[596] St. Luke xxi. 33.—Ed.
1829
The Poems of 1829 were few; and were, for the most part, suggested by incidents or occurrences at Rydal Mount.—Ed.
GOLD AND SILVER FISHES IN A VASE
Composed 1829.—Published 1835
[They were a present from Miss Jewsbury, of whom mention is made in the note at the end of the next poem. The fish were healthy to all appearance in their confinement for a long time, but at last, for some cause we could not make out, they languished, and, one of them being all but dead, they were taken to the pool under the old pollard-oak. The apparently dying one lay on its side unable to move. I used to watch it, and about the tenth day it began to right itself, and in a few days more was able to swim about with its companions. For many months they continued to prosper in their new place of abode; but one night by an unusually great flood they were swept out of the pool, and perished to our great regret.—I. F.]
One of the "Miscellaneous Poems."—Ed.
The soaring lark is blest as proud
When at heaven's gate she sings;[597]
The roving bee proclaims aloud
Her flight by vocal wings;
While Ye, in lasting durance pent, 5
Your silent lives employ
For something more than dull content,
Though haply less than joy.[598]