Page:Writings of Henry David Thoreau (1906) v7.djvu/192

 (ÆT. 22-23)

Jan. 10.

I know the world where land and water meet,

By yonder hill abutting on the main;

One while I hear the waves incessant beat,

Then, turning round, survey the land again.

Within a humble cot that looks to sea,

Daily I breathe this curious warm life;

Beneath a friendly haven's sheltering lee

My noiseless day with myst'ry still is rife.

'Tis here, they say, my simple life began;

And easy credit to the tale I lend,

For well I know 't is here I am a man.

But who will simply tell me of the end?

These eyes, fresh opened, spied the far-off Sea,

Which like a silent godfather did stand,

Nor uttered one explaining word to me,

But introduced straight Godmother Land.

And yonder still stretches that silent main,

With many glancing ships besprinkled o'er;