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"Jonathan Preble, agéd three," Has a lamb for company, Carved of marble smooth and white Lest he should be afraid at night Or lonely by himself all day Among the other tombstones gray; So weatherworn they are and old, To read them, you must scrape the mold And lichens from the folded wings, The carved scrolls, crowns, and harps with strings. Other sheep and lambs may pass, Nibbling in the dewy grass; Tinkling bells call, "Come away Where pasture slopes are sweet with bay, And soft with tender greenery In the fields above the sea." If he hears, he does not show Whether he would like to go. Solemn, stiff, and very small, Winter, summer, spring, and fall, He stays, lest it should lonely be For "Jonathan Preble, agéd three." |