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And in their falling leaves I see
True lessons for humanity.
The elms—as if obedient, bend
Over my roof—their shadows deep,
A canopy of verdure lend,
To curtain me in tranquil sleep;
And visions floating in the air,
Are better than the dreams of care.
And to the forest solitudes,
I fly to shield my quiet head,
And the wild masters of the woods,
Behold in me no tyrant;
To me, the fierce and foolish chase,
Is wearying discord and disgrace.
A cheerful guest of nature, I
Want nor satiety have known,
Mine is a blest sufficiency
And freedom:—what is mine to own,
And to enjoy—enough—no more,
Meat—drink—and life glides calmly o'er.
