Could live - did live - Could die - did die - Could smile upon the whole Through faith in one he met not - To introduce his soul - Could go from scene familiar To an untraversed spot - Could contemplate the journey With unpuzzled heart -
Such trust had one among us - Among us not today - We who saw the launching Never sailed the Bay.
A Day! Help! Help! Another Day! Your prayers - Oh Passer by! From such a common ball as this Might date a Victory! From marshallings as simple The flags of nations swang. Steady - my soul: What issues Upon thine arrow hang!
I robbed the Woods - The trusting Woods - The unsuspecting Trees Brought out their Burs and mosses My fantasy to please - I scanned their trinkets curious - I grasped - I bore away - What will the solemn Hemlock - What will the Oak tree say.
When Roses cease to bloom, Sir, And Violets are done - When Bumblebees in solemn flight Have passed beyond the Sun - The hand that paused to gather Upon this Summer's day Will idle lie - in Auburn - Then take my flowers - pray!
If this is "fading" Oh let me immediately "fade"! If this is "dying" Bury me, in such a shroud of red! If this is "sleep", On such a night How proud to shut the eye! Good evening, gentle Fellow men! Peacock presumes to die!
Talk with prudence to a Beggar Of "Potosi", and the mines! Reverently, to the Hungry Of your viands, and your wines! Cautious, hint to any Captive You have passed enfranchized feet! Anecdotes of air, in Dungeons Have sometimes proved deadly sweet!
My friend attacks my friend! Oh Battle picturesque! Then I turn Soldier too, And he turns Satirist! How martial is this place! Had I a mighty gun I think I'd shoot the human race And then to glory run!
In rags mysterious as these The shining Courtiers go, Vailing the purple, and the plumes - Vailing the ermine so. Smiling, as they request an alms At some imposing door - Smiling when we walk barefoot Upon their golden floo.
I had some things that I called mine - And God, that he called his - Till, recently a rival Claim Disturbed these amities. The property, my garden, Which having sown with care, He claims the pretty acre, And sends a Bailiff there.
The station of the parties Forbids publicity, But Justice is sublimer Than arms, or pedigree.
I'll institute an "Action" - I'll vindicate the law - Jove! Choose your counsel - I retain "Shaw"!
What Inn is this Where for the night Peculiar Traveller comes? Who is the Landlord? Where the maids? Behold, what curious rooms! No ruddy fires on the hearth - No brimming tankards flow - Necromancer! Landlord! Who are these below.