Goblin Market and Other Poems (1862)/Symbols
For works with similar titles, see Symbols.
SYMBOLS.
I watched a rosebud very longBrought on by dew and sun and shower,Waiting to see the perfect flower:Then, when I thought it should be strong,It opened at the matin hourAnd fell at evensong.
I watched a nest from day to day,A green nest full of pleasant shade,Wherein three speckled eggs were laid:But when they should have hatched in May,The two old birds had grown afraidOr tired, and flew away.
Then in my wrath I broke the boughThat I had tended so with care,Hoping its scent should fill the air;I crushed the eggs, not heeding howTheir ancient promise had been fair:I would have vengeance now.
But the dead branch spoke from the sod,And the eggs answered me again:Because we failed dost thou complain?Is thy wrath just? And what if God,Who waiteth for thy fruits in vain,Should also take the rod?