DOWN in a valley, by a forest's side, Near where the crystal Thames rolls on her waves, I saw a mushroom stand in haughty pride, As if the lilies grew to be his slaves; The gentle daisy, with her silver crown, Worn in the breast of many a shepherd's lass; The humble violet, that lowly down Salutes the gay nymphs as they trimly pass: These, with a many more, methought, complain'd That Nature should those needless things produce, Which not alone the sun from others gain'd But turn it wholly to their proper use. I could not choose but grieve that Nature made So glorious flowers to live in such a shade. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE OLD SQUIRE by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT BREAKFAST by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON THE BLESSED VIRGIN, COMPARED TO THE AIR WE BREATHE by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS THE BEAN-STALK by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY MEN OF VERDUN by LAURENCE BINYON ONLY ONE LIFE by HORATIO (HORATIUS) BONAR |