Are calmly shimmering in the noonday sheen—
There may be peace, and plenty too, I ween;
But on the mountain's elephantine height,
Where thunder-drums are beat on bassy key,
And lightning-flashes glisten through the night;
And forests groan with storm-chang'd melody,
There let my home, 'mid lofty nature be—
That, near the stars, and near the sun and moon,
My eyes may gaze upon the book of space,
And learn the lyrics that are sung in tune