← Table of contents
Greybeards at Play

THE ONENESS OF THE PHILOSOPHER WITH NATURE.

Reading edition

I love to see the little stars All dancing to one tune; I think quite highly of the Sun, And kindly of the Moon.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

The million forests of the Earth Come trooping in to tea. The great Niagara waterfall Is never shy with me.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

I am the tiger's confidant, And never mention names: The lion drops the formal "Sir," And lets me call him James.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

Into my ear the blushing Whale Stammers his love. I know Why the Rhinoceros is sad, —Ah, child! 'twas long ago.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

I am akin to all the Earth By many a tribal sign: The aged Pig will often wear That sad, sweet smile of mine.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

My niece, the Barnacle, has got My piercing eyes of black; The Elephant has got my nose, I do not want it back.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

I know the strange tale of the Slug; The Early Sin—the Fall— The Sleep—the Vision—and the Vow— The Quest—the Crown—the Call.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

And I have loved the Octopus, Since we were boys together. I love the Vulture and the Shark: I even love the weather.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

I love to bask in sunny fields, And when that hope is vain, I go and bask in Baker Street, All in the pouring rain.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

Come snow! where fly, by some strange law, Hard snowballs—without noise— Through streets untenanted, except By good unconscious boys.

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen

Come fog! exultant mystery— Where, in strange darkness rolled, The end of my own nose becomes A lovely legend old.

Come snow, and hail, and thunderbolts, Sleet, fire, and general fuss; Come to my arms, come all at once— Oh photograph me thus!

Illustration from Greybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old Gentlemen
Explore with AITake your curiosity a little further.

Reading settings