Page:Australian and Other Poems.djvu/39

34 Listing that tale, what visions rise! A group of children meets our eyes, With joyous looks and mirthful cries, That glad the swains. And one is chosen Queen of May; Her golden ringlets wildly stray Beneath a crown of blossoms gay, And daisy chains.

Next comes a youth whose idle gait, Full well proclaims his truant state; Or, if he works, 'tis not to sate Dull learning's greed. With earnest face and piercing eyes, He cons each bush for birds'-nest prize; Or, climbing, from the bramble tries Its fruit to lead.

Beside the thorn a young man stands, When home have sped the toiling bands And evening's veil gives all the lands A grateful shade;