THE POET, THE OYSTER, AND SENSITIVE PLANT. AN Oyster, cast upon the shore, Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell For ever in my native shell; Ordain'd to move when others please, Not for my own content or ease; But toss'd and buffeted about, Now in the water and now out. And sensibilities so fine! I envy that unfeeling shrub, Fast rooted against ev'ry rub. The plant he meant grew not far off, And felt the sneer with scorn enough; And with asperity replied. When, cry the botanists-and stare Did plants call'd sensitive grow there? No matter when-a poet's muse is To make them grow just where she chooses. You, shapeless nothing in a dish You, that are but almost a fish- And have most plentiful occasion For many a grave and learned clerk, With curious touch examines me, If I can feel as well as he; And, when I bend, retire, and shrink, ' Says-Well, 'tis more than one would think! Thus life is spent (oh, fie upon't!) In being touch'd, and crying-Don't! A poet, in his ev'ning walk, O'erheard and check'd this idle talk. And your fine sense, he said, and your's, Whatever evil it endures, Deserves not, if so soon offended, Much to be pitied or commended. Disputes, though short, are far too long, Where both alike are in the wrong; Your feelings, in their full amount, Are all upon your own account. You, in your grotto-work enclos'd, Wherever driv'n by wind or tide, And, as for you, my Lady Squeamish, Who reckon ev'ry touch a blemish, If all the plants that can be found Embellishing the scene around Should droop and wither where they grow, You would not feel at all-not you. The noblest minds their virtue prove These, these are feelings truly fine, His censure reach'd them as he dealt it, And each by shrinking show'd he felt it. ON THE RECEIPT OF MY MOTHER'S PICTURE OUT OF NORFOLK. THE GIFT OF MY COUSIN ANN BODHAM. Он that those lips had language! Life has pass'd With me but roughly since I heard thee last. Those lips are thine-thy own sweet smiles I see, The same that oft in childhood solaced me; Voice only fails, else, how distinct they say, The art that baffles time's tyrannic claim Oh welcome guest, though unexpected, here! I will obey, not willingly alone, But gladly, as the precept were her own; A momentary dream, that thou art she. My mother! when I learn'd that thou wast dead, Say, wast thou conscious of the tears I shed? |