The Goldfinch (1817)/The Wood-Pecker
The Wood-Pecker.
I knew by the smoke that so gracefully swell'dAbove the green elms that a cottage was near, And I said if there's peace to be found in the wood,A heart that is humble might hope for it here.
Every leaf was at rest and I heard not a sound,But the wood-pecker 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 how calm could I die.Every leaf, &c.
By the shade of yon sumach whose red-berry dips,By the side of yon fountain how sweet to recline,And to know that I sigh'd upon innocent lips,That ne'er had been sigh'd on by any but mine.Every leaf, &c.