The Poetry Corner

A Song Of The Greenaway Child

By Henry Austin Dobson

As I went a-walking on Lavender Hill, O, I met a Darling in frock and frill; And she looked at me shyly, with eyes of blue, "Are you going a-walking? Then take me too!" So we strolled to the field where the cowslips grow, And we played--and we played, for an hour or so; Then we climbed to the top of the old park wall, And the Darling she threaded a cowslip ball. Then we played again, till I said--"My Dear, This pain in my side, it has grown severe; I ought to have mentioned I'm past three-score, And I fear that I scarcely can play any more!" But the Darling she answered,-"O no! O no! You must play--you must play.--I sha'n't let you go!" --And I woke with a start and a sigh of despair, And I found myself safe in my Grandfather's-chair!