IDLENESS. "Idleness is sweet and sacred." WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR. "When you have found a day to be idle, be idle for a day. When you have met with three cups to drink, drink your three cups." CHINESE POET. THE rain is playing its soft pleasant tune Fitfully on the skylight, and the shade Of the fast-flying clouds across my book Like me, the gentle influence of the rain. And sometimes listening to the faster fall Of the large drops, or rising with the stir Of an unbidden thought, have walk'd awhile, And then sat down composedly again It is a kind of idleness, I know; And then I muse upon their lot, and read More grateful to my rest, and feel a love I love to go and mingle with the young In the gay festal room-when every heart Is beating faster than the merry tune, And their blue eyes are restless, and their lips Parted with eager joy, and their round cheeks Flush'd with the beautiful motion of the dance. And I can look upon such things, and go Back to my solitude, and dream bright dreams For their fast coming years, and speak of them Earnestly in my prayer, till I am glad |