No More Learning

In the editions 1827 to 1843 it was 'The Redbreast
and Butterfly'. The final title was given in 1845. --Ed. ]


[Footnote B: Compare Cowley:

'And Robin Redbreasts whom men praise,
For pious birds. '

Ed. ]


[Footnote C: See 'Paradise Lost', book XI. , where Adam points out to Eve
the ominous sign of the Eagle chasing "two Birds of gayest plume," and
the gentle Hart and Hind pursued by their enemy. --W. W. 1815.

The passage in book XI. of 'Paradise Lost' includes lines 185-90. --Ed. ]





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TO A BUTTERFLY (#2)


Composed April 20, 1802. --Published 1807


[Written at the same time and place.
The Orchard, Grasmere Town-end,
1801. --I. F. ]

Included among the "Poems founded on the Affections. "--Ed.




I've watch'd you now a full [1] half-hour,
Self-poised upon that yellow flower;
And, little Butterfly! indeed
I know not if you sleep or feed.
How motionless! --not frozen seas 5
More motionless! and then
What joy awaits you, when the breeze
Hath found you out among the trees,
And calls you forth again!

This plot of orchard-ground is ours; 10
My trees they are, my Sister's flowers;
Here rest your wings when they are weary;
Here lodge as in a sanctuary! [2]
Come often to us, fear no wrong;
Sit near us on the bough! 15
We'll talk of sunshine and of song,
And summer days, when we were young;
Sweet childish days, that were as long
As twenty days are now.


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VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1807.

. .