HAMPSHIRE woods are in summer's keeping, Sunshine's sleeping On banks of may, Spring has taken her smiles and weeping Over the hills and far away! Now, Ephemera, now you gladden Streams, and madden The morning rise; Craftiest monsters now are had on By the veriest tyro's flies! Now from memory's mist an vapours Gut that tapers, By Fancy thrown, Drops you here on my books and papers— Gossamer wraith—so lightly blown! Till I see in your green-coat flicker Brooks that bicker And streams that swell; And an elderly pulse goes quicker Under your old-time magic spell! Far too long on the links I've striven, Tee'd and driven, (And cursed mishap!) Far too long has my time been given To the cult of my handicap! Has my wrist for your gentler science Still compliance To work my will? Can I look for the old reliance In its flexible easy skill? Or has Philistine usage rusted Tendons trusted Of old to ply, When your delicate legions dusted Pool and shallow—the green-drake fly? Ha! the ruler I deftly dandle— Claims of Vandal Amusements flee, As it turns to a split-cane handle— Wait till Saturday, then you'll see! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON THE DEATH OF JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE by FITZ-GREENE HALLECK THE LIGHT OF STARS by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SURRENDER AT APPOMATTOX [APRIL 9, 1865] by HERMAN MELVILLE THE CENTAURS by JAMES STEPHENS THE JACKET OF GREY by CAROLINE AUGUSTA BALL |