Page:Lyrical ballads, Volume 2, Wordsworth, 1800.djvu/148

140 'Twas little Barbara Lewthwaite, a Child of beauty rare,

I watch'd them with delight, they were a lovely pair.

And now with empty Can the Maiden turn'd away,

But ere ten yards were gone her footsteps did she stay.

Towards the Lamb she look'd, and from that shady place

I unobserv'd could see the workings of her face:

If Nature to her tongue could measur'd numbers bring

Thus, thought I, to her Lamb that little Maid would sing.

"What ails thee, Young One? What? Why pull so at thy cord?

Is it not well with thee? Well both for bed and board?

Thy plot of grass is soft, and green as grass can be,

Rest little Young One, rest; what is't that aileth thee?

What is it thou would'st seek? What is wanting to thy heart?

Thy limbs are they not strong? And beautiful thou art:

This grass is tender grass, these flowers they have no peers,

And that green corn all day is rustling in thy ears.