Poems (Cook)/Children's welcoming
CHILDREN'S WELCOMING.
They were indeed a lovely group Of happy, sportive creatures;With all of beauty that can dwell In earthly forms and features.
There was a light in every eye, A tint on every cheek;So bright, so deep, that rarer ones A limner would not seek.
They sprang about the spangled grass Like young and gamesome deer;And thrillingly their voices fell Upon my heart and ear.
With minds of childish innocence Unsullied and unbent;Though living in a world of sin, They knew not what sin meant.
"Come on," they cried, "we've deck'd your seat With fresh-pull'd oaken boughs;We've gathered flowers, and you must weave Them round about our brows!
"We've chased each other down the hill, And through the primrose vale;But now we'll listen, while you sit And tell the promised tale.
"We've run to meet you at the gate, And watch'd and waited long:Come on, come on—we're all right glad To have you in our throng!"
And then the urchins, clambering up, Gave many an earnest kiss;And led me on, with wild delight, Towards their fields of bliss.
Oh, how I loved the fairy elves! I bless'd them, for I knewTheir inmost thoughts were on their lips, Their welcoming was true.
There was a strong, endearing spell, Around their artless ways;I fear'd no treachery 'neath their smiles, No falsehood in their praise.
I help'd to weave their daisy chains, I wreath'd their waving hair;And, pleased as they, 'twere hard to tell Which heart was happiest there.
I bless'd them all; and much I doubt If Time will ever bringWords to my ear more musical Than children's welcoming.