Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/4
Page: p 21 recto
Description
Poem entitled 'To the Gentle Didlers on the Norwich River' by F. W. Cotman (first 6 verses)
Typed poem
Date: undated
Transcription
To the Gentle Didlers on the Norwich River.
Thrice happy mortals! Gentle Didlers
O knew ye but your happy fate!
Sure none can justly call you idlers
Didling early -- Didling late.
Well may you pity Norwich weaver
Who plies the loom in garret close;
And, with his wife - he dare not leave her -
Breathes once a week fresh air at Trowse.
Your easy, pleasant, occupation
Just stirs your blood, and gives you health,
Oft vainly wished in lofty station,
Not to be bought by sons of wealth.
Kindly you're greeted by the mower,
And cheered by every passing sail;
And oft suspends his arm the sower,
To bid the Gentle Didlers hail!
You, near where anglers take their station
Waiting a nibble or a bite
Deepen and clear the navigation,
And smile with pity on the night.
In this your rural scene of duty
Nature presents her charms to view;
You cannot choose but mark her beauty,-
Thorpe groves and meadows bloom for you.