MEMORIALS OF A TOUR IN SCOTLAND, 1803

XIV. "FLY, SOME KIND HARBINGER, TO GRASMERE-DALE!"

          FLY, some kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale!
          Say that we come, and come by this day's light;
          Fly upon swiftest wing round field and height,
          But chiefly let one Cottage hear the tale;
          There let a mystery of joy prevail,
          The kitten frolic, like a gamesome sprite,
          And Rover whine, as at a second sight
          Of near-approaching good that shall not fail:
          And from that Infant's face let joy appear;
          Yea, let our Mary's one companion child--                   10
          That hath her six weeks' solitude beguiled
          With intimations manifold and dear,
          While we have wandered over wood and wild--
          Smile on his Mother now with bolder cheer.