see!
IV.
But, why thus fear? Give place, ye visions dread!
Ye thoughts of boding danger, drearisome,
Cease to oppress! Is not the path I tread
So by Omniscience mark'd, that perils come
Not near, to even hurt a single hair,
Without His wise permit? Are not my days
Securely meted out, and all my ways
So guarded, too, that thronging dangers share
No part in harm's advance or death's progress
Till all are told? And can my vigilance,
Father'd by childish fear, make more or less
The given sum? Cheerly, draw courage thence,
My cowering heart; feel safety here. Give room
To other thoughts, and chase these clouds of gloom!
V.
Thus, banished fear, at reason's bid, I cast
My willing gaze toward heaven. In every star
That forms the sparkling crown of night, though fast
In regions of unbounded space, so far
As scarcely seen by mortal ken, —appears
Some guardian angel, robed in light, to keep
His ceaseless vigils o'er my couch of sleep,
Lest in my slumbering moments danger near
To cut the thread of life, and thus undo
The purposes of God. The silver moon
Sheds forth her radiance unconfined, and through
The desert wild to flower and herb gives boon,
And decks each blade with dewy pearls, and pours
Them on the earth, to cheer my waking hours.
VI.
Nature's vast caravansera, above,
Below, around, on either side, begirt
With midnight's varied splendors, scenes I love,
Becomes enchantment's self, while zephyrs sport
The fragrance of the wild-flowers multiform,
And greet my nostrils with their rich perfume,
To please my senses. Thus my thoughts resume
Their wonted course, and hush the passing storm
Of fear. Alone! Not lonely I. For here
E'en loneliness companion proves to me,
And solitude is company.
My ear Drinks music from these savage sounds; I see
Amusements in these forms; my heart's as strong,
And easy beats, as 'mid a city's throng!
