Public-domain ebook
Language: en6,546 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Children & Young Adult Reading·Poetry
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #27441.
The volume is a compendium of short poems and verses aimed at young readers, gathered under the title The Children’s Garland from the Best Poets. It opens with a bright, celebratory hymn to May, followed by a series of whimsical pieces that range from fairy‑filled night scenes to playful animal sketches and lyrical reflections on nature. Each entry is signed with the name of a well‑known poet, though the attributions are part of the anthology’s decorative scheme rather than a strict authorial claim. The pieces vary in length but share a common rhythm of simple rhyme and vivid imagery, inviting children to recite, chant, or simply admire the flow of language.
The language is rooted in the 18th‑ and 19th‑century English poetic tradition, employing regular meter, frequent alliteration, and a gentle, didactic tone. The style is straightforward enough for early readers, yet it retains the ornamental flourishes of the period, such as occasional archaic spellings and classical references. Readers who enjoy gentle rhymes, nature‑focused verses, and the charm of fairy‑tale storytelling will find this collection appealing, especially those with a fondness for historic children’s literature.
The opening · free to read
Now the hungry lion roars, And the wolf behowls the moon; Whilst the heavy ploughman snores, All with weary task foredone. Now the wasted brands do glow, Whilst the scritch owl, scritching loud, Puts the wretch that lies in woe, In remembrance of a shroud. Now it is the time of night That the graves, all gaping wide, Every one lets forth his sprite, In the churchway paths to glide: And we fairies, that do run, By the triple Hecate's team, From the presence of the sun, Following darkness like a dream, Now are frolic; not a mouse Shall disturb this hallowed house: I am sent with broom before, To sweep the dust behind the door.
Through the house give glimmering light; By the dead and drowsy fire, Every elf and fairy sprite, Hop as light as bird from brier; And this ditty after me, Sing and dance it trippingly. First rehearse this song by rote, To each word a warbling note, Hand in hand, with fairy grace, We will sing, and bless this place.
Do you ask what the birds say? The sparrow, the dove, The linnet, and thrush say 'I love, and I love!' In the winter they're silent, the wind is so strong; What it says I don't know, but it sings a loud song. But green leaves, and blossoms, and sunny warm weather, And singing and loving--all come back together. But the lark is so brimful of gladness and love, The green fields below him, the blue sky above, That he sings, and he sings, and forever sings he, 'I love my Love, and my Love loves me.'
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