130 THE NIGHT-WALK. 



And who could deem, when eyes were bright, 



And hope went whisp'ring on, 

 From street to street, from town to town, 



" The pest, the pest has gone !" 

 And who could deem, that saw those flowers 



In blue and crimsom wave, 

 Or felt that gentle morning breeze, 



That they were near the grave ? 



And who could deem, that heard those birds 

 From glen and green wood sing ; 



And saw those rainbow'd insects soar, 

 That night would sorrow bring ? 



And who could deem, that heard those brooks, 



Soft rolling, gurgle by ; 

 And saw those little fishes glide, 



That aught that day could die ? 



That Death had grasp'd his deadliest dart, 



And rose with morning light, 

 With us to cross those flowery fields, 



And streams of purling light ? 



* * * r * ' * 



Our hearts were gay, our steps were free, 

 As o'er that heath we stray 'd j 



The children lay upon the grass, 

 Or with the house-dog play'd. 



The village milk-maid on us smil'd, 



When ask'd to be a bride ; 

 While she tript gaily with her pail, 



And we walk'd by her side. 



The shepherd caroFd like the lark, 



As, with his curly dog, 

 He trampled down the sun-lit moss 



Or rush-engirded bog. 



We would not deem we were alone 

 When trees were green and gay, 



For Nature humm'd her thousand songs 

 All on that sunny day. 



On, on we went, care was forgot 

 'Mid summer's golden store ; 



'Tis then alone, amid her charms, 

 We feel no longer poor. 



At length we reach'd our journey's end, 

 Mine host brought out good cheer ; 



Pledged us in home-brew'd sparkling ale, 

 And cried, " You're welcome here." 



We went to labour with a heart 



Free as the human will, 

 But soon that man who shared my toil 



Exclaim'd, O ! I am ill." 



