XCI.

I sought my home again; and thou, my child,

There at thy play beneath yon ancient pine,

With eyes, whose lightning laughter[297] hath beguiled

A thousand pangs, thence flashing joy to mine;

Thou in thy mother’s arms, a babe, didst meet

My coming with young smiles, which yet, though sweet,

Seem’d on my soul all mournfully to shine,

And ask a happier heritage for thee,

Than but in turn the blight of human hope to see.