That homage paid, the young retire With no unsatisfied desire; 105 Theirs is one long, one steady sleep, Till the sun, tip-toe on the steep In front of our beloved cot, Casts on the walls her brightest beams. Within, a startling lustre streams. 110 They all awaken suddenly; As at the touch of magic skill, Or, as the pilgrim, at the bell That summons him to matin-prayer. And is it sorrow that they feel? 115 Nay! call it not by such a name, The stroke of sadness that doth steal With rapid motion through their hearts, When comes the thought that yesterday With all its joys is passed away, 120 The long expected happy day. An instant--and all sadness goes; Nor brighter looks the half-blown rose Than does the countenance of each child Whether of ardent soul or mild. 125 The hour was fixed--they are prepared-- And homeward now they must depart, And after many a brisk adieu, On pony trim, and fleet of limb, Their bustling journey they pursue. 130 The fair-hair’d gentle quiet maid, And she who is of daring mood, The valiant and the timid Boy Alike are ranged to hardihood; And wheresoe’er the troop appear 135 They scatter smiles, a hearty cheer Comes from both old and young, And blessings fall from many a tongue. They reach the dear paternal roof, Nor dread a cold or stern reproof, 140 While they pour forth the history Of three days’ mirth and revelry. Ah! Children, happy is your lot, Still bound together in one knot Beneath your tender mother’s eye! 145 Too soon these blessed days shall fly, And brothers shall from sisters part; And, trust me, whatsoe’er your doom, Whate’er betide through years to come, The punctual pleasures of your home 150 Shall linger in your thoughts, More clear than any future hope Though fancy take her freest scope. For oh! too soon your hearts shall own The past is all that is your own. 155 And every day of _festival_ Gratefully shall ye then recal, Less for their own sakes than for this, That each shall be a resting-place For memory, and divide the race 160 Of childhood’s smooth and happy years, Thus lengthening out that term of life Which governed by your parents’ care Is free from sorrow and from strife. COMPOSED WHEN A PROBABILITY EXISTED OF OUR BEING OBLIGED TO QUIT RYDAL MOUNT AS A RESIDENCE