ADMONITION

Well may'st thou halt — and gaze with brightening eye!

The lovely Cottage in the guardian nook

Hath stirred thee deeply; with its own dear brook,

Its own small pasture, almost its own sky!

But covet not the Abode;— forbear to sigh,

As many do, repining while they look;

Intruders — who would tearfrom Nature's book

This precious leaf, with harsh impiety.

Think what the Home mustbe if it were thine,

Even thine, though few thy wants!— Roof, window, door,

The very flowers are sacred to the Poor,

The roses to the porch which they entwine:

Yea, all, that now enchants thee, from the day

On which it should be touched, would melt away.