176 LAST AND LEAST OF THINGS 



Thou, in sunny solitudes, 

 Rover of the underwoods, 

 The green silence dost displace 

 With thy mellow, breezy bass. 



Hot midsummer's petted crone, 

 Sweet to me thy drowsy tone 

 Tells of countless sunny hours, 

 Long days, and solid banks of flowers ; 

 Of gulfs of sweetness without bound 

 In Indian wildernesses found ; 

 Of Syrian peace, immortal leisure, 

 Firmest cheer, and bird-like pleasure. 



Aught unsavoury or unclean 

 Hath my insect never seen ; 

 But violets and bilberry bells, 

 Maple-sap and daffodels, 

 Grass with green flag half-mast high, 

 Succory to match the sky, 

 Columbine with horn of honey, 

 Scented fern, and agrimony, 

 Clover, catchfly, adder' s-tongue 

 And briar-roses, dwelt among ; 

 All beside was unknown waste, 

 All was picture as he passed. 



Wiser far than human seer, 

 Yellow-breeched philosopher ! 

 Seeing only what is fair, 

 Sipping only what is sweet, 

 Thou dost mock at fate and care, 

 Leave the chaff and take the wheat ; 



