THOMAS TRAHERNE
My Soul stood at that gate
To recreate
Itself with bliss, and to Be pleased with speed. A fuller view
It fain would take, Yet journeys back would make Unto my heart, as if 'twould fain Go out to meet, yet stay within To fit a place to entertain
And bring the tidings in.
What sacred instinct did inspire My soul in childhood with a hope so strong^
What secret force moved my desire To expect my joys beyond the seas, so young ? Felicity I knew
Was out of view, And being here alone, I saw that happiness was gone From me ' For this I thirsted absent bliss, And thought that sure beyond the seas,
Or else in something near at hand
I knew not yet since naught did please I knew my Bliss did stand.
But little did the infant dream That all the treasures of the world were by:
And that himt>elf was so the cream And crown of all which round about did lie. Yet thus it was: the Gem, The Diadem,
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