The poem
WHILE the earth is dark and grey How I laugh within. I know In my breast what ardours gay From the morning overflow.
Though the cheek be white and wet In my heart no fear may fall: There my chieftain leads and yet Ancient battle trumpets call.
Bend on me no hasty frown If my spirit slight your cares: Sunlike still my joy looks down Changing tears to beamy airs.
Think me not of fickle heart If with joy my bosom swells Though your ways from mine depart, In the true are no farewells.
What I love in you I find Everywhere. A friend I greet In each flower and tree and wind— Oh, but life is sweet, is sweet!
What to you are bolts and bars Are to me the arms that guide To the freedom of the stars, Where my golden kinsmen bide.
From my mountain top I view: Twilight’s purple flower is gone, And I send my song to you On the level light of dawn.