Page:Miscellanies - With a biographical sketch by Ralph Waldo Emerson and a general index to the writings. -- by Thoreau, Henry David.djvu/371

Rh A secure abode. Yet in some respect we are related,

Either in mighty mind or form, to the Immortals;

Although not knowing

To what resting-place,

By day or night, Fate has written that we shall run.

In secret votes the Danaans aided Ulysses;

And Ajax, deprived of golden arms, struggled with death.

Surely, wounds of another kind they wrought

In the warm flesh of their foes, waging war

With the man-defending spear.

Virtue increases, being sustained by wise men and just,

As when a tree shoots up with gentle dews into the liquid air.

There are various uses of friendly men;

But chiefest in labors; and even pleasure

Requires to place some pledge before the eyes.