BOOK I I ELEGY CLEAR and gentle stream! Known and loved so long That hast heard the song, And the idle dream Of my boyish day; Where my old seat was Where the long boughs knit A translucent eaves: Where back eddies play Shipwreck with the leaves, And the proud swans stray, Sailing one by one Out of stream and sun, And the fish lie cool In their chosen pool. Many an afternoon Idly at its hour, First the deep bell hums From the minster tower, And then evening comes, Of her brightening moon. |