But full oft, like friendship's greeting
Upon life's weary way,
Do I meet in other's language
What I most wished to say.
To such words my bosom echoes,
I feel they are my own,
They bright echo of my day dreams,
That else were ever flown.
Ah to think, ye men of genius,
What joy your art affords,
Giving to the thoughts of millions
The dress of glowing words!
And a blessing on these words then
To bear them far and free;
That they glad the hearts of many
As they have gladdened me.
TO J W
Dear Jane you say you will gather flowers
To win if you may a verse from me
Can you bring to me those brillant hours
When life was gladdened by poesy?
Bring me the rose with pearls on her breast,
Dropped down as tears from early skies,
Pale lilies gather among the rest
And little daisies, with starry eyes
The heart's-ease bring for many a day
In vain for that flow'ret fair I sought
Turn not your gathering hand away
From the wee blue flower, forget me not
Unless inspiration on them rest
In vain you tempt me to rise and sing
The passage bird that sang in my breast
Has fled away with my life's young spring
My harp on a lonely grave is laid,
Untuned, unstrung, it will lie there long,
If you bring flowers alone dear maid
Without bringing the spirit of song