Page:Poems, Alan Seeger, 1916.djvu/56

 In ferny dells the rustic deity,

I stood, like him, possessed, and all my being,

Flooded an instant with unwonted light,

Quivered with cosmic passion; whether then

On woody pass or glistening mountain-height

I walked in fellowship with winds and clouds,

Whether in cities and the throngs of men,

A curious saunterer through friendly crowds,

Enamored of the glance in passing eyes,

Unuttered salutations, mute replies,—

In every character where light of thine

Has shed on earthly things the hue of things divine

I sought eternal Loveliness, and seeking,

If ever transport crossed my brow bespeaking

Such fire as a prophetic heart might feel

Where simple worship blends in fervent zeal,

It was the faith that only love of thee

Needed in human hearts for Earth to see

Surpassed the vision poets have held dear

Of joy diffused in most communion here;

That whomsoever thy visitations warmed,

Lover of thee in all thy rays informed,

Needed no difficulter discipline

To seek his right to happiness within

Than, sensible of Nature's loveliness,

To yield him to the generous impulses

By such a sentiment evoked. The thought,

Bright Spirit, whose illuminings I sought,

That thou unto thy worshipper might be 6