Harmonious powers with Nature work
On sky, earth, river, lake, and sea:
Sunshine and storm, whirlwind and breeze
All in one duteous task agree.
Once did I see a slip of earth,
By throbbing waves long undermined,
Loosed from its hold; – how no one knew
But all might see it float, obedient to the wind.
Might see it, from the verdant shore
Dissevered float upon the lake, [10]
Float, with its crest of trees adorned
On which the warbling birds their pastime take.
Food, shelter, safety there they find
There berries ripen, flowerets bloom;
There insects live their lives – and die:
A peopled world it is; – in size a tiny room.
And thus through many seasons’ space
This little island may survive
But Nature, though we mark her not,
Will take away – may cease to give. [20]
Perchance when you are wandering forth
Upon some vacant sunny day
Without an object, hope, or fear,
Thither your eyes may turn – the isle is passed away.
Buried beneath the glittering lake!
Its place no longer to be found,
Yet the lost fragments shall remain,
To fertilize some other ground.