  By George Macdonald George Macdonald (1824 ——): A Scottish poet and novelist. Among his novels are "Robert Falconer," "Malcolm," "David Elginbrod," and "Annals of a Quiet Neighborhood." Macdonald wrote several books for children, of which the best known are "At the Back of the North Wind" and "The Princess and the Goblin." 1. The thousand streets of London gray Repel all country sights; But bar not winds upon their way, Nor quench the scent of new-mown hay In depth of summer nights. 2. And here and there an open spot, Still bare to light and dark, With grass receives the wanderer hot; There trees are growing, houses not— They call the place a park. 3. Soft creatures with ungentle guides, God's sheep from hill and plain, Flow thitherward in fitful tides, There weary lie on woolly sides, Or crop the grass amain. 4. In Regent's Park one cloudless day An over-driven sheep, Arrived from long and dusty way, Throbbing with thirst and hotness lay, A panting woolly heap. 5. But help is nearer than we know For ills of every name: Ragged enough to scare the crow, But with a heart to pity woe, A quick-eyed urchin came. 6. Little he knew of field or fold, Yet knew what ailed; his cap Was ready cup for water cold; Though rumpled, stained, and very old, Its rents were small—good-hap! 7. Shaping the rim and crown he went Till crown from rim was deep. The water gushed from pore and rent; Before he came one-half was spent— The other saved the sheep. Re?pel´: drive away. Ungen´tle: not gentle; rough. Fit´f?l: changeable. ?main´: busily. |
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