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we are bound to earth by many ties,
 * And all along the roads whereby we came
 * A thousand tongues to listening hearts proclaim

Our kinship with the world that round us lies; Though sunlit fields and woods and arching skies,
 * And flowers that break in shafts of living flame,
 * Constrain with beauty all our quickened frame,

Breathing love's messages in sweetest guise;

Yet deeper than all rapture earth may bring
 * Is that fine sense whereby we are aware

Of something in ourselves that does not spring
 * From life without or in its fullness share,

But like a captive bird with quivering wing
 * Strains ever to its native, purer air.