Or to burst all links of habit, and to wander far and fleet,

On from farm-house unto farm-house till I found my Uncle Pete,

Larger sheds and barns, and newer, and a better neighbourhood,

Greater breadth of field and woodlands, and an orchard just as good.

Never comes my Granny, never cuts her willow switches there;

Boys are safe at Uncle Peter's, I'll bet you what you dare.

Hangs the heavy-fruited pear-tree: you may eat just what you like.

'Tis a sort of little Eden, about two miles off the pike.

There, methinks, would be enjoyment, more than being quite so near

To the place where even in manhood I almost shake with fear.