4 INTRODUCTION. 



What I borrowed from the father. 

 Hear, agam, another reason : 

 Haj^ly other sons and daughters, 

 Unknown to me, unknown to Laura, 

 May peruse these hues more gladly 

 When they see that I address them 

 To a young and playful maiden, 

 And, perusing them more gladly, 

 May the more readily acquire 

 Some slight knowledge of their meaning." 



Ye who love the face of Nature, 

 In the storm or in the sunshine, 

 In the deep shade of the forest. 

 On the high and naked mountain ; 

 Ye who trace the Maker's finger 

 In this world of his creation. 

 And look through this bright creation. 

 Through these los and Edusas, 

 These Svbillas and Machaons, 

 Through the hosts of minute creatui'es. 

 Peopling every blade and blossom, 

 Up aloft to Him who made them ; 

 Ye whose hearts are fresh and simple. 

 And have faith in God and Nature, 

 Who believe with all your spirit 

 In benevolence eternal, 

 Inexhaustible and perfect ; 

 Ye who sometimes in your rambles 



