60
CLYDE;
Whose rugged face the mantling ivy hides:
Around the base a murmuring rivulet glides;
On his green brink each fragrant wild-flower meets,
And wantons in a wilderness of sweets.
First, pale primroses drink the early dew;
Then modest violets show their heavenly blue;
The verdant fields, where red-crowned daisies blow, 550
Seem spotted with a gentle shower of snow:
These, flowered with scarlet, brilliant hues unfold;
Embroidered those with nature's richest gold.
Twining the brake, the fragrant woodbine pours
Her odorous twigs, and sweetly breathing flowers:
While pale wild-roses scatter perfumes round,
And fragrance floats along the vernal ground;
And sparkling thyme, when bruised by rustic feet,
Darts on the nostril scents more piercing sweet.
Here let me walk abroad when tempests fly, 560
And careless hear them rage along the sky;
Where forest trees with daring grandeur rise,
Disdain the earth, and bold invade the skies.
How wide his arms the stately ash extends;
The plane's thick head mid burning day suspends
Impenetrable shade; bees humming pour
O'er the broad balmy leaves, and suck the flower:
Around the base a murmuring rivulet glides;
On his green brink each fragrant wild-flower meets,
And wantons in a wilderness of sweets.
First, pale primroses drink the early dew;
Then modest violets show their heavenly blue;
The verdant fields, where red-crowned daisies blow, 550
Seem spotted with a gentle shower of snow:
These, flowered with scarlet, brilliant hues unfold;
Embroidered those with nature's richest gold.
Twining the brake, the fragrant woodbine pours
Her odorous twigs, and sweetly breathing flowers:
While pale wild-roses scatter perfumes round,
And fragrance floats along the vernal ground;
And sparkling thyme, when bruised by rustic feet,
Darts on the nostril scents more piercing sweet.
Here let me walk abroad when tempests fly, 560
And careless hear them rage along the sky;
Where forest trees with daring grandeur rise,
Disdain the earth, and bold invade the skies.
How wide his arms the stately ash extends;
The plane's thick head mid burning day suspends
Impenetrable shade; bees humming pour
O'er the broad balmy leaves, and suck the flower:
