Part 14 (2/2)
I care not if we speak again; My books and Nature's charming face Such human consorts well replace.
Not all, indeed; for who but yearns To call some kindred heart his own?
Some friend to whom he fondly turns, And with whom he is still alone, Since each, while absolutely free, Respects the other's privacy.
To such his pent-up love o'erflows; With such his soul's seclusion ends; For each the other's nature knows, And every motive comprehends; So perfectly do both agree, So close their bond of sympathy!
But those who come to wear away With me the time they deem a bore, And blithely rob me of a day Which G.o.d Himself cannot restore-- From such, at risk of being rude, I will preserve my solitude.
Their vapid visits I refuse; Their forced attachment I decline; I surely have the right to choose The friends, whose lives shall blend with mine; My bark shall gain the open sea With but the few I love and me.
GRAt.i.tUDE
The sun is on the mountain crest, The sky without a cloud, The moon is slipping down the west, The robin's song is loud; White blossoms crown the apple trees, The dew is on the thorn, The scent of roses fills the breeze,-- Thank G.o.d, another morn!
The sunset embers smoulder low, The moon climbs o'er the hill, The peaks have caught the alpenglow, The robin's song is still; The hush of peace is on the earth, With stars the sky grows bright, The fire is kindled on my hearth,-- Thank G.o.d, another night!
IN TENEBRIS
All the lights have been extinguished In my closely-curtained room, Nothing now can be distinguished In the all-pervading gloom; And through darkness, so alluring, I would float away to sleep, Like a boat that slips its mooring, And moves gently toward the deep.
How delightful this seclusion From the garish light of day,-- All its turmoil and confusion Pushed, a little while, away!
Neither men nor things shall try me Till to-morrow brings its light; Let my cares go drifting by me!
I'll not think of them to-night.
Social cant and empty phrases, Base returns for kindness shown, Envy's serpent-smile, and praises Which convey, for bread, a stone,-- What a joy to have rejected All such griefs, of evil born!
What a boon to feel protected From their advent until morn!
Moon and stars, without, are gleaming Over snow-capped peaks sublime, But to-night I'll give to dreaming, Nor esteem it wasted time; Nay, through darkness, so alluring, I will float away to sleep, Like a boat that slips its mooring, And moves gently toward the deep.
TWO MOTHERS
One night two lonely women met Beside a storm-swept bay; With tears their mournful eyes were wet, Their pale lips salt with spray; They pa.s.sed; then turned, as though each yearned Some friendly word to say.
”Poor soul”, cried one, ”hast thou no fear To walk this haunted strand?
What hopeless sorrow brings thee here, Where dead men drift to land?
I too have grief beyond relief; Speak! I can understand.”
”I mourn a son”, the other said; ”That ocean is his grave; My heart will not be comforted, It breaks with every wave; Would I might sleep in yonder deep With him I could not save!
”The wind was raging, as to-night; Straight on these rocks it blew; I watched until the dawning light Disclosed the wreck to view; From where we stand I saw his hand Wave me a last adieu!
<script>