Redrosestocrownmeyourlover，AndIwalkedaureoledandapart。
Enslavedandencircled，Iboreit，Proudtokenofmygifttoyou。
Thepetalswanedpaler，andshriveled，Anddropped；andthethornsstartedthrough。
Bitterthornstoproclaimmeyourlover，Adiademwovenwithrue。
ToElizabethWardPerkinsDearBessie，wouldmytiredrhymeHadforcetorisefromapathy，AndshakingoffitslethargyRingword—toneslikeaChristmaschime。
Butinmysoul’shighbelfry，chillThebitterwindofdoubthasblown，Thesummerswallowsallhaveflown，Thebellsarefrost—bound，muteandstill。
UponthecrumblingboardsthesnowHasdrifteddeep，theclappershangPrismedwithicicles，theirclangUnheardsinceageslongago。
TheropeIpullisstiffandcold，MystrainingearsdetectnosoundExceptasigh，asroundandroundThewindrocksthroughthetimbersold。
Below，IknowthechurchisbrightWithhaloedtapers，warmwithprayer；
ButhereIonlyfeeltheairOficycenturiesofnight。
BeneathmyfeetthesnowislitAndgemmedwithcolours，red，andblue，Topaz，andgreen，wherelightfallsthroughThesaintsthatinthewindowssit。
Heredarknessseemsaspectredthing，Voicelessandhaunting，whilethestarsMockwithalightoflongdeadyearsTheacheofpresentsuffering。
Silentandwinter—killedIstand，Nocarolhymnsmydebttoyou；
Buttakethisfrozenthoughtinlieu，Andthawitsmusicinyourhand。
ThePromiseoftheMorningStarThoufatherofthechildrenofmybrainBytheeengenderedinmywillingheart，HowcanIthanktheeforthisgiftofartPouredoutsolavishly，andnotinvain。
Whatthoucreatednevermorecandie，ThyfructifyingpowerlivesinmeAndIconceive，knowingitisbythee，Dearotherparentofmypoetry！
ForIwasbutashadowwithaname，Perhapsbynowtheveryname’sforgot；
SostrangeisFatethatithasbeenmylotTolearnthroughtheethepresenceofthataimWhichevermoremustguideme。Allunknown，Bymeunguessed，bytheenotevendreamed，AtreehasblossomedinanightthatseemedOfstubborn，barrenwood。ForthouhastsownThisseedofbeautyinagroundoftruth。
HumblyIdedicatemyself，andyetItremblewithasuddenfeartosetNewmusicringingthroughmyfadingyouth。
J——K。HuysmansAflickeringglimmerthroughawindow—pane，Adimredglarethroughmudbespatteredglass，CleavingapathbetweenblownwallsofsleetAcrossunevenpavementssunkinslimeToscatterandthenquenchitselfinmist。
Andstruggling，slipping，oftenrudelyhurledAgainstthejuttingangleofawall，Andcursed，andreeledagainst，andflungasideBydrunkenbrawlersastheyshuffledpast，Amanwasgropingtowhatseemedalight。
HiseyelidsburntandquiveredwiththestrainOflooking，andagainsthistemplesbeatTheallenshrouding，suffocatingdark。
Hestumbled，lurched，andstruckagainstadoorThatopened，andahowlofobscenemirthGratedhissenses，wallowingonthefloorLaymen，anddogsandwomeninthedirt。
Hesickened，loathingit，andashegazedThecandleguttered，flared，andthenwentout。
ThroughtravailofignoblemidnightstreetsHecameatlasttoshelterinaporchWheregothicsaintsandwarriorsmadeashieldTocoverhim，andtorturedgargoylesspatOnelongcontinuousstreamofsilverrainThatclattereddownfrommyriadroofsandspiresIntoadarkness，loudwithrushingsoundOfwaterfalling，gurglingasitfell，Butalwaysthicklydark。ThenasheleanedUnconsciouswhere，thegreatoakdoorblewbackAndcasthim，bruisedanddripping，inthechurch。
HiseyesfromlongsojourninginthenightWereblindednowasbysomeglorioussun；
Heslowlycrawledtowardthealtarsteps。
Hecouldnotthink，forheavyinhisearsAnorganboomedmajesticharmonies；
Heonlyknewthatwhathesawwaslight！
HebowedhimselfbeforeacrossofflameAndshuthiseyesinfearlestitshouldfade。
MarchEveningBluethroughthewindowburnsthetwilight；
Heavy，throughtrees，blowsthewarmsouthwind。
Glistening，againstthechill，grayskylight，Wet，blackbranchesarebarredandentwined。
Soddenandspongy，thescarce—greengrassplotDentsintopoolswhereafoothasbeen。
Puddlesliespiltintheroadamass，notOfwater，butsteel，withitscold，hardsheen。
Faintfadesthefireonthehearth，itsembersScatteringwideatastrongergust。
Above，theoldweathercockgroans，butremembersCreaking，toturn，initscenturiedrust。
Dying，forlorn，indrearysorrow，Wrappingthemistsroundherwitheringform，Daysinksdown；andindarknessto—morrowTravailstobirthinthewombofthestorm。
SonnetsLeisureLeisure，thougoddessofabygoneage，WhenhourswerelonganddayssufficedtoholdWide—eyeddelightsandpleasuresuncontrolledByshorteningmoments，whennogauntpresageOfundoneduties，modernheritage，Hauntedourhappyminds；mustthouwithholdThypresencefromthisover—busyworld，AndbearingsilencewiththeedisengageOurtwinedfortunes？DeepsofunhewnwoodsAlonecancherishthee，alonepossessThyquiet，teemingvigor。Thisourcrime:
Nottohaveworshipped，marredbyalienmoodsThatsoleconditionofallloveliness，Thedreaminglapseofslow，unmeasuredtime。
OnCarpaccio’sPicture:TheDreamofSt。UrsulaSwept，clean，andstill，acrossthepolishedfloorFromsomeunshutteredcasement，hidfromsight，Thelevelsunshineslants，itsgreaterlightQuenchingthelittlelampwhichpallid，poor，Flickering，unreplenished，atthedoorHasstrivenagainstdarknessthelongnight。
Dawnfillstheroom，andpenetrating，bright，Thesilentsunbeamsthroughthewindowpour。
Andsheliessleeping，ignorantofFate，Enmeshedinlistlessdreams，hersoulnotyetRipenedtobearthepurportofthisday。
Themorningbreezescarcestirsthecoverlet，Ashadowfallsacrossthesunlight；wait！
Alarkissingingashefliesaway。
TheMatrixGoadedandharassedinthefactoryThattearsourlifeupintobitsofdaysTickedoffuponaclockwhichneverstays，ShreddingourportionofEternity，Webreakawayatlast，andstealthekeyWhichhidesaworldemptyofhours；waysOfspaceunroll，andHeavenoverlaysTheleafy，sun—litearthofFantasy。
Beyondtheilexshadowglaresthesun，Scorchingagainsttheblueflameofthesky。
Brownlily—padslieheavyandsupineWithinagranitebasin，underoneThebronze—goldglimmerofacarp；andI
Reachoutmyhandandpluckanectarine。
MonadnockinEarlySpringCloud—toppedandsplendid，dominatingallThelittlelesserhillswhichcompassthee，Thoustandest，brightwithApril’sbuoyancy，YetholdingWinterinsomeshadedwallOfstern，steeprock；andstartledbythecallOfSpring，thytreesflushwithexpectancyAndcastacloudofcrimson，silently，AbovethysnowycreviceswherefallPaleshrivelledoakleaves，whilethesnowbeneathMeltsattheirphantomtouch。AnotheryearIsquickwithimport。Sucheachyearhasbeen。
Unmovedthouwatchestall，andallbequeathSomejeweltothydiademofpower，Thoupledgeofgreatermajestyunseen。
TheLittleGardenAlittlegardenonableakhillsideWheredeeptheheavy，dazzlingmountainsnowLiesfarintothespring。Thesun’spaleglowIsscarcelyabletomeltpatcheswideAboutthesinglerosebush。AlldeniedOfnature’stenderministries。Butno，——
Forwonder—workingfaithhasmadeitblowWithflowersmanyhuedandstarry—eyed。
Heresleepsthesunlong，idlesummerhours；
HerebutterfliesandbeesfarefartoroveAmidthecrumpledleavesofpoppyflowers；
Herefouro’clocks，tothepassionatenightaboveFlingwhiffsofperfume，likepaleincenseshowers。
Alittlegarden，lovedwithagreatlove！
ToanEarlyDaffodilThouyellowtrumpeteroflaggardSpring！
ThouheraldofrichSummer’smyriadflowers！
TheclimbingsunwithnewrecoveredpowersDoeswarmtheeintobeing，throughtheringOfrich，brownearthhewoosthee，makestheeflingThygreenshootsup，inheritingthedowersOfbendingskyandsudden，sweepingshowers，TillripeandblossomingthouartathingTomakeallnatureglad，thouartsogay；
Tofillthelonelywithajoyuntold；
Noddingateverygustofwindto—day，To—morrowjewelledwithraindrops。AlwaysboldTostanderect，fullinthedazzlingplayOfApril’ssun，forthouhastcaughthisgold。
Listening’Tisyouthatarethemusic，notyoursong。
Thesongisbutadoorwhich，openingwide，Letsforththepent—upmelodyinside，Yourspirit’sharmony，whichclearandstrongSingsbutofyou。ThroughoutyourwholelifelongYoursongs，yourthoughts，yourdoings，eachdivideThisperfectbeauty；waveswithinatide，Orsinglenotesamidagloriousthrong。
Thesongofearthhasmanydifferentchords；
OceanhasmanymoodsandmanytonesYetalwaysocean。InthedampSpringwoodsThepaintedtrilliumsmiles，whilecrisppineconesAutumnalonecanripen。SoisthisOnemusicwithathousandcadences。
TheLampofLifeAlwayswearefollowingalight，Alwaysthelightrecedes；withgropinghandsWestretchtowardthisglory，whilethelandsWejourneythrougharehiddenfromoursightDimandmysterious，foldeddeepinnight，Wecarenot，allourutmostneeddemandsIsbutthelight，thelight！SostillitstandsSurelyourownifweexertourmight。
Fool！Nevercan’stthougraspthisfleetinggleam，Itsglowingflamewoulddieifitwerecaught，ItsvalueisthatitdothalwaysseemButjustalittlefartheron。Distraught，Butlightedeveronward，wearebroughtUponourwayunknowing，inadream。
Hero—WorshipAfaceseenpassinginacrowdedstreet，Avoiceheardsingingmusic，largeandfree；
Andfromthatmomentlifeischanged，andweBecomeofmoreheroictemper，meetTofreelyaskandgive，amancompleteRadiantbecauseoffaith，wedaretobeWhatNaturemeantus。BraveidolatryWhichcanconceiveahero！Nodeceit，Noknowledgetaughtbyunrelentingyears，Canquenchthisfierce，untamabledesire。
WeknowthatwhatwelongforonceachievedWillceasetosatisfy。Bestillourfears；
Ifwhatweworshipfailus，stillthefireBurnson，anditismuchtohavebelieved。
InDarknessMustallofworthbetravailledfor，andthoseLife’sbrighteststarsrisefromatroubledsea？
MustyearsgobyinsaduncertaintyLeavingusdoubtingwhosetheconqueringblows，AreweorFatethevictors？TimewhichshowsAllinnermeaningswillreveal，butweShallneverknowtheupshot。OurstobeWastedwithlonging，shatteredinthethroes，Theagoniesofsplendiddreams，whichdayDimsfromourvision，buteachnightbringsback；
Westrivetoholdtheirgrandeur，andessayTobethethingwedream。SuddenwelackTheflashofinsight，lifegrowsdrearandgray，Andhourfollowshour，nerveless，slack。
BeforeDawnLife！Austerearbiterofeachman’sfate，BywhomhelearnsthatNature’ssteadfastlawsAreasdecreesimmutable；OpauseYourevenforwardmarch！NotyettoolateTeachmetheneededlesson，whentowaitInactiveasashipwhennowinddrawsTostretchtheloosenedcordage。OneimploresThyclemency，whosewilfulnessinnateHasgoneuncurbedandroughshodwhiletheyearsHavelengthenedintodecades；nowdistressedHeknowsnorulebywhichtomoveorstay，AndteasedwithrestlessnessanddesperatefearsHedaresnotwatchinsilencethywisewayBringingaboutresultsnonecouldhaveguessed。
ThePoetWhatinstinctforcesmantojourneyon，Urgedbyalongingblindbutdominant！
Nothingheseescanholdhim，nothingdauntHisneverfailingeagerness。ThesunSettinginsplendoureverynighthaswonHisvassalage；thosetowersflamboyantOfairycloudlandpalacesnowhauntHisdaylightwanderings。ForeverdoneWithsimplejoysandquiethappinessHeguardsthevisionofthesunsetsky；
ThoughfaintwithwearinesshemustpossessSomefragmentofthesunset’smajesty；
Hespurnslife’shumanfriendshipstoprofessLife’slonelinessofdreamingecstasy。
AtNightThewindissingingthroughthetreesto—night，Adeep—voicedsongofrushingcadencesAndcrashingintervals。NosummerbreezeIsthis，thoughhotJulyisatitsheight，Goneishergentlermusic；withdelightShelistenstothisboomingliketheseas，Theseelemental，loudnecessitiesWhichcalltohertoanswertheirswiftmight。
Abovethetossingtreesshinesdownastar，Quietlybright；thiswild，tumultuousjoyQuickensnordimsitssplendour。Andmymind，OStar！isfilledwithyourwhitelight，fromfar，SosuffermethisonenighttoenjoyThefreedomoftheonwardsweepingwind。
TheFruitGardenPathThepathrunsstraightbetweenthefloweringrows，Amoonlitpath，hemmedinbybedsofbloom，WherephloxandmarigoldsdisputeforroomWithtall，reddahliasandthebriarrose。
’TisrecklessprodigalitywhichthrowsIntothenightthesewaftsofrichperfumeWhichsweepacrossthegardenlikeaplume。
Overthetreesasinglebrightstarglows。
Deargardenofmychildhood，heremyyearsHaverunawaylikelittlegrainsofsand；
Themomentsofmylife，itshopesandfearsHaveallfoundutterancehere，wherenowIstand；
Myeyesachewiththeweightofunshedtears，Youaremyhome，doyounotunderstand？
MirageHowisitthat，beinggone，youfillmydays，Andallthelongnightsaremadegladbythee？
Nolonelinessisthis，normisery，ButgreatcontentthattheseshouldbethewaysWherebytheFancy，dreamingasshestrays，Makesbrightandpresentwhatshewouldwouldbe。
AndwhoshallsayiftherealityIsnotwithdreamssopregnant。FordelaysAndhindrancesmaybarthewished—forend；
AthousandmisconceptionsmaypreventOursoulsfromcomingnearenoughtoblend；
Letmebutthinkwehavethesameintent，Thateachoneneedstocalltheother，\"friend！\"
Itmaybevainillusion。I’mcontent。
ToaFriendIaskbutonethingofyou，onlyone，Thatalwaysyouwillbemydreamofyou；
ThatnevershallIwaketofinduntrueAllthisIhavebelievedandrestedon，Forevervanished，likeavisiongoneOutintothenight。Alas，howfewTherearewhostrikeinusachordweknewExisted，butsoseldomhearditstoneWetrembleatthehalf—forgottensound。
TheworldisfullofrudeawakeningsAndheaven—borncastlesshatteredtotheground，YetstillourhumanlongingvainlyclingsToabeliefinbeautythroughallwrongs。
Ostayyourhand，andleavemyheartitssongs！
AFixedIdeaWhattorturelurkswithinasinglethoughtWhengrowntooconstant，andhoweverkind，Howeverwelcomestill，thewearymindAcheswithitspresence。DullremembrancetaughtRemembersonunceasingly；unsoughtTheolddelightiswithusbuttofindThatallrecurringjoyispainrefined，Becomeahabit，andwestruggle，caught。
Youlieuponmyheartasonanest，Foldedinpeace，foryoucanneverknowHowcrushedIamwithhavingyouatrestHeavyuponmylife。IloveyousoYoubindmyfreedomfromitsrightfulquest。
Inmercyliftyourdroopingwingsandgo。
DreamsIdonotcaretotalktoyoualthoughYourspeechevokesathousandsympathies，Andallmybeing’ssilentharmoniesWaketremblingintomusic。WhenyougoItisasifsomesudden，dreadfulblowHadseveredallthestringswithsavageease。
No，donottalk；butletusratherseizeThisintimategiftofsilencewhichweknow。
Othersmayguessyourthoughtsfromwhatyousay，Asstormsareguessedfromcloudswheredarknessbroods。
TometheveryessenceofthedayRevealsitsinnerpurposeanditsmoods；
AspoplarsfeeltherainandthenstraightwayReversetheirleavesandshimmerthroughthewoods。
FrankincenseandMyrrhMyheartistunedtosorrow，andthestringsVibratemostreadilytominorchords，Searchingandsad；mymindisstuffedwithwordsWhichvoicethepassionandtheacheofthings:
IllusionsbeatingwiththeirbaffledwingsAgainstthewallsofcircumstance，andhoardsOftorndesires，brokenjoys；recordsOfallabruisedlife’smaimedimaginings。
Nowyouarecome！YoutremblelikeastarPoisedwhere，behindearth’srim，thesunhasset。
Yourvoicehassungacrossmyheart，butnumbAndmute，Ihavenotonestoanswer。FarWithinIkneelbeforeyou，speechlessyet，Andlifeablazewithbeauty，Iamdumb。
FromOneWhoStaysHowemptyseemsthetownnowyouaregone！
Awildernessofsadstreets，wheregauntwallsHidenothingtodesire；sunshinefallsEery，distorted，asitlonghadshoneOnwhite，deadfacestombedinhallsofstone。
Thewhirofmotors，strickenthroughwithcallsOfplayingboys，floatsupatintervals；
Butallthesenoisesblurtoonelongmoan。
Whatquestisworthpursuing？AndhowstrangeThatothermenstillgoaccustomedways！
Ihatetheirinterestinthethingstheydo。
Aspectre—horderepeatingwithoutchangeAnoldroutine。AloneIknowthedaysArestill—born，andtheworldstopped，lackingyou。
CrepusculeduMatinAllnightIwrestledwithamemoryWhichknockedinsurgentatthegatesofthought。
ThecrumbledwreckofyearsbehindhaswroughtItsdisillusion；nowIonlycryForpeace，forpowertoforgetthelieWhichhopetoolonghaswhispered。SoIsoughtThesleepwhichwouldnotcome，andnightwasfraughtWitholdemotionsweepingsilently。
Iheardyourvoiceagain，andknewthethingsWhichyouhadpromisedprovedanemptyvaunt。
Ifeltyourclinginghandswhilenight’sbroadwingsCherishedourloveindarkness。FromthelawnAsudden，quiveringbirdnote，likeataunt。
Myarmsheldnothingbuttheemptydawn。
AftermathIlearnttowritetoyouinhappierdays，AndeveryletterwasapieceIchippedFromoffmyheart，afragmentnewlyclippedFromthemosaicoflife；itsbluesandgrays，Itsthrobbingreds，Igavetoearnyourpraise。
TomakeapavementforyourfeetIstrippedMysoulforyoutowalkupon，andslippedBeneathyourstepstosoftenallyourways。
ButnowmylettersarelikeblossomspaleWestrewuponagravewithhopelesstears。
Iasknorecompense，IshallnotfailAlthoughyoudonotheed；thelong，sadyearsStillpass，andstillIscatterflowersfrail，Andwhisperwordsoflovewhichnoonehears。
TheEndThroughouttheechoingchambersofmybrainIhearyourwordsinmournfulcadencetollLikesomeslowpassing—bellwhichwarnsthesoulOfsunderingdarkness。Unrelenting，fainTobatterdownresistance，fallagainStrokeafterstroke，insistentdiastole，Thebitterblowsoftruth，untilthewholeIshammeredintofactmadestrangelyplain。
WhereshallIlookforcomfort？Nottoyou。
Ourworldsaredrawnapart，ourspirit’ssunsDivided，andthelightofmineburntdim。
NowinthehauntedtwilightImustdoYourwill。Igraspthecupwhichover—runs，AndwithmytremblinglipsItouchtherim。
TheStarling\"`Ican’tgetout’，saidthestarling。\"
Sterne’s`SentimentalJourney’。
ForevertheimpenetrablewallOfselfconfinesmypoorrebellioussoul，IneverseethetoweringwhitecloudsrollBeforeasturdywind，savethroughthesmallBarredwindowofmyjail。IliveathrallWithallmyouterlifeaclipped，squarehole，Rectangular；afractionofascrollUnwoundandwindinglikeaworstedball。
MythoughtsaregrownuneageranddepressedThroughbeingalwaysmine，myfancy’swingsAremoultedandthefeathersblownaway。
Iwearyfordesiresneverguessed，Foralienpassions，strangeimaginings，Tobesomeotherpersonforaday。
MarketDayWhite，glitteringsunlightfillsthemarketsquare，Spottedandspriggedwithshadows。DoublerowsOfbarteringboothsspreadouttheirtemptingshowsOfglobedandgoldenfruit，themorningairSmellssweetwithripeness，onthepavementthereAwickerbasketgapesandoverflowsSpillingoutcool，blueplums。Themarketglows，Andflaunts，andclattersinitsbusycare。
AstatelyminsteratthenorthernsideLiftsitstwinspirestothedistantsky，Pinnacled，carvedandbuttressed；throughthewideArcheddoorwaypealsanorgan，suddenly——
Crashing，triumphantinitspregnanttide，Quenchingthesquareinvibrantharmony。
EpitaphinaChurch—YardinCharleston，SouthCarolinaGEORGEAUGUSTUSCLOUGH
ANATIVEOFLIVERPOOL，DIEDSUDDENLYOF\"STRANGER’SFEVER\"
NOV’R5th1843
AGED22
Hediedof\"Stranger’sFever\"whenhisyouthHadscarcelymeltedintomanhood，soThechiselledlegendruns；abrother’swoeLaidbareforepitaph。ThesavageruthOfasunny，bright，butalienland，uncouthWithcruelcaressingdealtamortalblow，AndbythissummerseawhereflowersgrowIntropicsplendor，witnesstothetruthOfineradicableracehelies。
Thelawofdutyurgedthatheshouldroam，ShouldsailfromfogandchillyairstoskiesClearwithdeceitfulwelcome。HehadcomeWithproudresolve，butstillhislonelyeyesAchedwithfatigueatneverseeinghome。
FrancisII，KingofNaplesWrittenafterreadingTrevelyan’s\"GaribaldiandthemakingofItaly\"
Poorfoolishmonarch，vacillating，vain，Decayingvictimofaraceofkings，SwiftDestinyshookoutherpurplewingsAndcaughthimintheirshadow；notagainCouldfurtiveplottingsmearanotherstainAcrosshistarnishedhonour。SmoulderingsOfsacrificialfiresbursttheirringsAndblottedoutinsmokehislostdomain。
Bereftofcourtiers，onlywithhisqueen，Fromemptypalacedowntoemptyquay。
Nochallengescreamedfromhostilecarabine。
Asinglevesselwaited，shadowy；
AllnightsheploughedhersolitarywayBeneaththestars，andthroughatranquilsea。
ToJohnKeatsGreatmaster！Boyish，sympatheticman！
WhoseorbedandripenedgeniuslightlyhungFromlife’sslim，twistedtendrilandthereswungIncrimson—spheredcompleteness；guardianOfcrystalportalsthroughwhoseopeningsfanThespicedwindswhichblewwhenearthwasyoung，Scatteringwreathsofstars，asJoveonceflungAgoldenshowerfromheightscerulean。
Crumbledbeforethymajestywebow。
Forgetthyempurpledstate，thypanoplyOfgreatness，andbemercifulandnear；
AyouthwhotrudgedthehighroadwetreadnowSingingthemilesbehindhim；somayweFaintthrobbingsofthymusicoverhear。
TheBostonAthenaeumTheBostonAthenaeumThoudearandwell—lovedhauntofhappyhours，Howofteninsomedistantgallery，Gainedbyalittlepainfulspiralstair，FarfromthehallsandcorridorswherethrongThecrowdofcasualreaders，haveIpassedLong，peacefulhoursseatedonthefloorOfsomeretirednook，alllinedwithbooks，Wherereverieandquietreignsupreme！
Above，below，oneveryside，highshelvedFromcarelessgraspoftransientinterest，Standbookswecanbutdimlysee，theircharmMuchgreaterthattheirtitlesareunread；
WhileonalevelwiththedustyfloorOthersarerangedinorderlyconfusion，AndwemuststoopinpainfulposturewhileWereadtheirnamesandlearntheirhistories。
ThelittlegallerywindsroundaboutThemiddleofamostsecludedroom，Midwaybetweentheceilingandthefloor。
Atypeofthosehighthoughts，whichwhilewereadHoverbetweentheearthandfurthestheavenAsfancywills，leavingtheprintedpage；
Forbooksbutgivethetheme，ourheartstherest，EnrichingsimplewordswithunguessedharmonyAndovertonesofthoughtweonlyknow。
Andaswesitlonghoursquietly，Readingattimes，andattimessimplydreaming，Theveryroomitselfbecomesafriend，Theconfidantofintimatehopesandfears；
Aplacewhereareengenderedpleasantthoughts，AndpossibilitiesbeforeunguessedCometofruitionbornofsympathy。
AndasinsomegaygardenstretcheduponAgenialsouthernslope，warmedbythesun，TheflowersgivetheirfragrancejoyouslyTothecaressingtouchofthehotnoon；
SobooksgiveuptheallofwhattheymeanOnlyinacongenialatmosphere，Onlywhentouchedbyreverenthands，andreadBythosewholoveandfeelaswellasthink。
Forbooksaremorethanbooks，theyarethelife，Theveryheartandcoreofagespast，Thereasonwhymenlived，andworked，anddied，Theessenceandquintessenceoftheirlives。
Andwemayknowthembetter，anddivineTheinnermotiveswhencetheiractionssprang，FarbetterthanthemenwhoonlyknewTheirbodilypresence，thesoulforeverhidFromthosewithnoabilitytosee。
TheywaitherequietlyforustocomeAndfindthemout，andknowthemforourfriends；
Thesemenwhotoiledandwroteonlyforthis，ToleavebehindsuchmodicumoftruthAseachperceivedandeachalonecouldtell。
SilentlywaitingthatfromtimetotimeItmaybegiventhemtoilluminateDulldailyfactswithpristineradianceForsomelong—waited—foraffinityWholingersyetinthedeepwomboftime。
TheshiftingsunpiercestheyounggreenleavesOfelmtrees，newlycomingintobud，AndsplashesonthefloorandonthebooksThroughold，high，roundedwindows，dimwithage。
Thenoisycity—soundsofmodernlifeFloatsoftenedtousacrosstheoldgraveyard。
Theroomisfilledwithawarm，mellowlight，Nogarishcoloursjaronourcontent，Thebooksupontheshelvesareoldandworn。
’TwasnobelatedeffortnorattemptTokeepabreastwitholdaswellasnewThatplacedthemhere，trickedinamodernguise，Easilygot，andheldinlightesteem。
Ourfathers’fathers，slowlyandcarefullyGatheredthem，onebyone，whentheywerenewAndadelightedworldreceivedtheirthoughtsHungrily；whilewebutlovethemore，Becausetheyaresooldandgrownsodear！
Thebacksoftarnishedgold，thefadedboards，Theslightlyyellowingpage，thestrangeoldtype，Allspeakthefashionofanotherage；
ThethoughtspeculiartothemanwhowroteArrayedingarbpeculiartothetime；
AsthoughtheidiomofamanwerecaughtImprisonedintheidiomofarace。
Anothingtruly，yetalinkthatbindsAllagestotheirowninheritance，Andstretchingbackward，dimanddimmerstill，Islostinaremoteantiquity。
Grapesdonotcomeofthornsnorfigsofthistles，Andevenagreatpoet’sdivinestthoughtIscolouredbytheworldheknowsandsees。
Thelittleintimatethingsofeveryday，Thetrivialnothingsthatwethinknotof，Thesegotomakeapartofeachman’slife；
AsmuchapartasdothelargerthoughtsHetakesaccountof。Nay，thelittlethingsOfdailylifeitiswhichmold，andshape，Andmakehimaptfornobledeedsandtrue。
Andaswereadsomemuch—lovedmasterpiece，Readitaslongagotheauthorread，WitheyesthatbrimmedwithtearsashesawThemessagehebelievedinstampedintypeInviolablefortheslow—comingyears；
Weknowacertainsubtlesympathy，Weseemtoclasphishandacrossthepast，Hiswordsbecomerelatedtothetime，HeisatonewithhisowngloriouscreedAndallthatinhisworldwasdaredanddone。
Thelong，still，fruitfulhoursslipawaySheddingtheirinfluencesastheypass；
WeknowourselvestherichertohavesatUponthisdustyflooranddreamedourdreams。
Nootherplacetouswerequitethesame，Nootherdreamssopotentintheircharm，Forthisisours！EverytwistandturnOfeverynarrowstairisknownandloved；
Eachnookandcrannyisourveryown；
Thedear，old，sleepyplaceisfullofspellsForus，byrightoflonginheritance。
ThebuildingsimplybodiesforthathoughtPeculiarlyinherenttotherace。
Andwe，descendantsofthateldertime，HavelearnttolovetheveryforminwhichThethoughthasbeenembodiedtoouryears。
Andherewefeelthatwearenotalone，Wetooareonewithourownrichestpast；
Andherethatveiled，buteversmoulderingfireOfrace，whichrarelyseenyetneverdies，Springsupafreshandwarmsuswithitsheat。
Andmusttheytakeawaythistreasurehouse，Toussofullofthoughtsandmemories；
ToalltheworldbesideadismalplaceLackinginallthismodernagerequiresTotemptalongtheunfamiliarpathsAndleafylanesofoldtimeliteratures？
IttakessometimeformossandvinestogrowAndwarmlycovergauntandchillstonewallsOfstatelybuildingsfromthecoldNorthWind。
Thelichenofaffectiontakesaslong，Orlonger，ereitlovinglyenfoldsAplacewhichsincewithoutitwerebereft，Allstriptandbare，shornofitschiefestgrace。
ForwhattouswerehallsandcorridorsHoweverlargeandfitting，ifwepartWiththiswhichisourbirthright；ifweloseAsentimentprofound，unsoundable，WhichTime’sslowripeningalonecanmake，Andman’sblindfoolishnesssoquicklymar。
VersesforChildrenSeaShellSeaShell，SeaShell，Singmeasong，OPlease！
Asongofships，andsailormen，Andparrots，andtropicaltrees，OfislandslostintheSpanishMainWhichnomanevermayfindagain，Offishesandcoralsunderthewaves，Andseahorsesstabledingreatgreencaves。
SeaShell，SeaShell，Singofthethingsyouknowsowell。
FringedGentiansNearwhereIlivethereisalakeAsblueasbluecanbe，windsmakeItdanceastheygoblowingby。
Ithinkitcurtseystothesky。
It’sjustalakeoflovelyflowersAndmyMammasaystheyareours；
ButtheyarenotlikethosewegrowTobeourveryown，youknow。
Wehaveasplendidgarden，thereArelotsofflowerseverywhere；
Roses，andpinks，andfouro’clocksAndhollyhocks，andeveningstocks。
Mammaletsuspickthem，butneverMustwepickanygentians——ever！
ForifwecarriedthemawayThey’ddieofhomesicknessthatday。
ThePaintedCeilingMyGrandpapalivesinawonderfulhouseWithagreatmanywindowsanddoors，Therearestairsthatgoup，andstairsthatgodown，Andsuchbeautiful，slipperyfloors。
Butofalloftherooms，evenmother’sandmine，Andthebookroom，andparlourandall，Ilikethegreendining—roomsomuchthebestBecauseofitsceilingandwall。
RightoveryourheadisafunnyroundholeWithapplesandpearsfallingthrough；
There’sabigbunchofgrapesallpurplyandsweet，Andmelonsandpineapplestoo。
Theytumbleandtumble，butnevercomedownThoughI’vestoodunderneathalongwhileWithmymouthopenwide，forIalwayshavehopedJustacherrywoulddropfromthepile。
NomatterhowearlyIruntheretolookIthasalwaysbeguntofallthrough；
AndonenightwhenatbedtimeIcreptintosee，Itwasfallingbycandle—lighttoo。
Iamsuretheyaremagicalfruits，andeachoneMakesyouhearthings，orseethings，orgoForeverinvisible；butit’snouse，AndofcourseIshalljustneverknow。
Fortheladder’stooheavytolift，andthechairsArenotnearlysotallasIneed。
I’vegivenuphope，andIfeelIshalldieWithouthavingaccomplishedthedeed。
It’salittlebitsad，whenyouseemverynearToadventuresandthingsofthatsort，Whichnearlybegin，andthendon’t；andyouknowItisonlybecauseyouareshort。
TheCrescentMoonSlippingsoftlythroughtheskyLittlehorned，happymoon，Canyouhearmeupsohigh？
Willyoucomedownsoon？
Onmynurserywindow—sillWillyoustayyoursteadyflight？
AndthenfloatawaywithmeThroughthesummernight？
Brushingovertopsoftrees，Playinghideandseekwithstars，PeepingupthroughshinycloudsAtJupiterorMars。
IshallfillmylapwithrosesGatheredinthemilkyway，Alltocarryhometomother。
Oh！whatwillshesay！
Littlerocking，sailingmoon，Doyouhearmeshout——Ahoy！
Justalittlenearer，moon，Topleasealittleboy。
ClimbingHighupintheappletreeclimbingIgo，Withtheskyaboveme，theearthbelow。
EachbranchisthestepofawonderfulstairWhichleadstothetownIseeshiningupthere。
Climbing，climbing，higherandhigher，ThebranchesblowandIseeaspire，Thegleamofaturret，theglintofadome，Allsparklingandbright，likewhiteseafoam。
Onandon，fromboughtobough，Theleavesarethick，butIpushmywaythrough；
Before，Ihavealwayshadtostop，Butto—dayIamsureIshallreachthetop。
Todaytotheendofthemarvelousstair，Wherethoseglitteringpinaclesflashintheair！
Climbing，climbing，higherIgo，Withtheskycloseaboveme，theearthfarbelow。
TheTroutNaughtylittlespeckledtrout，Can’tIcoaxyoutocomeout？
IsitsuchgreatfuntoplayInthewatereveryday？
DoyoupulltheNaiads’hairHidingintheliliesthere？
Doyouhuntforfishes’eggs，Orwatchtadpolesgrowtheirlegs？
DothelittletroutshaveschoolInsomedeepsun—glintedpool，AndinrecessplayattagRoundthatbedofpurpleflag？
Ihavetriedsohardtocatchyou，HoursandhoursI’vesattowatchyou；
Butyouneverwillcomeout，Naughtylittlespeckledtrout！
WindHeshoutsinthesailsoftheshipsatsea，Hestealsthedownfromthehoneybee，Hemakestheforesttreesrustleandsing，Hetwirlsmykitetillitbreaksitsstring。
Laughing，dancing，sunnywind，Whistling，howling，rainywind，North，South，EastandWest，EachisthewindIlikethebest。
Hecallsupthefogandhidesthehills，Hewhirlsthewingsofthegreatwindmills，TheweathercockslovehimandturntodiscoverHiswhereabouts——buthe’sgone，therover！
Laughing，dancing，sunnywind，Whistling，howling，rainywind，North，South，EastandWest，EachisthewindIlikethebest。
Thepinetreestosshimtheirconeswithglee，Theflowersbendlowincourtesy，Eachwaveflingsupashowerofpearls，Theflaginfrontoftheschoolunfurls。
Laughing，dancing，sunnywind，Whistling，howling，rainywind，North，South，EastandWest，EachisthewindIlikethebest。
ThePleiadesBydayyoucannotseetheskyForitisupsoveryhigh。
Youlookandlook，butit’ssoblueThatyoucanneverseerightthrough。
Butwhennightcomesitisquiteplain，Andallthestarsarethereagain。
Theyseemjustlikeoldfriendstome，I’veknownthemallmylifeyousee。
Thereisthedipperfirst，andthereIsCassiopeiainherchair，Orion’sbelt，theMilkyWay，AndlotsIknowbutcannotsay。
Onegrouplookslikeaswarmofbees，Papasaysthey’rethePleiades；
ButIthinktheymustbethetoyOfsomenicelittleangelboy。
Perhapshisjackstoneswhichto—dayHehasforgottoputaway，AndleftthemlyingontheskyWherehewillfindthembyeandbye。
Iwishhe’dcomeandplaywithme。
We’dhavesuchfun，foritwouldbeAmostunusualthingforboysTofeelthattheyhadstarsfortoys！
