【英文原著类】LITTLE RIVERS(小河).pdf

LITTLE RIVERS
LITTLE RIVERS
A BOOK OF ESSAYS IN
PROFITABLE IDLENESS
by HENRY VAN DYKE
1
LITTLE RIVERS
"And suppose he takes nothing, yet he enjoyeth a delightful walk by
pleasant Rivers, in sweet Pastures, amongst odoriferous Flowers, which
gratifie his Senses, and delight his Mind; which Contentments induce
many (who affect not Angling) to choose those places of pleasure for their
summer Recreation and Health."
COL. ROBERT VENABLES, The Experienc'd Angler, 1662.
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LITTLE RIVERS
DEDICATION
To one who wanders by my side As cheerfully as waters glide; Whose
eyes are brown as woodland streams, And very fair and full of dreams;
Whose heart is like a mountain spring, Whose thoughts like merry rivers
sing: To her--my little daughter Brooke-- I dedicate this little book.
3
LITTLE RIVERS
PRELUDE
AN ANGLER'S WISH IN TOWN
When tulips bloom in Union Square, And timid breaths of vernal
airAre wandering down the dusty town, Like children lost in Vanity Fair;
When every long, unlovely row Of westward houses stands aglowAnd
leads the eyes toward sunset skies, Beyond the hills where green trees
grow;
Then weary is the street parade, And weary books, and weary trade:I'm
only wishing to go a-fishing; For this the month of May was made.
I guess the pussy-willows now Are creeping out on every
boughAlong the brook; and robins look For early worms behind the
plough.
The thistle-birds have changed their dun For yellow coats to match the
sun;And in the same array of flame The Dandelion Show's begun.
The flocks of young anemones Are dancing round the budding
trees:Who can help wishing to go a-fishing In days as full of joy as these?
I think the meadow-lark's clear sound Leaks upward slowly from the
ground,While on the wing the bluebirds ring Their wedding-bells to
woods around:
The flirting chewink calls his dear Behind the bush; and very
near,Where water flows, where green grass grows, Song-sparrows gently
sing, "Good cheer:"