Recollections of Childhood

Recollections of Childhood

Blest hours of childhood, then and then alone
Dance we the revels gay round pleasure's throne.
(Thoughts of recluse
Dear cherished hours how much ye tell,
Of all once known and lov'd so well;
On memory's page one leaf is there,
Bearing a trace of joys that were.

Of schoolday mirth, of pastime gay,
With which we wil'd those hours away;
Each spot we lov'd, each winding stream,
Seem now as dear as e'er they've been.

With giddy mirth and gladsome song,
With bounding step the happy throng;
Each form in fancy passes by,
And seems to meet my anxious eye.

Each sunny hill, or flowery vale,
Each balmy zephyr on the gale,
Wing in their course a sigh to thee,
Long, dearly cherished memory.

All, but the merry laugh is here,
All, but the friends once lov'd so dear;
One after one have pass'd away,
As the fleeting rays of departing day.

Louisa

2:24, p. 190

1828.09.05