Page:Ethel Churchill Fragments I.pdf/30



Fear not to trust her destiny with me: I can remember, in my early youth, Wandering amid our old ancestral woods, I found an unfledged dove upon the ground. I took the callow creature to my care, And fain had given it to its nest again: That could not be, and so I made its home In my affection, and my constant care. I made its cage of osier-boughs, and hung A wreath of early leaves and woodland flowers: I hung it in the sun; and, when the wind Blew from the cold and bitter east, 'twas screened With care that never knew forgetfulness. I loved it, for I pitied it, and knew Its sole dependence was upon my love.