Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/505

 THOMAS TRAHERNE

My Soul stood at that gate

To recreate

Itself with bliss, and to Be pleased with speed. A fuller view

It fain would take, Yet journeys back would make Unto my heart, as if 'twould fain Go out to meet, yet stay within To fit a place to entertain

And bring the tidings in.

What sacred instinct did inspire My soul in childhood with a hope so strong^

What secret force moved my desire To expect my joys beyond the seas, so young ? Felicity I knew

Was out of view, And being here alone, I saw that happiness was gone From me ' For this I thirsted absent bliss, And thought that sure beyond the seas,

Or else in something near at hand

I knew not yet since naught did please I knew my Bliss did stand.

But little did the infant dream That all the treasures of the world were by:

And that himt>elf was so the cream And crown of all which round about did lie. Yet thus it was: the Gem, The Diadem,

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