LOVE'S NEARNESS
I think of thee, when golden sunbeams shimmer
Across the sea;
And when the waves reflect the moon's pale glimmer,
I think of thee.
I see thy form, when down the distant highway
The dust-clouds rise;
In deepest night, above the mountain by-way,
I see thine eyes.
I hear thee when the ocean-tides returning
Loudly rejoice;
And on the lonely moor, in stillness yearning,
I hear thy voice.
I dwell with thee: though thou art far removed,
Yet art thou near.
The sun goes down, the stars shine out,--
Beloved,
Ah, wert thou here!
>From Goethe: "Nahe des Geliebten."
TWO SCHOOLS
I put my heart to school
In the world, where men grow wise,
"Go out," I said, "and learn the rule;
"Come back when you win a prize."
My heart came back again:
"Now where is the prize?" I cried.--
"The rule was false, and the prize was pain,
"And the teacher's name was Pride."
I put my heart to school
In the woods, where veeries sing,
And brooks run cool and clear;
In the fields, where wild flowers spring,
And the blue of heaven bends near.
"Go out," I said: "you are half a fool,
"But perhaps they can teach you here."
"And why do you stay so long,
"My heart, and where do you roam?"
The answer came with a laugh and a song,--
"I find this school is home.
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