Page:Carroll - Notes by an Oxford Chiel.djvu/75



! loveliest building of the plain Where Cherwell winds towards the distant main; How often have I loitered o'er thy green, Where humble happiness endeared the scene! How often have I paused on every charm, The rustic couple walking arm in arm— The groups of trees, with seats beneath the shade For prattling babes and whisp'ring lovers made— The never-failing brawl, the busy mill Where tiny urchins vied in fistic skill— (Two phrases only have that dusky race Caught from the learned influence of the place; Phrases in their simplicity sublime, 'Scramble a copper!' 'Please, Sir, what's the time?')