Leisure and Love

 

Sooth 'twere a pleasant life to lead,
     With nothing in the world to do,
But just to blow a shepherd's reed
     The silent seasons through,
And just to drive a flock to feed—
     Sheep, quiet, fond, and few!

Pleasant to breathe beside a brook,
     And count the bubbles - love-worlds - there;
To muse upon some minstrel's book,
     Or watch the haunted air;
To slumber in some leafy nook-
     Or, idle anywhere.

And then a draught of nature's wine,
     A meal of summer's daintiest fruit;
To take the air with forms divine;
     Clouds, silvery, cool, and mute;
Descending, if the night be fine,
     In a star-parachute.

Give me to live with love alone,
     And let the world go dine and dress;
For love hath lowly haunts - a stone
     Holds something meant to bless.
If life's a flower, I choose my own -
     'Tis "Love in Idleness!"

 

"Leisure and Love"  
Samuel Laman Blanchard