Pebbles

Out of a pellucid brook

Pebbles round and smooth I took:

Like a jewel every one

Caught a color from the sun,—

Ruby red and sapphire blue,

Emerald and onyx too,

Diamond and amethyst,—

Not a precious stone I missed:

Gems I held from every land

In the hollow of my hand.

Workman Water these had made

Patiently through sun and shade,

With the ripples of the rill

He had polished them until,

Smooth, symmetrical, and bright,

Each one sparkling in the light

Showered within its burning heart

All the lapidary's art;

And the brook seemed thus to sing:

Patience conquers everything!