Page:Poems David.djvu/37

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reminiscences of oxford.
25
O'er every gabled point some tendril flings,
From each quaint nook, out-peep its lovely leaves,
Their pendant garlands waving in the breeze;
The virgin creeper, in rich massive shower,
Climbs o'er the gabled points, turrets and tower.
And in the verdant lawn bright scarlet leaves
Lie strewed, and withered all around the trees;
Down from each ancient arch there stiffly frown,
Grotesque figures with twining ivy crown'd,a
Time-worn and defaced, now quaintly there stand,
Much changed from mediæval sculptor's hand,—
Proudly they raise their dark and blemish'd forms,
To brave the Summer sun, or Wint'ry storms!

THE BROAD WALK.
NOW, on with gladsome step I wend my way
By Merton's Gothic tower, grown old and grey;—
The Autumn air is blowing fresh and sweet,
As from the distant hills we thus it meet.
Oft 'neath thy lofty elm trees' silent shade,
I've watched the sear and yellow leaves fast fade;