Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/191

Rh First, peeping pearls through lips of rose, Their latent ministry disclose, Then little feet on nursery floor, Went tireless patting o'er and o'er, And dulcet tones, like chirping bird, The mother's raptured pulses stirred, And busy fingers clasped the toy, Or held the doll in durance coy, Or roused the house-dog, strong and old, On ample rug supinely rolled, With brawny back, and curly hair, Well pleased his master's pet to bear, While merry laugh and baby wile, Woke on each brow an answering smile.

More birth-days came, and sweetly mild, Turned from her sports a thoughtful child, Intent o'er ancient page to pore, Or catch the breath of hallowed lore. Then first at school-desk quaintly set, The sister of my soul I met, And budding friendship, fed with dew Of knowledge, firm and healthful grew. O'er classic tomes, mid tasks severe, Mind quickened mind, unspent and clear, And heart to heart new vigor lent, As up the arduous steep we bent, Or with unenvying gladness shared Laborious study's rich reward,