Page:Poems and extracts - Wordsworth.djvu/48

The Father's likeness was but faintly seen
As ripen'd fruits are figur'd by the green.—
Next in his harmless sports he should be drawn
Urging his courser, o'er the flowery lawn;
Sprightly himself as the enlivened game,
Bold in the chase and full of generous flame;
Yet in the palace tractable and mild,
Perfect in all the duties of a child;
Which fond reflection pleases while it pains,40
Like penetrating notes of sad harmonious strains.
Selected friendships timely he began,
And siez'd in Youth that best delight of Man,
Leaving a growing race to mourn his end,
Their earliest and their age's promised friend.
But far away alas! that prospect moves,
Lost in the clouds like distant hills and groves,
Whilst with increasing steps we all pursue,
What time alone can bring to nearer view,