William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

BEHOLD, within the leafy shade,

Those bright blue eggs together laid

On me the chance-discovered sight

Gleamed like a vision of delight.

I started—seeming to espy

The home and sheltered bed,

The Sparrow’s dwelling, which, hard by

My father’s house, in wet or dry

My Sister Emmeline and I

Together visited.

She looked at it and seemed to fear it;

Dreading, tho’ wishing to be near it:

Such heart was in her, being then

A little Prattler among men.

The Blessing of my later years

Was with me when a Boy:

She gave me eyes, she gave me ears;

And humble cares, and delicate fears;

A heart, the fountain of sweet tears;

And love, and thought, and joy.