Poems of Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L.) in The Juvenile Forget Me Not, 1837/The Watchful Friend

by Letitia Elizabeth Landon

THE WATCHFUL FRIEND

Painted by J. LeBlancEngraved by Miller

Sourced from Four-Footed Favourites, 1862

The Watchful Friend.

In a hidden thicket's shade
Is the little maiden laid;
O'er her bends the wilding rose,
At her side the violet grows:
And, instead of feudal splendour,
Summer's fragrant airs attend her.
More than castle watch or ward
O'er her sleep the dog keeps guard:
None unseen can venture here
With that faithful watcher near.
Lady, who to woodlands wild
Dost resign thy darling child;
Lady, of an ancient line,
Sweet and natural faith is thine.
Thou dost know what influence lies
In the summer sun and skies;
Thou dost know what healthy red
By the open air is shed:
And what pleasant sleep is given
By the blue uncurtained heaven;
Nor to that fond mother known
Outward influence alone.

She hath deeper thoughts that tell
Of dear Nature's inward spell;

She doth bid the wind impart
Its own freshness to the heart.
Every flower around is rife
With fine poetry for life:
Not a perfumed wreath but brings
Some true feelings on its wings.
On that rosy child await
Rank and sway, and wealth and state;
Sad, too often, is their dower,
Much they need a softening power.

Let with worldlier airs be blent
Some diviner element;
Let love, poetry, and thought,
Be to that fair infant brought;
Let the face of nature be
Dearest to its infancy;
And all after life will keep
Treasures from that woodland sleep.