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1820–1897

SONGS OF SEVEN.

Jean Ingelow

There's no dew left on the daisies and clover, There's no rain left in heaven: I've said my “seven times” over and over, Seven times one are seven.

I am old, so old, I can write a letter; My birthday lessons are done; The lambs play always, they know no better; They are only one times one.

O moon! in the night I have seen you sailing And shining so round and low; You were bright! ah bright! but your light is failing — You are nothing now but a bow.

You moon, have you done something wrong in heaven That God has hidden your face? I hope if you have you will soon be forgiven, And shine again in your place.

O velvet bee, you're a dusty fellow, You've powdered your legs with gold! O brave marsh marybuds, rich and yellow, Give me your money to hold!

O columbine, open your folded wrapper, Where two twin turtle-doves dwell! O cuckoo pint, toll me the purple clapper That hangs in your clear green bell!

And show me your nest with the young ones in it; I will not steal them away; I am old! you may trust me, linnet, linnet — I am seven times one to-day.

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SONGS OF SEVEN. · Jean Ingelow · Poetry Cove