University of Virginia Library

IX.
SOLACE OF THE WOODS.

Woods, waters, have a charm to soothe thine ear,
When common sounds have vex'd it. When the day
Grows sultry, and the crowd is in thy way,
And working in thy soul much coil and care,—
Betake thee to the forests, in the shade
Of pines, and by the side of purling streams

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That prattle all their secrets in their dreams,
Unconscious of a listener,—unafraid,—
Thy soul shall feel their freshening, and the truth
Of nature then, reviving in thy heart,
Shall bring thee the best feelings of thy youth,
When in all natural joys, thy joy had part,
Ere lucre and the narrowing toils of trade
Had turn'd thee to the thing thou wast not made.