Select Poetry.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 38, 14 October 1871, Page 17

Select Poetry.

THE BOY AND THE BROOK. A NEW POEM BY LONGFELLOW. Down from yon distant mountain height The brooklet flows through thevillage street; A boy comes forth to wash his hands, Washing, yes, washing, there he stands, In the water cool and sweet. “ Brook, from what mountain dost fhou come? O my brooklet cool and sweet!” “I come from yon mountain high and cold, Where lieth the new snow on the old, And melts in the summer heat.” “ Brook to what river dost thou go ? O my brooklet cool and sweet!” “ I go to the river there below Where in bunches the violets grow, And sun and shadow meet.” “ Brook, to what garden dost thou go ? O my brooklet cool and sweet!” “ I go to the garden in the vale Where all night long the nightingale Her love-song doth repeat.” “ Brook, to what fountain dost thou go ? O my brooklet cool and sweet!” “ I go to that fountain, at whose brink The maid that loves thee comes to drink; And, whenever she looks therein, I rise to meet her, and kiss her chin, And my joy is then complete.” CUCKOO! Clouds of golden daybreak Are in dew exhaling ; Bright above the rainbow, Snowy clouds are sailing. Hark ! the changeless echo Of that wandering bird, Never tired repeating That Numidian word, Cuckoo! Sweet are April mornings When the showers are over, And the rain-drops sparkle On the three-leafed clover. There again the echo Of the phantom bird, Never tired repeating That enchanter’s word, Cuckoo ! Eastern clouds and i*oses Turn when day arises ; Night’s dim shadows, Phoebus With a shaft surprises. Pleasant then the echo Of Spring’s herald bird, Never tired repeating . That mysterious word, Cuckoo ! Bright the buds around us Everywhere are laughing, While the cowslips’ honey Many a bee is quaffing. Sweet in spring the echo Of that Afric bird, Never tired repeating That Numidian word, Cuckoo! Cuckoo!