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The Collected Works of William Morris

With Introductions by his Daughter May Morris

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[“It fares with me, O mother, that my soul would fain go forth]

[Hall-Sun.]
“It fares with me, O mother, that my soul would fain go forth
To behold the ways of the battle, and the praise of the warriors' worth.
But yet is it held entangled in a maze of many a thing,
As the low-grown bramble holdeth the brake-shoots of the Spring.
I think of the thing that hath been, but no shape is in my thought;
I think of the day that passeth, and its story comes to nought.
I think of the days that shall be, nor shape I any tale.
I will hearken thee, O mother, if hearkening may avail.”