PLAY & EARNEST
Reading edition
Over dewy hill and lea Merrily Rushed a mad-cap breeze at play, And the daisies, like the bright Stars at night, Danced and twinkled in its way. Now, a tree called to the breeze, "Little breeze, Will you come and have a play?" And the wind upon its way Stopped to play. Then the leaves, with sudden shiver, Sudden quiver, Met the light Mad-cap breeze With delight. Presently the breeze grew stronger, For it cared to play no longer. So it flung the limbs about, And it tossed the leaves in rout, Till it roared, as though with thunder. Then the poor tree groaned and bent, And the breeze,—a tempest,—rent Leaves and branches from its crowns Till, at last, it flung it down, Stripped, and bare, and torn asunder. H. Pyle
