Led up their sports beneath the spreading tree—

tree—

While many a pastime circled in the shade,

The young contending as the old survey’d,

34

And many a gambol frolick’d o’er the ground,

And sleights of art and feats of strength went round:

And still, as each repeated pleasure tir’d,

Succeeding sports the mirthful band inspir’d—

inspir’d—

The dancing pair, that simply sought renown

By holding out to tire each other down,

The swain mistrustless of his smutted face,

While secret laughter titter’d round the place,

The bashful virgin’s side-long looks of love,

The matron’s glance that would those looks reprove.

These were thy charms, sweet village! sports like these,

With sweet succession, taught even toil to please;

35

These round thy bowers their cheerful influence shed,

 Prev. P 42/189 next