Not such the World's illusive shows; 25 _Her_ wingless flutterings, Her blossoms which, though shed, outbrave The floweret as it springs, For the undeceived, smile as they may, Are melancholy things: 30 But gentle Nature plays her part With ever-varying wiles, And transient feignings with plain truth So well she reconciles, That those fond Idlers most are pleased 35 Whom oftenest she beguiles. FOOTNOTES: [756] 1836. Which sprinkles here these tiny flowers, 1835. LOVING AND LIKING IRREGULAR VERSES ADDRESSED TO A CHILD (BY MY SISTER)[757] Composed 1832.--Published 1835. [Written at Rydal Mount. It arose, I believe, out of a casual expression of one of Mr. Swinburne's children.--I. F.] One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."--ED. There's more in words than I can teach: Yet listen, Child!--I would not preach; But only give some plain directions To guide your speech and your affections. Say not you _love_ a roasted fowl, 5 But you may love a screaming owl, And, if you can, the unwieldy toad That crawls from his secure abode Within the mossy garden wall When evening dews begin to fall. 10 Oh mark the beauty of his eye: What wonders in that circle lie! So clear, so bright, our fathers said He wears a jewel in his head! And when, upon some showery day, 15 Into a path or public way A frog leaps out from bordering grass, Startling the timid as they pass, Do you observe him, and endeavour To take the intruder into favour; 20 Learning from him to find a reason For a light heart in a dull season. And you may love him in the pool, That is for him a happy school, In which he swims as taught by nature, 25 Fit[758] pattern for a human creature, Glancing amid the water bright, And sending upward sparkling light. Nor blush if o'er your heart be stealing A love for things that have no feeling: 30 The spring's first rose by you espied, May fill your breast with joyful pride; And you may love the strawberry-flower, And love the strawberry in its bower; But when the fruit, so often praised 35 For beauty, to your lip is raised, Say not you _love_ the delicate treat, But _like_ it, enjoy it, and thankfully eat.