“SO FAIR, SO SWEET, WITHAL SO SENSITIVE”
SO fair, so sweet, withal so sensitive, Would that the little Flowers were born to live, Conscious of half the pleasure which they give; That to this mountain-daisy’s self were known The beauty of its star-shaped shadow, thrown On the smooth surface of this naked stone! And what if hence a bold desire should mount High as the Sun, that he could take account Of all that issues from his glorious fount! So might he ken how by his sovereign aid 10 These delicate companionships are made; And how he rules the pomp of light and shade; And were the Sister-power that shines by night So privileged, what a countenance of delight Would through the clouds break forth on human sight! Fond fancies! wheresoe’er shall turn thine eye On earth, air, ocean, or the starry sky, Converse with Nature in pure sympathy; All vain desires, all lawless wishes quelled, Be Thou to love and praise alike impelled, 20 Whatever boon is granted or withheld. 1845.