Among all lovely things my Love had been...

By William Wordsworth

Among all lovely things my Love had been;

Had noted well the stars, all flowers that grew

About her home; but she had never seen

A Glow-worm, never one, and this I knew.

While riding near her home one stormy night

A single Glow-worm did I chance to espy;

I gave a fervent welcome to the sight,

And from my Horse I leapt; great joy had I.

Upon a leaf the Glow-worm did I lay,

To bear it with me through the stormy night:

And, as before, it shone without dismay;

Albeit putting forth a fainter light.

When to the Dwelling of my Love I came,

I went into the Orchard quietly;

And left the Glow-worm, blessing it by name,

Laid safely by itself, beneath a Tree.

The whole next day, I hoped, and hoped with fear;

At night the Glow-worm shone beneath the Tree:

I led my Lucy to the spot, “Look here!”

Oh! joy it was for her, and joy for me!