MISCELLANEOUS POEMS

By Charles Sangster


 

A PLEA FOR THE WOODS.



To the woods! to the woods! where the flowers are springing;
Their flight through the forest the wild birds are winging;
Come on, Child of Nature, who lovest the streams
That dance through this land of thy fanciful dreams,
Come, roam through the wildwood, fair creature! with me,

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Where the Anthem of Nature is chanted for thee;
Away to the Woods! for fresh beauty we’ll seek,
While the soft summer breezes lend health to thy cheek.
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To the Woods! to the Woods! there is life in the breeze,
That bears on its wings the sweet balm of the trees;

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There is health in the depths of the intricate wild
Of the dark, embrowned wilderness; off then, my child:
Gay Nymph of my Fancy! away, sweet! away!
Indulge in thy pastimes, and health shall repay
The toil of thy journey, though far be thy flight;

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And return when thy bosom is warmed with delight.

There is health in the odor that comes from the soil
That is furrowed and ploughed by the husbandman’s toil;
There is health on the mountain, and health in the vale,
Where the breeze is not laden with sorrow and wail.

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The Indian, who lives as his forefathers did,
In the thick-branching woods, where his wigwam is hid,
Knows nothing of trouble, or sickness, or care,
For the forest supplies him with life-giving air.

To the Woods! to the Woods, then, nor scorn to be seen

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With the Child of the Forest, whose dignified mien
Is that of a Chief, unrestricted and free
As the breezes that sweep o’er a mid-summer sea.
Away to the Woods! for the Goddess of Health
Stands inviting us thence, to partake of her wealth;

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Away, then, away, where no plodding knave broods
O’er dark schemes of revenge—to the Woods! to the Woods! [Page 181]