RURAL ILLUSIONS
SYLPH was it? or a Bird more bright Than those of fabulous stock? A second darted by;–and lo! Another of the flock, Through sunshine flitting from the bough To nestle in the rock. Transient deception! a gay freak Of April’s mimicries! Those brilliant strangers, hailed with joy Among the budding trees, 10 Proved last year’s leaves, pushed from the spray To frolic on the breeze. Maternal Flora! show thy face, And let thy hand be seen, Thy hand here sprinkling tiny flowers, That, as they touch the green, Take root (so seems it) and look up In honour of their Queen. Yet, sooth, those little starry specks, That not in vain aspired 20 To be confounded with live growths, Most dainty, most admired, Were only blossoms dropt from twigs Of their own offspring tired. Not such the World’s illusive shows; ‘Her’ wingless flutterings, Her blossoms which, though shed, outbrave The floweret as it springs, For the undeceived, smile as they may, Are melancholy things: 30 But gentle Nature plays her part With ever-varying wiles, And transient feignings with plain truth So well she reconciles, That those fond Idlers most are pleased Whom oftenest she beguiles. 1832.