Page:The Leadbeater Papers (1862) Vol 1.djvu/34
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
20
THE ANNALS OF BALITORE.
[1766.
How pleasant the surrounding grove
Where the gay students love to rove!
The stately fir with verdant head,
Dear to the Muse the beechen shade,
United form a calm retreat
From glowing summer's raging heat.
Here with soft breath the tuneful flute
To gentle Echo makes his suit,
Though not in strains so softly gay
As blooming Hall was wont to play.
Too venturous boy, where dost thou rove,
Far distant from this peaceful grove?
Beyond the vast Atlantic's wave
Dost thou the thundering battle brave?
Or, fainting, pale, and bleeding lie,
No tender parent weeping by?
Perhaps sad recollection strays
To former scenes and happier days,
To scenes which must return no more,
Thy flute, this grove, and Ballitore!
And now the School approaching near,
A humming noise salutes the ear;
The busy bees who sip the flowers
Which blossom in Parnassian bowers
Rich stores of honey thence convey—
The treasures of a future day.
The door unbarred, with mirth and glee
They rush and hail sweet Liberty.
Come, we'll attend the sprightly train
And view them sporting on the plain,
With rosy cheeks and laughing eyes
Each to his dear amusement hies.
This bids the bounding ball to fly;
That sends the feathered cork on high;
Where the gay students love to rove!
The stately fir with verdant head,
Dear to the Muse the beechen shade,
United form a calm retreat
From glowing summer's raging heat.
Here with soft breath the tuneful flute
To gentle Echo makes his suit,
Though not in strains so softly gay
As blooming Hall was wont to play.
Too venturous boy, where dost thou rove,
Far distant from this peaceful grove?
Beyond the vast Atlantic's wave
Dost thou the thundering battle brave?
Or, fainting, pale, and bleeding lie,
No tender parent weeping by?
Perhaps sad recollection strays
To former scenes and happier days,
To scenes which must return no more,
Thy flute, this grove, and Ballitore!
And now the School approaching near,
A humming noise salutes the ear;
The busy bees who sip the flowers
Which blossom in Parnassian bowers
Rich stores of honey thence convey—
The treasures of a future day.
The door unbarred, with mirth and glee
They rush and hail sweet Liberty.
Come, we'll attend the sprightly train
And view them sporting on the plain,
With rosy cheeks and laughing eyes
Each to his dear amusement hies.
This bids the bounding ball to fly;
That sends the feathered cork on high;