And such a straw, borne on by human breath,

Is Poesy, according as the Mind glows;

A paper kite which flies 'twixt Life and Death,

A shadow which the onward Soul behind throws:

And mine's a bubble, not blown up for praise,

But just to play with, as an infant plays.

IX.

The World is all before me[707]—or behind;

For I have seen a portion of that same,

And quite enough for me to keep in mind;—