169
XX.
Once in a lonely Hamlet I sojourned
In which a Lady driv'n from France did dwell;
The big and lesser griefs, with which she mourned,
In friendship she to me would often tell.
This Lady, dwelling upon English ground,
Where she was childless, daily did repair
To a poor neighbouring Cottage; as I found,
For sake of a young Child whose home was there.
Once did I see her clasp the Child about,
And take it to herself; and I, next day,
Wish'd in my native tongue to fashion out
Such things as she unto this Child might say:
And thus, from what I knew, had heard, and guess'd,
My song the workings of her heart express'd.
