And we spoke in better cheer,
And we anchored safe in harbour
When the morn was shining clear.
JAMES T. FIELDS.
["The 'village smithy' stood in Brattle Street, Cambridge. There came a
time when the chestnut-tree that shaded it was cut down, and then the
children of the place put their pence together and had a chair made for
the poet from its wood."]
THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH.
Longfellow (1807-82) is truly the children's poet. His poems are as
simple, pathetic, artistic, and philosophical as if they were intended
to tell the plain everyday story of life to older people. "The Village
Blacksmith" has been learned by thousands of children, and there is no
criticism to be put upon it. The age of the child has nothing whatever
to do with his learning it. Age does not grade children nor is poetry
wholly to be so graded. "Time is the false reply."
Under a spreading chestnut-tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands,
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands.
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