176
"Methinks," persuasively the Sage replied,
"That for this arduous office You possess
Some rare advantages. Your early days
A grateful recollection must supply
Of much exalted good that may attend
Upon the very humblest state.—Your voice
Hath in my hearing often testified
That poor Men's Children, they, and they alone,
By their condition taught, can understand
The wisdom of the prayer that daily asks
For daily bread. A consciousness is your's
How feelingly religion may be learned
In smoky Cabins, from a Mother's tongue—
Heard while the Dwelling vibrates to the din
Of the contiguous Torrent, gathering strength
At every moment—and, with strength, increase
Of fury; or while Snow is at the door,
Assaulting and defending, and the Wind,
A sightless Labourer, whistles at his work—
Fearful, but resignation tempers fear,
And piety is sweet to Infant minds.
—The Shepherd Lad, who in the sunshine carves,
On the green turf, a dial—to divide
