 | New poems |  |
216
LAKE AND RIVER.
“They also serve, who only stand and wait.”
Lake.
River, why dost thou go by,
Sounding, rushing, sweeping?
River.
Lake, why dost thou ever lie,
Listless, idle, sleeping?
Lake.
Naught before my power could stand,
Should I spring to motion!
River.
I go blessing all the land,
From my source to ocean!
Lake.
I show sun, and stars, and moon,
On my breast untroubled.
River.
Ay! and wilt thou not as soon
Make the storm-clouds doubled?
Lake.
River, river, go in peace!
I'll no more reprove thee.
River.
Lake, from pride and censure cease,—
May no earthquake move thee!
Lake.
I a higher Power obey,—
Lying still, I'm doing!
River.
I for no allurement stay,
My great end pursuing.
217
Speed thee! speed thee, River bright!
Let not earth oppose thee!
River.
Rest thee, Lake, with all thy might,
Where thy hills inclose thee!
Lake.
River, hence we 're done with strife,
Knowing each our duty.
River.
And in loud or silent life,
Each may shine in beauty.
Both.
While we keep our places thus,
Adam's sons and daughters,
Ho! behold, and learn of us,
Still and running waters!
| New poems | |