byHenryvanDykeTomysonTertiusthisbookisdedicatedCONTENTS
ODES
MusicPeaceVictorHugoGodoftheOpenAirSONNETS
WorkLifeLoveTheChildintheGardenLove’sReasonPortraitandRealityTheWindofSorrowPatriaLEGENDS
ALegendofServiceTheVainKingLYRICS
AMilewithMeSpringintheSouthLove’sNearnessTwoSchoolsAPrayerforaMother’sBirthdayIndianSummerOneWorldHideandSeekDulcisMemoriaAutumnintheGardenTheMessageLightBetweentheTreesRelianceGREETINGSANDINSCRIPTIONS
Katrina’sSun—dialToJamesWhitcombRileyAHealthtoMarkTwainARondeauofCollegeRhymesTheMocking—birdTheEmptyQuatrainInscriptionsforaFriend’sHouseTheStatueofShermanbySt。GaudensTheSun—dialatWellsCollegeODES
MUSIC
I
PRELUDE
DaughterofPsyche，pledgeofthatlastnightWhen，piercedwithpainandbitter—sweetdelight，SheknewherLoveandsawherLorddepart，ThenbreathedherwonderandherwoeforlornIntoasinglecry，andthouwastborn？
Thouflowerofraptureandthoufruitofgrief；
Invisibleenchantressoftheheart；
MistressofcharmsthatbringreliefTosorrow，andtojoyimpartAheavenlytonethatkeepsitundefiled，——
ThouartthechildOfAmor，andbyrightdivineAthroneofloveisthine，Thouflower—folded，golden—girdled，star—crownedQueen，Whosebridalbeautymortaleyeshaveneverseen！
II
ThouarttheAngelofthepoolthatsleeps，Whilepeaceandjoyliehiddeninitsdeeps，WaitingthytouchtomakethewatersrollInhealingmurmursroundthewearysoul。
Ah，whenwiltthoudrawnear，Thoumessengerofmercyrobedinsong？
Mylonelyhearthaslistenedfortheelong；
AndnowIseemtohearAcrossthecrowdedmarket—placeoflife，Thymeasuredfoot—fall，ringinglightandclearAbovetheunmeaningnoisesandtheunrulystrife；
Inquietcadence，sweetandslow，Serenelypacingtoandfro，Thyfar—offstepsaremagicalanddear。
Ah，turnthisway，comecloseandspeaktome！
>Fromthisdullbedoflanguorsetmyspiritfree，Andbidmerise，andletmewalkawhilewiththeeIII
Wherewiltthouleadmefirst？
InwhatstillregionOfthydomain，Whoseprovincesarelegion，Wiltthourestoremetomyselfagain，Andquenchmyheart’slongthirst？
Ipraytheelaythygoldengirdledown，Andputawaythystarrycrown:
ForonedearrestfulhourAssumeastatemoremild。
Cladonlyinthyblossom—broideredgownThatbreathesfamiliarscentofmanyaflower，Takethelowpaththatleadsthro’pasturesgreen；
AndthoughthouartaQueen，BeRosamundawhile，andinthybower，Bytranquilloveandsimplejoybeguiled，Singtomysoul，asmothertoherchild。
IV
Oleadmebythehand，Andletmyhearthaverest，Andbringmebacktochildhoodland，Tofindagainthelong—lostbandOfplaymatesblitheandblest。
Somequaint，old—fashionedair，Thatallthechildrenknew，Shallrunbeforeuseverywhere，Likealittlemaidwithflyinghair，Toguidethemerrycrew。
AlongthegardenwaysWechasethelight—foottune，Andinandouttheflowerymaze，Witheagerhasteandfonddelays，InpleasantpathsofJune。
Forusthefieldsarenew，ForusthewoodsarerifeWithfairysecrets，deepandtrue，AndheavenisbutatentofblueAbovethegameoflife。
Theworldisfaraway:
Thefeverandthefret，Andallthatmakestheheartgrowgray，Isoutofsightandfaraway，DearMusic，whileIheartheeplayThatolden，goldenroundelay，\"Rememberandforget！\"
V
SLEEPSONG
Forget，forget！
Thetideoflifeisturning；
Thewavesoflightebbslowlydownthewest:
AlongtheedgeofdarksomestarsareburningToguidethyspiritsafelytoanisleofrest。
AlittlerockingonthetranquildeepOfsong，tosoothethyyearning，Alittleslumberandalittlesleep，Andso，forget，forget！
Forget，forget，——
Thedaywaslonginpleasure；
Itsechoesdieawayacrossthehill；
NowletthyheartbeattimetotheirslowmeasureThatswells，andsinks，andfaints，andfalls，tillallisstill。
Then，likeawearychildthatlovestokeepLockedinitsarmssometreasure，Thysoulincalmcontentshallfallasleep，Andsoforget，forget。
Forget，forget，——
Andifthouhastbeenweeping，Letgothethoughtsthatbindtheetothygrief:
Liestill，andwatchthesingingangels，reapingThegoldenharvestofthysorrow，sheafbysheaf；
Orcountthyjoyslikeflocksofsnow—whitesheepThatonebyonecomecreepingIntothequietfold，untilthousleep，Andsoforget，forget！
Forget，forget，——
ThouartachildandknowestSolittleofthylife！ButmusictellsOnesecretoftheworldthro’whichthougoestToworkwithmorningsong，torestwitheveningbells:
LifeisintunewithharmonysodeepThatwhenthenotesarelowestThoustillcanstlaytheedowninpeaceandsleep，ForGodwillnotforget。
VI
HUNTINGSONG
Outofthegardenofplaytime，outofthebowerofrest，FainwouldIfollowatdaytime，musicthatcallstoaquest。
Hark，howthegallopingmeasureQuickensthepulsesofpleasure；
GailysalutingthemornWiththelongclearnoteofthehunting—hornEchoingupfromthevalley，Overthemountainside，——
Rally，youhunters，rally，Rally，andride！
Drinkofthemagicalpotionmusichasmixedwithherwine，Fullofthemadnessofmotion，joyful，exultant，divine！
Leaveallyourtroublesbehindyou，Ridewheretheynevercanfindyou，Intothegladnessofmorn，Withthelong，clearnoteofthehunting—horn，Swiftlyo’erhillockandhollow，Sweepingalongwiththewind，——
Follow，youhunters，follow，Followandfind！
Whatwillyoureachwithyourriding？Whatisthecharmofthechase？
Justthedelightandthestridingswingofthejubilantpace。
Dangerissweetwhenyoufronther，——
Inatthedeath，everyhunter！
NowonthebreezethemortisborneInthelong，clearnoteofthehunting—horn，Windingmerrily，overandover，——
Come，come，come！
Homeagain，Ranger！homeagain，Rover！
Turnagain，home！
VII
DANCE—MUSIC
Nowletthesleep—tuneblendwiththeplay—tune，Weavingthemysticalspellofthedance；
Lightenthedeeptune，softenthegaytune，Mingleatempothatturnsinatrance。
Halfofitsighing，halfofitsmiling，Smoothlyitswings，withatriplicatebeat；
Calling，replying，yearning，beguiling，Wooingtheheartandbewitchingthefeet。
EverydropofbloodRiseswiththeflood，Rockingonthewavesofthestrain；
YouthandbeautyglideTurningwiththetide——
Musicmakingoneoutoftwain，Bearingthemaway，andaway，andaway，Likeatoneanditsterce——
Tillthechorddissolves，andthedancersstay，Andreverse。
Violinsleading，takeupthemeasure，Turnwiththetuneagain，——clarinetsclearAnswertheirpleading，——harpsfullofpleasureSprinkletheirsilverlikelightonthemere。
Semiquavernotes，Merrylittlemotes，TangledinthehazeOfthelamp’sgoldenrays，QuivereverywhereIntheair，Likeaspray，——
Tillthefullerstreamofthemightofthetune，Glidinglikeadreaminthelightofthemoon，Bearsthemallaway，andaway，andaway，Floatinginthetranceofthedance。
Thenbeginsameasurestately，Languid，slow，serene；
Allthedancersmovesedately，Steppingleisurelyandstraitly，Withacourtlymien；
Crossinghandsandchangingplaces，Bowinglowbetween，WhiletheminuetinlacesWavingarmsandwovenpaces，——
Glitteringdamaskeen。
WhereisshewhoseformisfoldenInitsroyalsheen？
>FromourlongingeyeswithholdenByhermysticgirdlegolden，Beautysoughtbutneverseen，Musicwalksthemaze，aqueen。
VIII
THESYMPHONY
Music，theydotheewrongwhosaythineartIsonlytoenchantthesense。
Foreverytimidmotionoftheheart，AndeverypassiontoointenseTobearthechainoftheimperfectword，Andeverytremulouslonging，stirredByspiritwindsthatcomeweknownotwhenceAndgoweknownotwhere，AndeveryinarticulateprayerBeatingaboutthedepthsofpainorbliss，LikesomebewilderedbirdThatseeksitsnestbutknowsnotwhereitis，Andeverydreamthathaunts，withdimdelight，Thedrowsyhourbetweenthedayandnight，Thewakefulhourbetweenthenightandday，——
Imprisoned，waitsforthee，Impatient，yearnsforthee，ThequeenwhocomestosetthecaptivefreeThoulendestwingstogrieftoflyaway，Andwingstojoytoreachaheavenlyheight；
AndeverydumbdesirethatStormswithinthebreastThouleadestforthtosoborsingitselftorest。
Allthesearethine，andthereforeloveisthine。
Forloveisjoyandgrief，Andtremblingdoubt，andcertain—surebelief，Andfear，andhope，andlongingunexpressed，Inpainmosthuman，andinrapturebriefAlmostdivine。
Lovewouldpossess，yetdeepenswhendenied；
Andlovewouldgive，yethungerstoreceive；
Lovelikeaprincehistriumphwouldachieve；
Andlikeamiserinthedarkhisjoyswouldhide。
Loveismostbold:
Heleadshisdreamslikearmedmeninline；
Yetwhenthesiegeisset，andhemustspeak，CallingthefortresstoresignItstreasure，valiantlovegrowsweak，Andhardlydareshispurposetounfold。
LesswithhisfalteringlipsthanwithhiseyesHeclaimsthelonged—forprize:
Lovefainwouldtellitall，yetleavesthebestuntold。
Butthoushaltspeakforlove。Yea，thoushaltteachThemysteryofmeasuredtone，ThePentecostalspeechThateverylistenerhearethashisown。
Foronthyheadthecloventonguesoffire，——
Diminishedchordsthatquiverwithdesire，Andmajorchordsthatglowwithperfectpeace，——
Havefallenfromabove；
AndthoucanstgivereleaseInmusictotheburdenedheartoflove。
Soundwiththe’cellos’pleading，passionatestrainTheyearningtheme，andlettheflutereplyInplacidmelody，whileviolinscomplain，Andsob，andsigh，Withmutedstring；
Thenlettheoboehalf—reluctantsingOfblissthattremblesonthevergeofpain，While’cellospleadandpleadagain，Withthrobbingnotesdelayed，thatwouldimpartToeveryurgenttonethebeatingoftheheart。
Sorunstheandante，makingplainThehopesandfearsoflovewithoutaword。
Thencomestheadagio，withayieldingthemeThroughwhichtheviolasflowsoftasinadream，WhilehornsandmildbassoonsareheardIntendertune，thatseemstofloatLikeanenchantedboatUponthedownward—glidingstream，Towardtheallegro’swide，brightseaOfdancing，glittering，blendingtone，Whereeveryinstrumentissoundingfree，Andharpslikewedding—chimesarerung，andtrumpetsblownAroundthebarqueofloveThatsweeps，withsmilingskiesabove，Aroyalgalley，many—oared，Intothehappyharbouroftheperfectchord。
IX
IRIS
LighttotheeyeandMusictotheear，——
Thesearethebuildersofthebridgethatsprings>Fromearths’sdimshoreofhalf—rememberedthingsToreachthespirit’shome，theheavenlysphereWherenothingsilentisandnothingdark。
SowhenIseetherainbow’sarcSpanningtheshowerysky，far—offIhearMusic，andeverycoloursings:
AndwhilethesymphonybuildsupitsroundFullsweepofarchitecturalharmonyAbovethetideofTime，far，farawayIseeAbowofcolourinthebowofsound。
Redasthedawnthetrumpetrings，Imperialpurplefromthetromboneflows，Themellowhornmeltsintoeveningrose。
Blueasthesky，thechoirofstringsDarkensindouble—basstoocean’shue，Risesinviolinstonoon—tide’sblue，Withthreadsofquiveringlightshotthroughandthrough。
GreenasthemantlethatthesummerflingsAroundtheworld，thepastoralreedsintimeEmbroidermelodiesofMayandJune。
Yellowasgold，Yea，thrice—refinedgold，Andpurerthanthetreasuresofthemine，FloodsofthehumanvoicedivineAlongthearchinchoralsongarerolled。
Sobendsthebowcomplete:
AndradiantraptureflowsAcrossthebridge，sofull，sostrong，sosweet，ThattheupliftedspirithardlyknowsWhethertheMusic—LightthatglowsWithinthearchoftonesandcolourssevenIssunset—peaceofearth，orsunrise—joyofHeaven。
X
SEAANDSHORE
Music，Iyieldtothee；
AsswimmertotheseaIgivemySpirittothefloodofsong:
BearmeuponthybreastInraptureandatrest，Bathemeinpuredelightandmakemestrong；
Fromstrifeandstrugglebringrelease，Anddrawthewavesofpassionintotidesofpeace。
Remember’dsongs，mostdear，InlivingsongsIhear，WhileblendingvoicesgentlyswingandswayInmelodiesoflove，Whosemightycurrentsmove，Withsingingnearandsingingfaraway；
Sweetintheglowofmorninglight，Andsweeterstillacrossthestarlitgulfofnight。
Music，intheewefloat，AndlosethelonelynoteOfselfinthycelestial—orderedstrain，UntilatlastwefindThelifetoloveresignedInharmonyofjoyrestoredagain；
AndsongsthatcheeredourmortaldaysBreakonthecoastoflightinendlesshymnsofpraise。
December，1901—May，1903。
PEACE
I
INEXCELSIS
Twodwellings，Peace，arethine。
Oneisthemountain—height，UpliftedinthelonelinessoflightBeyondtherealmofshadows，——fine，Andfar，andclear，——whereadventofthenightMeansonlygloriousnearnessofthestars，Anddawn，unhindered，breaksabovethebarsThatlongthelowerworldintwilightkeep。
Thousleepestnot，andhastnoneedofsleep，Forallthycaresandfearshavedroppedaway；
Thenight’sfatigue，thefever—fretofday，Arefarbelowthee；andearth’swearywars，Invainexpenseofpassion，passBeforethysightlikevisionsinaglass，OrlikethewrinklesofthestormthatcreepAcrosstheseaandleavenotraceOftroubleonthatimmemorialface，——
Sobriefappeartheconflicts，andsoslightThewoundsmengive，thethingsforwhichtheyfight。
Herehangsafortressonthedistantsteep，——
Alichenclingingtotherock:
Theresailsafleetuponthedeep，——
AwanderingflockOfsnow—wingedgulls:andyonder，intheplain，Amarblepalaceshines，——agrainOfmicaglitteringintherain。
BeneaththyfeetthecloudsarerolledByvoicelesswinds:andfarbetweenTherollingcloudsnewshoresandpeaksareseen，Inshimmeringrobesofgreenandgold，AndfaintaerialhueThatsilentfadesintothesilentblue。
Thou，fromthymountain—hold，Allday，intranquilwisdom，lookingdownOndistantscenesofhumantoilandstrife，Allnight，witheyesawareofloftierlife，Uplookingtothesky，wherestarsaresown，DostwatchtheeverlastingfieldsgrowwhiteUntotheharvestofthesonsoflight，Andwelcometothydwelling—placesublimeThefewstrongsoulsthatdaretoclimbTheslipperycragsandfindtheeontheheight。
II
DEPROFUNDIS
Butinthedepththouhastanotherhome，Forheartslessdaring，ormorefrail。
Thoudwellestalsointheshadowyvale；
Andpilgrim—soulsthatroamWithwearyfeeto’erhillanddale，BearingtheburdenandtheheatOftoilfuldays，TurnfromthedustywaysTofindtheeinthygreenandstillretreat。
HereisnovisionwideoutspreadBeforethelonelyandexaltedseatOfall—embracingknowledge。Here，instead，Alittlegarden，andashelterednook，WithoutlooksbriefandsweetAcrossthemeadows，andalongthebrook，——
AlittlestreamthatlittleknowsOfthegreatseatowardswhichitgladlyflows，——
AlittlefieldthatbearsalittlewheatTomakeaportionofearth’sdailybread。
Thevastcloud—armiesoverheadAremarshalled，andthewildwindblowsItstrumpet，butthoucanstnottellWhencethestormcomesnorwhereitgoes。
Nordostthougreatlycare，sincealliswell；
Thydailytaskisdone，Andthoughalowlyone，Thougavestitofthybest，AndartcontenttorestInpatiencetillitsslowrewardiswon。
Notfarthoulookest，butthysightisclear；
Notmuchthouknowest，butthyfaithisdear；
Forlifeislove，andloveisalwaysnear。
Herefriendshiplightsthefire，andeveryheart，Sureofitselfandsureofalltherest，Darestobetrue，andgladlytakesitspartInopenconverse，bringingforthitsbest:
HereisSweetmusic，meltingeverychainOflassitudeandpain:
Andhere，atlast，issleep，thegiftofgifts，Thetendernurse，wholiftsThesoulgrownwearyofthewakingworld，Andlaysit，withitsthoughtsallfurled，Itsfearsforgotten，anditspassionsstill，OnthedeepbosomoftheEternalWill。
August，1901。
VICTORHUGO
1802—1902
HeartofFranceforahundredyears，Passionate，sensitive，proud，andstrong，Quicktothrobwithherhopesandfears，Fiercetoflamewithhersenseofwrong！
You，whohailedwithamorningsongDream—lightgildingathroneofold:
You，whoturnedwhenthedreamgrewcold，Singingstill，tothelightthatshonePurefromLiberty’sancientthrone，Overthehumanthrong！
You，whodaredinthedarkeclipse，——
WhenthepygmyheirofagiantnameDimmedthefaceofthelandwithshame，——
Speakthetruthwithindignantlips，Callhimlittlewhommencalledgreat，Scoffathim，scornhim，denyhim，Pointtothebloodonhisrobeofstate，Flingbackhisbribesanddefyhim！
You，whofrontedthewavesoffateAsyoufacedtheseafromyourislandhome，Exiled，yetwithasoulelate，Sendingsongso’ertherollingfoam，BiddingtheheartofmantowaitForthedaywhenallshouldseeFloodsofwrathfromthefrowningskiesFallonanEmpirefoundedinlies，AndFranceagainbefree！
You，whocameintheTerribleYearSwiftlybacktoyourbrokenland，Nowtoyourheartathousandtimesmoredear，——
Prayedforher，sungtoher，foughtforher，Patiently，ferventlywroughtforher，Tillonceagain，Afterthestormoffearandpain，HighintheheavensthestarofFrancestoodclear！
You，whoknewthatamanmusttakeGoodandillwithasteadfastsoul，Holdingfast，whilethebillowsrollOverhishead，tothethingsthatmakeLifeworthlivingforgreatandsmall，——
Honourandpityandtruth，Theheartandthehopeofyouth，AndthegoodGodoverall！
You，towhomworkwasrest，DauntlessToileroftheSea，FollowingeverthejoyfulquestOfbeautyontheshoresofoldRomance，BardofthepoorofFrance，Andwarrior—priestofworld—widecharity！
YouwholovedlittlechildrenbestOfallthepoetsthateversung，Greatheart，goldenheart，Old，andyeteveryoung，Minstrelofliberty，Loverofallfree，wingedthings，Nowatlastyouarefree，——
Yoursoulhasitswings！
HeartofFranceforahundredyears，Floatingfarinthelightthatneverfailsyou，OvertheturmoilofmortalhopesandfearsVictor，forevervictor，thewholeworldhailsyou！
March，1902。
GODOFTHEOPENAIR
I
ThouwhohastmadethydwellingfairWithflowersbeneath，abovewithstarrylights，Andsetthinealtarseverywhere，——
Onmountainheights，Inwoodlandsdimwithmanyadream，Invalleysbrightwithsprings，Andonthecurvingcapesofeverystream:
ThouwhohasttakentothyselfthewingsOfmorning，toabideUponthesecretplacesofthesea，Andonfarislands，wherethetideVisitsthebeautyofuntroddenshores，WaitingforworshipperstocometotheeInthygreatout—of—doors！
TotheeIturn，totheeImakemyprayer，Godoftheopenair。
II
Seekingforthee，theheartofmanLonelyandlongingran，Inthatfirst，solitaryhour，WhenthemysteriouspowerToknowandlovethewonderofthemornWasbreathedwithinhim，andhissoulwasborn；
Andthoudidstmeetthychild，Notinsomehiddenshrine，Butinthefreedomofthegardenwild，Andtakehishandinthine，——
TherealldaylonginParadisehewalked，Andinthecoolofeveningwiththeetalked。
III
Lost，longago，thatgardenbrightandpure，Lost，thatcalmdaytooperfecttoendure，Andlostthechildlikelovethatworshippedandwassure！
Formenhavedulledtheireyeswithsin，Anddimmedthelightofheavenwithdoubt，Andbuilttheirtemplewallstoshuttheein，Andframedtheirironcreedstoshuttheeout。
Butnotfortheetheclosingofthedoor，OSpiritunconfined！
ThywaysarefreeAsisthewanderingwind，Andthouhastwooedthychildren，torestoreTheirfellowshipwiththee，Inpeaceofsoulandsimplenessofmind。
IV
Joyfultheheartthat，whenthefloodrolledby，Leapeduptoseetherainbowinthesky；
Andgladthepilgrim，inthelonelynight，ForwhomthehillsofHaran，tierontier，BuiltupasecretstairwaytotheheightWherestarslikeangeleyeswereshiningclear。
Frommountain—peaks，inmanyalandandage，DisciplesofthePersianseerHavehailedtherisingsunandworshippedthee；
AndwaywornfollowersoftheIndiansageHavefoundthepeaceofGodbeneathaspreadingtree。
ButOne，butOne，——ah，childmostdear，AndperfectimageoftheLoveUnseen，——
Walkedeverydayinpasturesgreen，Andallhislifethequietwatersby，Readingtheirbeautywithatranquileye。
TohimthedesertwasaplacepreparedForwearyheartstorest；
Thehillsidewasatempleblest；
Thegrassyvaleabanquet—roomWherehecouldfeedandcomfortmanyaguest。
WithhimthelilysharedThevitaljoythatbreathesitselfinbloom；
AndeverybirdthatsangbesidethenestToldofthelovethatbroodso’ereverylivingthing。
HewatchedtheshepherdbringHisflockatsundowntothewelcomefold，ThefishermanatdaybreakflingHisnetacrossthewatersgrayandcold，AndalldaylongthepatientreaperswingHiscurvingsicklethroughtheharvest—gold。
Sothroughtheworldthefoot—pathwayhetrod，Drawingtheairofheavenineverybreath；
AndintheeveningsacrificeofdeathBeneaththeopenskyhegavehissoultoGod。
HimwillItrust，andformyMastertake；
HimwillIfollow；andforhisdearsake，Godoftheopenair，TotheeImakemyprayer。
V
>Fromtheprisonofanxiousthoughtthatgreedhasbuilded，>Fromthefettersthatenvyhaswroughtandpridehasgilded，>Fromthenoiseofthecrowdedwaysandthefierceconfusion，>Fromthefollythatwastesitsdaysinaworldofillusion，（Ah，butthelifeislostthatfretsandlanguishesthere！）
Iwouldescapeandbefreeinthejoyoftheopenair。
Bythebreadthofthebluethatshinesinsilenceo’erme，Bythelengthofthemountain—linesthatstretchbeforeme，Bytheheightofthecloudthatsails，withrestinmotion，Overtheplainsandthevalestothemeasurelessocean，（Oh，howthesightofthethingsthataregreatenlargestheeyes！）
Leadmeoutofthenarrowlife，tothepeaceofthehillsandtheskies。
Whilethetremulousleafyhazeonthewoodlandisspreading，AndthebloomonthemeadowbetrayswhereMayhasbeentreading；
Whilethebirdsonthebranchesabove，andthebrooksflowingunder，Aresingingtogetherofloveinaworldfullofwonder，（Lo，inthemarvelofSpringtime，dreamsarechangedintotruth！）
Quickenmyheart，andrestorethebeautifulhopesofyouth。
Bythefaiththattheflowersshowwhentheybloomunbidden，Bythecalmoftheriver’sflowtoagoalthatishidden，Bythetrustofthetreethatclingstoitsdeepfoundation，Bythecourageofwildbirds’wingsonthelongmigration，（WonderfulsecretofpeacethatabidesinNature’sbreast！）
Teachmehowtoconfide，andlivemylife，andrest。
Forthecomfortingwarmthofthesunthatmybodyembraces，Forthecoolofthewatersthatrunthroughtheshadowyplaces，Forthebalmofthebreezesthatbrushmyfacewiththeirfingers，Forthevesper—hymnofthethrushwhenthetwilightlingers，Forthelongbreath，thedeepbreath，thebreathofaheartwithoutcare，——
Iwillgivethanksandadorethee，Godoftheopenair！
VI
ThesearethegiftsIaskOfthee，Spiritserene:
Strengthforthedailytask，Couragetofacetheroad，Goodcheertohelpmebearthetraveller’sload，And，forthehoursofrestthatcomebetween，Aninwardjoyinallthingsheardandseen。
ThesearethesinsIfainWouldhavetheetakeaway:
Malice，andcolddisdain，Hotanger，sullenhate，Scornofthelowly，envyofthegreat，AnddiscontentthatcastsashadowgrayOnallthebrightnessofthecommonday。
ThesearethethingsIprizeAndholdofdearestworth:
Lightofthesapphireskies，Peaceofthesilenthills，Shelterofforests，comfortofthegrass，Musicofbirds，murmuroflittlerills，Shadowofcloudsthatswiftlypass，And，aftershowers，ThesmellofflowersAndofthegoodbrownearth，——
Andbestofall，alongtheway，friendshipandmirth。
SoletmekeepThesetreasuresofthehumbleheartIntruepossession，owningthembylove；
AndwhenatlastIcannolongermoveAmongthemfreely，butmustpartFromthegreenfieldsandfromthewatersclear，LetmenotcreepIntosomedarkenedroomandhideFromallthatmakestheworldsobrightanddear；
ButthrowthewindowswideTowelcomeinthelight；
AndwhileIclaspawell—belovedhand，LetmeoncemorehavesightOfthedeepskyandthefar—smilingland，——
Thengentlyfallonsleep，AndbreathemybodybacktoNature’scare，Myspiritouttothee，Godoftheopenair。
SONNETS
WORK
Letmebutdomyworkfromdaytoday，Infieldorforest，atthedeskorloom，Inroaringmarket—placeortranquilroom；
Letmebutfinditinmyhearttosay，Whenvagrantwishesbeckonmeastray，\"Thisismywork；myblessing，notmydoom；
\"Ofallwholive，Iamtheonebywhom\"Thisworkcanbestbedoneintherightway。\"
ThenshallIseeitnottoogreat，norsmall，Tosuitmyspiritandtoprovemypowers；
ThenshallIcheerfulgreetthelabouringhours，Andcheerfulturn，whenthelongshadowsfallAteventide，toplayandloveandrest，BecauseIknowformemyworkisbest。
April，1902。
LIFE
Letmebutlivemylifefromyeartoyear，Withforwardfaceandunreluctantsoul；
Nothurryingto，norturningfrom，thegoal；
NotmourningforthethingsthatdisappearInthedimpast，norholdingbackinfearFromwhatthefutureveils；butwithawholeAndhappyheart，thatpaysitstollToYouthandAge，andtravelsonwithcheer。
Soletthewaywindupthehillordown，O’erroughorsmooth，thejourneywillbejoy:
StillseekingwhatIsoughtwhenbutaboy，Newfriendship，highadventure，andacrown，Myheartwillkeepthecourageofthequest，Andhopetheroad’slastturnwillbethebest。
May，1902。
LOVE
Letmebutlovemylovewithoutdisguise，Norwearamaskoffashionoldornew，NorwaittospeaktillIcanhearaclue，Norplayaparttoshineinothers’eyes，Norbowmykneestowhatmyheartdenies；
ButwhatIam，tothatletmebetrue，Andletmeworshipwheremyloveisdue，Andsothroughloveandworshipletmerise。
Forloveisbuttheheart’simmortalthirstTobecompletelyknownandallforgiven，EvenassinfulsoulsthatenterHeaven:
Sotakeme，dear，andunderstandmyworst，Andfreelypardonit，becauseconfessed，Andletmefindinlovingthee，mybest。
May，1902。
THECHILDINTHEGARDEN
WhentothegardenofuntroubledthoughtIcameoflate，andsawtheopendoor，Andwishedagaintoenter，andexploreThesweet，wildwayswithstainlessbloominwrought，Andbowersofinnocencewithbeautyfraught，ItseemedsomepurervoicemustspeakbeforeIdaredtotreadthatgardenlovedofyore，ThatEdenlostunknownandfoundunsought。
ThenjustwithinthegateIsawachild，——
Astranger—child，yettomyheartmostdear；
Heheldhishandstome，andsoftlysmiledWitheyesthatknewnoshadeofsinorfear:
\"Comein，\"hesaid，\"andplayawhilewithme；
\"Iamthelittlechildyouusedtobe。\"
January，1903。
LOVE’SREASON
ForthatthyfaceisfairIlovetheenot；
NoryetbecausethelightofthybrowneyesHathgleamsofwonderandofgladsurprise，Likewoodlandstreamsthatcrossasunlitspot:
Norforthybeauty，bornwithoutablot，MostperfectwhenitshinesthroughnodisguisePureasthestarofEveinParadise，——
ForalltheseoutwardthingsIlovetheenot:
Butforasomethinginthyformandface，Thylooksandways，ofprimalharmony；
Acertainsoothingcharm，avitalgraceThatbreathesoftheeternalwomanly，AndmakesmefeelthewarmthofNature’sbreast，Wheninherarms，andthine，Isinktorest。
February，1904。
PORTRAITANDREALITY
IfontheclosedcurtainofmysightMyfancypaintsthyportraitfaraway，Iseetheestillthesame，bynightorday；
Crossingthecrowdedstreet，ormovingbright’Midfestalthrongs，orreadingbythelightOfshadedlampsomefriendlypoet’slay，Orshepherdingthechildrenattheirplay，——
Thesamesweetself，andmyunchangeddelight。
ButwhenIseetheenear，IrecognizeIneverydearfamiliarwaysomestrangePerfection，andbeholdinAprilguiseThemagicofthybeautythatdothrangeThroughmanymoodswithinfinitesurprise，——
Neverthesame，andsweeterwitheachchange。
May，1904。
THEWINDOFSORROW
Thefireoflovewasburning，yetsolowThatinthedarkwescarcecouldseeitsrays，Andinthelightofperfect—placiddaysNothingbutsmoulderingembersdullandslow。
Vainly，forlove’sdelight，wesoughttothrowNewpleasuresonthepyretomakeitblaze:
Inlife’scalmairandtranquil—prosperouswaysWemissedtheradiantheatoflongago。
Theninthenight，anightofsadalarms，Bitterwithpainandblackwithfogoffears，Thatdroveustremblingtoeachother’sarms——
Acrossthegulfofdarknessandsalttears，Intolife’scalmthewindofsorrowcame，Andfannedthefireoflovetoclearestflame。
March，1903。
PATRIA
IwouldnotevenaskmyhearttosayIfIcouldlovesomeotherlandaswellAsthee，mycountry，hadIfeltthespellOfItalyatbirth，orlearnedtoobeyThecharmofFrance，orEngland’smightysway。
IwouldnotbesomuchaninfidelAsoncetodream，orfashionwordstotell，Whatlandcouldholdmylovefromtheeaway。
ForlikealawofnatureinmybloodIfeelthysweetandsecretsovereignty，Andwoventhroughmysoulthyvitalsign。
Mylifeisbutawave，andthoutheflood；
Iamaleafandthouthemother—tree；
NorshouldIbeatall，wereInotthine。
June，1904。
LEGENDS
ALEGENDOFSERVICE
ItpleasedtheLordofAngels（praiseHisname！）
Tohear，oneday，reportfromthosewhocameWithpityingsorrow，orexultantjoy，TotellofearthlytasksinHisemploy:
ForsomeweresorrywhentheysawhowslowThestreamofheavenlyloveonearthmustflow；
Andsomeweregladbecausetheireyeshadseen，Alongitsbanks，freshflowersandlivinggreen。
