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(UP-TRAIN AND DOWN-TRAIN.)
One eve I stepped from the up-train to the station platform strong;
And just that minute the down-train happened to come along.
And just that minute the down-train happened to come along.
Till once more started the up-train, I had nothing else to do
But watch the halted down-train, as I stood betwixt the two.
But watch the halted down-train, as I stood betwixt the two.
Gazing there at the down-train—its sheltered and cushioned throng—
There with my back to the other track, I solemnly sang this song:
There with my back to the other track, I solemnly sang this song:
“O passengers on the down-train, how little your ways you heed!
You shut your eyes and know nowise what 'tis you want or need!”
You shut your eyes and know nowise what 'tis you want or need!”
And never a passenger looked at me, or nodded or shook his head;
And with a smile, “Thus for awhile philosophers fare”, I said.
And with a smile, “Thus for awhile philosophers fare”, I said.
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But still with my back to the up-train (where all my luggage lay),
Just out of its view, betwixt the two, I silently had my say:
Just out of its view, betwixt the two, I silently had my say:
“O you who are on the down-train, you fidget and stretch and yawn;
Ere scarce the train a station gain, you are anxious to be gone!
Ere scarce the train a station gain, you are anxious to be gone!
“When, part of a mighty cyclone, you rush through the shrieking air,
You yawn and mope, and fret and hope, and wish that you were ‘there’!
You yawn and mope, and fret and hope, and wish that you were ‘there’!
“Yes, passengers on the down-train, you wander to and fro;
You laugh and weep, you wake and sleep, but wist not where you go!
You laugh and weep, you wake and sleep, but wist not where you go!
“Now, I am upon the up-train, with reason for a guide;
My plans I make and seldom break, whatever may betide.”
My plans I make and seldom break, whatever may betide.”
But never a passenger looked at me, or nodded or shook his head;
And with a laugh, “'Tis thus we quaff the cup of neglect! I said.
And with a laugh, “'Tis thus we quaff the cup of neglect! I said.
Thus I talked to the down-train, till, through with its business stay,
It deemed it well to ring its bell, and quietly steal away.
It deemed it well to ring its bell, and quietly steal away.
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And then I turned to my up-train, but lo! it had also flown,
And I with my good sound precepts, stood on the platform all alone!
And I with my good sound precepts, stood on the platform all alone!
And no one cared on either train if I were I living or dead;
And, laughing anew, “'Tis thus your true philosopher fares”, I said.
And, laughing anew, “'Tis thus your true philosopher fares”, I said.
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