A Charm

Take of English earth as much
As either hand may rightly clutch. 
In the taking of it breathe
Prayer for all who lie beneath. 
Not the great nor well-bespoke, 
But the mere uncounted folk 
Of whose life and death is none 
Report or lamentation.
      Lay that earth upon thy heart, 
      And thy sickness shall depart!

It shall sweeten and make whole 
Fevered breath and festered soul. 
It shall mightily restrain 
Over-busied hand and brain,
It shall ease thy mortal strife 
'Gainst the immortal woe of life, 
      Till thyself, restored, shall prove 
      By what grace the Heavens do move.

Take of English flowers these
Spring's full-faced primroses, 
Summer's wild wide-hearted rose, 
Autumn's wall-flower of the close, 
And, thy darkness to illume, 
Winter's bee-thronged ivy-bloom. 
Seek and serve them where they bide 
From Candlemas to Christmas-tide, 
      For these simples, used aright, 
      Can restore a failing sight.

These shall cleanse and purify 
Webbed and inward-turning eye; 
These shall show thee treasure hid 
Thy familiar fields amid;
At thy threshold, on thy hearth,
Or about thy daily path;
And reveal (which is thy need) 
Every man a King indeed!

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