the wall, Sporting with the leaves that fall, Withered leaves,-one, two, and three,— From the lofty elder-tree! Through the calm and frosty air Sylph or Faery hither tending, — In his wavering parachute. But the Kitten, how she starts, Crouches, stretches, paws, and darts! First at one, and then its fellow There are many now, now one, Now they stop and there are none: What intenseness of desire In her upward eye of fire! With a tiger-leap half-way Now she meets the coming prey, Lets it go as fast, and then Has it in her power again : Now she works with three or four, Quick as he in feats of art, Far beyond in joy of heart. Were her antics played in the eye Clapping hands with shout and stare, Over wealthy in the treasure "T is a pretty baby-treat; Nor, I deem, for me unmeet; Here for neither Babe nor me Other playmate can I see. Of the countless living things, That with stir of feet and wings, (In the sun or under shade, Upon bough or grassy blade,) All have laid their mirth aside Where is he, that giddy Sprite, Blue-cap, with his colors bright, Who was blest as bird could be, Feeding in the apple-tree; Made such wanton spoil and rout, Turning blossoms inside out ; Hung, head pointing towards the ground, Fluttered, perched, into a round Bound himself, and then unbound; Lithest, gaudiest Harlequin ! Prettiest tumbler ever seen! Light of heart, and light of limb; What is now become of him? Lambs, that through the mountains went Frisking, bleating merriment, If you look to vale or hill, If you listen, all is still, Save a little neighboring rill, That from out the rocky ground Strikes a solitary sound. Vainly glitter hill and plain, Yet, whate'er enjoyments dwell In the impenetrable cell Of the silent heart which Nature Yes, the sight so stirs and charms Thee, Baby, laughing in my arms, That your transports are not mine, Even as ye do, thoughtless pair! Will walk through life in such a way Keep the sprightly soul awake, Even from things by sorrow wrought, Matter for a jocund thought, Spite of care, and spite of grief, To gambol with Life's falling Leaf. VOL. II. |