This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
27
LINES ON VISITING OVERBURY WOOD, NEAR BREDON, WORCESTERSHIRE.
::Enchanting spot! Sweet Paradise of earth!
Here, wrapped in sweet seclusion, could I dwell
Unseen, unenvied and unknown,
In boundless admiration of thy scenes,
Which, to the fond admiring eye, present
A gay variety of beauty, ever new.

  The lofty oak with spreading branches forms
A cool impenetrable shade,—alike
Resisting chilling blasts and scorching rays.
In its protecting shelter, blooming sweet,
The primrose mild, and lovely violet blow,
And all the gay variety of wild flowers.
The birds in fearless rapture warble forth
Their wild harmonious music,—charming all.
And thou, sweet stream, whose limpid waters roll
In gentle murmurs o'er the moss-grown pebbles,
Casting a dewy freshness over each
Surrounding flower and shrub: still will I watch
Your sacred winding course, until ye reach
The middle of the grove to rest awhile.

  Behold the spot! Sacred to heavenly love.
Enchanting! Beautiful! Here could I sit,
Beside this quiet lake of resting waters,
Which reflects the clear blue vault of heaven,