A Vision of Children

I dream'd I saw a little brook
Run rippling down the Strand ;
With cherry-trees and apple-trees
Abloom on either hand :

The sparrows gather'd from the Squares,
Upon the branches green ;
The pigeons flock'd from Palace-Yard,
Afresh their wings to preen ;

And children down St. Martin's Lane,
And out of Westminster,
Came trooping, many a thousand strong,
With a bewilder'd air.

They hugg'd each other round the neck
And titter'd for delight,
To see the yellow daffodils,
And see the daisies white ;

They roll'd upon the grassy slopes,
And drank the water clear,
While 'busses the Embankment took,
Asham'd to pass anear ;

And sandwich-men stood still aghast,
And costermongers smil'd ;
And the policeman on his beat
Pass'd, weeping like a child.