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The Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250-1900

MARY LAMB

Reading edition

1765-1847

511.

A Child

A CHILD’s a plaything for an hour; Its pretty tricks we try For that or for a longer space— Then tire, and lay it by. But I knew one that to itself All seasons could control; That would have mock’d the sense of pain Out of a grievèd soul. Thou straggler into loving arms, Young climber-up of knees, When I forget thy thousand ways Then life and all shall cease.

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