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Rh Whose happiest days were far away, through fields, in
 * woods, on hills, he and another, wandering hand
 * in hand, they twain, apart from other men,

Who oft as he sauntered the streets, curved with his
 * arm the shoulder of his friend—while the arm of
 * his friend rested upon him also.



I heard at the close of the day how my name
 * had been received with plaudits in the capitol,
 * still it was not a happy night for me that followed;

And else, when I caroused, or when my plans were
 * accomplished, still I was not happy;

But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed of
 * perfect health, refreshed, singing, inhaling the
 * ripe breath of autumn,

When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and
 * disappear in the morning light,

When I wandered alone over the beach, and,
 * undressing, bathed, laughing with the cool waters, and
 * saw the sun rise.

And when I thought how my dear friend, my lover,
 * was on his way coming, O then I was happy;

O then each breath tasted sweeter—and all that day
 * my food nourished me more—And the beautiful
 * day passed well,

And the next came with equal joy—And with the
 * next, at evening, came my friend;