Beneath some patriarchal tree I lay upon the ground; Clapped their little hands in glee, With one continuous sound; The feelings of a dream, As of innumerable wings, As, when a bell no longer swings, Faint the hollow murmur rings O'er meadow, lake, and stream. And dreams of that which cannot die, Bright visions, came to me, As lapped in thought I used to lie, Like ships upon the sea; Dreams that the soul of youth engage Old legends of the monkish page, Tales that have the rime of age, And chronicles of Eld. And, loving still these quaint old themes, Even in the city's throng I feel the freshness of the streams, That, crossed by shades and sunny gleams, Water the green land of dreams, The holy land of song. Therefore, at Pentecost, which brings The Spring, clothed like a bride, When nestling buds unfold their wings, And bishop's-caps have golden rings, Musing upon many things, I sought the woodlands wide. The green trees whispered low and mild ; It was a sound of joy! They were my playmates when a child, And rocked me in their arms so wild! Still they looked at me and smiled, As if I were a boy ; And ever whispered, mild and low, 66 Come, be a child once more! " And waved their long arms to and fro, And beckoned solemnly and slow; O, I could not choose but go Into the woodlands hoar; Into the blithe and breathing air, Into the solemn wood, Solemn and silent everywhere! Nature with folded hands seemed there, Kneeling at her evening prayer! Like one in prayer I stood. Before me rose an avenue Of tall and sombrous pines ; Abroad their fan-like branches grew, And, where the sunshine darted through, Spread a vapor soft and blue, In long and sloping lines. And, falling on my weary brain, Like a fast-falling shower, The dreams of youth came back again; Visions of childhood! Stay, O stay! And distant voices seemed to say, "It cannot be ! They pass away! Other themes demand thy lay; Thou art no more a child! "The land of Song within thee lies, Are gates unto that Paradise, Holy thoughts, like stars, arise, "Learn, that henceforth thy song shall be, "There is a forest where the din Of iron branches sounds ! A mighty river roars between, And whosoever looks therein, Sees the heavens all black with sin, Sees not its depths, nor bounds. |