Nature -- the Gentlest Mother is,

Nature -- the Gentlest Mother is,

Impatient of no Child --

The feeblest -- or the waywardest --

Her Admonition mild --

In Forest -- and the Hill --

By Traveller -- be heard --

Restraining Rampant Squirrel --

Or too impetuous Bird --

How fair Her Conversation --

A Summer Afternoon --

Her Household -- Her Assembly --

And when the Sun go down --

Her Voice among the Aisles

Incite the timid prayer

Of the minutest Cricket --

The most unworthy Flower --

When all the Children sleep --

She turns as long away

As will suffice to light Her lamps --

Then bending from the Sky --

With infinite Affection --

And infiniter Care --

Her Golden finger on Her lip --

Wills Silence -- Everywhere --