A Cottager's Child

I met a child, and kissed it: who shall say
I stole a joy in which I had no part?

The happy creature from that very day
Hath felt the more his little human heart.
Now when I pass he runs away and smiles,
And tries to seem afraid with pretty wiles.
I am a happier and a richer man,
Since I have sown this new joy in the earth:
Tis no small thing for us to reap stray mirth
In every sunny wayside where we can.
It is a joy to me to be a joy,
Which may in the most lowly heart take root;
And it is gladness to that little boy
To look out for me at the mountain foot.