THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - VOL. 2 (Completed)

FORESIGHT

Composed April 28, 1802.--Published 1807

[Also composed in the Orchard, Town-end, Grasmere.--I.F.]

Included among the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."--Ed.

That is work of waste and ruin--[1]

Do as Charles and I are doing!

Strawberry-blossoms, one and all,

We must spare them--here are many:

Look at it--the flower is small,

Small and low, though fair as any:

Do not touch it! summers two I am older,

Anne, than you. Pull the primrose, sister Anne!

Pull as many as you can.

--Here are daisies, take your fill;

Pansies, and the cuckoo-flower:

Of the lofty daffodil

Make your bed, or [2] make your bower;

Fill your lap, and fill your bosom;

Only spare the strawberry-blossom!

Primroses, the Spring may love them--

Summer knows but little of them:

Violets, a barren kind,

Withered on the ground must lie;

Daisies leave no fruit behind

When the pretty flowerets die;

Pluck them, and another year

As many will be blowing here. [3]

God has given a kindlier power [4]