Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/395

 As the poor schoolboy, when the slow-paced months Have brought vacation times, and one by one His playmates and companions all are fled Or ready; and to him—to him alone No summons comes; he left of all the train Paces with lingering step the vacant halls, No longer murmuring with the Muse's song, And silent play-ground scattered wide around With implements of sports, resounding once With cheerful shouts ; and hears no sound of wheels To bear him to his father's bosom home; For, conscious though he be of time misspent, And heedless faults and much amiss, yet hopes