The Ride

Lately an Equipage I overtook, And help'd to lift it o'er a narrow brook. No horse it had except one boy, who drew His sister out in it the fields to view. O happy town-bred girl, in fine chaise going For the first time to see the green grass growing. This was the end and purport of the ride I learn'd, as walking slowly by their side I heard their conversation. Often she-- "Brother, is this the country that I see?" The bricks were smoking, and the ground was broke, There were no signs of verdure when she spoke. He, as the well-inform'd delight in chiding The ignorant, these questions still deriding, To his good judgment modestly she yields; Till, brick-kilns past, they reach'd the open fields. Then as with rapt'rous wonder round she gazes On the green grass, the butter-cups, and daisies, "This is the country sure enough," she cries; "Is't not a charming place?" The boy replies, "We'll go no further." "No," says she, "no need; No finer place than this can be indeed." I left them gathering flow'rs, the happiest pair That ever London sent to breathe the fine fresh air,