He also points out that this is the keynote of the dedication of “The Seaside and the Fireside,” the volume published in 1849.
“As one who, walking in the twilight gloom,
Hears round about him voices as it darkens,
And seeing not the forms from which they come,
Pauses from time to time, and turns and hearkens;
“So walking here in twilight, O my friends!
I hear your voices, softened by the distance,
And pause, and turn to listen, as each sends
His words of friendship, comfort, and assistance.
“Thanks for the sympathies that ye have shown!