How often have I bless'd the coming day,
When toil remitting lent its turn to play,
And all the village train, from labour free,
Led up their sports beneath the spreading tree;
Question 1: What does the speaker reflect upon in the stanza?
Answer: The speaker reflects upon the joyous moments when work is set aside for leisure, and the village community gathers together to engage in sports and recreation beneath a spreading tree.
Question 2: How does the speaker characterize the transition from work to play?
Answer: The speaker characterizes the transition from work to play as a blessed moment, where toil is momentarily set aside, allowing the village community to enjoy freedom from labor and engage in recreational activities.
Question 3: What role does nature play in the stanza?
Answer: Nature, symbolized by the spreading tree, provides a welcoming and serene backdrop for the village community to come together and enjoy leisure activities, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.