Page:May-day and other pieces, Emerson, 1867.djvu/47

Rh How Nature to the soul is moored,

If once again that silent string,

As erst it wont, would thrill and ring.

Not long ago, at eventide,

It seemed, so listening, at my side

A window rose, and, to say sooth,

I looked forth on the fields of youth:

I saw fair boys bestriding steeds,

I knew their forms in fancy weeds,

Long, long concealed by sundering fates,

Mates of my youth,—yet not my mates,

Stronger and bolder far than I,

With grace, with genius, well attired,

And then as now from far admired,

Followed with love

They knew not of,

With passion cold and shy.

O joy, for what recoveries rare!