'Tis not Pelasgian wall, By him made sacred whom alone Far under me) Valdarno, nor the crest Here can I sit or roam at will: Few trouble me, few wish me ill, Few come across me, few too near; Here all my wishes make their stand; Here ask I no one's voice or hand; Scornful of favor, ignorant of fear. Yon vine upon the maple bough Flouts at the hearty wheat below; Away her venal wines the wise man sends, While those of lower stem he brings From inmost treasure vault, and sings 90 Their worth and age among his chosen friends. Behold our Earth, most nigh the sun Her zone2 least opens to the genial heat, But farther off her veins more freely run: 'Tis thus with those who whirl about the great; 95 The nearest shrink and shiver, we remote May open-breasted blow the pastoral oat.3 10 15 What is it we deplore? He leaves behind him, freed from griefs and years, Far worthier things than tears. The love of friends without a single foe: Unequalled lot below! His gentle soul, his genius, these are thine; For these dost thou repine? He may have left the lowly walks of men; Are not his footsteps followed by the eyes No; but the hours you can, you must, Nor rise at Death's approaching stride, Nor go when dust is gone to dust. "YOU MUST GIVE BACK," HER MOTHER SAID 1846 "You must give back," her mother said To a poor sobbing little maid, "All the young man has given you, Hard as it now may seem to do." ""Tis done already, mother dear!"' Said the sweet girl, "So, never fear." Mother. Are you quite certain? Come, recount (There was not much) the whole amount. Mother. You gave back all his trash? 15 All the fond looks and words that pass'd, 20 And all the kisses, to the last. THE MAID I LOVE NE'ER THOUGHT OF ME 1846 The maid I love ne'er thought of me But when her heart or mine sank low, 5 From the slant palm she rais'd her head, And kiss'd the cheek whence youth had fled. Angels! some future day for this, VERY TRUE, THE LINNETS SING Very true, the linnets sing 10 To low notes from branches sere. 25 Far sighted bride! look forward! clearer 20 And higher hopes lie under calmer skies. His sparkling treasures; Wisdom laid his crown 30 Of richer jewels at thy reckless feet. Well hast thou chosen. I repeat the words, Adding as true ones, not untold before, That incense must have fire for its ascent, Else 'tis inert and can not reach the idol. 35 Youth is the sole equivalent of youth. Enjoy it while it lasts; and last it will; ONE YEAR AGO MY PATH WAS One year ago my path was green, 5 There is a love that is to last When the hot days of youth are past: One year ago. I took a leaflet from her braid 10 And gave it to another maid. Love! broken should have been thy bow L One year ago. YES; I WRITE VERSES NOW AND Yes; I write verses now and then, 5 In the last quarter are my eyes, Fairest that ever sprang from Eve! I cannot clear the five-bar gate, Thro' gallopade1 I cannot swing The entangling blooms of Beauty's spring: 1 A kind of lively dance. Be't true or false, 25 I fear that arm above that shoulder, Ah! people were not half so wild 5 10 THE LEAVES ARE FALLING; SO AM I 1846 The leaves are falling; so am I; The few late flowers have moisture in the eye; So have I too. Scarcely on any bough is heard The whole wood through. Winter may come: he brings but nigher His circle (yearly narrowing) to the fire Where old friends meet: Let him; now heaven is overcast, THE PLACE WHERE SOON I THINK The place where soon I think to lie, Rears many a weed: If parties bring you there, will you 5 Drop slily in a grain or two Of wall-flower seed? |