Classic Poem

Oft, when a boy, by Fancy led to stray
Alone along the river's leafy shore,
What time the musk-rat left his haunts to play,
And all the labors of the day were o'er,
How loved I on the darkening scene to pore!
How sweet on yonder isle was closing day,
Among the noble elms I see no more!
Stern maledictions choke my pensive lay:—
Frost nip the villain hands that cut those elms away!