Page:Late lyrics and earlier, with many other verses (IA latelyricsearlie00hardiala).pdf/127

Rh Our clock should be the closing flowers, Our sprinkle-bath the passing showers, Our church the alleyed willow bowers, The truth our theme;

And infant shapes might soon abound: Their shining heads would dot us round Like mushroom balls on grassy ground. . . . —But all is dream!

O God, that creatures framed to feel A yearning nature's strong appeal Should writhe on this eternal wheel In rayless grime;

And vainly note, with wan regret, Each star of early promise set; Till Death relieves, and they forget Their one Life's time!

, 1866.