Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Austin Dobson 1840–1921

“O Fons Bandusiæ”

Dobson-A

O BABBLING Spring, than glass more clear,

Worthy of wreath and cup sincere,

To-morrow shall a kid be thine

With swelled and sprouting brows for sign,—

Sure sign!—of loves and battles near.

Child of the race that butt and rear!

Not less, alas! his life-blood dear

Must tinge thy cold wave crystalline,

O babbling Spring!

Thee Sirius knows not. Thou dost cheer

With pleasant cool the plough-worn steer,—

The wandering flock. This verse of mine

Will rank thee one with founts divine;

Men shall thy rock and tree revere,

O babbling Spring!