IF childhood were not in the world, br But only men and women grown; br No baby-locks in tendrils curled, br No baby-blossoms blown; br br Though men were stronger, women fairer, br And nearer all delights in reach, br And verse and music uttered rarer br Tones of more godlike speech; br br Though the utmost life of life’s best hours br Found, as it cannot now find, words; br Though desert sands were sweet as flowers br And flowers could sing like birds, br br But children never heard them, never br They felt a child’s foot leap and run: br This were a drearier star than ever br Yet looked upon the sun.