LESSON 11 THE SUNSHINE

THE SUNSHINE

I LOVE the sunshine everywhere—

In wood, and field, and glen ［1］ ;

I love it in the busy haunts ［2］

Of town-imprisoned men.

I love it, when it streameth in

The humble cottage door,

And casts the chequered ［3］ casement ［4］ shade

Upon the red-brick floor.

I love it, where the children lie

Deep in the clovery grass,

To watch among the twining roots

The gold-green beetle pass.

I love it, on the breezy sea,

To glance on sail and oar,

While the great waves, like molten glass,

Come leaping to the shore.

I love it, on the mountain tops,

Where lies the thawless snow;

And half a kingdom, bathed in light,

Lies stretching out below.

O! yes, I love the sunshine!

Like kindness, or like mirth,

Upon a human countenance,

Is sunshine on the earth.

Upon the earth—upon the sea—

And through the crystal air—

Or piled-up clouds—the gracious sun

Is gracious everywhere.

—MARY HOWITT

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［1 ］ glen: Narrow valley.

［2 ］ haunts: Places often visited, dwelling-places.

［3 ］ chequered: Marked with little squares.

［4 ］ casement: A window opening outwards.