James Henry Leigh Hunt (1784–1859)

GREEN little vaulter in the sunny grass,

Catching your heart up at the feel of June,

Sole voice that ’s heard amidst the lazy noon,

When even the bees lag at the summoning brass;

And you, warm little housekeeper, who class

With those who think the candles come too soon,

Loving the fire, and with your tricksome tune

Nick the glad silent moments as they pass;

O sweet and tiny cousins, that belong

One to the fields, the other to the hearth,

Both have your sunshine; both, though small, are strong

At your clear hearts; and both seem given to earth

To sing in thoughtful ears this natural song,—

In doors and out, summer and winter, Mirth.

December, 1816.