Could mortal lip divine

How long a Day I could endureThough thine attention stop not on meNor the least signal, Me assure—Wert Thou but Stranger in ungracious country—And Mine—the DoorThou paused at, for a passing bounty—No More—Accused—wert Thou—and Myself—Tribunal—Convicted—Sentenced—Ermine—not to MeHalf the Condition, thy Reverse—to follow—Just to partake—the infamy—The Tenant of the Narrow Cottage, wert Thou—Permit to beThe Housewife…

The feeblest of the waywardest.Her admonition mildIn forest and the hillBy traveller be heard,Restraining rampant squirrelOr too impetuous bird.How fair her conversationA summer afternoon,Her household her assembly;And when the sun go down,Her voice among the aislesIncite the timid prayerOf the minutest cricket,The most unworthy flower.When all the children sleep,She turns as long awayAs will suffice…

I winnowed what would fadeFrom what would last till Heads like mineShould be a-dreaming laid.I put the latter in a Barn—The former, blew away.I went one winter morningAnd lo – my priceless HayWas not upon the ‘Scaffold’—Was not upon the ‘Beam’—And from a thriving Farmer—A Cynic, I became.Whether a Thief did it—Whether it was the…

True, like the Tomb,Who tells no secretTold to Him—The Grave is strict—Tickets admitJust two—the Bearer—And the Borne—And seat—just One—The Living—tell—The Dying—but a Syllable—The Coy Dead—None—No Chatter—here—no tea—So Babbler, and Bohea—stay there—But Gravity—and Expectation—and Fear—A tremor just, that All’s not sure.

Me stop to prove it—now—Make haste—the Scruple! Death be scantFor Opportunity—The River reaches to my feet—As yet—My Heart be dry—Oh Lover—Life could not convince—Might Death—enable Thee—The River reaches to My Breast—Still—still—My Hands aboveProclaim with their remaining Might—Dost recognize the Love?The River reaches to my Mouth—Remember—when the SeaSwept by my searching eyes—the last—Themselves were quick—with Thee!

Two—be finished using—Well enough for Schools—But for Minor Choosing—Life—just—or Death—Or the Everlasting—More—would be too vastFor the Soul’s Comprising—