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Select collection No. XXVIII/The woodpecker

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For other versions of this work, see The Woodpecker.

The Woodpecker.

I knew by the smoke, that so gracefully curl'd
Above the green elms, that a cottage was near;
And I said, if there's peace to be found in the world,
A heart that is humble might hope for it here.
The heart that is humble, &e.
Ev'ry leaf was at rest, and I heard not a sound,
But the woodpecker tapping the hollow beech tree.

And here in this lone little wood, I exclaim'd,
With a maid who was lovely to soul and to eye,
Who would blush when I prais'd her, and weep if I blam'd,
How blest could I live, and yow calm could I die!
How blest could I live, &e.
Ev'ry leaf was at rest, &c.

By the shade of yon summach, whose red berry dips
In the gush of the fountain, how sweet to recline
And to know that I sigh'd upon innocent lips,
Which ne'er had been sigh'd on by any but me.
Which ne'er had, &c.
Evr'y leaf was at rest, &c.