George Darley

The Joy of Childhood

    Down the dimpled green-sward dancing
        Bursts a flaxen-headed bevy,
    Bud-lipt boys and girls advancing
        Love's irregular little levy.

    Rows of liquid eyes in laughter,
        How they glimmer, how they quiver!
    Sparkling one another after,
        Like bright ripples on a river.

    Tipsy band of rubious faces,
        Flushed with joy's etheral spirit,
    Make your mocks and sly grimaces
        At Love's self, and do not fear it!