The stream is very sweet To-day . . . Just see the swallow dart! How fleet! It sent a shiver to my heart. @3If he had lived@1, you say -- Well, well -- if he had lived, what then? Some men Will always argue -- yes, I know . . . of course . . . The argument has force. @3If he had lived, he might have changed@1 -- From bad to worse? Nay, my shrewd balance-setter, Why not from good to better? Why not to best? to joy And splendour? O, my boy! I did not want this argument in the least, My soul had ceased From doubt and questioning -- That swallow's wing! What a transcendent rush! Hush! hush! Or, if you talk, talk low: For . . . do you know . . . Just as the swallow dipt, I felt as if a soft hand slipt Its fingers into mine . . . he's near . . . He's with us . . . 'tis not right the child should hear This jangling . . . low then, low! Or this is better . . . go, Go, darling; play upon the bank, And prank Your hair with daisy and with buttercup, And we will meet you higher up. Now then . . . @3If he had lived?@1 if my sweet son @3Had lived?@1 . . . You stare . . . There! there! 'Tis gone, 'tis gone -- It was the swallow's dart That sent a shiver to my heart. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IDYLLS OF THE KING: MERLIN AND VIVIEN by ALFRED TENNYSON PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 14. AL-MUZAWWIR by EDWIN ARNOLD GIVE NOT WITH YOUR HANDS by MACKNIGHT BLACK PRINCE ARTHUR: THE CRYSTAL PALACES by RICHARD BLACKMORE |