274
INSCRIBED TO J. W. AND C. H.
Boundless seclusion, boundless solitude;
And in the midst what social feast for me
To choice of speech or silence bidden free,
While winds and waves rock every varying mood!
Through doors and windows wide, through all the house,
What breeze-blown odors sweep of spice and bairn,
Hemlock and pine, cedar and wilding rose,
And miles away the scent of meadow mows!
Exhaustless sweetness; inexpressible calm;
The lapsing water murmuring, Repose!
And in the midst what social feast for me
To choice of speech or silence bidden free,
While winds and waves rock every varying mood!
Through doors and windows wide, through all the house,
What breeze-blown odors sweep of spice and bairn,
Hemlock and pine, cedar and wilding rose,
And miles away the scent of meadow mows!
Exhaustless sweetness; inexpressible calm;
The lapsing water murmuring, Repose!
