Boys at Play

The shepherd boys play by the shaded stile,
While sunshine gleams with warm and idle smile;
Or hide 'neath hedges, where the linnets sing,
And leaves spread curtains round the bubbling spring.
The winds with idle dalliance wave the woods,
And toy with Nature in her youthful moods,
Fanning the feathers on the linnet's breast,
And happy maid in lightsome garments drest,
Sweeping her gown in many a graceful shade,
As if enamoured of the form displayed.
Upon the south-west wind the boiling showers
Bring sweet arrivals of all sorts of flowers,
Enjoying, like the laughing boys at play,
Sabbaths of Sunshine's out-door holiday.